Bad Bean Baja Grill is a locals' favorite when it comes to fresh, creative and delicious Mexican cuisine on the Outer Banks. This chef-driven restaurant isn't a typical Mexican joint among Kitty Hawk restaurants. Bad Bean Baja Grill's tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more burst with the freshest of ingredients in meals where Mexican and Latin-American cuisine are fused with Coastal Carolina, Baja California, Tex-Mex and Asian influences.
At Bad Bean the Caesar salad has its own twist, and meals like the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quesadillas feel both filling and guilt free. Even the hungriest diners can count on the half-pound, tortilla-wrapped Baja Burger to fill hollow legs. The Kitty Hawk restaurant maintains a loyal following of foodies, but there's nothing pretentious about the dishes or the vibe.
At Bad Bean the Caesar salad has its own twist, and meals like the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quesadillas feel both filling and guilt free. Even the hungriest diners can count on the half-pound, tortilla-wrapped Baja Burger to fill hollow legs. The Kitty Hawk restaurant maintains a loyal following of foodies, but there's nothing pretentious about the dishes or the vibe.
Services
Bad Bean Baja Grill's varied and unexpected menu and local ingredients have all the answers. Do you want Mexican? This Kitty Hawk restaurant specializes in it. Do you want local seafood? Get each day's fresh catch here. Perhaps you just want something different, whatever that may be, and you can count on finding it at Bad Bean.
Reviews (27)
Henry H.
Jan 21, 2022
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Art C.
Dec 27, 2021
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Among our more interesting finds... who knew theere was even a such thing as Mexican-Southern (not the same as Souther Mexican, if you know what I mean).
I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you that this ain't actually Mexican food. But it's original (loved the pork belly egg rolls), decently priced, big portions, and tasty fare.
I'd go so far as to say that we'd go again if we were ever back in OBX.
I'd be remiss if I didn't warn you that this ain't actually Mexican food. But it's original (loved the pork belly egg rolls), decently priced, big portions, and tasty fare.
I'd go so far as to say that we'd go again if we were ever back in OBX.
Tracy P.
Nov 03, 2021
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Adam Magoon
Oct 30, 2021
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Cool bar and grill with local art for sale. No food 3pm to 5pm but bar is open. Loads of vegetarian and vegan options, best we found on the obx.
A twist of Mexican and surf options make some unique choices. Staff and ownership was extremely friendly and our waiter Chris was awesome.
Full bar as far as I could tell. I had the Havanna and nachos as an app (pictured) and my girlfriend had a tofu burrito bowl which she said had the best black beans she's had in NC.
Highly recommend.
A twist of Mexican and surf options make some unique choices. Staff and ownership was extremely friendly and our waiter Chris was awesome.
Full bar as far as I could tell. I had the Havanna and nachos as an app (pictured) and my girlfriend had a tofu burrito bowl which she said had the best black beans she's had in NC.
Highly recommend.
Darien M.
Oct 23, 2021
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The service and ambiance is excellent and all the artwork is great. I had the lime margarita, the fish, shrimp and pork belly tacos and loved all of them. I have a gluten allergy and they were easily able to accommodate and served my tacos on corn tortillas (that were delicious). My partner had the pork belly taco and the pork belly egg rolls and also loved them. We will definitely be back!
Margaret M.
Oct 15, 2021
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Very Very Very Good. My favorite meal of our visit to the OBX. I had the fish tacos. Very large servings. I ordered three which was too many; had to bring one home. Hubby had the fish burrito. It too was a super large serving as well and he loved it. Commented several times while he was eating.
We were there early, so it was not busy at all. The bar area was however as several parties had gathered and were having a good time. But....the take-out service was a steady stream with people coming in to take the food home. A good sign that it's good food.
We were there early, so it was not busy at all. The bar area was however as several parties had gathered and were having a good time. But....the take-out service was a steady stream with people coming in to take the food home. A good sign that it's good food.
John C.
Oct 12, 2021
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Keith Pelchat
Oct 03, 2021
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Cathy A.
Oct 02, 2021
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Had to come back after trying this place on our last year vacation, amazing... again! This time we went for pork belly jalapeño popper egg rolls and nachos, along with some tacos. Highlight was the pickled onions on the nachos and the shrimp taco was bomb.
Love the artwork - they said it was some of the kitchen staff who are artists. A little more than I wanted to spend but was tempted to buy some for sure! Can't wait to go back next year when we visit obx again!
Love the artwork - they said it was some of the kitchen staff who are artists. A little more than I wanted to spend but was tempted to buy some for sure! Can't wait to go back next year when we visit obx again!
Don Lane
Sep 29, 2021
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Holy cow, went searching for like 40 minutes for a place to eat while down on vacation. When I finally saw this place I thought it didn't look like much but hey food. The second I walked in I was blown away it's definitely a recommend spot if your on vacation or something. Great atmosphere, staff, and the food was top notch. Also try the pickled jalapenos they're out of this world.
