Dining & Drinks

When you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can indulge your cravings. Southern traditions, world flavors, local ingredients and imaginative chefs abound in the Cape Fear region and surrounding beaches.

The area has been a culinary paradise since the first explorers saw footlong oysters and wild grapes along the shoreline some 500 years ago. Wilmington’s port city status brought edibles and influences from around the globe. Rich soils and so much fresh seafood provided added bounty that shaped an eclectic cuisine like no other.

The local foods cooperative Feast Down East makes sure chefs have premium ingredients from area farms. Staff and volunteers connect cooks and devoted growers, assuring diners flavorful ingredients — organic and sustainably raised. Can’t decide what to eat? Mix it up. Creative chefs are rooted in classics, but they’re known for inventing irresistible combinations. And it’s not just them. Master bartenders stir the perfect Old Fashioned or creative martinis. Breweries

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY ESPY

pour nationally recognized craft beers, and wine flows from award-winning lists. No worries if you’re not an oenophile. Seasoned sommeliers guide you.

Casual and fine-dining establishments pepper the landscape, but no need to dress up or break the bank at either. The buzz-phrase here is “upscale casual.” Khaki pants are fine even at the fanciest restaurants, and affordable prices are everywhere. Beautiful weather most days of the year means you can dine outdoors in gorgeous settings. Choose sidewalk café tables or a pier extending over the sea. Sit on a riverside deck and watch boats cruise by at sunset. Relax, feel at home and remember to save room for dessert at these restaurants, where the food is always good, the prices are great and you’ll leave satisfied.

For years tourists have traveled to the southeastern coastal areas of North Carolina to take advantage of North Carolina’s delectable seafood products. This region's relatively warm ocean waters, strong tidal currents and proximity to rivers and creeks create the ideal environment for producing high-quality shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters, clams and more. Despite the availability of fresh, locally caught seafood, many vendors are relying on seafood products sourced outside of North Carolina and sometimes even outside of the country. These imports can cause a hardship on hard working fishing families and communities along North Carolina’s coastal areas. Fortunately, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recognizes the importance of fresh local seafood. The agency shows off the state’s seafood industry at events, tradeshows, and online via its Got to Be NC Seafood program. Visit gottobenc.com to find out where to buy local seafood, produce, specialty products, and where to locate farmers markets and roadside stands. Ask for locally caught or sourced North Carolina Seafood products from retailers and restaurants, and be sure to look for the Got to Be NC Seafood logo.

WILMINGTON DINING

PinPoint

Downtown Wilmington’s PinPoint restaurant showcases fresh seafood and local produce in a delectable menu that changes according to what’s in season. PinPoint was named one of 2019's Top 10 Restaurants in the South by Southern Living.

PinPoint is named after a tiny Chatham County, Ga., community that’s rich in coastal Gullah food and culture. PinPoint’s cool grey tones compliment a striking oyster shell

PinPoint The Pilot House

COURTESY OF PINPOINT

chandelier over the intimate rear dining area. Changing artwork decorates exposed brick walls. Hardwood floors and rough wood accents confirm the casual atmosphere. Sit at the friendly bar or enjoy a communal table feel at a long banquette. One of the best spots is by sunny tall windows up front. You may sit outdoors, too.

Start with oysters on the half-shell. Check the list to discover each day’s fresh selections from near and far. Try the beauties baked with distinctive Southern slants. Rockefeller-style here means wilted greens, Benton’s bacon and Pernod. Out with friends, family or both? Order cocktails and share scrumptious snacks. The octopus and pickled shrimp lettuce wraps get crunch sfrom fresh radishes and subtle zing from green garlic ranch dressing.

Delightful soups might bring local rutabagas sweetened with fresh pears and enriched with crème fraiche and pumpkin seed oil. Celery lends crunch to roasted Brussels sprouts salad with toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese and tarragon buttermilk dressing. You could continue the seafood theme into dinner, opting for local grouper with N.C. sturgeon caviar, roasted maitake mushrooms, parsnip purée, seared greens and the gentle zip of Meyer lemon.

