A Fine Dining Loss on Hatteras Island
All winter rumors abounded whether Austin Creek Grille would reopen in 2007. The fine dining establishment and adjoining bakery, at Hatteras Landing next to the ferry docks, closed for the winter as most businesses do on the southern OBX. Reports surfaced in February that it would not be reopening and the space was to be replaced by Dirty Dick's Crab House, a local restaurant chain on the islands.Lauren and I were especially interested since our wedding reception was held at Austin Creek in October 2005. We were hoping for another dinner or two there this year. Unfortunately, the rumors are true and Austin Creek Grille is now a piece of Hatteras history. The restaurant will be replaced by Dirty Dick's. Quite a shame since the space quite suitably fits a fine dining establishment as compared to a "tourist trap" restaurant and t-shirt shop.
All in all, we will miss the Wasabi Crusted Tuna with a Hoisen barbecue glaze, the Austin Creek Spinach Salad - with Red Wine Poached Pear, Granny Smith Apple, Red Onion, Caramelized Pecans & Crumbled Bleu Cheese with Hot Bacon Dressing, and many other excellent choices offered.
Lauren and I on our special day at Austin Creek Grille, October 1, 2005
9 Comments:
I will be going to obx in the middel of april for some serious sailing, can you recommend other places for good food?
That's a drag! Too bad. (Nice reception photo though.)
I don't remember the last incarnation of the place, but is something decent where the Salt Marsh used to be in Buxton?
I was stunned to hear about Austin Creek's closure -- my wife is devastated. It always was one of the highlights of our OBX trips the last 7 yrs., and by far was the best restaurant on the island. My daughter will miss the huge marlin head.
Yes, it is quite sad for enthusiasts who enjoy top quality dining on the OBX, specifically in Hatteras. Really, there is no replacement on that part of the island. I believe there is a place called The Breakwater that may be comparable to Austin Creek, but I have never dined there.
From Rodanthe all the way to Hatteras there are very few fine dining options, and now one less with the closure of Austin Creek.
Ocracoke Village has some nice places down there such as The Pelican which I highly recommend.
Breakwater is good, but Austin Creek was in a different league.
Best place in Ocracoke is Back Porch (be sure to get the crab biegnet), but (1) it's in Ocracoke, and (2) it's not open this early (late April, I believe). The one next to Howards is pretty good to for a more low key experience.
Good fuel for good windsurfing.
Help! Regarding wireless internet service: my computer picks up a service shown as "obxfreewifi" at a five-bar strength. Does anyone know how to contact them to get a connection?? Thanks!! Karen
I have heard "mixed" reviews on obxfreewifi and similar issues as yours where you can pick up their signal, but cannot connect. You may want to check out their web site as I believe there is a contact telephone number. I guess you will only need to find another place to connect in order to see their site?!
How sad I have always love Austins and we are back in OBX after a not vivting for 2 years! What awonderful place and all are right there is no other place down here like it! Virginia
OBXFREEWIFI is dead for all intents and purposes. The website is gone. The few remaining hotspots still active no longer display local advertising but Google ads for online universities - surely not a good sign. I've been using OBXwan - its not free but it does work and their support has been excellent thus far. I think the company name is SkyeNet Wireless at www.skyenetwireless.com.
It has been very reliable for me and it covers almost the whole beach.
Good luck all....
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