The Charming Drive-In Restaurant Hiding In North Carolina You Must Try

Like many Outer Banks establishments, the restaurant was opened by former inland dwellers who vacationed on the Outer Banks for years and decided to finally time to call it home. John M. Tice, Sr.(Big John) and his wife Pat opened John's in 1977 and today you'll still see tons of beach goers and locals flock near milepost 5 to sit at one of the few picnic tables or get a simply delicious milkshake just a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean.

Pat infused her creativity in the form of milkshakes and also the delectable homemade tartar and cocktail sauce. Big John brought in his industry experience paired with a menu brimming with fried goodness. While Big John sadly passed away in 2007, 'Little John' had enough experience to continue running the restaurant under family ownership. Described as "food for the soul," there's no place quite like John's for a quintessential dolphin boat or a creamy peanut butter milkshake.

One staple item is the popular Dolphin Sandwich. Don't worry, you won't be eating Flipper, only the freshest locally-caught mahi. The tuna and dolphin boats also bring in plenty of sales and are one reason John's rose to fame so quickly. Other seafood options include a cajun crab or shrimp sub, popcorn shrimp boat, tuna salad or the crowd-pleasing crab cake.

Just like summer seems to come and go in the blink of an eye, the same can be said for John's. Operating during seasonal hours, it all depends on the staff and help John's can get for how long they stay open during the off-season. If you're looking to get one last taste of summer with a hearty dolphin boat, or a chiller to accompany a long stroll on the beach, the best time to visit is now.