Paula’s guidebook
Food scene
We're foodies and all of these made the cut.
Try the spiced peach margarita! It's amazing. Favorite cocktail in Wilmington. The food is also super creative and delish.
13 locals recommend
RUMCOW.
121 Grace StTry the spiced peach margarita! It's amazing. Favorite cocktail in Wilmington. The food is also super creative and delish.
This amazing restaurant is right next door and they have excellent food and drink! Go on Monday for 1/2 price bottles of wine and 1/2 price oysters.
58 locals recommend
Pinpoint Restaurant
114 Market StThis amazing restaurant is right next door and they have excellent food and drink! Go on Monday for 1/2 price bottles of wine and 1/2 price oysters.
Amazing latin cuisine and excellent service. They don't take reservations and it's small, so definitely try to go at an off-hour. Order the Jala-Pina Rita - Pineapple, Lime, Passion Fruit and Jalapeno with a chili-salt rim - OMG!
89 locals recommend
Savorez
402 Chestnut StAmazing latin cuisine and excellent service. They don't take reservations and it's small, so definitely try to go at an off-hour. Order the Jala-Pina Rita - Pineapple, Lime, Passion Fruit and Jalapeno with a chili-salt rim - OMG!
Go for the 1/2 price special menu daily from 5-7. Or go anytime really. So good and so fun!
84 locals recommend
Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge
33 S Front StGo for the 1/2 price special menu daily from 5-7. Or go anytime really. So good and so fun!
Another restaurant just outside the front door that you have to try. Large portions and nice waitstaff. Always crowded.
91 locals recommend
The Fork 'N' Cork
122 Market StAnother restaurant just outside the front door that you have to try. Large portions and nice waitstaff. Always crowded.
Circa 1922
8 N Front Stthe food rocks.
The Basics
319 N Front StFun spot for brunch. The brunch rocks it!
Beer Barrio
34 N Front StYummy mexican and good vibes. I love their nachos!
Manna
123 Princess StI would say this is one of the finer dining options in town.
Breakfast spot steps from the condo. Longtime Wilmington staple. The cheese grits were delish. Dive diner.
51 locals recommend
The Dixie Grill
116 Market StBreakfast spot steps from the condo. Longtime Wilmington staple. The cheese grits were delish. Dive diner.
Currently closed and changing concept to chicken and oysters. Will reopen in 2023. Organic farmers and fishermen. Locally inspired southern cuisine. Can't go wrong here. Also excellent for brunch!
73 locals recommend
Rx Restaurant and Bar
421 Castle StCurrently closed and changing concept to chicken and oysters. Will reopen in 2023. Organic farmers and fishermen. Locally inspired southern cuisine. Can't go wrong here. Also excellent for brunch!
Casual southern cuisine and the best fried chicken in town! Down by Chandlers Wharf. Nice water view from outside tables. They just added a fun beer garden between Water and Front Streets behind Chandlers Wharf. Lots of yard games and live music. Great vibes!
10 locals recommend
Rooster & The Crow
225 S Water StCasual southern cuisine and the best fried chicken in town! Down by Chandlers Wharf. Nice water view from outside tables. They just added a fun beer garden between Water and Front Streets behind Chandlers Wharf. Lots of yard games and live music. Great vibes!
The Copper Penny
109 Chestnut StA must visit Wilmington classic.
Tarantelli's
102 S 2nd StExcellent italian just around the corner.
This is a cute little area to hit about a mile south of downtown. This restaurant has excellent pizza and pasta. Free delivery!
62 locals recommend
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria
206 Greenfield StThis is a cute little area to hit about a mile south of downtown. This restaurant has excellent pizza and pasta. Free delivery!
Pizza joint right across the street. Solid pizza and open very late.
46 locals recommend
Slice of Life Pizzeria & Pub Downtown
125 Market StPizza joint right across the street. Solid pizza and open very late.
I Love NY Pizza
28 N Front StSuper delish pizza! One block away. Not for eating there.
We love love love this place! Excellent food, sometimes live music, beautiful and hip inside. Their flatbread is super crispy and amazing.
14 locals recommend
Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar - Wilmington
107 N 2nd StWe love love love this place! Excellent food, sometimes live music, beautiful and hip inside. Their flatbread is super crispy and amazing.
Rebellion NC
15 S Front StAmazing smoked wings!
Take a trip into the orient. Visit their lotus pond, enjoy company in one of their Thai huts, or just have a quiet dinner in the exquisite dining room.