Seafood, however, is not the only choice. A flat iron steak might arrive porcini-crusted alongside buttermilk whipped potatoes, asparagus gratin,

tomatoes, crispy mushrooms and kombu butter. Vegetarian selections are never afterthoughts. Think gnudi, those gnocchi-like dumplings made with ricotta cheese and tucked between local butternut squash, apples, chestnuts and sage, with glistening balsamic brown butter bringing everything together. And talk about local. Wrightsville Beach sea salt garnishes butterscotch pots de crème for dessert.

A full bar serves numerous wines, craft beers and delightful cocktails. Dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m. every day. Sunday brunch is served 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get classic grilled flat iron steak and eggs with hash browns and toast. Indulge with brioche French toast, available gluten-free, with almond sabayon, blood orange and maple syrup. Nothing cures a Sunday morning hangover better than the halfpound Pinpoint burger topped with bacon, pimento cheese, grilled onions, chili aioli and bread and butter pickles on a sesame brioche bun, with porcini mushroom fries on the side.

The Pilot House

The Pilot House opened in 1978 and was the first restaurant in then newly-restored Chandler’s Wharf, a significant section of Wilmington’s port city industrial past. Initially, only salads and sandwiches were dispensed from a service window to customers who sat outdoors. Lots more delicious things have happened since an on-site kitchen was added in 1988.

The restaurant specializes in Southern regional cuisine, traditional and with contemporary flair. Fromscratch dishes showcase fresh, local ingredients. Everything from “down home cooking” to Cajun to Lowcountry and other coastal cuisines inspire chefs.

For lunch, arugula, goat cheese and roasted red pepper embellish a fried green tomato sandwich on a toasted Mexican telera roll. The shrimp and grits dish includes kielbasa sausage, mushrooms, scallions and collards on fried grits cakes.

Shrimp and grits is also on the dinner menu, as well as everything from lobster macaroni and cheese to cioppino to filet mignon and herb-crusted rack of lamb. Sweet potato-crusted grouper is served with mushroom ravioli, mixed greens

Named one of 2019’s Top 10 Restaurants of the South

PinPoint serves food deeply rooted in southern tradition and foodways. The menu changes daily and features the local bounty from Wilmington’s farmers and fisherman as much as possible.

114 Market St. (Downtown) Reservations: 910-769-2972

PinPointRestaurant.com

Dinner nightly at 5:30 | Sunday Brunch 10:30am - 2pm

Elijah’s

The Little Dipper

Platypus & Gnome

and balsamic vinaigrette. Pan-seared Southern Pecan Chicken Cutlets are seasoned with pecans, brown sugar, cider vinegar, fresh thyme and butter.

The restaurant has a full bar menu that includes wine, beer and delightful cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday throughout the year. The restaurant, deck and private rooms are available for weddings and other special events for groups of 30 to 300. Reservations should be made well in advance for special parties.

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Platypus & Gnome

Platypus & Gnome is gaining traction in the Historic Downtown food scene as they head into their fourth year. Come in and relax for lunch or dinner in the downstairs dining room by the grand picture windows where the bustle of downtown is an enjoyable backdrop to your meal. If you’re feeling a bit more cozy, grab a table or sofa in the mezzanine. The staff is always happy to entertain you and your four-legged friends outside on the patio. The building may feel familiar, as it has been home to Front Street News and Café Phoenix, but owners Matt and Mary Danylec have perfectly blended their world travels with local history. The name is quirky and the experience is unlike any other in Wilmington. With the help of Chefs Aquileo HerreraSantiago and Corey Rogers, Matt has created a menu with something for everyone — fabulous salads, specialty burgers and unique entrees. Recent additions to the menu include Sesame Crusted Tuna, Chimichuri Water Buffalo and Marinated Ostrich Steak Sandwich. Though one of the biggest draws is exotic meat, they have included vegetarian, vegan and allergy friendly options as well.

With a seasonal menu rotation and weekend entrée specials, Platypus & Gnome can explore mixing Southern comfort and modern cuisine infused with international flavors. Specials are based on whatever tasty exotic meat, wild game, or fish seems most inspiring. Recent weekend specials have

included local Blackened Red Snapper with cucumber-pineapple salsa, Lamb Chops with Coconut Curry Sauce, and Kangaroo in cherry peppercorn demiglace. If you’re not feeling quite so adventurous, P&G has plenty of staples so good they’ve never come off the menu.

