After the feast that was Thanksgiving (the meal took about 6 hours at my house), it feels like you may never need food again. But alas, the hungries come back, and then you notice that many Ocracoke restaurants closed their doors for the season after the holiday. 

Where will the island's few visitors dine? And, more importantly, where can locals go when we just don't feel like cooking?

Luckily, there are some restaurants and carry-outs braving the cold winter months, and we present you with:

The Winter's Menu of Restaurants

Ocracoke Coffee Company will be open through the month of December. 7 a.m. – Noon. 252-928-7473. 

Zillie's Island Pantry Open Monday-Friday, 1 – 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday Noon – 7:30 p.m. During the week between Christmas and the New Year, Zillie's will host extra wine tastings – call if you want a reservation. 252-928-9036.

Gaffer's Sports Pub will be open every day this winter, except for December 24 and 25. They open at 11 a.m. with a full menu and bar selection, and close around midnight unless the place is really busy and then they'll stay open as late as 2 a.m. Pub Quiz night every Tuesday ($2 to play; great prizes). Carry-out is available, and they often have live music (Lightnin' Lou and the Blackouts will play Friday Nov. 30 and every Friday in November). Gaffer's will host a New Year's Eve party. 252-928-3456.

The Topless Oyster Restaurant will also be open every day all winter (except for Christmas Day). They open at 11 a.m. and serve food until 9 or 10 p.m. The bar will be open until midnight. Offering a $6.99 lunch special every day, and carry-out is available. They also host live music, and will have a New Year's Eve party. 252-928-2800.

Thai Moon Carry-out Open through the month of December, Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. 252-928-5100.

Ocracoke Pizza Company Open weekends, carry-out only. 252-928-7777.

Eduardo's Taco Stand Carry-out only. Open Monday- Saturday, 11 – 7 p.m. through December (except a break from December 23 – 27) Eduardo plans to be open after Christmas through April. 

Ocracoke Station will be open everyday at 6 a.m. serving breakfast. Daily Lunch Specials 11a.m. – 4p.m.
Other food to order until 8p.m. They close at 9p.m. (8p.m. Sundays). 252-928-4031.

We originally reported that Jason's Restaurant would re-open in late December, but they are now planning to wait until mid-February. We'll keep you posted as restaurants start opening for the season!