Higher Grounds - Coffee & Ice Cream

Mee Oh (Joy)

2023-08

I was so glad to discover this charming and inviting place during my morning walk near the vacation rental I was staying in.I purchased butter pecan ice cream in a waffle cone, and while I was enjoying it, I explored the outside space. They have a variety of features. There are some kid-friendly items there tooThe fact that there is an elevator amazed me.For my walk back, I purchased a caramel-flavored iced latte. It was excellent.I hope I revisit this place with my kid.Kid-friendliness: They have a cozy outdoor play area, a swing for toddlers and a cute pink little table set for kids.Wheelchair accessibility: They have an elevator

Kasia McDaniel

2023-08

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Misty Vanderau

2024-04

We stopped by in October 2023 for the first time and loved it. We stopped by today again and the quality of the food and drinks and service are consistent. We love it here. We decided to bring family this time to try. 10/10 would highly recommend. Has a gorgeous view of the sound. Seen some Ospray today too, beautiful for photography.We got iced coffees today, the Camilla blossom and jersey and Charlie. We also got grounders, which are bagels with cream cheese, ham, and cheese. The bagel options were plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin. I got the everything bagel and my husband got the plain. My husband's mom got a grounder with everything bagel and the Charlie. His dad got a bagel with everything bagel and a hot jersey. The food is so good, we'll be coming back again and will definitely recommend to family. This is a must try when visiting OBX.Parking: 5 spots and 1 handicap spaceKid-friendliness: This has a great kid friendly atmosphere and plenty of food/drink options for kids.Wheelchair accessibility: There is an elevator here and deck that has space for wheelchair access. The door is wheelchair accessible too.

Briana Landis

2023-07

We only got to go for breakfast not ice cream, but everything was delicious! We enjoyed croissants and coffee and looking across the water with the binoculars! This place was just really neat, and we will definitely be back for that ice cream!Parking: Gravel lot

Evey Cramer

2020-05

Great experience from beginning to end. Wonderful setting and service with an amazingly friendly smile.The coffee was delicious and the ice cream generously scooped. We wound up staying and sitting in the hammocks for a solid hour.Lovely design and decor!

Lizzy N.

2018-05

We stumbled upon this lovely little shop while in OBX for business during the off season, and we were very impressed! The owner who helped us was friendly and informative, coffee exceeded expectations, and the ice cream was a nice touch as well. We'll be back!

Salt Coast Hosts

2023-09

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Glynis Litwin

2023-07

The iced Meadow with coconut milk was perfect for the hot day! Thank you for the yummy beverage and our mini checkers tournament. Availability of the binoculars for viewing the sound was appreciated. The hangout areas iside and out are great. See you next time!Vegetarian options: Almond, oat, and coconut milks avaliableDietary restrictions: I have a dairy intolerance, so I appreciated milk altwrnative options.Parking: Plenty for come and go patronsKid-friendliness: Table top games to play inside, child sized seating outside. Pasteries, ice cream, and drinks for all!Wheelchair accessibility: There is an elevator.

Jennifer Rutter

2023-09

My fiancé and I absolutely LOVE this place! We stopped by several times, sometimes twice in one day to get coffee and frappes. Not only is the coffee amazing but everyone there is so friendly and down to earth. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and is the cutest coffee and ice cream shop I’ve ever been to. We loved staying in Colington and this was by far our favorite place to visit. I especially loved the caramel and pumpkin spice frappe!

Jax Fontinelli

2023-08

A hidden gem nestled in the Outer Banks, Higher Grounds is a delightful haven for coffee and ice cream enthusiasts. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in the soothing ambiance of its tasteful beach-themed decor. The cozy atmosphere, coupled with the comforting aroma of freshly roasted coffee, creates an inviting retreat for both locals and visitors alike.The true magic of Higher Grounds lies not only in its decor but also in the warmth of its staff. During my visit, I was greeted by a genuinely friendly team member whose welcoming smile set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and passion for their craft truly shines through.Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or a delectable scoop of ice cream, Higher Grounds delivers with finesse. The attention to detail in every sip and scoop is a testament to their commitment to quality.For those seeking a haven of relaxation, where the scent of roasted coffee mingles harmoniously with the soothing coastal vibes, "Higher Grounds" is the ultimate destination. This small coffee and ice cream shop deserves every bit of its five-star rating and more. Don't miss the opportunity to treat yourself to an extraordinary experience that will leave you craving your next visit.Wheelchair accessibility: There's an elevator next to the stairs!

