2025 American Guide

22 North is a highly acclaimed Wrightsville Beach restaurant that serves up classic southern fare with a Creole and French flair. Located on Lumina Avenue, just a block or so away from the Causeway to the beach, this fresh restaurant is one of the...

Beana’s Kitchen is a traditional little diner that has all the classic southern fare that hungry patrons crave. Open for breakfast and lunch, and offering a lengthy four-page menu, this restaurant that’s found just a block or so away...

Big Daddy’s Restaurant is a classic Kure Beach establishment that has been feeding hungry vacationers since 1970. A popular destination due to its long legacy as a central seafood-focused restaurant, Big Daddy’s serves up big platters of...

Blue Surf Café serves up inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to hungry UNCW college students, Wilmington locals, and savvy vacationers-in-the-know alike. Featuring a wonderfully extensive menu, with a host of global influences, patrons...

Vacationers who are looking for a fast and classic bite before reaching the beach can make a stop at Bob’s Dogs – a fun and funky hot dog restaurant (and more) that’s found just a few blocks away from the beach. Featuring a central...

Seafood Catering | Traditional Low-Country Boils | Clam Bakes | Alternative Dining - Shrimp • Clams • Cornbread • Sausage - Crab Legs • Coleslaw • Potatoes • Lobster Tail

Though almost hidden behind a busy section of College Road, Cape Fear Seafood Company nevertheless has a big reputation as one of the best places to go in Wilmington for outstanding coastal fare. Named by North Carolina’s Our State magazine as...

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, Carolina Girls’ Grillin’ Café is always cooking up something good. Located just north of Wilmington, on the outskirts of Castle Hayne, this eatery has a ton of big flavor that belies its small...

Where do you go in Wilmington for authentic southern soul food that includes everything from all-you-can-eat BBQ and fried chicken to Chitlins’? You head to Casey’s Buffet and BBQ. With never-ending helpings of filling fare, friendly...

Catch has been making waves on the Wilmington dining scene since first opening in 2006, thanks to its award-winning and famous chef and owner, Keith Rhodes. Rhodes was a contestant on the national television show Top Chef and has since returned to...

Causeway Gourmet is a delectable dine-in, take-out, and delivery spot where Ocean Isle Beach vacationers can feast on a wealth of freshly made sandwiches, entrees, salads, and so much more. Located on the inland side of the causeway to the beach...

Chasers Bar & Grill is a fun hang out for Oak Island locals and visitors alike, thanks to a friendly and nicely casual environment, plenty of game-worthy TVs, and a host of traditional bar food that goes well with a cold after-beach beer...

Ask a Wilmington local where to go for a casual lunch in Downtown Wilmington, and chances are they will list Chop’s Deli as one of their favorite options. Known for exceptional deli sandwiches, salads and soups, Chops Deli has gained a devout...

Indecisive diners will have a fine time at Circa 1922. This chic tapas bar and restaurant has a prime Downtown Wilmington location, and a wonderfully varied menu that allows patrons to sample veritably every elevated cuisine under the Cape Fear sun.

The Copper Penny is a favorite go-to for Downtown Wilmington pub fans and beer lovers, thanks to a great combination of an extensive beer menu, tasty and filling cuisine, and an undeniably cool atmosphere.

Crave is a BBQ and Hot Dog Restaurant that offers smoked brisket, pulled chicken and pulled pork, along with 100% all beef Hot Dogs, Brats, and hot/mild sausages, grilled to perfection!

Nothing is more relaxing and liberating than a big belly laugh, and Wilmington’s own Dead Crow Comedy Room is a perfectly convenient destination for Cape Fear visitors to sit back, enjoy a drink, and let loose with some of the region’s...

Wilmington visitors who want the appeal of an oceanfront beach restaurant without taking a spin across the Wrightsville Beach Bridge can pop into the Dockside Restaurant. Located on the waterfront border, with a cool exterior that boasts an...

East Oceanfront Dining is a posh little restaurant that’s found along a quieter section of the Wrightsville Beach shoreline, and which features beautifully colorful plates of traditional seafood and American cuisine with a twist. With a menu...