Platypus & Gnome isn’t just great food, but also an excellent bar, boasting an extensive and expertly curated wine list and pouring plenty of local craft beer. Come visit Jake and Chelsea as they mix some of the best Specialty Cocktails. Stop in for daily food and drink specials and live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and for Sunday brunch. Look for their food truck around town, serving a limited menu, for now, including Platyburgers, seared tuna sandwiches and more.

Elijah’s

Elijah’s is an American seafood grill and oyster bar that has been a mainstay in Historic Downtown Wilmington since 1984. Its building on Chandler’s Wharf was originally a maritime museum. Ship models, nautical artifacts and paintings depicting maritime history remain on display.

A large deck facing the Cape Fear River and the pedestrian boardwalk named The Riverwalk is a wonderful spot for people-watching while enjoying drinks, lunch or dinner. Seafood is the kitchen’s primary concentration. The famous creamy, cheesy, hot crab dip was requested for a North Carolina’s governor’s inauguration. Oysters come on the half shell, steamed, fried and Rockefeller-style. A Carolina Bucket is an abundant mix of steamed clams, mussels, shrimp, crab legs, sausage, new potatoes and corn on the cob. Seafood platters, grilled or fried, are buffets on a plate.

Find New York strip steaks, vegetable linguine, sesame chicken, stuffed pork chops and filet mignon every day. Friday and Saturday are prime rib nights.

For dessert, sorbet flavors depend on seasonal fruit while old-fashioned apple pie is a mainstay year-round. Lowcountry Cheesecake is part bourbon pecan pie, part creamy cheesecake, all finished with luscious ganache. The full bar serves beer, wine and cocktails.

Smoke on the Water

The restaurant is open daily for lunch, beginning at 11:30 a.m., and dinner year-round.

The Little Dipper

Located in historic downtown Wilmington, The Little Dipper offers a twist on dining that has to be experienced. Since 2005 The Little Dipper has been making fondue of all

Downtown - 910.228.5247 122 Market Street, Wilmington, NC

COURTESY OF SMOKE ON THE WATER

types and flavors right at the table. With at least one shared burner in the middle of the table, this restaurant creates an atmosphere where friends and family come together to share.

There are 17 different choices of homemade dipping sauces for meats, vegetables and seafood. The menu is set up for three courses, including cheese fondue. Of course, you must top the meal off with some delectable chocolate fondue. The only hard part about dining at The Little Dipper is deciding whether you want fresh strawberries dipped in milk chocolate or bananas dipped in a dark chocolate and peanut butter blend.

Fork ’n’ Cork

Chef James Smith first gained recognition with his wildly popular burger truck named The Patty Wagon. When he traded in the truck for permanent gastropub digs on downtown Wilmington’s Market Street, fans got a full taste of his comfort food with a twist. His famous burgers as well as brisket and meatloaf sandwiches still populate the menu (gluten-free buns available), but think gastronomic experience rather than typical pub food at this oh-so-comfy restaurant.

The intimate, 36-seat space is all red brick, dark wood and artsy stained glass wall hangings. Scotch eggs and deepfried, confit duck legs are famous here. Fans adore the mac ’n’ cheese creations. Sometimes short ribs or brisket gets tucked between the cheesy pasta layers. Carbonara mac ’n’ cheese with shrimp, peas, mushrooms, pancetta

Fork ’n’ Cork

COURTESY OF FORK ’N’ CORK

Pour Taproom

COURTESY OF POUR TAPROOM

and parmesan cream sauce cushions a warm, runny egg yolk. Mini beef Wellingtons are made in house.

Sunday brunch is a must at Fork ’n’ Cork when you consider lobster pot pie that combines tender lobster chunks with corn, baby potatoes and fennel in a champagne cream sauce. For brunch, you also might encounter Texas-style barbecue brisket, two sunny-side-up eggs and Creole mustard cream sauce crowning a hefty buttermilk biscuit alongside home fries. Chef Smith likes surprises.

Polished wood wine racks hold nice but affordable labels. Cocktails might mean bourbon on the rocks, a spiked Bananas Foster milkshake or a Bloody Mary bar. Find craft beers here, too. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

If you are staying near Carolina Beach, be sure to check out the newest location of Fork N' Cork at 102 Cape Fear Boulevard in Carolina Beach.

