We love Blue Point but I would not take my kids there. We start with a drink there on the water and then go elsewhere for dinner when kids are with us.
In Duck - Cravings (small but has nice outdoor space in the back), Coastal Cantina, Roadside Grill, and Duck Deli (has small outdoor area that is nice) are good. Red Skye is our favorite.
In Corolla - Sunfish Grill, Corolla Cantina, Tomato Patch, La Dolce Vita and Salt Water Grill.
Most of these places have a good selection of shellfish.

Blue Point and Roadside in Duck.

Agave Roja is pretty good, but gets crowded, so you definitely want to make a reservation the week before your trip.

we liked Mama Easley's in Corolla. Really good seafood (mostly fried though) and chowder.

OP here. Thanks. Any recs for good (not fried) shellfish?

we love Coastal Cravings in Duck. Good food, but it's not big so getting there on the earlier side is key, especially with a big party. they do have a cute beer garden type space outside with live music while you wait.

My two favorite casual spots have been First Light for burgers and Agave Roja for Mexican.

I know OBX gets maligned on these boards but we are traveling there late June with extended family and need restaurant advice. We plan to eat all breakfasts and lunches at our rental house at the southern edge of Corolla but looking for casual but tasty dinner ideas of places that either take reservations or won't be completely mobbed if we go early-ish like 5:30pm. 7 adults, 4 kids all young elementary age. Looking for places anywhere in Corolla or as far south as Duck. TIA.