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little...

Empire Deli & Bagel is a laid-back little breakfast and lunch joint that will satisfy any native New Yorker or New Englander who happens to be in the Cape Fear region. Located just north of Wilmington in the Ogden area, this destination is...

With a name like Epic Food Co, you’d expect the food to be something special, and this casual restaurant off of Military Cutoff Road does not disappoint. Featuring a breakfast, main, and dinner menu, as well as a unique catering menu and...

Eric’s Grille is a casual spot that’s found along a busy and more commercial section of central Southport, and which is known for classic American fare, home cooking, and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Serving up breakfast and lunch...

Eternal Sunshine Café is a bright and cheerful spot to start the day with slightly unique breakfast and brunch fare that is sure to surprise even seasoned Wilmington food fans. Located just off of US Highway 74, this easy-going eatery is a...

Famous Pizza and Subs is a convenient destination for a crowd pleasing take-out or fast and casual dine-in meal, just outside of Downtown Southport. Located close to the junction of 87 and 211 – the two main roads that lead to Southport...

The Fish House Grill is located on the foot of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, and has been a Wilmington institution for generations of hungry, seafood loving patrons. The idyllic setting perfectly complements the extensive and seafood-heavy...

Blue Water Point Motel & Marina is an all-encompassing destination for mariners who are cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway to dock, dine, and enjoy a night off the water in the small coastal town of Oak Island.

Flaming Amy’s Bowl has surpassed its original reputation as a go-to for hungry UNCW college students, and is now a veritable favorite Wilmington eatery in its own right, thanks to a towering menu that can be effortlessly customized to cater to...

Oceanfront dining is always a thrill for Cape Fear visitors, and the Flying Fish Café is a favorite spot on Oak Island for visitors to feast on coastally-inspired creations while enjoying a lovely on-the-sand view. With both traditional and...

The Fox and Hound Pub & Grille is a prime destination for visitors to relax with a pint and a hearty meal after a long day of shopping in the ultra-posh Mayfaire Town center. Featuring a full menu of drinks and lunch and dinnertime traditional...

Beer fans who want to see what brews the Coastal Carolina region can cook up can pay a lunchtime, dinnertime, Happy Hour or late night visit to Front Street Brewery. Known for a collection of flagship brews that are available in kegs, German...

Head to the very edge of waterfront Southport to enjoy a fine meal with an unbeatable view at the Frying Pan. This restaurant that’s located on the edge of Bay Street boasts local and down-home favorites like sweet potato biscuits, fried...

Take a break from strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk and enjoy an impeccable meal with a waterfront view at The George. Featuring vast vistas of the adjacent Cape Fear River, and located in the heart of the downtown area, this brunch, lunch...

Visitors who are enjoying a round at Hampstead’s popular Olde Point Golf and Country Club can polish off a game with a fresh lunch, post-game drink, or tempting dinner at the acclaimed Georges At Olde Point. Featuring a statuesque bar and...

Goody Goody Omelet House Restaurant has the look, the feel, and the grub of a classic southern breakfast and lunch joint, with an accompanying long menu that features all the classics. Located in a vintage building along busy Market Street, this...

The Cape Fear region is home to a wealth of good old fashioned southern cooking, and Carolina Beach’s own Grannys Country Kitchen brings these comfort food flavors to the heart of the shoreline, with a central locale that’s just a block...

The wonderfully unique Greenlands Farm Store is worth a detour from the Southport Waterfront or Oak Island due to its petting zoo and gorgeous Bolivia, NC scenery alone. But visitors who stay to feast at the Farm Store will be rewarded with an...

The Gulf Stream Restaurant is a casual little restaurant that borders a handful of shops and marinas in the heart of Carolina Beach. Featuring a classic exterior and a wealth of classic back-to-basic eats, this family-friendly restaurant has just...