Ultimately, you'll enjoy the finest Thai-Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully decorated environment.
186 locals recommend
Indochine Restaurant
7 Wayne DrTake a trip into the orient. Visit their lotus pond, enjoy company in one of their Thai huts, or just have a quiet dinner in the exquisite dining room.
Ultimately, you'll enjoy the finest Thai-Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully decorated environment.
Oceanic
703 S Lumina AveDine or have a cocktail basically over the ocean. Go for the views!
Seriously excellent Chinese food! Delivery was a bit expensive but worth it!
6 locals recommend
Szechuan 132
419 S College RdSeriously excellent Chinese food! Delivery was a bit expensive but worth it!
Just opened and already a favorite. They serve amazing coffee and food. Primarily seafood but their steak is amazing too.
41 locals recommend
Seabird
1 South Front StreetJust opened and already a favorite. They serve amazing coffee and food. Primarily seafood but their steak is amazing too.
Go on Sunday for a dockside cocktail. It’s right on the water and hoppin.
97 locals recommend
Dockside Restaurant
1308 Airlie RdGo on Sunday for a dockside cocktail. It’s right on the water and hoppin.
Take a long stroll down the riverwalk to marina grill. The outside seating and view of the marina is beautiful.
29 locals recommend
Marina Grill
18 Harnett StTake a long stroll down the riverwalk to marina grill. The outside seating and view of the marina is beautiful.
Consistently good and beautiful views on outside waterfront decks.
39 locals recommend
The Bridge Tender
1414 Airlie RdConsistently good and beautiful views on outside waterfront decks.
Panacea Brewing Company
4107 Oleander DrAmazing vegan food and hard kombucha. So good really!
Block Taco
120 Greenfield StSouth front area is cool. Get nachos and head to satellite for a beer.
If u go to Carolina beach or beyond stop by here for lunch and cocktails. Fun outside garden setting.
115 locals recommend
Havana’s Restaurant
1 N Lake Park BlvdIf u go to Carolina beach or beyond stop by here for lunch and cocktails. Fun outside garden setting.
Go for the view. Waterside dining! Sunday’s during summer 4-8 live music.
112 locals recommend
Bluewater Grill
4 Marina StGo for the view. Waterside dining! Sunday’s during summer 4-8 live music.
So good! Best brussels sprouts dish in town hands down! Great vibe!
9 locals recommend
True Blue Butcher and Barrel
110 Greenfield StreetSo good! Best brussels sprouts dish in town hands down! Great vibe!
In the cargo district so def go to check out the container homes and the other cool things this area has to offer.
20 locals recommend
CheeseSmith
624 South 17th StreetIn the cargo district so def go to check out the container homes and the other cool things this area has to offer.
three10
1022 North 4th StreetNew to the Wilmington dining scene. Lovely dog friendly porch. Excellent food!
Pizza delivery - just call and order. Everyone was talking about it and I wondered could it really be that good? Yes, yes it is!
Wheelz Pizza
2323 South 17th StreetPizza delivery - just call and order. Everyone was talking about it and I wondered could it really be that good? Yes, yes it is!
OMG! Excellent Pizza Napoletana. Next to Hi-Wire Brewing. Casual dining or pick it up.
7 locals recommend
Cugino Forno Wilmington
1020 Princess StreetOMG! Excellent Pizza Napoletana. Next to Hi-Wire Brewing. Casual dining or pick it up.
Vegan restaurant that I still want to try. Worth exploring.
16 locals recommend
The Green House Restaurant
1427 Military Cutoff RoadVegan restaurant that I still want to try. Worth exploring.
Catch
6623 Market StHave heard amazing things. Try the lobster. Special occasion.
The Bento Box Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen
1121 Military Cutoff RdOpened back up. Local favorite. Dram Yard is the very cool restaurant at Arrive boutique hotel. The bar is also fantastic and the gazebo bar is a must go for cocktails. The manager will light a firepit for you anytime and bring you cocktails even if the gazebo bar is not open.
19 locals recommend
Dram Yard
101 S 2nd StOpened back up. Local favorite. Dram Yard is the very cool restaurant at Arrive boutique hotel. The bar is also fantastic and the gazebo bar is a must go for cocktails. The manager will light a firepit for you anytime and bring you cocktails even if the gazebo bar is not open.
Everyone says you have to go. I haven't yet. If you are at the beach do it.
