We loved this place from the moment  we walked in.  The green gazpacho was amazing! The filet was like butter and the white cheddar creamed corn was creamy and rich.  We had the cobbler for desert which was a perfect ending to a perfect meal.
Andrew was our server and more than accommodating and knowledgeable about the menu. Â The decor was trendy and fun, but not pretentious. Â Needless to say, when I return to Nags Head, this will be the first place I make a reservation!
I took my boyfriend here for his birthday dinner.  It was a supreme treat from the setting to the food.  They have a great intimate location with a beautiful view and honestly could serve anything and it might taste good.  Fortunately, not only do they  have a view but they have an exceptional chef who creates a unique and special gastronomic experience.  We will be back, hopefully for my birthday if I have any luck securing a reservation.
Review Source:If I could elect to have a bi-polar stance on any restaurant right now, it would be the Brine and Bottle. Â Our small group of food- and wine-obsessed folks uncovered this little spot on Yelp (of course) during our drive down from Richmond. Â Fortunately, we had the wherewithal to phone-in a reservation, but ended-up sitting at the bar for dinner.
Our bartender was great. Â She graciously encouraged us to take advantage of their corkage allowance, and even decanted our bottle. Â We showed our appreciation by ordering a nice bottle from their list as well, in addition to a strong tip.
The food experience with us ranged from decent to excellent. Â I immediately realized buyer's remorse when my steak showed up next to some amazing-looking tuna and mahi dishes. Â Unfortunately, my instinct was correct. Â The steak, while acceptable, paled in comparison to their tuna.
We enjoyed that initial experience so much that we came two nights later with a larger group - it was not as much fun, although the food was still good.
So, why do I give them only three stars? Â Really hit-or-miss service attitude, to start with. Â Some of their staff were very nice, others were painfully snobby. Â I also had a hard time getting a read on the owners, who were definitely too-cool-for-school. Â While they may have a unique model for the outer banks, I've seen all they offer in many, many other urban restaurants.
Furthermore the atmosphere kinda sucks. Â Crappy, uneven bar surface, unimpressive decor and horrible lighting (I faced a blinding fluorescent kitchen light, shining on me through the glass door).
Finally, the overall 'feel' of our experience was that the staff acted like we were lucky to be there - nothing specifically (for the most part) was said to us, just an annoying demeanor. Â If it were in any city in which I live, or visit, I would likely not put up with that.
This small restaurant is a real find! The decor is simple and beachy with a modern/hipster twist. The waitstaff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the wine list. Now to the food. It was wonderful. They have a large selection of small plates and we ordered a bunch of those and shared. The fried pickles were crispy but light, their caprese-like dish was elevated by a scrumptious homemade pesto, and the house-made foie gras was perfect. Their soft-shell crab was also delicious! Everything we had was on point and I'm sure the main dishes are just as good. I would also highly recommend the baked-to-order strawberry cobbler.
Review Source:Overall it was a good experience my biggest criticism would have to be the saltine crackers that were served with the bacon jam and crackers. They really need to provide something better than saltines. We tried the bacon jam which I still don't know if I liked it or not, but we ate it all so we must have enjoyed it. Definitely a different flavor. We also got the egg and asparagus small plate which was very good, but overpriced considering the dish. The lamb was incredible which was the best part of the restaurant. We also got the strawberry cobbler was excellent as well. I would go back for sure.
Review Source:Wow. It was like we were in Brooklyn without the hipper-than-thou attitude. Right down the server in the skinny jeans and bow tie and suspenders without irony. He was, like everyone else we encountered in NC, absolutely so kind and charming.
The restaurant was a bit surprising, as it looks like a small old-timey deli with a cold case (with the brined business) in the front and a few bistro tables surrounding a long counter top. But the food and wine selection was really incredible. Limited menu? Limited to awesomeness!
You can really see the NYC influence in what they do, but without the pretension and preciousness that are so much a part of "The New York Restaurant Scene." I can really respect people that reject that in order to do what they want, where they want.
Oh, and order the cobbler.