BEST FOOD ON THE ISLAND, HANDS DOWN

Havana’s is an all-encompassing steak, seafood and pasta restaurant that’s just a shell’s throw from the bridge to Wrightsville Beach. Offering lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch in a casual but slightly upscale atmosphere...

Movie buffs and foodies alike will have a fine time at Hell’s Kitchen, a chic little Downtown Wilmington restaurant that had a guest role in the homegrown TV series, “Dawson’s Creek.” Located just a couple blocks away from...

For fine cuisine that benefits from an overall “Farm to Table” philosophy, visitors can head over to Henry’s. Boasting a vintage warm interior with a long bar and an accompanying collection of booths and tables, and a commercially...

“Pleasure Island” is all about having fun, and the Hoplite Pub & Beer Garden, a true pub or “public house” lives up to this reputation with a full menu of brews and pub grub, and a relaxed setting that stays open well...

Hops Supply Co is a fresh gastropub on Oleander Drive that impresses patrons with its equally distinctive drink and food menus. With an internal dedication to provide an exceptional beer selection, as well as fresh and flavorful cuisine, Hops Supply...

Summertime visitors who want to hop off the beach and enjoy a cold drink, an easy-going bite to eat, and a fine oceanfront view can stroll along the boardwalk to reach Hurricane Alleys. Located just off the dunes, this beach bar and restaurant in...

Water lovers can enjoy a decadent seafood meal that’s complemented with a stunning view of the ocean with a visit to Oak Island’s Island Way. Located along Beach Road and bordering a quiet stretch of sand that’s home to small...

Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill is a fun destination for a Happy Hour drink and round of appetizers, an easy-going lunch or dinner, or a late-night snack right before the party begins. Located next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and popular with...

Jerry’s is the brainchild of Jerry Rouse – a Wilmington local who is famed for his nearly 40 years of catering experience. While fresh catering is still available, everyday patrons without a big party to plan can still taste the cuisine...

Veer just outside of the heart of Downtown Wilmington and you’ll discover Jester’s Café – a fun and funky café that specializes in traditional breakfast and lunch fare with a twist. Decked out in vibrant colors, and...

Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch House, an old school diner-style restaurant with a vintage exterior and sky-high sign, is a time-tested staple for solid breakfast and lunch fare in a basic but nevertheless inviting family-style environment...

Take in the spectacular views of the intracoastal waterway while dining with friends and family. Executive Chef Joe Paxton has created a crave-worthy dinner menu based around coastal favorites and seasonal vegetables sourced from local and regional...

Kate’s Pancake House is a sunny destination for early risers, thanks to a colorful menu and bright interior that provides a great introduction to a day at the beach. Found in the heart of Carolina Beach along the central Lake Park Blvd, and...

Katy’s Grill and Bar is a haven for sports fans, thanks to a recently renovated living room, a full bar with rows of flat screen TVs, a cool outdoor dining area complete with shady umbrella-topped tables, and an array of flags outside that...

The Keg and Egg is a craft beer emporium with a big Pittsburgh-style influence which, when combined, creates a hearty menu that is sure to appease beer fans and hungry patrons alike. This unique beer garden and sandwich shop is a relatively new...

King Neptune Restaurant is an all-encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night hot spot that boasts a friendly hometown vibe, and a big wave of classic American fare with a coastal and southern influence. Known as a solid breakfast and lunch...

Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill is a fun spot for beach fans and night owls alike, with a wealth of entertainment that’s just steps away from the wide outdoor patio and bar. Known for ice cold drinks, casual beach eats, and plenty of ways to...

Little Bit’s Grill is a small establishment in the heart of Oak Island that might be easy to pass by, but shouldn’t be missed by burger lovers and anyone who is craving a salty, decadent beach treat. Featuring a simple burger and...

Live Oak Café is a small but charming restaurant that’s found in a quiet and slightly inland region of historic Downtown Southport. Located within a turn-of-the-century home with three small dining rooms with beautiful bold...

Southport visitors who are in need of a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast or lunch to start their downtown exploration will find everything they crave at the centrally located Locals Family Diner. Featuring a wealth of crowd-pleasing...

