You’re driving down South Croatan Highway in Nags Head, looking for breakfast. The sun is just starting to peak over the Atlantic dunes. Then you see it. A giant sign that says "Biscuits N' Porn." It’s attached to a modest gas station—the Outer Banks Gas & Grill. If you aren't from around here, you might do a double-take or assume it’s a prank. It isn’t. Since the late 90s, this spot has been a literal institution for locals, fishermen, and tourists who know that the best food in Dare County usually comes from a kitchen tucked behind a wall of adult magazines and motor oil.
People come for the shock factor, but they stay because the food is legitimately incredible. The biscuits n' porn menu isn't some massive, leather-bound book of options. It's a griddle-heavy, soul-warming list of Southern staples that prioritize grease, salt, and fluffiness over everything else. Honestly, if you’re looking for a kale smoothie, you’ve pulled into the wrong gravel lot. This is where you go when you need a biscuit the size of a cat’s head.
What’s Actually on the Biscuits N' Porn Menu?
Let's clear the air first: the "porn" part of the name refers to the back wall of the convenience store, which has historically carried adult periodicals. It’s a tongue-in-cheek nod to the store's dual identity. But the "biscuits" part? That's the real hero. The menu centers around giant, handmade buttermilk biscuits that are flaky on the outside and soft enough to lose a finger in on the inside.
The classic sausage biscuit is the baseline. It’s simple. It’s cheap. It’s perfect. But most people who know what they're doing go for the Chicken Biscuit. We’re talking a hefty, breaded chicken breast fillet that’s been fried until the crust is shattering, tucked inside that buttery biscuit. Some folks like to drizzle it with honey; others go straight for the hot sauce. It’s heavy. You will probably need a nap by 10:00 AM if you eat the whole thing, but it’s worth the lethargy.
The Gravy Situation
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the gravy. The Biscuits and Gravy here is a religious experience for some. It’s a thick, peppery white sausage gravy that looks like it could patch drywall—and I mean that as a high compliment. They don’t skimp on the sausage chunks.
- The Full Order: Two massive biscuits completely submerged in gravy.
- The Half Order: One biscuit, though "half" is a deceptive term because it’s still more calories than a standard human needs in a sitting.
Beyond the Biscuits: Sandwiches and Sides
While the name puts the biscuits front and center, the rest of the biscuits n' porn menu covers the full spectrum of a classic Southern "gas station grill" experience. They do breakfast sandwiches on toast or buns if you’re some kind of rebel who doesn't want a biscuit. You’ve got your bacon, egg, and cheese. You’ve got country ham—the real stuff, salty enough to preserve a mummy.
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Then there’s the lunch transition. As the morning crowd of surfers and construction workers thins out, the fryers keep humming. The menu expands into:
- Double Cheeseburgers: Hand-patted, greasy in a good way, served on a toasted bun.
- Fried Shrimp Po' Boys: A nod to the coastal location. Fresh-ish, crispy, and served with a side of fries that are usually seasoned well.
- Corn Dogs and Chicken Tenders: The reliable fallback for the kids or the less adventurous.
The pricing is surprisingly low. In a world where a "boutique" breakfast sandwich in a tourist town like Nags Head can run you fifteen dollars, you can still get out of here for a fraction of that. It’s blue-collar food at blue-collar prices.
The Atmosphere and the "Why"
Walking into the Outer Banks Gas & Grill feels like stepping back into 1994. There’s a specific smell—a mix of brewed coffee, frying bacon, and gasoline fumes from the pumps outside. It’s chaotic. During the peak summer season, the line can stretch back toward the coolers.
The staff doesn't have time for small talk. They’re flipping eggs and assembly-lining biscuits with a speed that would make a New York deli jealous. You order at the counter, wait for your number, and try to find a spot to stand that isn't blocking the aisle for someone trying to buy a 12-pack of beer or a fishing lure.
