Tortuga’s Lie is a fun beach adjacent diner that is a staple in the Nags Head community. With two beach volleyball courts and having been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Tortuga’s Lie is the epitome of a beach diner. Stop in on your way to Jockey’s Ridge, Nags Head beaches or the Wright Brother’s Memorial for a great experience.
Lying Where?
Tortuga’s Lie is on Bodie Island on the Outer Banks. You can easily squeeze this into your crammed itinerary while you try to hit some of the marquis outer banks attractions. Right next to Jockey’s Ridge State park, across the street from a Nags Head public beach access and just down the road from the Wright Brother Memorial; Tortuga’s Lie is as central as it gets.
The parking was great when we visited. The original parking area directly in front of the restaurant is small but they also own the large parking area directly adjacent. This makes parking during the week easy. I would not be surprised if all the parking is filled during peak seasons.
Funky Diner Vibes
When you first walk through the bumper sticker covered door, you are immediately surrounded in the beach diner décor. The whole mood of the building inside is just fun and a little quirky. The wall to wall coverage with various and art and vanity license kept me looking around the whole time.
We came for lunch on a cold week day before the summer season and it was still busy. This indicated to me that Tortuga’s Lie is likely a favorite of locals as well as tourists. We were seated at a funky little table for 2-3 people. It was an “L” shaped booth with a glass block wall on one side. We found it roomy for 2 but probably would be cramped for 3.
Guy Fieri Would Be Proud…Wait…
The menu is a effective compilation of American classics executed well with a few creative flairs. Tortuga’s Lie is featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and for good reason. We tested out some of the burgers and sandwiches on this menu and enjoyed it all. I was starving from the long drive to the outer banks so I cleaned my plate. Nothing about the food amazed me or left a particular impression but we were both fully satisfied. Prices were reasonable for the quality of food.
The servers were polite and prompt the whole time. Our waitress checked in plenty and always easy to find. No complaints there.
I may have missed it somewhere but I am wondering if there is a story behind the name of the restaurant. Most fun little places have a story about why they named the restaurant and I thought a place that call’s itself “Tortuga’s” might have one to share.
Comment below if you know the story of the name.
Volleyball and Drinks
One of the more novel parts of Tortuga’s lie is the volleyball courts. For a local beach restaurant, this is a great touch. They have 2 courts behind the building side by side with outdoor dining space adjacent. No one was playing on the chilly day we came but I am sure this place is packed when the weather is nice.
They host a few volleyball tournaments each year. If you are interested check out the Tortuga’s Lie Beach Volleyball Facebook page for additional details. The website claims that they give priority to people playing doubles matches but the courts are open to all levels and players. Even though I may not play a game myself, I think this would be very entertaining to watch after a day on the beach.
Overall
Tortuga’s Lie is a fun place to eat lunch/dinner near the beach. Arguably a great place to meet friends and catch up on a fair weather day. Centrally located between Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the Wright Brother’s Memorial makes this a perfect mid day stop while traveling down the outer banks. Definitely come check this out if you are beach volleyball fan.
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