2025 American Guide

Poe’s Tavern is an effortlessly chic spot for Happy Hour drinks, a post-beach meal, or a late night adventure with friends reminiscing about the day over a round of beers or two. Featuring a cool brick and dark wood interior, with subdued...

Pop’s Diner is a nostalgic little eatery that will bring a smile to any Carolina Beach vacationer’s face. Carolina Beach's only late night diner that is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night!  Featuring a cool...

Ports of Call Bistro & Market is a catch-all destination for Southport food lovers of all tastes. Featuring an in-house bakery and market, as well as a dining area that serves up both fresh lunch and dinner selections, this Downtown Southport...

Russell’s Place Restaurant is a classic breakfast and lunch restaurant that brings traditional diner-style and wholly American fare to the heart of the Cape Fear region. With a basic but sprawling menu that focuses on all the breakfast and...

Rx Restaurant and Bar has a goal to feed the soul, with a distinctively fresh menu that uses local ingredients from regional growers, farmers and fishermen. With complementing drinks that are just as unusual as the food, patrons can enjoy a...

Sam’s Hot Dog Stand isn’t technically a “stand,” but it has all the flavor of a favorite hot dog stand in NYC or big metropolis that’s well outside the port city. Priding itself on great prices and great dogs, visitors...

The SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar is a casual little spot that has a definitive coastal vibe and a hearty menu that’s seemingly designed to appeal to salty appetites. Found just a block away from the oceanfront, and bordered by palm trees, this...

Shagger Jacks is an ideal location for a post-beach drink, snack attack, or full meal, with a wonderfully varied and beachy menu that matches the cool, coastal surroundings. With seasonal outdoor and indoor seating that’s designed for...

Boasting an incredible location surrounded by water, and an arsenal of amenities just waiting to be enjoyed by vacationers, the Shoals Club is easily one of the most unique and accommodating community clubs on Bald Head Island. With fun and active...

Seafood lovers who don’t mind getting their hands dirty will want to take a stroll to the Shuckin’ Shack. Located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington along a busy section of Market Street, this casual and cool seafood joint is the...

Silver Dollar is a fine representation of what makes “Pleasure Island” a popular destination for the after-hours crowd. Located along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and sandwiched in between a couple of cool bars, restaurants, and shops...

For over 30 years, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, has focused on creating an enjoyable dining experience for our customers.At Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, we strive to be the best host. From the moment you walk through...

For a no-frills breakfast or afternoon meal that’s loaded with southern flavor and coastal North Carolina staples, head to Sonja’s Grill. Found just off of Highway 17, and convenient to visitors who are exploring all along the Cape Fear...

South Beach Grill is a cool little restaurant that’s close to the water, and which uses this locale as an inspiration for its tasty, seafood-heavy menu. Serving lunch and dinner in the nicely decorated inside dining area, as well the expansive...

There’s always something sumptuous to discover at Sweet N Savory Café – an artful little eatery that’s found on the edge of Wilmington’s Landfall Park, and the River to the Sea Bikeway. The interior is vibrant and...

The name of “The Basics” is also an illusion to this casual eatery’s philosophy, which is to serve up all the stales of southern comfort food, keep it simple, and let the inherently rich and wonderful flavors shine.

The Dive is an ultra-casual little spot that’s a fun destination for the after-hours beach crowd. Located just off of US 421, and bordered by a collection of beach bars, motels and restaurants, this little establishment is a subtle addition to...

Wine lovers will adore The Fortunate Glass - a wine and tapas bar that has a 21 page menu, with 20 pages dedicated to wine (and beer) alone. Located in a central section of Downtown Wilmington, this little eatery is the perfect spot to...

The Grille At Bald Head Island Club is a posh option for Bald Head Island visitors to feast on a seasonal selection of southern-inspired cuisine. Located on the southwestern edge of the island, and on-site for the convenience of club guests, the...

The King’s Table is a central destination for golfing visitors and residents of the Castle Bay Country Club who crave a fresh sandwich, salad, or other bite to eat that pairs nicely with a full day on the golf course. Boasting a castle-like...

Spend a romantic evening out in the heart of Downtown Wilmington with a visit to The Little Dipper. This charming fondue restaurant features heaping plates of veggies, breads, meats, and desserts that can be dipped into warm pots of gooey goodness.

The Pharmacy Restaurant is a New American restaurant that has a lot of historic southern style, and a cool location in the heart of the downtown area. Found along Moore Street and bordered by small patio tables that are shaded under the blue and...

The Purple Onion Café opened on Main Street in Shallotte in 2004. Since then they have become a community favorite serving locals & visitors breakfast and lunch with a delicious menu of pastries, traditional breakfast items, burgers...

The View At Brick Landing Plantation is the only on-island restaurant that’s situated on one of the Oak Island area’s picturesque golf courses. Overlooking the course as well as the not-so-distant Intracoastal Waterway, patrons can treat...

Tommy Thompson’s Grille is an on-site restaurant that’s found within the private golfing community, The Clubs at St. James. Featuring a la carte and more casual dining, as well as a daily soup, salad bar, and a full-service bar for...

With solid prices, great grub, and a convenient location for Porters Neck locals and visitors, Two Guys Grille allows casual food fans to chow down on a hearty and slightly elevated menu without breaking the bank.

White Front is a no-frills breakfast joint that’s found within a weather-worn, one-story building on the outskirts of the downtown area, and despite its humble exterior, is a popular local go-to for good breakfast food without the fuss...

Visitors who crave a really good burger and a beer in a super casual environment should make a beeline to Winnies Tavern. Located in a relatively quiet section of Wilmington, with a slightly rustic exterior, Winnies is laid-back but friendly, and is...

For a classic coastal bite to eat that’s almost eclipsed by the brilliant view, head to Yacht Basin Eatery. This waterfront restaurant with seasonal outdoor seating and a location on the very edge of downtown Southport features impressive...