From the moment you enter this divine little spot you will be charmed and delighted with the food, the decor and the team. On the water, this tiny spot has the best food in Nags Head. If you are looking for a stylish evening out where you can enjoy gourmet food, great wine list and exceptional service - you have found the perfect spot.
Our table of 4 enjoyed the amazing cheese board of GA cheeses, the fresh mozzella and tapenades and relish (which we bought to share with others when we get home) as appetizers - all we heard were goos and gahs as people ate! The main courses we  enjoyed the beef tenderloin and lamb rack. Both meals were served with incredibly tasty sides of fresh local asparagus, tiny potato gratin and collard greens. Highly recommend!
We took the advice of fellow Yelpers and pre-ordered the strawberry cobbler - holy guacamole - delish! Definitely do that - it's a 30 min wait so order when you place your main meals. We also tried the hazelnut/choc terrain, also yummy.
David our server was knowledgable, charming and attentive the whole evening. On our way out of the restaurant we met the chef and shared our delight with him also.
This is hands down my fave place in Nags Head - bonus... its a great date night place with gorgeous decor, water views and adorable take home pickled treats.
Wow! Gourmet with a casual atmosphere.
Wonderful little place located right on the water.
The service was wonderful and we were made to feel right at home. Laura, our server was very personable, pleasant and welcoming. We also, by chance, visited with one of the chefs Drew, who was also very personable and kind enough to take the time to make some recommendations for our trip south to Ocracoke.
The prices were very fair and the wine list reasonable. Â Some items stay on the menu while others change weekly. The first night we had the bacon jam (just had to try it), which was good, and a little bit went a long way. Recommend having several people to share with and having a second appetizer to balance the experience.
We split the filet of beef tenderloin with mushrooms (a variety I have never heard of) and a demi-glace with my husband. The mushrooms were firm, flavored nicely and scrumptious. The filet was tender and perfectly cooked, demi-glace was absolutely delicious. The fingerling potatoes were a perfect compliment. Followed this up with a strawberry cobbler like none other! I normally am not a cobbler fan but this changed my mind. The crust was light, soft, slightly sweet without being overpowering and the perfect compliment to the perfectly ripe strawberry gooey inside. Yum. Â
Our experience was so good we stopped in the next night even though we were barely hungry. That night we had two appetizers, the beef pot pie had a lovely flavor and the beef was really, really tender. The sweet grass dairy cheeseboard w/appropriate garnish, had garnishes of pickled dilly beans, pickled ramps (like a garlic/green onion combo) and pickled red peppers. Each complimented the cheeses perfectly. The beans were so tasty we took a jar home. We finished this off with the other desert offered that week, the hazelnut & chocolate terrine/bing cherry mousse. This was even more unique than the cobbler! It was a superb combination of hazelnuts and bits of something cookie like, all nestled in a very chocolaty slice (almost a fudge consistency. The bing mousse was a perfect compliment to it. This place was so wonderful it was hard not to eat there every night.
We have been coming to Nags Head for 30 years... so when we saw this place was rated #1 on Yelp last summer and we had never heard of it we decided to go check it out.
The setting is absolutely fantastic... right on the water.
When we arrived there was no outside seating available but the hostess sat us inside and told us we could move as soon as something opened up.
Added bonus -- they take reservations -- almost unheard of down here!
I had the shrimp and grits -- and its probably the best shrimp and grits I've ever had. Â Its a deconstructed dish... with the shrimp and grit cakes side by side... but mix it together and its fantastic!
The bacon jam is also a must -- My brother even bought a bottle to take home!
Great new addition to the Outer Banks! Â Can't wait to go back this summer!
Amazing. Â The olive oil poached snapper was fantastic as were the shrimp and grits. My palate went into shock from the bacon jam. I never had anything like it.... but the serving dish was quickly empty. Â We had an amazing dessert souffle.
Everything was so good, we simply could not get enough. Â We even purchased some of the yummy grits to go.
