The BEST Bagels Along The Outer Banks – Barrier Island Bagels Kitty Hawk, NC

Barrier Island Bagels are the BEST bagels in Outer Banks. If you visit this beach town, you have to stop here to get a dozen bagels or actually make it two dozen!

All you need to know about Barrier Island Bagels is that they need to put one in Columbus, stat. I mean, there is a Duck Donuts in Columbus now and that started in Outer Banks. So, maybe there is some hope for me and my new bagel obsession.

If are you are familiar with the Outer Banks, Barrier Island Bagels is located right off the main highway entrance and bridge that connects the barrier islands. I’d like to point out that I JUST realized that Outer Banks are “barrier islands,” hence the name of my favorite new bagel shop. So, that’s a fun fact. 

We waltzed into this little spot with basic expectations, hoping to just find a little bagel to get for breakfast. Instead, we found a magical restaurant with multiple menu boards boasting homemade bagel concoctions, fresh pressed juices, and smoothies galore. Please be aware that they don’t have any espresso drinks here and yes, I still loved it. 

There were about 15 varieties of homemade bagels to choose from on the day we visited and honestly, it was hard to pick just one! We actually went here twice because I wanted to try more things on their menu. My first visit was a sweet bagel, which I’ll talk about later, and my second bagel was a garlic one with loads of yummy, roasted garlic on top. I actually realized that I don’t think I’ve had a properly made bagel. 

While we didn’t indulge in any of these yummy sounding smoothies, bowls or fresh juices, I wanted to showcase them. I’m just really impressed to find such a wonderful addition to such a touristy area. Instead, we stuffed our faces with cheese and carbs. They also have a pretty wide list of salad and sandwiches for lunch too! Which means you can come here for multiple meals each day and get something different every time.  

I’m not even kidding when I say this is the best bagel sandwich I have ever eaten. I got the PB&J FT which is a French Toast bagel, peanut butter cream cheese and your choice of strawberry or grape jelly. This French Toast bagel has crunchy sugar on top and it’s phenomenal. Yes, it’s sweet, but the peanut butter balances it so you don’t immediately get a cavity. 

Since The Beard isn’t really a fan of sweets, he opted for a way more savory option at Barrier Island Bagels. He chose the build your own breakfast sandwich option featuring a rosemary and olive oil bagel, sausage, and cheese. Not a bad decision at all.

He solidified my feelings that these were the best bagels we’ve eaten. Now, let’s start the petition to get them to come to Columbus. 

If you need some other Outer Banks restaurant recommendations, we’ve got you covered.

• Biscuits N’ Porn. Don’t let the name fool, this place is delicious and worth the visit. It’s in a gas station and again, it’s delicious. 
• O’Neals Sea Harvest. The best beach front fish shack around.
• Bros Sandwich Shack. These sandwiches are worth the drive to Avon in the Outer Banks.