Ann Sinclair
Sep 15, 2021
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Sarah B.
Sep 10, 2021
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Vania C.
Aug 27, 2021
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You'll get to eat! Which is huge considering the summer of 2021 is the Summer of waiting 3 hrs to eat, getting turned away, or finding the place you picked is closed. Whether it's just for that night or Indefinitely is nebulous and you may never know. Staff is friendly and accommodating. We ordered pork belly jalapeño poppers which arrived in under 3 minutes, piping hot, crispy and fresh. There was no pork belly in them. None at all- we searched and dissected looking for pork belly. It was a great cream cheese and pickled jalapeños egg roll popper but we really wanted pork belly! Then
Lori D.
Aug 03, 2021
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I came here because my friend highly recommended it. I tried 4 times to get takeout during my last visit. Struck out each time because they were either too busy to do take out or one of the cooks called out.
This trip we drove out there and ordered takeout to then sit outside and eat as seating outside was closed due to rain- they had outdoor seating that was covered. Worked out well for us.
The guy at the front seating people was the best part of the restaurant. Very friendly and helpful.
I ordered one fish and one shrimp taco. I also got a margarita and cilantro garlic fries. The margarita
This trip we drove out there and ordered takeout to then sit outside and eat as seating outside was closed due to rain- they had outdoor seating that was covered. Worked out well for us.
The guy at the front seating people was the best part of the restaurant. Very friendly and helpful.
I ordered one fish and one shrimp taco. I also got a margarita and cilantro garlic fries. The margarita
ILuvU What
Jul 28, 2021
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Joy G.
Jul 16, 2021
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My family have been going to Bad Bean every year we've vacationed in OBX since 2006. We go multiple times during our week stay. There's absolutely nothing you can go wrong with ordering. Update 8/14/17: The Shredder is AMAZING!!!
I've been getting the shrimp tacos since 2006, and they never disappoint!
7/2021: No changes to report! Food is still AMAZING! Excellent service! Best place to eat in OBX!!
I've been getting the shrimp tacos since 2006, and they never disappoint!
7/2021: No changes to report! Food is still AMAZING! Excellent service! Best place to eat in OBX!!
Amber Wilcox
Jun 25, 2021
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Sherry K.
Jun 17, 2021
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The medium salsa with jalapeño is very tasty. The mild is very watery and not very flavorful. The verde was so-so.
Now. The tacos...The brisket was FANTASTIC! My husband thought it was the best taco he had ever eaten. That is until he tried the shrimp taco. Then he was astounded because he thought that it might actually be better!
Highly recommend!!
Now. The tacos...The brisket was FANTASTIC! My husband thought it was the best taco he had ever eaten. That is until he tried the shrimp taco. Then he was astounded because he thought that it might actually be better!
Highly recommend!!
Benjamin A.
Jun 01, 2021
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The Pork Belly Tacos are the best thing on the menu! I also tried the Shrimp taco, which was also a solid taco, and the Brisket taco, which wasn't my favorite as I found the flavors to be a bit off and overpowering.
The salsa and chips were great! I did see that most of the other tables ordered the chips and guacamole so I wish we would have gotten that instead.
My wife got the Giant Cali Burrito and we were wildly unimpressed. Nothing there that couldn't be made from home.
The salsa and chips were great! I did see that most of the other tables ordered the chips and guacamole so I wish we would have gotten that instead.
My wife got the Giant Cali Burrito and we were wildly unimpressed. Nothing there that couldn't be made from home.
Jeff Locke
Apr 21, 2021
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I found this place on a locals suggestion and went there for lunch. We ordered the house nachos with brisket and I got tacos. The nachos were really good nachos but what put them over the top was the pickled onions that come on them, I highly recommend them. I also had a pork belly taco and a pork taco. Both were also really good. The habanero salsa has really good taste and heat, very well balanced. Our server was great and we were also checked on by other employees. I will definitely go back.
Jennifer T.
Apr 18, 2021
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If you're craving Tex Max eats, this is a good spot to try. We called to order take out and the process was pretty easy.
They do make adjustments to their menu items if you're gluten and dairy free. I ordered the tacos with corn tortillas. I tried the grilled chicken and the pork barbacoa- both were delicious. They topped it with iceberg lettuce and tomatoes (no cheese or sour cream) and it was delicious! Didn't miss the lactose toppings at all! I also ordered the grilled shrimp taco but they gave it to us in a flour tortilla so I couldn't eat it (I have a gluten allergy)
They do make adjustments to their menu items if you're gluten and dairy free. I ordered the tacos with corn tortillas. I tried the grilled chicken and the pork barbacoa- both were delicious. They topped it with iceberg lettuce and tomatoes (no cheese or sour cream) and it was delicious! Didn't miss the lactose toppings at all! I also ordered the grilled shrimp taco but they gave it to us in a flour tortilla so I couldn't eat it (I have a gluten allergy)
Irina K.