277 locals recommend
Britts Donuts
13 Carolina Beach Ave NEveryone says you have to go. I haven't yet. If you are at the beach do it.
Genki Sushi
4724 New Centre DriveEveryone says this is the best sushi in town. I still need to go.
The Kitchen Sink
622 North 4th StreetCoffee
We're coffee people. These are all unique coffee shops within a few blocks of the condo. I would try them all!
There are many spots to get coffee nearby. We really liked their coffee. It's a darker roast and excellent. Don't get me started on the baked goods. The cinnamon bun was the size of your head. Definitely worth a visit.
31 locals recommend
Wake N Bake Donuts - Wilmington
114 Princess StThere are many spots to get coffee nearby. We really liked their coffee. It's a darker roast and excellent. Don't get me started on the baked goods. The cinnamon bun was the size of your head. Definitely worth a visit.
Just around the block is another spot for your morning joe. We love this place!
54 locals recommend
Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods
202 Princess StJust around the block is another spot for your morning joe. We love this place!
Java Dog Coffee House
303 N Front StAnother coffee joint.
24 South Coffee House
24 S Front StFriendly service and just around the corner on Front St.
I suggest trying all of the local coffee houses and picking the one with the best brew for you!
14 locals recommend
Port City Java
21-A N Front StI suggest trying all of the local coffee houses and picking the one with the best brew for you!
Cheeky Monkey Coffee
124 S Front StAnother new coffee spot nearby!
Seabird
1 South Front StreetFeaturing counter culture coffee. Steps outside condo
Drift Cafe Wrightsville Beach
114 Causeway DriveDrift - many locations
Atmosphere coffee and kale bowl or tacos! I have yet to try this place.
28 locals recommend
Casa Blanca Coffee Roasters
7409 Market StAtmosphere coffee and kale bowl or tacos! I have yet to try this place.
Ice Cream
Every time you walk by Kilwin's, the smell of fresh waffle cone will rock your world. While I'm no fan of lines, I suggest going at an off hour and definitely trying your favorite flavor. It's worth the calories.
65 locals recommend
Kilwin's Chocolates
16 Market StEvery time you walk by Kilwin's, the smell of fresh waffle cone will rock your world. While I'm no fan of lines, I suggest going at an off hour and definitely trying your favorite flavor. It's worth the calories.
Excellent alternative to Kilwin's - especially when there is a line down the block.
13 locals recommend
Gelarto
18 S Water StExcellent alternative to Kilwin's - especially when there is a line down the block.
Alternative to Kliwin's on the other side of town.
38 locals recommend
Boombalatti's Homemade Ice Cream
1005 N 4th StAlternative to Kliwin's on the other side of town.
Brewery
Local Breweries that you can walk to make me happy. Def check these out! Go on a beer bar crawl!
Just around the block, cool vibe, good beer, go! Great sours!
39 locals recommend
New Anthem Beer Project
116 Dock StJust around the block, cool vibe, good beer, go! Great sours!
Another cool brewery a few blocks away. They do a lot of events so it's not always open to the public, but when they are it's definitely worth checking out.
17 locals recommend
Ironclad Brewery
115 N 2nd StAnother cool brewery a few blocks away. They do a lot of events so it's not always open to the public, but when they are it's definitely worth checking out.
Just another cool brewery to get a flight. Hit it when you are going to Savorez. It's over that way. Live music and food trucks.
84 locals recommend
Flytrap Brewing
319 Walnut StJust another cool brewery to get a flight. Hit it when you are going to Savorez. It's over that way. Live music and food trucks.
Also known for their food. Go to happy hour from 4-6 or after 10PM and get the 1/2 price apps - especially the onion rings. The best in town. Always a good happy hour beer special too!
122 locals recommend
Front Street Brewery
9 N Front StAlso known for their food. Go to happy hour from 4-6 or after 10PM and get the 1/2 price apps - especially the onion rings. The best in town. Always a good happy hour beer special too!
Edward Teach Brewing
604 N 4th StAnother local brewery to hit during your crawl!
Waterline Brewing Company
721 Surry StFun inside and out. Take a tour and play some games.
Fun games like ping pong and soccer pool. Cool vibe. Food truck in lot.
28 locals recommend
Hi-Wire Brewing - Wilmington
1020 Princess StreetFun games like ping pong and soccer pool. Cool vibe. Food truck in lot.
Bars
This place is like cheers. Everyone knows your name. Super friendly joint to watch sports. Lots of TVs and some fun games like giant jenga. One stop shop for tasting every local brewery that Wilmington has to offer. They don't offer a food menu but they have popcorn and often provide food like wings for free. They also have trivia night on Tuesday's at 8PM. Really fun place to go!