Smoke on the Water

To be sitting waterfront at sunset is one of coastal North Carolina life’s most precious moments. Friends make the view even more delightful, especially when they’re gathered around a crackling fire enjoying craft beer or cocktails and thinking smoked ribs for dinner. This is nightly scene at Smoke on the Water, a new restaurant tucked into a quiet cove of the Cape Fear River.

Chef/owner James Smith is one of Wilmington’s most well-known cooks. Smith became famous for the juicy burgers and hand-cut fries he served on his Patty Wagon food truck. That led to his downtown restaurant Fork ’n’ Cork, where the burgers and more of Smith’s comfort food with a twist are served alongside great wines. Smoke on the Water extends Smith’s knack for comfort food with just enough flair. “It’s about food that people want to eat and come back for,” he said.

“Smoke” alludes to wood-fired meats, whether apple cider-brined ribs smoked over apple wood, or brisket the Texan rubs with his own black peppery, brown sugar spice blend and smokes over hickory and mesquite for 14 hours.

But “smoke” some days refers to the misty haze that shrouds the Cape Fear River some mornings. It’s a view commercial fishermen know all too well. That scene in mind, Smith offers steam pots full of jumbo N.C. shrimp or mixed seafood. Get oysters on the half-shell, a fried seafood platter or blackened shrimp tacos with smoked tomatillo salsa and avocado lime crema.

Smoke on the Water feels like a riverfront home. Sip cocktails on Adirondack-style chairs that furnish the huge wrap-around porch. Eat at tables outside or choose the enclosed patio on chilly evenings. The huge central indoor bar feels like one big outdoor gathering in spring and summer, when the weather warms enough to open garage doors. Arrive early, sip a drink, share a plate of tassowrapped shrimp “corndogs” and settle in to beat the crowds due at sunset.

Smoke on the Water is open 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are accepted, and they’re recommended for sunset seatings.

Pour & Pay by the Ounce.

It’s a Downtown Beer and Wine Festival EVERYDAY!

TUES WEDS Thurs $3.50 Lagers, $8 Margs 1/2 off wine & Cider $4 Pints on ilm brews

Beer Festival Everyday

TUES 7PM: Trivia WED 7PM: Music BingoSAT 8PM: Live Music

Offering a variety of craft beer, ciders and wine for you to pay by the ounce

910.769.1980 • pourtaproom.com/wilmington 70 Taps | Featuring ILM & NC Based Breweries Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11am-11pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-1am

Stouts, Porters, Sours, and Ciders

Rich Reds & Crisp Whites in 120 sq.ft. Bank Vault PourTaproomILM.com

Full Service Cocktail Bar 910.769.1980

Full Menu with Lunch & Dinner Options Mon-Wed 11am-10pm | Thurs 11am-11pm

TVs | Adult Game Room w/ Darts, Shuffle Fri & Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-9pm

Board, Pool, & Foosball 

Yosaké

COURTESY OF YOSAKÉ Hops Supply Co.

Pour Taproom

The craft beer game can be risky. You might throw the dice on an untested pint with an intriguing moniker, only to be unhappy that it’s too hoppy. No more, says Pour Taproom. In this Downtown Wilmington watering hole, you can try a few ounces, then switch it up if you want a different sip. No regrets, no risk, just a new way to enjoy a variety of beer and wine while supporting local and regional innovative craft brewing. Winwin.

YoSaké

YoSaké offers outstanding sushi alongside a full Pan-Asian menu that diners have been enjoying for years. Decorated in a memorable and fabulous Tokyo vogue decor, YoSaké is a place where you feel transported and well treated. Chef Erin Wiley, Sous Chef Tristan Dias and Sushi Manager Jessica Rabbit work together to create daily sushi specials and Pan-Asian fare from locally sourced and organic farms. Some of the town’s favorite dishes include Shanghai firecracker shrimp and steamed pork dumplings. Don’t forget to allow time to try one of their signature cocktails (like the pomegranate ginger mojito) or sample from their impressive selection of sakes.

Henry’s American Food

When you’re in the mood for classic, made-from-scratch American fare, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at the

Chicken Salad Chick

neighborhood favorite, Henry’s, in Wilmington at the corner of Shipyard and Independence Boulevards. Henry’s dishes emphasize local and seasonal ingredients, an effort recognized by the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s Goodness Grows seal in North Carolina. They offer chef-inspired daily features throughout the day, and various salads, sandwiches, soups and luncheon plates during their popular lunch. Henry’s Shrimp and Grits and Wilmingtonian Burger with pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes are among local favorites.