Delicious food and excellent wine! Â We would never have seen it if we hadn't seen it on Yelp, and we were so glad we did. Â The food was amazing and the wine (suggested by our server) was perfectly suited for it. Â We had the made to order cobbler for dessert, and it was worth the 30 minute wait. Â Be sure to order it, you won't regret it, and you'll wish you'd ordered earlier if you wait till after your meal.
Review Source:Not a good lunch experience from a food perspective though service was great. Â Very limited menu options to start and lots of strong and specific flavors (goat cheese, etc) made it more limited based on preferences. Â BLT was delicious but the deviled eggs were bland and salty. The Mahi was indelible by two of our party noted as overly fishy and fatty. Â Good service and nice outdoor seating area.
Review Source:This a great date spot in Nags Head. Â The place is a bit hipper than most joints in town. Â It reminds me more of something I might find in Richmond. Â The food and service was fantastic. Â The patio is great and the bar isn't a bad spot to sit either (we did both). Â With all the same old, same old, old fashioned, family packed seafood joints in Nags Head, this one sets itself apart.
Review Source:Can't say enough about this place! It has a great feel the moment you walk in. Sitting on the deck overlooking the water as the sun sets... wow. ...but wow doesn't even start to explain the food. We had the bacon jam, which was incredible, then a mozzarella  "small plate" which paired sun dried tomatoes and fresh pesto. I had the shrimp and grits which was beyond amazing and my husband had a center cut pork chop which was thick and cooked to perfection. It came with a fresh mushroom sauce and  spoon grits. We were full but based on reviews we has to get the cobbler...it was a white plum cobbler and it was so great we were sorry we chose to share instead of getting our own. This  place is a must and it will be a regular every time we are here!
Review Source:It's official - my husband and I agree that the Brine and Bottle is our favorite restaurant. Fresh ingredients, Â daily menu variety, relaxed atmosphere, and perfect culinary skills in the kitchen = winning combination. Â I wish they could open one in Maryland. We came in July and fell in love with the place, so we knew we had to make a stop next time we visited OBX.
We had a fantastic dinner Tuesday night (10/9), starting with a "snack for the table," deviled eggs with scallion - which were perfect. We shared a "small plate" of the smoked duck pastrami with cranberry salad, maple vinaigrette and truffled honey - delicious. For our entrees, my husband had the juniper-roasted venison flank steak with parsnip puree, cranberry, pumpkin marmalade, and topped with candied orange - cooked perfectly and delicious. I had the center-cut pork loin chop with out-of-this-world/life-changing ham-hock & cider braised collard greens, butternut squash puree, and bing cherry coulis. I wanted to ask for an entire plate of collard greens - they were simply amazing. We finished our meal with the famous cobbler - which was  made with golden plums, and my husband said it was better than he remembered.
We were able to pick up the pickled anaheim chiles that were sold out last time, along with bread and butter pickles, and of course a jar of bacon jam. I'm looking forward to our next visit! The Brine and Bottle never disappoints and it will always be on our must-do list for OBX dining.
First trip to the OBX for the wife and me. Most of what we've been doing is exploring and eating, not necessarily in that order. Had dinner in this little place tonight. No way you would drive by here and say "That's a place we should try." but if you didn't you would be missing one of the best diners you've had anywhere, much less the OBX. This place is truly outstanding. We started out with the bacon jam on crackers (Would have been even better on a baguette but alas, their menu does not include bread! Not to worry; It is great on crackers.), followed by duck confit and cranberries which was to die for (Perhaps kill for!?), then grouper poached in oil and ended with a delicious fruit cobbler (You must order in advance). Good wine list with a nice selection of European reds and whites. Music to order and great service. (Laura, be sure to look up "Tommy" by The Who. You will love it!) We'll be back.
Review Source:Wow - what a little slice of heaven. Â This is an about-face to the ginormous food trough restaurants with "overflow parking" that surround it in every direction. Â Tiny and clean as a whistle with a cozy atmosphere, great water views, attentive and professional staff, nice wine and beer list, and wonderful, Southern Fusion dishes with a new menu printed daily. Â Make sure you call for reservations EARLY if you want a table inside (or possibly brave a stiff breeze outside, or take your chances at the bar). Â
We braved the breeze while watching a rose-tinted front come in toward the setting sun, listening to the chop of the water below us. Â We started out with the bacon jam and it was delicious - our server was glad to give us the recipe that we'll probably spend years attempting to imitate. Â I forgot to ask for the baguette as recommended by another reviewer but the saltines were crisp - it was a very tasty nosh.