10 locals recommend
Tavern Law 1832
106 N 2nd StThis place is like cheers. Everyone knows your name. Super friendly joint to watch sports. Lots of TVs and some fun games like giant jenga. One stop shop for tasting every local brewery that Wilmington has to offer. They don't offer a food menu but they have popcorn and often provide food like wings for free. They also have trivia night on Tuesday's at 8PM. Really fun place to go!
It's a bit hidden down a dark alley but has a very cool vibe and they have mules on tap. You have to become a member for $1 per year. Totally worth that huge investment!
49 locals recommend
Blind Elephant
21 N Front StIt's a bit hidden down a dark alley but has a very cool vibe and they have mules on tap. You have to become a member for $1 per year. Totally worth that huge investment!
Go to The Rooftop at sunset. Just do it. It's not hoppin' at sunset but the views are amazing!
21 N Front St
21 North Front StreetGo to The Rooftop at sunset. Just do it. It's not hoppin' at sunset but the views are amazing!
Go for 1/2 price burgers on Monday and $3 beer or on Wednesday for 8 wings for $7! Fun place just around the corner for a drink.
31 locals recommend
Rebellion NC
15 S Front StGo for 1/2 price burgers on Monday and $3 beer or on Wednesday for 8 wings for $7! Fun place just around the corner for a drink.
Lots of live music, a patio bar, and a rooftop bar. It's pretty loud on the weekends.
35 locals recommend
Reel Cafe
100 S Front StLots of live music, a patio bar, and a rooftop bar. It's pretty loud on the weekends.
Seems touristy but it's a fun spot for a beer or cocktail RIGHT on the water. It's almost as if you are on a boat. Go for happy hour or sunset. They also have live music at night.
31 locals recommend
Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill
106 S Water StSeems touristy but it's a fun spot for a beer or cocktail RIGHT on the water. It's almost as if you are on a boat. Go for happy hour or sunset. They also have live music at night.
Tues $1 tacos, Wed $6.66 burger, Thurs 1/2 price wings. We actually had a really good salad there too.
23 locals recommend
Hell's Kitchen
118 Princess StTues $1 tacos, Wed $6.66 burger, Thurs 1/2 price wings. We actually had a really good salad there too.
The Fortunate Glass Wine Bar
29 S Front St1/2 price charcuterie on Wed
Taste of the Olvie & Vine has cheese boards and great wine. Stop by for a glass and bring a bottle home! Go on Thursday for 1/2 price tapas menu!
6 locals recommend
Taste the Olive & Vine
242 Princess StTaste of the Olvie & Vine has cheese boards and great wine. Stop by for a glass and bring a bottle home! Go on Thursday for 1/2 price tapas menu!
If you are looking for a basement dive bar with locals, head across the street and down the stairs.
44 locals recommend
The Husk
31 S Front StIf you are looking for a basement dive bar with locals, head across the street and down the stairs.
Great local dive bar with an interesting crowd. Oldest bar in Wilmington.
16 locals recommend
Barbary Coast
116 S Front StGreat local dive bar with an interesting crowd. Oldest bar in Wilmington.
Coglin’s Wilmington
206 Market StGet your 80s 90s dance party ON at coglins. Great music and fun dance floor!
Alcove Beer Garden
348 Hutchison LnCheck out the container district. So cool!
Block taco is just outside and you can bring it in. Live music sometimes and corn hole. Fun outside area
126 locals recommend
Satellite Bar and Lounge
120 Greenfield StBlock taco is just outside and you can bring it in. Live music sometimes and corn hole. Fun outside area
Cute and delicious spot to hit after your walk on the beach at Johnny Mercers Fishing Pier.
33 locals recommend
Shark Bar and Kitchen
13 E Salisbury StCute and delicious spot to hit after your walk on the beach at Johnny Mercers Fishing Pier.
Cool vibes in brooklyn arts district. Live music sometimes. Food truck out back. Worth hitting.
52 locals recommend
Palate Bottle Shop & Reserve
1007 N 4th StCool vibes in brooklyn arts district. Live music sometimes. Food truck out back. Worth hitting.
Dead Crow Comedy Room
511 N 3rd StLive comedy and an amazing beer garden. Go for one or both!
I really want to go here. Tiki adventure club. Maybe a live performance or just go for a cocktail.
