HISTORIC LOCATION

 Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar opened its doors as an upscale eatery in September of 1995.  The restaurant occupies the building that was the original site of Virginia Dare Hardware, built in 1948.  This hardware store was an integral source of commerce for Outer Banks residents along with Wink's Grocery which opened in the early 50s.  Many of our patrons are willing to share fond memories of buying art supplies and household goods at Virginia Dare Hardware from Elizabeth Smith, once a mayor of Kitty Hawk, and "Little Smitty," her husband.  Many aspects of the original construction can be pointed out, even after the extensive renovations necessary for making Ocean Boulevard an upscale eatery.  One item worth noticing are the 18" thick steel beams you find running across the dining room ceiling which were taken from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard to complete Mr. Smith's vision of a full open space with no walls or columns blocking throughways.  The upstairs dining areas still echo the original style of the living accommodations once used for the Smiths as they managed their store.  Since 1995, Ocean Boulevard has continued to evolve to meet the demands of today's dining community.