Why Come Here? NYC quality food & vibe in the NC Outer Banks
Right Amount for 2? 1 App, 2 Entrees
When you go on a beach vacation, you generally accept that you’ll be stepping down your food game as the price to enjoy some sun and sand. Sure, there might be some good fresh seafood but for the most part, beach towns are far from a foodie paradise. In general, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are no different. One of the few exceptions is Urban Kitchen – a restaurant that was seemingly transported from Brooklyn to Corolla for the purpose of allowing you at least one rave worthy meal while at the beach.
Urban Kitchen is tucked away in an unassuming shopping center in Corolla with the likes of Harris Teeter, Duck Donuts and Pazzazz Pizza. But step inside and you’ll know you’ve entered a different world. The name is apropos as the decor sheds the typical beach nautical theme for industrial chic with a metal bar and counter, mismatched wooden walls and modern art pieces. It’s also the size of a New York restaurant with only about a dozen tables and a few seats at the bar. Throw in a solid modern rock playlist and craft beer selection and you could easily be in the newest gentrified area of Brooklyn.
The menu is small and ever changing as they focus on seasonal and local ingredients. While I wouldn’t call it a “healthy” restaurant, the fare is definitely on the lighter side by Southern standards. The preparations were also more interesting than you expect to find in these parts. I dare say it’s one of the only places I’ve been to in a beach town where I wanted to order everything on the menu. Here’s what I did try:
Pork Shank 
Buffalo wings meet pork is the way to think about this one. And you know what has a lot more meat than a chickens wing? A pig’s leg. These were meaty, tender, spicy and well matched with the blue cheese cole slaw.
Pork Chop 
A thick, juicy, bone-in pork chop in their tangy and slightly spicy homemade bbq sauce. It comes with a very tasty white cheddar grit cake and a few local veggies for good measure. My favorite dish of the night.
Swordfish A perfectly cooked piece of local swordfish served mediterrean-style with fennel, a tomato broth and olive tapenade. A great choice if you’re looking to stick with the treasure of the sea.
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Urban Kitchen
603-B Currituck Clubhouse Drive
Corolla, Outer Banks, NC