The Sorrow Drowner
19 South 10th StreetI really want to go here. Tiki adventure club. Maybe a live performance or just go for a cocktail.
Shopping
The Cotton Exchange
321 N Front StTons of cute boutiques in a unique setting.
Just a block away and it’s sort of like 7-11. Has everything u need.
8 locals recommend
Village Market Grocery
26 S 2nd StJust a block away and it’s sort of like 7-11. Has everything u need.
DGX
250 N Water StThis is on water street a few blocks away and is a small grocery store. They have everything!
This is over the bridge towards the battleship. It’s like a general store meets farmers market meets fish market. Oysters shrimp and crab. Tons of fish. Veggies and fruit. Snacks cheese ice cream and dessert. Everything you need for a special dinner in.
Eagle Island Seafood
2500 US-421This is over the bridge towards the battleship. It’s like a general store meets farmers market meets fish market. Oysters shrimp and crab. Tons of fish. Veggies and fruit. Snacks cheese ice cream and dessert. Everything you need for a special dinner in.
Super cute high end boutiques for clothing, home, and shoes. A few places to eat also.
30 locals recommend
Lumina Station
1900 Eastwood RdSuper cute high end boutiques for clothing, home, and shoes. A few places to eat also.
Whole Foods is a few miles a way but they deliver free if you have Amazon prime for orders over $35.
54 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
3804 Oleander DrWhole Foods is a few miles a way but they deliver free if you have Amazon prime for orders over $35.
A few miles away just past Whole Foods. Perfect for snacks or anything food!
53 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1437 S College RdA few miles away just past Whole Foods. Perfect for snacks or anything food!
Gravity Records
612 Castle StVinyl!
Old Books on Front Street
249 N Front StBooks and more books!
Edge of Urge
18 Market StShop!
My friend Katherine owns this shop. Vinyl and clothing and accessories!
6 locals recommend
Modern Legend
130 N Front StMy friend Katherine owns this shop. Vinyl and clothing and accessories!
Small carries a lot of Organic, good food and salad bar, also good for healthier grab and go options. Smoothies and Juice drinks.
28 locals recommend
Tidal Creek Co-op
5329 Oleander DrSmall carries a lot of Organic, good food and salad bar, also good for healthier grab and go options. Smoothies and Juice drinks.
Lovey's Natural Foods & Cafe
1319 Military Cutoff RdCarries a lot of Organic and has good food bar.
Saigon Market International Groceries
831 S Kerr AveLa Huerta Fresh Produce
830 S Kerr AveSightseeing
This is so gorgeous, especially at sunset! I was stunned. Worth the drive.
315 locals recommend
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd SThis is so gorgeous, especially at sunset! I was stunned. Worth the drive.
Wrightsville Beach
321 Causeway DrKure Beach
Free parking and easy beach access!
Carolina Beach
Jazz in the garden on the 2nd thurs of the month at 6pm. $20 at the door
113 locals recommend
Bellamy Mansion
503 Market StJazz in the garden on the 2nd thurs of the month at 6pm. $20 at the door
Take a riverboat tour! I thought the southern route was more interesting.
23 locals recommend
Cape Fear Spice Merchants
20 Market StTake a riverboat tour! I thought the southern route was more interesting.
Go at sunset or go for a walk each way. It’s currently under construction but just walk around that
58 locals recommend
Wilmington Downtown Riverwalk
Wilmington Downtown RiverwalkGo at sunset or go for a walk each way. It’s currently under construction but just walk around that
I haven’t done it yet but I want to. It looks like a lot of fun. Great for a celebration. The brew boat also looks fun.
36 locals recommend
Wilmington Trolley
15 S Water StI haven’t done it yet but I want to. It looks like a lot of fun. Great for a celebration. The brew boat also looks fun.
I finally went here and it's amazing and beautiful. Would def recommend!
234 locals recommend
Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie RdI finally went here and it's amazing and beautiful. Would def recommend!
Carolina Beach, if you have 4 wheel drive you can drive on the beach. Local tip, to avoid crowds we love to go around 3-4:00 and pack food and drinks to have dinner and sit on the beach and watch sunset.
97 locals recommend
Freeman Park
1800 Canal DrCarolina Beach, if you have 4 wheel drive you can drive on the beach. Local tip, to avoid crowds we love to go around 3-4:00 and pack food and drinks to have dinner and sit on the beach and watch sunset.