Next up were the crabcakes - WOW. Â I think these may be the best I've ever had. Â Very little of anything but crab and deliciousness, tender and juicy inside, perfectly crispy outside. Â The sauce was good - I'm a fan of capers but thought this an odd choice for the sweet crab. Â We noticed that the chef loves onions because each dish we ordered contained them, which my boyfriend enjoyed.
Next up was the poached grouper on black eyed peas and onions with grape tomatoes and onions - the fish was wonderful. Â We probably could have gone with a smaller dish to round out our meal - next time I'd like to try the pimiento cheese.
I would say this gem is in the $$$ range but completely worth it.
Such a nice dinner. A real surprise for the OBX. Who would have thought that quality ingredients + quality skill = delicious dinner is such a difficult equation at the beach. Look no further folks, this place puts out a delicious meal, with good service.
We started out with the bacon jam. I love bacon but this spread confused me. I still haven't decided what to make of it - but I will tell you my wife loved it. My recommendation here would be for an accompaniment of crusty baguette instead the salteen crackers, and maybe throw a fig in for a little sweetness.
For dinner I had the Filet. Very well cooked and well presented. Delicious as a matter of fact - and not even my favorite cut of meat. The carrots were farmer's market delightful and had an heirloom type  look to them. The spinach was perfect, which only showed me that I definitely overlook my spinach at home.
My wife had the Shrimp & Grits. She tells me she loved it and ate every last morsel. I'll take her word on it since I don't eat anything from the sea. It did look pretty on the plate.
For dessert we had the peach and blueberry cobbler that so many people raved about in the reviews. We took their advice and ordered it up front since a note in the menu says to allow for 30 minutes prep.
It tasted good and fresh. The cobbler part was very cake-y and I was hoping for more crumble-y. Oh well, not my recipe, not my restaurant. But having a hot desert made to order was great, really having the hot-out-of-the-oven taste. It reminded me of the times as a child when my father would take us to NYC to fancy French restaurants and we would order souffles. Always a treat - and this was too. BUT, there was not one blueberry in the whole thing. Somewhat disappointed because of the expectation not delivered. I'm over it now.
My prediction is that word will quickly get out about this restaurant, the chef and his food. Furthermore, I predict that within 12 months they will move to a bigger space, probably still overlooking the sound, so that they can feed more souls.
A couple things to remember:
1) try the bacon jam
2) order the cobbler
3) make a reservation, because it is a small and increasingly popular place
4) let me know if you enjoyed your dinner as much as we did.
If your idea of a good meal is a plate full of hush puppies & fried mystery fish, get back in your busted Mini-Van with the turtle shell on top and get on down the road. This place is not for you.
Brine & Bottle has a boutique feel with a level of detail that is not what you're used to expect in such a family tourist destination.
We ordered a bunch of different things and ate family style so we could try multiple things. I'm pretty sure I would eat the Bacon Jam off of a shingle. And I'm absolutely positive I'd eat the cobbler again even if it fell on the floor.
Leave the kids at the summer rental home; enjoy some quality dinner, double back a couple bottles of wine & call "Karaoke Kab" for a ride home.
This was the best dining experience on the OBX my wife and I had for sure. Especially considering all the sub par options around, this place definitely earned 5 stars. The atmosphere was very 'pintrest' as my wife put it but not over done. Mason jars for glasses and light covers, dish towel napkins and so on. Cool dining room and great small patio overlooking the sound. No beer on tap but a decent bottle and wine selection. Bacon jam and crackers was very good, its more like a bacon paste and they did only use saltine crackers which was a little dissapointing but definitely worth it. We also got the cheeseboard and store made mozz salad, both great. We split the shrimp and grits and this was easily the best thing we ate on our trip. Overall the service, atmosphere, and food were awesome.
