Red Sky Cafe

Name: Red Sky Cafe
Address: 1197 Duck Rd, Duck, NC, United States, 27949-4560
Telephone: (252) 261-8646
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4

4.0

130 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Red Sky Café features fresh local foods, inspired by Outer Banks cuisine. A casual atmosphere will make you feel like you're enjoying a meal in the comforts of your own home and the unique flavors will leave you with an unforgettable dining experience.

Chefs at Red Sky Café prepare each meal fresh from scratch and take time to create meals that are visually pleasing as well as flavorful. Signature entrées on the menu include the chef's pasta, crab cakes and southern fried NC seafood. To go along with your meal, Red Sky Café also offers an assortment of wines, beers, & cocktails.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Creole / Cajun / Southern, Seafood
Hours of operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–7:00 pm
Phone number
(252) 261-8646
Website
http://www.redskycafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual

Location
1197 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949-4560
Neighborhood
Southern Shores
Parking details
None
Additional
Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0

4 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.2Service
3.8Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Outer Banks
Best Overall
Outer Banks
Best Food
Outer Banks
Best Service
Outer Banks
Best Ambiance
Outer Banks
Best Value
Outer Banks
Healthy
Outer Banks
Neighborhood gem
Outer Banks
Good for special occasions
Outer Banks
Lively
Outer Banks
Most Booked