Oct 14, 2020
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What an amazing find!! We were lucky enough to be recommended this place by a kayaking tour guide. She knew what she was talking about.
We were all starving and could not make up our mind about takeout. Our group of 4 was lucky enough to be sat at a long table. The service was so quick and efficient. After a round of margaritas, our food came out so quickly that I was actually shocked. Everything, and I mean everything was amazing, fresh and tasty.
Gauc and chips were amazing. Pork belly jalapeno popper egg rolls to die for. The tacos, all very tasty. I personally had the fresh tuna ones and
We were all starving and could not make up our mind about takeout. Our group of 4 was lucky enough to be sat at a long table. The service was so quick and efficient. After a round of margaritas, our food came out so quickly that I was actually shocked. Everything, and I mean everything was amazing, fresh and tasty.
Gauc and chips were amazing. Pork belly jalapeno popper egg rolls to die for. The tacos, all very tasty. I personally had the fresh tuna ones and
Angela P.
Aug 16, 2020
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This awesome spot was about a 10 minute walk (at most) from our BnB, and thank goodness for that! Both my partner and I LOVE Mexican food and being from California, I'm a tad picky!
My partner ordered the pork belly taco, and his exact words were "this is unreal." We came back two other times- one time for takeout and another to dine in on our drive out. We also ordered the dip sampler, and it was AWESOME! They were also incredibly accommodating for vegan/gluten free allergies! I was able to order the vegetarian tacos with corn tortillas, no cheese or sour cream, and marinated grilled
My partner ordered the pork belly taco, and his exact words were "this is unreal." We came back two other times- one time for takeout and another to dine in on our drive out. We also ordered the dip sampler, and it was AWESOME! They were also incredibly accommodating for vegan/gluten free allergies! I was able to order the vegetarian tacos with corn tortillas, no cheese or sour cream, and marinated grilled
Charles Gregory
Jul 30, 2020
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Fantastic spot for food & drinks. You can't go wrong with their tacos & burritos. However, the two gems on their regular menu are their Dip Sampler and the Baja Burger. Plus, they have the best fries on the entire beach: garlic cilantro fries that are life changing. They have a daily flavored margarita special. Check out their social media accounts because they often have mouth watering specials: brisket tacos, calamari tacos, gazpacho, etc.
Bob K.
Jul 09, 2020
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Great change of pace from traditional OBX experience. Friendly staff, decent bar and solid traditional Mexican food. Nothing flashy but good fresh ingredients prepared simply. Great homemade salsa and the pork belly tacos are awesome. Will be back again next year
Back again this year 7/19. Same review!! Updated pics
Back again 7/20. Same review. Best OBX meal this year. Great job staff and cooks. Appreciate the hospitality!!
Back again this year 7/19. Same review!! Updated pics
Back again 7/20. Same review. Best OBX meal this year. Great job staff and cooks. Appreciate the hospitality!!
Elizabeth R.
Feb 29, 2020
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This was a pretty good place and I would recommend it for anyone looking for a good Mexican-style restaurant.
Food: Everything we had was absolutely delicious. I thought the pricing was average for Outer Banks pricing. Serving size was good.
Staff: Everyone was friendly and pleasant. They seem to enjoy working there, and were attentive to serving our family.
Location/building/parking: This is located right off the main strip, near other things. There is ample parking directly outside.
In summary, just go ahead and give them a try.
Sidenote: I have included some pictures of the menu as
Food: Everything we had was absolutely delicious. I thought the pricing was average for Outer Banks pricing. Serving size was good.
Staff: Everyone was friendly and pleasant. They seem to enjoy working there, and were attentive to serving our family.
Location/building/parking: This is located right off the main strip, near other things. There is ample parking directly outside.
In summary, just go ahead and give them a try.
Sidenote: I have included some pictures of the menu as
Amy R.
Jan 06, 2020
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Really fantastic! In a "vacation town" (aka fried city )this place is a welcome reprieve of freshness!
The tomatillo salsa was delicious and the chips were fresh.
This is a place loaded with locals which speaks volumes about the food. They have healthy to decadent here.
The brisket is really a must and the pork belly was prepared perfectly. We ended with the homemade banana ice cream with chocolate swirl. Perfect "banananess". Even my hubby enjoyed it and he isn't a huge banana fan.
The best part was Kris. Rocked the recommendations, attentive without hovering and
The tomatillo salsa was delicious and the chips were fresh.
This is a place loaded with locals which speaks volumes about the food. They have healthy to decadent here.
The brisket is really a must and the pork belly was prepared perfectly. We ended with the homemade banana ice cream with chocolate swirl. Perfect "banananess". Even my hubby enjoyed it and he isn't a huge banana fan.
The best part was Kris. Rocked the recommendations, attentive without hovering and