Why the Name Still Works
In 2026, you’d think a name like "Biscuits N' Porn" would have been "canceled" or rebranded into something corporate and sterile like Coastal Sunrise Cafe. But the owner, Eddie Cooke, has leaned into the notoriety for decades. It’s a brand. People buy the t-shirts more often than they buy the actual magazines. It represents a specific type of Outer Banks grit that hasn't been polished away by luxury condos and high-end retail.
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The store has faced pressure over the years, sure. But as long as the biscuits are this good, the name is secondary. It’s a landmark. If you tell a local "I'm heading to the gas station," they’ll ask "Which one?" If you say "I'm going to Biscuits N' Porn," they know exactly where you're going and will probably ask you to bring them back a spicy chicken biscuit.
Navigating the Menu Like a Local
If it’s your first time, don’t hold up the line. The regulars know what they want before they even park the truck.
- Pro Tip 1: Ask for your biscuit "all the way" if you're getting a sandwich. That usually means egg and cheese.
- Pro Tip 2: Check the daily specials written on the board. Sometimes they do a western omelet biscuit or a specific seafood platter that isn't on the permanent menu.
- Pro Tip 3: Get the t-shirt. It’s a conversation starter (or ender) back home.
There is a weird sense of community here. You’ll see a millionaire who owns a beachfront mansion standing in line behind a guy who just spent twelve hours on a commercial fishing boat. They’re both there for the same thing: a hot meal that costs less than ten bucks.
Is it Actually Good?
Look, let’s be real. This isn't Michelin-star dining. It’s salt, fat, and carbs. But in the context of "vacation food" or "hangover cures," it is elite. The biscuits are made fresh daily. They aren't those frozen hockey pucks you get at fast-food chains. There’s a visible layer of butter on the bottom of the wrapper when you're done.
The egg-to-biscuit ratio is usually spot on. The cheese is melted perfectly. It’s consistent. That’s the most important part of the biscuits n' porn menu—it tastes exactly the same today as it did fifteen years ago. In a changing world, there’s something deeply comforting about a grease-stained paper bag filled with hot dough and fried meat.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want to experience this place without the headache, timing is everything.
The Early Bird Gets the Biscuit
The grill opens early—usually around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM. This is when the real magic happens. The biscuits are at their peak freshness, having just come out of the oven. If you wait until 10:30 AM on a Saturday in July, you’re going to be waiting in a line that wraps around the building.
Bring Cash (Just in Case)
While they take cards now, their systems have been known to go down during heavy storms or high-traffic periods. Having a twenty-dollar bill in your pocket saves everyone time. Plus, it’s just easier for grabbing a quick coffee and a biscuit.
Don't Expect Seating
This is a "grab and go" establishment. There are a couple of tables if you're lucky, but most people eat in their cars or take their haul over to the beach access across the street. There is nothing quite like eating a messy gravy biscuit while watching the waves crash at Bonnett Street.
Making the Call: Should You Go?
The biscuits n' porn menu isn't for everyone. If you’re sensitive to "rough around the edges" environments or if you’re looking for a quiet, sit-down brunch with mimosas, stay away. You will be disappointed.
However, if you appreciate authentic roadside Americana, and you want to eat one of the best breakfast sandwiches on the East Coast, it’s a mandatory stop. It’s a piece of North Carolina history that refuses to change, and honestly, the Outer Banks is better for it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Location: It’s located at 2112 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC. Don't confuse it with other gas stations nearby; look for the "Gas & Grill" signage.
- Order the Chicken Biscuit: If you only eat one thing, make it the fried chicken biscuit with a little bit of honey or hot sauce.
- Visit Mid-Week: If you're a tourist, try to go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning to avoid the weekend "change-over" crowds that clog the bypass.
- Watch the Clock: The grill usually closes earlier than the convenience store itself. If you show up at 3:00 PM expecting a fresh biscuit, you might be out of luck. Aim for before 11:00 AM for the full breakfast experience.