Dinner brings homemade meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes, local vegetables of the day and savory gravy. Seafood choices include jumbo shrimp

and herb grilled salmon. Fettuccini with grilled chicken and mushrooms, hanger steak and hearty pot roast are always in demand. “Two-Handed” sandwiches and several entrée salads are also excellent options. Henry’s has a full bar with featured drinks throughout the week, including $3 local craft beers on Monday, and half-priced wines on Wednesday. Henry’s has a new stone patio, with lounge seating and fire pits, perfect to catch a bite and drink after work.

Head over to Henry’s for brunch on Sundays and enjoy bellinis and mimosas, or their signature and popular Seaside Grown Bloody Mary, that is garnished with shrimp and pickles, and available spicy. The menu includes brunch features, such as the Tempura Chicken and Waffles along with their most popular lunch selections. Brunch starts at 10 a.m. on Sundays.

The Pine Room at Henry’s is a charming space for intimate gatherings, such as board meetings, rehearsal dinners, showers and holiday or birthday celebrations. If looking to host an event offsite, there is a wide selection of party platters for catering.

Hops Supply Co.

You’ll have some decisions to make at Hops Supply Co. Wheat, lager, IPA, gose, ale, amber, cider or stout? Bottle or draft? Do you want local North Carolina craft beers or a hand-crafted cocktail? And don’t forget wine! Then there’s the food. Hops Supply Co. is billed as an American gastropub. As hops are the heart of flavor for beer, their local seasonal ingredients are the soul of the culinary inspired American fare. Keeping it fresh, flavorful and at times, unexpected, are the goals HopsCo will continue to hit with their first-class service, menu, and bar. A view of the open kitchen from tables and comfy booths near window walls remind diners of more choices.

Hops Supply Co serves up plenty of scratch-made dishes for you to pair with your favorite beer! Dine for lunch and dinner during the week or Brunch Unplugged on the weekends to hear some local talent play some tunes. Not long after it opened, diners voted Hops Wilmington’s best new restaurant in 2013. Lunch and dinner are served every day at the Oleander Drive spot in midtown Wilmington. Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Hops Supply Co host a number of weekly events including Service Industry Night on Mondays and Trivia Night on Wednesdays. Head to Hops Supply Company and kick back on the patio with a cold beer in hand!

Pipeline Poke

Inspired by the good vibes and healthy eats on Hawaii’s North Shore, Pipeline Poke brings fresh Hawaiian cuisine to Wilmington. Build your own poke rolls, bowls and plates with choices of protein, flavors, toppings and addons at this quick-service restaurant in Autumn Hall on Eastwood Road.

Wilmington, NC Wilmington, NC

1131 A Military Cuto Road Open Monday-Saturday 10:30am-7pm

Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken salad and sides are made from scratch every day. Their menu items can fit a variety of dietary needs including gluten free, high protein, low sugar and several others. Offering a full catering menu in both boxed lunches and buffet style as well as family meals.

FRESH SUSTAINABLE FRIENDLY

PIPELINE-POKE.COM

Each day their refrigerator is stocked with Quick Chicks that are easy to pick up containers of all 13 flavors of chicken salad and sides in both small and large sizes. Each season offers new desserts, limited time offers on special flavors and much more.

Oceanic Restaurant at the Crystal Pier

Carolina Ale House

You’ll immediately know the Carolina Ale House theme when you walk in the door. Two giant, flat-screen TV’s and 46 others broadcast sports throughout the family-friendly restaurant. In between are all manners of sports memorabilia from local and state teams. Watch all the games at booths, bar tables, an inside bar and a beautiful outside bar and patio.

The menu fits the fun, game-day feel at this South College Road restaurant. Bar bites range from Buttered Pretzel Sticks to Five-Cheese Spinach Dip to Frickles™. Their commitment to freshness is seen with their chicken wings, which are fresh, never frozen. These are offered fried, grilled, or prepared with a Signature Dry Rub, and with your choice of wing sauce, including: BBQ, Honey Buffalo, Buffalo, Habanero BBQ, Garlic-Parmesan, and Five Alarm. The extensive menu features shareable appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads, and desserts.