130 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall2food3service5ambience3
Did not have items on the menu and no desserts- zero. Very disappointing.
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D
Datenight
Philadelphia
68 reviews
vip
5.0
68 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great time, great food, good people, always visit when we’re in town
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TL
TastefulLady
Pittsburgh
8 reviews
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Our experience at Red Sky was very disappointing....the room was freezing when our party of six walked into the restaurant. They prepared our six-top table underneath some kind of air handling system that was blowing air and was excessively noisy, not to mention that it is never enjoyable to eat right next to the front door. We asked about making accommodations to move our party or adjust the temperature but were told that it was hot in the kitchen so they had the air-conditioning on high. We sat down for about two minutes and all six of us agreed that this was not going to be an enjoyable experience to eat here, so we left. We are generally a pretty flexible group, but we all agreed that we needed to find a different place to eat. Too be fair, we didn't order any food so I really have no review of the food. It was very disappointing to enter a restaurant that was so uncomfortable and unaccommodating. It might be why there were very few people dining there. We won't be going back.
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MB
MartyB
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had an excellent dining experience at Red Sky. Both the Southern Fried seafood combo and Southern Chicken Parm were delicious, and our server Jack was friendly and attentive.
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KI
KIMW
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
Our server was wonderful and the food was BUT it was Way over-salty!!! We shared this with our waitress but no chef came out to speak to us. We will not return which is a shame as all was good but that darn salt.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Wife had shrimp and grits, bland and not good, she did not finish the dish. The glass of cabernet was not good either. I had the crab cake sandwich: It was breaded inside and out, more filler than crab and very deep fried brown crust - not good. The side greek salad was decent to good as was the beer. Service was acceptable . This is not the same place of 10 years ago. At $100 plus tip, not a good value at all. Also, we noticed a gentleman at the next table did not finish his steak. At used to be inventive but no not more than bar food .
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T
Taryn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and the staff were very kind and attentive!
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MW
MargoW
Philadelphia
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Walked in and no one even tried to sit us, then we left. Very few people inside, a really bad vibe.
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d
datman89
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Great food, from the simplistic to more creative dishes. Fun spot with good service and value.
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JM
JimM
Greensboro
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were outstanding. Do not be fooled by the outside appearance. Red Sky Cafe is a hidden gem.
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JG
JerseyGirl
Baltimore
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the vibe here. Reminded me of the original Blue Point from 25 years ago. Southern spin on the dishes so be prepared for buttery deliciousness. The appetizer scallops with the bacon jam were perfectly prepared. Shrimp and grits had an unusual preparation in the the grits were drier and the shrimp were piled on top so the dish was not soupy. It was really excellent. The steak of the day with blue cheese butter, the creamiest mashed potatoes, and crisp buttered green beans, will leave me with fond memories for years to come. Our server, Sam, was stretched a little thin, making cocktails, serving, and busing. She did it with grace. Be kind, the industry is still under staffed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
We have eaten here almost every year for over a decade and it was always our favorite. This year we had some friends who were also visiting OBX to join us. The place has definitely lost the elegant ambiance it once had. There were no real specials and the menu seemed much more limited. The food was good, but nothing special for a restaurant in this price range. Our server seemed more interested in telling us about another place she usually worked and chatting than she did about serving us. Chef Wes, I know you can do better
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RC
RachelC
Cleveland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s a casual dining experience with fancy, delicious food!
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KR
KristenR
Greensboro
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Great food with perfect seasoning. I had the seared scallops. Luke was an exceptional server.
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S
Sanderling
Baltimore
86 reviews
vip
4.0
86 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
There were 7 in our group including 3 children ages 8 and under. The best thing is that they offer a kid’s menu including chicken tenders, fried shrimp, Mac and cheese, etc so the kids weren’t stuck with the usual buttered noodles that most places have as the kids alternative. The kids were so happy. The adult food was very tasty. We would definitely go back with the kids. Make a reservation, their space was limited the night we were there and it seemed only folks with reservations were being served.
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DS
DebS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The waiter was pleasant and the found came out promptly.
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SS
SteveS
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience2
The place is kind of small, and the ambiance was "meh", but the food was outstanding. I would go back.
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SM
SML1978
Charleston
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Was disappointed in this place. Just overall very lackluster. Food was not vegetarian friendly and they were not accommodating. Contrary to what website said. Service was meh, and bathrooms were disgusting.
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DC
DonnaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was very good ! We had fries green tomatoes The ribs was Excellent, fell off the bone & great favorite.
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JJ
JasonJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Seated for reservation on time. Specials offered were great. Meals came out in a reasonable amount of time and were absolutely amazing. Flavor profile, freshness, and presentation excellent. Highly recommend.
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T
Todd
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Perfect vacation date night location. Fried green tomato app was fantastic. Would definitely go again next time we’re in Duck.
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SH
SusanH
Baltimore
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
I have been to this restaurant many times, it’s one of my fave’s. I thought the food was a little off last night. The choices were very heavy, too much food also. Not sure why you would stuff salmon, but my husband loves salmon so that was his choice. Too much, especially with the cheese? Sauce. I got the chicken parmigiana, which I expected to be a bit much - it was too heavily breaded, the Mac and cheese it sat on was perfect. The crab dip wasn’t good at all- weird consistency, texture. Had not much flavor. Even the appearance was off. Dessert was excellent. Of course we will go back, love both Wes’ restaurants, just an off night for me. Service was great.
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AM
AlisonM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was delicious. The menu is small, kitchen is fast and efficient. We were so full we took desserts home which were also amazing!
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B
Brianccc
New York Area
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We had visited the Red Sky Cafe a few times over the years and did not have that favorable of an opinion. But we heard that it had changed so we decided to give it a try. We are very glad we did. The food and service were both quite good. While everyone in the OBX is having issues finding enough staff Red Sky seems to have found a way. While they were very busy they handled the crowd well. We will certainly be back.
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VC
VictoriaC
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great seafood food and fun atmosphere - highly recommend
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MD
MartinD
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great seafood dishes. Great service. Excellent drinks. Loved the place.
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TC
TomC
Washington DC
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Pics online give the impression there is seating w/ocean view. Service was superb. Food terrific but not the kind that makes you go "oh wow". Seated near kitchen - got to watch the staff in action (hmm). Wasn't offered outdoor seating - didn't know there was any until we saw staff carrying food outside.
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o
obxgrl
Norfolk/Suffolk
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My brother (from VA) and I (a local) have been having dinner at Red Sky every August for years. We've had a few misses..but in general the food and service have been outstanding. Last year the restaurant was sadly closed and a few recent reviews made us nervous. Well, I can happily tell you that it was one of the top meals we have had at Red Sky...and that is saying something. The menu is smaller (as is the very short wine list), but what they offer is outstanding. We had the tuna bite app which was fresh and served with a sauce I wanted to lick out of the plate. We shared two main entrees, the scallops (cooked perfectly) that had some sort of heavenly blueberry sauce and sticky rice. Soooo good. We also went with the famous shrimp and grits - which were even better than normal if that is possible. Finally, our waitress was friendly and attentive...and went above and beyond in so many ways. I won't go on and on but am happy to say that I can't wait to get back up to Red Sky again soon!
1 person found this helpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Made reservations a week ahead of time and were sitting in the parking lot by ourselves. Should have just left and gone somewhere else.
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LL
LaueatinLyon
Raleigh
5 reviews
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience2
Too noisy but dois was good Service a bit light
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MF
MelissaF
Raleigh
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
the waghu burger was amazing the chicken was good but the mac and cheese was cold Grace was a fabulous server; very friendly and attentive the ambiance was great except for a very large/loud family near us
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M
Mimi
Washington DC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
I had a reservation through open table and they said they had no record of it and I showed them the reservation on my phone. Hostess rudely said she could not find and could not seat us. She didn’t apologize and just said that open table was glitchy. Thirty minutes later, I got a notification that I had checked in to Red Sky cafe. I wouldn’t go here
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D
Debs
Cleveland
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Seated on time. Great service. Reasonable prices.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
Flies everywhere…food was ok, and service was about average.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Wilmington
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Ahi tuna slices on appetizers menu is the best one I have ever had. So fresh and the dressing is so delicious.
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L
Liab
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 13, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
We have gotten takeout here before. The food was good, the wait staff was not very good. The waitstaff seemed overwhelmed with our party of 9, and was not knowledgeable about the menu.
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KK
KarenK
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience! Nice they take reservations in the summer!! Staff and food were excellent!
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BR
BRich
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and atmosphere. We love NC Coast as well that is part of the same chefs family. Both are amazing and he does An amazing job with his restaurants
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall2food2service4ambience3
Great service. Scallops were awesome! Steak was gristle and chewy. Crab dip fair.
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PF
PamF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints! Great food and cocktails. Shrimp and grits are amazing!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Red Sky Cafe using the Order Online button. Red Sky Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 261-8646.

Red Sky Cafe is rated 4 stars by 130 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

1197 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949-4560

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighborhood
Southern Shores
Hours of operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–7:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Creole / Cajun / Southern, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Resort Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Beer Garden, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.redskycafe.com/
Phone number
(252) 261-8646

Red Sky Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 130 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Red Sky Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Red Sky Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Red Sky Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information