Review Source:A new favorite! Â The Brine and Bottle will be a destination for us every time we visit OBX. Everything from the staff, ambiance and amazing food was perfect. A chef from one of our favorite restaurants recommended it to us. Be sure to order the fried pickle app and take home a few jars of their pickled veggies - made in house. Can't wait to return!
Review Source:The Brine and Bottle is a definitely awesome place in Nags Head. I came here while on vacation on a Saturday afternoon, around 1ish. It was crowded, but not packed. Everything about this restuarant was perfect! First and most importantly, the food: I ordered the BLT sandwich. It was served on un-toasted white bread, with thick bacon (more like ham- lacked the crunch of bacon but still was good), bacon jam, tomato, and lettuce (no iceberg, it was more spring-mix like). It came with a ramekin of potato salad and a small in-house made pickle. My boyfriend had the country ham relish sandwich. It was nice and salty and creamy. We sat at the bar and had the pleasure of watching several delicious looking items come out of the kitchen- cream of tomato soup, pimento sandwiches, burgers, etc. Yum. We were served waters in mason jars but we decided to splurge and split a cocktail. We ordered the pickle punch, which was a refreshing combo of white wine, sparkling wine, fresh strawberries, and cucumber. Definitely hit the spot. I can't vouch for their dinner menu, but for lunch The Brine and Bottle is perfect- the food is great and the portions are just right- filling, but you don't walk away feeling stuffed. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm on vacation here!
Review Source:I'm going to get this out there first - the cobbler made from SC peaches and NC blueberries is worth a visit here alone. Order it before your meal, heck you should order it before your drinks. It take 30 minutes to make because each and every small dish is lovingly handcrafted and backed as it's ordered. I don't even like warm fruit desserts normally and I found myself contemplating stabbing Sir Nicholas' hand every time he reached for a bite of our shared dessert.
Good, now that that's out of the way here is why I loved the rest of my meal and experience at The Brine and Bottle:
The beer and wine selection is pretty good, especially considering how small this place it. (Oh yes, it's pretty small with tables for about 20 people total and a small bar that seats around 8 - 10 I'm guessing.) They have microbrews from Maine, NC, Michigan, CA, Delaware, and Pennsylvania (no CO sadly) in addition to what they label macrobrews (the traditional big guys.) They have 3 separate sparkling wines by the glass which is all I really cared about. And they also have retro sodas, homemade iced tea, and a full coffee bar if you want something non-alcoholic.
The bacon jam everyone raves about was interesting for me. I'm not a huge fan of foods that are both savory and sweet so right out of the gate I was unsure this would be the dish for me. But, it has bacon and rave reviews so Nick and I had to try it. And while I did enjoy it we didn't finish our serving because it was quite rich. Still, it's definitely worth a taste, especially if you don't mind, or even enjoy (shudder) mixing those sweet and savory flavors.
My food was phenomenal. Nick and I shared a bunch of stuff including a salad with fried green tomatoes, south carolina peaches, and candied benton's bacon; a sweet grass dairy cheese board; and shrimp & grits made with wanchese shrimp, falls mill grit cakes, and cava cream. If The Brine and Bottle were in Denver it would have hours long waits most days I bet because it's so simply delicious.
And the staff was amazing as well. Even though this is a fancier place they didn't mind that we had Ephraim with us (he stays quite usually which helps) and our server in particular was very helpful and informative with beer and menu selections. I think that this might have been my favorite dining experience on our entire road trip and I look forward to being in the Outer Banks again and going back.
The food was awesome!!!! Â This is a very quaint and cozy spot with lots of character. Â The beef filet and shrimp with grits were to die for. Â Would recommend this very eclectic restaurant to my friends looking for something different and welcoming to all customers. Â Our waitress was attentive and nice without being overbearing like at some many other places, especially at chain restaurants. Â We will definitely be coming back. Â ;)
Review Source:After our 5th trip to the Brine and Bottle ,I am convinced it is one of the top eateries in the entire Outer Banks. The creative menue, great service and personable owners make this a must stop when in OBX.