Our new Epic Burger: Double stacked burger, cheddar, crispy smoked bacon, crispy onion strings, lettuce, tomato, bbq sauce, toasted potato roll. Our Crystal Coast Shrimp is Crispy shrimp, tossed in sweet and spicy sriracha aioli, perfect for both sides of your palette. Or order up a chargrilled choice ribeye with house mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables. The kid’s menu features little cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, cheese quesadilla and more. Every Tuesday is Kid’s Night featuring kid’s meals for just 99 cents with the purchase of an adult entrée starting at 5 p.m.

The handcrafted dishes at Carolina Ale House means no one will leave hungry. Choose a beer from one of their 38 taps or get a handcrafted cocktail, always made with fresh ingredients. They are open from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. every day. ALE YEAH.

Blue Surf Café

Whether you surf waves or walk the beach, you will feel right at home here. Chef Jon Webb crafts coastal flavors with a Southern twist, which will delight you morning, noon and night. Sink your teeth into signature dishes such as the maple bacon waffles for breakfast, the meatloaf sandwich for lunch or the Mojo Pork or Mahi entrée for dinner. They provide quality and inventive dishes at a reasonable price with an updated menu every spring and fall. Enjoy your food on the porch with a glass of wine or a beer and soak in the vibe as you...Surf. Eat. Repeat.

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Oceanic Restaurant at the Crystal Pier

The Oceanic Restaurant has been rooted in Wrightsville Beach’s history for over 40 years, and the adjoining historic Crystal Pier for over 40 more. When first built in 1939, the pier was the longest wooden pier in the Atlantic Ocean. Even to this day, it is the only wooden pier in Wrightsville Beach, expanding 475 feet into the water. The location of the Oceanic is close to where Lumina Pavilion once stood, the entertainment venue popular in the early 1900s as a destination for tourists and Wilmington residents for local entertainment, dancing and summer activities. Located on South Lumina Avenue, this iconic restaurant sits three stories high, with seating and panoramic views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean from each floor. The restaurant was recently renovated, offering modern touches and coastal charm, while also providing a look back at Wrightsville Beach history as you enter the restaurant. The restaurant also serves as an event venue with access to use the Crystal Pier for receptions and ceremonies.

Enjoy live music on the pier from local musicians on Fridays and Sundays, all while you dine or enjoy a variety of cocktails at the pier bar. The location of the restaurant also happens to be a favorite location for surfers, and you can often catch the sights of dolphins and sailboats on the water. Grab a drink while sitting at The Jetty Bar, which has a robust selection of wines, cocktails, and beers and overlooks the ocean, with views of Wrightsville Beach’s orange hued sunsets.

The Oceanic serves lunch and dinner daily, with a well-known beachside brunch on Sundays, complete with champagne cocktails and bloody Marys. The Oceanic is known for their coastal cuisine and dedication to fresh, local and seasonal dishes.

Seafood dishes range from crab cakes and dip, to sushi-grade Ahi Poke

bowls, to your traditional Southern “Calabash-style” platters and chefinspired features served daily. While visiting, be sure to start off your meal with one of their local favorite appetizers, such as the Jumbo Lump Crab Dip, Oysters Rockefeller or Sunkissed Shrimp. Several seasonal salad entrees are available for those looking for something on the lighter side, with different toppings changing from fried oysters to shrimp. Steaks, chicken and pasta dishes, such as the Lumina Roasted Chicken are also crowdpleasing dinner options.

The Oceanic has a fully stocked bar, with a variety of rotating local craft beers, an extensive wine list and a selection of cocktails. For those looking for a picnic dinner on the beach or heading home after a long day in the sun, you can pick up a to-go menu which includes large, family-style to-go platters. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is Sundays, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oceanic has a private parking lot located adjacent to the restaurant with handicap parking and accessibility. There is direct access to the beach via stairs on the pier or via the walkway next to the restaurant. For those on their family vacations, don’t forget to pick up a souvenir, postcard or t-shirt to remind you of your memorable trip.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

Bluewater Waterfront Grill overlooks a beautiful marina just over Wrightsville Beach’s Causeway Bridge, what locals call “the first bridge,” as you approach town. The sprawling, twostory restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, offers casual American food and friendly service.