Loco Jo’s Grill is a fun destination for Cape Fear visitors to settle into a table or bar stool and feast on a colorful array of both traditional American, southern, and even global fare. With a unique menu that goes well beyond the typical...

Manna is an enticing fine dining destination in the heat of Downtown Wilmington that applies French techniques to elevated American fare. Using local ingredients whenever possible, diners will be treated to a multi-course menu that is sure to be a...

Mermaid’s Island Grill is a cool restaurant in the heart of Holden Beach that’s known for cold cocktails, good beachy fare, and a laid-back atmosphere that fits in perfectly with the shoreside environment. Located just across the bridge...

Michael's Seafood Restaurant is an all-encompassing stop for both easy-going seafood meals and catering for casual parties or big events. Located in a central shopping and business section of inland Carolina Beach, this fresh eatery has been wowing...

Midtown Deli is a fresh little sandwich shop that’s found just south of the Downtown Wilmington area along 17thstreet. Boasting a full menu of slightly upscale sandwiches, salads, and other fare that’s worthy of an elite delicatessen or...

Mr. P’s Bistro is a fine representation of Low Country cuisine, thanks to a long family history in the local Cape Fear seafood industry. Overseen by Executive Chef and the original Mr. P’s son, Stephen Phipps, (who trained at the Johnson...

Visitors who crave a refreshing seaside bite with an unbeatable view will want to check out the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar. Sandwiched in between two hotels, and perched directly on the oceanfront with a long pier that extends to the water’s...

The Oceanic is the only oceanfront restaurant and pier on Wrightsville Beach, and as such, is a very popular spot for semi-casual lunches, refined dinners, and massive special events with an Atlantic backdrop. Attached to the Crystal Pier, which...

Oceans is a chick little dining option for visitors who are staying in Wrightsville Beach’s sprawling Holiday Inn Resort. Featuring a large and open dining room, as well as several nearby lounges that boast indoor or outdoor ocean views...

Ogden Tap Room is Wilmington’s newest haven for beer lovers, thanks to an extensive beer menu that includes 40 rotating beers on tap. Coupled with an inviting interior, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a full menu of great pub fare, Ogden Tap...

Old Bridge Diner is a classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot that’s both budget-friendly and easy to reach for visitors who are staying both on and off Oak Island. Located on Country Club Drive, and almost hidden next to a busy convenience...

The Olde Salty’s is a local icon that has been serving Carolina Beach vacationers for more than 20 years. Found within a fairly non-descript building along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, this classic lunch and dinner spot serves up...

Wilmington visitors who are touring the downtown area’s famed Cotton Exchange can whet an appetite for a cold drink, a hearty lunch, or a decadent dinner with a visit to Paddy’s Hollow. Featuring an authentic brick-lined atmosphere...

Enjoy a great hot dog with a little dose of local history with a stop at Pauls Place Famous Hotdogs, which is found about 15 miles north of Wilmington in the small town of Rocky Point. A popular local destination for roughly 90 years, this hot dog...

Vacationers who are staying at the Bald Head Island Club don’t have to venture too far away from the sprawling and sparkling pool to find a good and casual spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thanks to the on-site Pelicatessen. Featuring...

Pembroke’s is a favorite choice for fine dining in the Mayfaire region of Wilmington. Located just off of Military Cutoff Road, longtime fans declare that Pembroke’s is more of a “dining experience” than a place to go to eat...

Fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and the Downtown Wilmington waterfront all seem to go together seamlessly, and the fare and atmosphere at The Pilot House is no exception to this rule. Found within a former historic residence that dates back to...

There’s a little something for everyone to savor at the Pine Valley Market. Centrally located along College Road, this modest-sized establishment specializes in catering, fresh meats, wine, prepared foods to feast on at home, gourmet goodies...

PinPoint Restaurant is a chic little downtown restaurant with a big reputation as the perfect destination for a romantic Wilmington date night. Featuring a relatively seasonal menu that showcases local ingredients at every opportunity, the colorful...