Cristina Sokolowski

2024-04

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Rob Spitler

2024-04

Hands down the best coffee and friendliest service on the island. If you’re in the Collington area of Kill Devil Hills stop by. They have coffee, ice cream, shakes, malts and more. Great family run business!I’ll drive out of my way to go next time I’m in the OBX!Ok, back again a year later. Still the same great family running the business and the great coffee! One of the places I looked most forward to visiting again when we arrived!

Dakota Russell

2019-05

Absolutely love this place. And trust me, I’ve visited many many local coffee shops. I guess you could say it’s a hobby of mine to find local gems like this. First off, if you’re looking for a true espresso taste, and not sugar water, this is the place to go. The owners do a really great job at that.They have a great selection of custom drinks but can always do any latte, cappuccino, etc.They also have good ice cream, with many selections of cones and toppings.Next, the location is amazing. This, coming from a Collington local though. It’s so nice not to have to go on the bypass and beat traffic to get a coffee.What a cool little building that they have converted to a coffee shop. I love the teal color that they painted the place. It’s so inviting. The owners husband does all the landscaping and he does an excellent job as you can tell this is his passion. If you love sunflowers, this is the place to see them. It’s so inviting from the beginning right as you pull into their parking lot. The inside vibes are great as well everything is very comfortable and clean and once again, inviting. Lots of fun decor and natural light.And finally, the best part, is underneath. There are several swings and hammocks hanging underneath the building. It’s so nice to get a latte in the morning and then swing the morning away looking at the sound across the street.Anyway, it’s really awesome. Check it out.

Roger Mauger

2019-05

Great view! From inside and outside. Allows you to enjoy your coffee even more! Coffee was delicious, staff/owner extremely polite. Service with a smile.

Jodi Harmon

2023-06

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Angela u have any Harrison

2023-05

Found this hidden gem while looking for local ice cream spots. Was cute and quaint , pet friendly place. Sold coffee and ice cream. Nice out door area for families right with a Sound view. Lady was really nice and informative. Ice cream was great. Will def return when back in the area!!!Kid-friendliness: Had games for kids and even a lil spiral slide thar goes from top deck to bottom deck.

Brett Copeland

2023-09

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Jessica Tiscione

2023-08

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Joseph Gapsky

2023-08

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Gabbi D

2020-05

Delicious ice cream with a beautiful view of the water. We loved hanging out downstairs in the hammocks.

Audrianna Ragland

2022-05

This is my kids favorite ice cream spot. (🤫 mine too) they have the best combinations and the frozen pies....oh my! My husband loves making his milkshakes a riptide for a little energy boost after a long beach day. The owner is super friendly and so sweet to my boys. Love this place!!!

Shanna Meeks

2022-05

Owner was really nice, beautiful views of the sound, outdoor seating only which was fine by me, elevator since the place is on stilts for access for all which was awesome!, delicious ice creams and coffee drinks. The mocha frappe was delicious. We will probably be going daily throughout our stay here.

Erik Jonsgaard

2023-05

Meh. Not "really" a bagel shop. Only a few options and not your typical bagel shop spread of options.Outside seating was cool but inside closed. No bathroom access (even though remote location) Everything bagel was basically a plain bagel and was not toasted either. Maybe just a bad day but wait staff seemed more annoyed by customers than ready to help. Expected more from such a highly reviewed spot - would not have gone out of our way to eat here if we had known this prior.

Jon West

2019-05

Nice little gem in Collington that serves great coffee, ice cream, and milkshakes!

Jeremy Noël

2023-08

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N Edwards

2023-05

My 6 y/o gives it a 10/10. We can ok the family for ice cream. The inside is closed. There is only outdoor seating but plenty of it. There are tons of outside picnic tables and covered tables. The kids wondered and explored while they ate their ice cream.

Tyler Garrett

2020-05

Friendly staff, great vibe, good ice cream, and great coffee.

Emily Patton

2023-05

Coffee and ice cream are AWESOME. I got the Lucy specialty drink and the Bonfire sundae. Great place, staff, and atmosphere. Will definitely be back

Justin N

2023-05

I've stayed in the outer banks over 20 times throughout my life. This was our first year ever staying in Collington. We were surprised at how few of food options are in the Collington area but Higher Grounds was by far our favorite. Tons or unique coffee and ice cream drinks and confections!

MigaDaily

2022-05

We were exploring Colington while vacationing Outer Banks. Found this local gem. Ice Cream was great. People working there were very friendly and making great suggestions. Will recommend this place to anyone we know.