Being so close to the shore, seafood is, of course, a specialty. Start meals with a classic shrimp cocktail or coconut shrimp with dark rum marmalade dipping sauce. The sandwich menu lists lobster rolls, fish tacos and burgers. When soft shell crabs are in season, look for them deep-fried and in a sandwich. Delicious. Entrees touch land and sea, with baby back ribs, grilled rib-eye steaks, citrus-glazed scallops, seafood lasagna, a fried seafood platter and a mixed grill featuring mahi, salmon and

COURTESY OF BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL

shrimp. Daily specials are other good bets.

A full bar serves all sorts of cocktails and beer. Wine is poured by the glass or bottle. Reserve beautiful private rooms with stunning views, especially at sunset, for parties, special occasions or business meetings. Bluewater is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week.

Burrito Shak Burrito Shak is a family-friendly, quick-dining restaurant where they utilize fresh ingredients in all of their menu items. It’s a combination of everything owner David Longo and his family love: flavorful food, beach vibes

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

and family. The founding Burrito Shak is located just 10 miles from the beach, so they knew that giving their menu and decor a coastal vibe was a must. Other locations include Hampstead, Wilmington, Surf City and Jacksonville. Burrito Shak was voted #1 Tacos in North Carolina, beating 63 fellow competitors in an elimination-style taco tournament.

Burrito Shak has a created a solid reputation for excellence and an ever-growing loyal customer base. Their mission is to share the taste of high-quality, fresh-Mex cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere, and now they are excited to offer a path for other entrepreneurs and food

PHOTO BY LAURA GLANTZ Burrito Shak

Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill

This is the most unique restaurant in Wilmington, as it’s the only floating one. Situated on a barge along the Riverwalk downtown, Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill specializes in Calabash-style seafood, shareable appetizers and classic burgers and sandwiches. You can enjoy a perfect view of the sunset over the Cape Fear River while taking advantage of their full bar, which features frozen cocktails, local draft beer and wines.

Anne Bonny’s has a pet-friendly, open-air atmosphere and offers live music and locally famous giant soft pretzels. Be sure to check out this popular one-of-a-kind dining spot.

The Husk

The Husk opened downtown in 2011 and has been a locals’ favorite ever since. This casual atmosphere is the perfect spot to relax — either start your night here laughing with old friends or end it here with new ones. Featuring an open courtyard with a full-service bar out back, this is the perfect gathering place for a group. Or, if you prefer, hang out inside with friendly bartenders watching your favorite sports team.

The Bento Box Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen

The Forum Shopping Center on Military Cutoff near Wrightsville Beach hosts The Bento Box, recognized as Wilmington’s premier sushi restaurant. Although The Bento Box Sushi Bar & Asian Kitchen is frequently recognized as the best sushi restaurant, it’s also tops for authentic Asian food from Thailand to Tokyo, all prepared with locally sourced all-natural or organic ingredients when available. The Bento Box sake bar boasts one of the largest sake selections in Wilmington and is the first sake bar in the Carolinas to have premium cold sake on draft.

Sit at the sushi bar to watch the masters at work. Consider the signature Delicious Roll, made with either spicy tuna or salmon and seaweed salad topped with avocado, wasabi tobikko, sesame seeds, tempura crumbles, and

Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill

two Bento Box signature hot sauces. The Totally Tuna suits those watching their carbs. Tuna, avocado, wasabi tobikko and sesame soy sheet are wrapped in a thin cucumber and served with spicy ponzu sauce. Choose numerous riceless and vegetarian rolls. Gluten-free soy sauce is available. All rolls are delicious, but better yet, ask owner/chef Lee Grossman to prepare something “Omakase” meaning “Chef’s choice” in Japanese.

You will want to try all the different Asian street foods available on the menu. Vietnamese ginger beef is a beef tenderloin and vegetable stir-fry in ginger sauce. Pickled sweet red onions and crispy potato straws crown the mix. The oh-so-crispy Japanese fried

PHOTO BY MEGAN DEITZ

chicken, marinated in sake, ginger and soy sauce and dusted with potato starch, is gluten-free, as are many items on the menu. Oftentimes, diners choose several dishes and share them to enjoy all the many flavors.

Save room for a chocolate potsticker. Each deep-fried wonton package holds a warm, melty, handmade, Belgian dark chocolate truffle. A delicious caramel dipping sauce comes on the side. You may order just one truffle, but why would you?

The restaurant is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Chef closes on Sunday so he and the staff can have quality family time. 