10 Amazing Places To Eat In Wilmington North Carolina
If you have ever been to Wilmington, North Carolina, you know there are an infinite amount of options for food around the city. Throughout downtown and the town of Wrightsville Beach, there are many different kinds of food that can satisfy any craving. From seafood, to mexican, to pizza, to breakfast foods, there are so many amazing places to eat in Wilmington North Carolina.
1. Tower 7
Located across from the famous Red Dogs Bar, Tower 7 has fish tacos & more Baja-inspired Mexican fare, plus flavored margaritas located in a “buzzy space” by the beach. The restaurant is named after a lifeguard tower on the stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway in California. Established here in Wrightsville Beach in 2001, with additional locations around Wilmington (K-Bueno, K38, etc.) it has been a popular place for locals, tourists and even James Lafferty and the rest of the One Tree Hill cast. Definitely one of the coolest places to eat in Wilmington North Carolina!
2. Causeway Cafe
Opening their doors in January of 1987, Causeway Café is known for their famous
family setting breakfast and lunch. From Seafood Benedicts to French Toast, Causeway
is known for the best breakfast in Wrightsville. Located right over the WB bridge and off
the Intercoastal Waterway, they have free coffee on their wrap around porch while
waiting for a table. Remember they are cash only, but don’t worry, there is an ATM
nearby just in case!
3. P.T’s Grille
With 5 locations around the Wilmington area, PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille is the best
place to grab a burger for an inexpensive price. They have consistently won “Best
Burger” in Encore Magazine’s annual poll each year. Options to eat inside or outside on
their patio in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and enjoy a tasty burger and an ice
cold fresh lemonade. Every week, they bring a food truck on UNCW’s campus for
students to enjoy!
4. Copper Penny
Located in historic downtown Wilmington, the Copper Penny offers an eclectic mix of
appetizers, salads, and sandwiches along with an extensive selection of mixed drinks
and beers. Serving up some of the best affordable food and drinks in Wilmington, the
Copper Penny’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place for lunch, dinner, or drinks with
friends. They are so amazing a couple weeks ago, the famous Guy Fieri from the Food
Network paid them a visit and even filmed part of an episode!
5. The Dixie Grill
The Dixie Grill has been a longtime Wilmington staple. Located on Market Street, The
Dixie Grill first opened their doors in a Gatsby-esque era with flappers and jazz. Since,
it’s transformed into a favorite local hot spot with unique, delicious southern dishes for
breakfast and lunch. Locals and visitors come to Dixie for it’s relaxed atmosphere,
southern hospitality, and of course, great food. This restaurant was also featured many
times on the hit TV show One Tree Hill in season 6.
6. Vito’s Pizzeria
Located right next to Tower 7 in Wrightsville Beach, Vito’s is the place for late night
pizza runs. Open until 2:30 am Friday through Saturday, that is definitely the hot spot for
those night owls! They offer classic thin crust pies with take-out and limited delivery
area. They even offer speciality pizza combinations like the Sweetwater (pineapple,
ham and green peppers), and the Red Dawg (italian sausage,pepperoni and banana
pepper toppings).
7. Dockside
Dockside has been synonymous with great food and a casual, relaxed, atmosphere for
over 30 years. Perched on the water’s edge of the IntraCoastal Waterway near
Wrightsville Beach, the flagship location showcases the local region’s natural flavors
and features. Dockside blends their own unique, friendly and inviting atmosphere. Fresh
seafood is brought in daily with free hush puppies as you wait and watch boats fly by. Check it out in ‘The Choice’ (Nicholas Sparks). So many of the places to eat in Wilmington North Carolina are famous!
8. The Little Dipper
With Wilmington being the original location, The Little Dipper serves up a full course
menu which includes a cheese fondue appetizer for the table to share, salads or soups,
entrees to be cooked at the table and chocolate fondue as an additional course to
button up the meal. They also offer separate foods including cheese appetizers, salads,
various grilled meats and seafood and dessert fondues which can all be enjoyed in the
bar beside the jellyfish tank or outside on the back deck when the weather is warm. They are located on Front Street downtown.
9. The Reel Cafe
Known as the biggest, hottest space downtown, The Reel Cafe will never have you
down in the dumps. For over 15 years, the Reel Café has been Wilmington’s premier
restaurant and nightlife location. Enjoy dining in the restaurant, live music in the
courtyard Oyster Bar, pool tables on the second-floor, or for a view, at the Rooftop Bar
overlooking the Cape Fear River. They offer lunch, dinner and a late-night menu. The
menu provides a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers and steamers.
10. Indochine
Known as Wilmington’s most acclaimed Thai and Vietnamese Asian Restaurant. You
can visit their lotus pond, dine outside in one of their Thai huts, or just have a quiet
dinner in their exquisite dining room. With so many options to choose from, like green
curry and dumplings, everyone is guaranteed to love this place! There truly is a great variety of places to eat in Wilmington North Carolina.