If you want large volume of horrible fried food and bad beer DO NOT come here....if you tastes lean toward really creative , fun , and locally based food...this IS the place.
Ask for the music album book....choose some tunes , order bacon jam and fried pickles , a great beer or wine and RELAX...the owners will do the rest.......
Two words.... Bacon Jam!!! Â A few more words.... homemade peach/blueberry cobbler!!! Â
Hands down the hit of the week in our stay down in Manteo. You could put the bacon jam appetizer on saw dust and it would still be amazing!!! Â I had a fresh locally caught grouper which was prepared to perfection. Â The shrimp and grits were top notch!! Best in the area. Â The grits were "grit cakes." Â They had a little crust to them... amazing!! Watermelon/cucumber gazpacho was great as well. The dessert we had was the peach/blueberry cobbler(order 30 mins in advance) and it comes out steaming hot. Â The topping is similar to a muffin top! Â We wanted to go back later in the week to get another! Â
The staff was very friendly and accomodated us with a reservation switch with no problem. Â They don't specifically have a "children's menu," but will make a variety of foods for children on request(peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, buttered noodles etc). Â My 3 year old nephew enjoyed his sandwich. Â
They also, have many homemade jams and pickled items for you to take with you. Â
Food came quickly and waitstaff was attentive. Â They even went outside on the deck to take a picture for us. Â
Pay attention when going, it isn't the most obvious building. Â Pink sign with white writing.... Â Well worth a trip or two if you like fresh local foods and beers prepared in a creative way!! Â Did not try the wines, but they have a large number of wines.
We were looking for a low-key, non-touristy place and we found it at the brine and the bottle! We had the bacon jam and the fried pickles and both were delicious. We also had the butternut squash soup and cheese plate and we were full by the end of our time there. Great wine and beer list. You can tell when you walk in the door that this was someone's dream to open this restaurant and the owner was so sweet. We recommend this place to anyone looking for a cozy, romantic meal that is made and served with love :)
Review Source:Boyfriend wanted seafood, and looked skeptical when I brought him here. Within a bite of the appetizer, he was singing my (and the restaurant's) praises, and thanking me for my excellent taste.
This was one of the better restaurant meals I have had in a long while, and I live in a big city full of good food. The Brine & Bottle just had a great pairing of ambiance, authenticity, and delicious, fresh, well prepared food. Try the bacon jam (really). We bought several jars to go... The black eyed peas were cooked to perfection--as was everything really, but those just jumped out.
Service was friendly and low-key. The place is small and charming, not too fancy. I definitely hope to come back.
I'm a fan. Â I don't enjoy many meals out. Â This one I certainly did. Â The food was great and the interesting wine selections really made it fun. Â My date and I enjoyed the deviled eggs, the bacon jam, the pickles, the brussels sprouts, and most assuredly the shrimp and grits. Â The atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. Â It's like being at your wealthy friend's bar on the river. Â
A great foodie destination.
Tried The Brine and Bottle Friday night with a good friend and friend of the owners'. Let me first say I'm from NC. I like southern food. But living out west, true southern cuisine comes few and far between. But when I first walked into The B&B- I was down. Mason jars utilized for lighting and and drinking. Nice touch. The staff was very welcoming and helpful with the menu. We ordered the Pimento Cheese balls, Deviled Eggs, Ham Croquettes and Ribs. Â The portions were just right, and the food was skillfully prepared with mutual respect for the the tradition of southern cooking as well as to what a true, fun dining experience should be. Not to mention a waterfront view of the the sound right off the back porch.
The owners also take requests on which to play on they're record player behind the bar, they have a fine assortment of pickled items for sale and an awesome Jaws: The Revenge movie poster in the mens restroom. Which is hilarious.
Six friends met for dinner outside on the deck with a lovely water view.
The service was great and efficient. Our food was delicious and well presented. The shrimp bisque scrumptious and the softshell crab was served with a tasty sauce. The tuna dish, new to the menu, was thoroughly enjoyed. The shrimp served with lightly fried grits balls and a delicious sauce was outstanding. Innovative and fresh!
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