Surfing at Wrightsville Beach, or playing frisbee, running, and even just baking in the sun can help work up quite the appetite. With so many great local spots, how do you pick just one place for your next lunch or dinner?
Given the gorgeous weather that we get to experience so often, let’s narrow down the list to focus on outdoor dining with a side of Southern hospitality. There is no shortage of yummy restaurants to choose from, and we’re going to break it down so you don’t have to.
Our team has had a chance to try and personally review these spots after long days of hauling beach gear, and we know that each menu has something great to offer. So, without further ado, some of the best spots for outdoor dining on the North Carolina coast.
Solstice
With a patio out of a dream, featuring gorgeous ocean views, and a menu designed by award-winning chef William Roberts, Solstice is as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. Think fresh, locally sourced ingredients and casually elegant cocktails, along with live music on certain Friday evenings.
If their Shrimp and Grits doesn’t have you seeing stars, desserts like the Pistachio Chocolate Torte will. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, and we can’t recommend it enough!
Where: 1706 North Lumina Avenue
When: Monday – Sunday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: 910-256-2231
Dockside
Serving up good eats, and views that compete, Dockside is a fan favorite for good reason. You can drive, walk, bike, and even boat up to this restaurant to enjoy a meal after working up an appetite in the sun and surf.
Make sure to try Spanky’s Blue Crab Dip as a starter and then dive into some Southern Seafood Alfredo or a Crab Cake Sandwich as an entree. They’re known for having seasonal cocktails like the Hibiscus Margarita, so if you’re a drinker… don’t skip over that portion of their menu.
Where: 1308 Airlie Road
When: Daily 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Call: 910-256-2752
River 128 Restaurant
Dining on the Cape Fear River has never been quite prettier than it is at River 128 Restaurant, located in downtown Wilmington, NC, with its views of Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and, depending on when you stop by, its stunning sunset backdrop.
Dine on their heated outdoor decks, and bring your pup to one of the area’s top dog-friendly restaurants. This also happens to be the only restaurant in town with a private floating dock, 90 ft long in total! Grab a Fried Catfish Sandwich or some Cajun Chicken Penne for a taste of the Southern Coast.
Where: 128 S Water St
When: Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday + Saturday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: 910-763-2052
The Bridge Tender
This seafood restaurant and steakhouse is a local favorite, with creative plates that range from Horseradish Encrusted Tuna to Gorgonzola Buffalo Shrimp, and a nice Filet Mignon for those who may not love seafood as much as their dinner companions.
You’ll find that the outdoor patio, located at the base of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, not only exposes guests to the gorgeous coastal breeze but also stunning waterfront views.
Where: 1414 Airlie Road
When: Tuesday – Sunday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Call: 910-256-4519
The Fish House Grill
By the same owners of The Bridge Tender, this seafood spot focuses on fresh, affordable seafood dishes that are sure to please. Diners can watch the water ripple as boats go by on the Intracoastal Waterway. Grab a Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich or Po’ Boy and settle in with a cold beer in hand for a prime patio experience.
Where: 1410 Airlie Road
When: Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: 910-256-3693
South Beach Grill
Right in the action off of South Lumina Avenue, this is another Wrightsville Beach hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Their patio’s sunset view of Banks Channel is hard to top, and their Carolina Pork Nachos for Two is the perfect shareable for a date, catch-up, or dinner with coworkers.
Ready for something extra fresh and rotating? Don’t forget about their Chef’s Ever-Changing Chalkboard Specials, menu items that change up daily!
Where: 100 South Lumina Avenue
When: Wednesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: 910-256-4646
North Carolina Outdoor Dining
As you can see, even at a glance, many of these top picks are located off of either Airlie Road or Lumina Ave, right within view of the beloved Intracoastal Waterway or Banks Channel. We don’t just care about the open air, after all, views are important too!
Recs like these are something you can expect from our local, knowledgeable Sherps when you’re on a trip too. So, if you don’t see something that you’re curious about trying, go ahead and ask them next time you need a hand… with your stuff and your plans!
So, after a beach day, a boat day, or even a day cooped up inside at the office, get outdoors and explore even more of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. You won’t be disappointed!