Vacation is always amazing, especially when you can bring your canine companion along! Of course, so is living in a quaint beach town along the Intracoastal Waterway with your pup. No matter which category you fall into, finding the best dog-friendly restaurants and outdoor seating is a must.
There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants along the NC coast, but we want to focus on Wrightsville Beach spots where your furry friends are welcome to tag along.
So, as you begin your search for delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even perhaps a pet-friendly beer garden, in the Wrightsville Beach area… look no further! Here is our comprehensive round-up of the best dog-friendly patio and restaurant spaces in Wrightsville Beach.
Finding Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Wrightsville Beach
With so many patios and open dining spaces, we know that it can be easy to stumble upon some pretty pet-friendly spots in the area.
We want to make sure that it’s even easier to find spots that allow dogs and serve up some great eats, from hot dogs and burgers to Southern coastal cuisine, and maybe even some sweet treats.
The entire Wilmington area has great, family and dog-friendly spots with yummy food, fun ocean views, and more. Wrightsville Beach, of course, is dearest to us. After you’ve had a bite to eat, head out to the beach and let us help you carry your stuff.
We know that dog owners are constantly running around with their furry best friends, and we want to make your visit to WB as enjoyable as can be. So, no matter whether you’re hauling an umbrella, surfboard, and cooler, or maybe just your beach bags and some leftovers from lunch, we’re happy to help!
First, let’s talk food:
South Beach Grill
A local staple since 1997, their lunch and dinner menus feature seafood that is caught fresh daily, along with a whole host of Southern coastal cuisine. Their covered patio overlooks the Banks Channel and has plenty of tables for guests, both human and canine.
Featuring plenty of yummy menu items, we recommend the rotating Fresh Catch Sandwich for a true taste of the coast. Or, go a step further and order from the Chef’s Chalkboard menu, which changes daily to reflect the fresh local ingredients on hand.
Where: 100 S Lumina Avenue
When: Wed – Sun 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: (910) 256-4646
Poe’s Tavern
With chicken, burgers, salads, and plenty of seafood, this casual spot has it all. Be sure to grab some Edgar’s Nachos to start, of course!
Their patio is partially covered and has plenty of umbrellas to protect from any type of weather, ensuring that you can enjoy drinks outside even if its a little too sunny (or rainy) out.
They’re known for sharing the love by hosting events like Beach Cleanup days and highlighting their staff members’ positive reviews.
Where: 212 Causeway Drive
When: Mon – Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Call: (910) 509-2739
Flying Machine Oyster Bar
Another amazing seafood joint, this oyster bar has dishes ranging from Chicken Wings and Chilled Pimento Cheese Dip to Blue Crab Pasta and Coastal Poutine. Oh, and their drink menu is quite diverse (and creative, too!)
Soak up the sun on their outdoor patio and enjoy a meal with your pup at your side.
They also host fun events and activities from time to time, so it’s worth checking out if anything special is going on when you’re around.
Where: 530 Causeway Drive
When: Mon – Fri 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sat 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Call: (910) 239-9474
Mellow Mushroom
We try not to focus on chain restaurants, but the patio at Mellow Mushroom is such a fun one, and who wouldn’t want to enjoy yummy pizza with their canine companion, after all?
The bright yellow chairs and covered patio with its fans for extra hot days is the paw-fect place to sip a Wilmington Tropical Light Beer and a Kosmic Karma Pizza. Leashed dogs love this spot just as much as their owners!
Where: 224 Causeway Drive
When: Sun – Thurs 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Fri + Sat 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Call: (910) 679-4645
Drift Cafe
One of our favorite breakfast spots in the area, Drift Cafe, also happens to be very pet-friendly. With their covered patio space, complete with fans for those oh-so-hot summer beach days, four-legged friends are welcome to join for a meal, coffee, or even a quick beer on the deck.
If you drop a piece of bacon or eggs from your Breakfast Burrito on ‘accident,’ your pup will surely thank you for the invite, too!
Where: 114 Causeway Drive
When: Mon – Thurs 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Fri – Sun 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Call: (910) 236-3033
Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar & Grill
This spot is open at basically any hour you could need some pub food, cold beer, or a place to hang out when your pets are with you.
Grab a Southwest Fish Wrap, or perhaps one of their many Classic Burgers and enjoy your food on the covered, fenced-in patio space that is the perfect balance of cozy and nosy (it’s good for people watching on the street!)
Where: 38 N Lumina Avenue
When: Mon – Thurs 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM, Fri – Sun 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Call: (910) 256-8286
The Workshop
A coffee shop-meets-jewelry store right at the edge of the beach, The Workshop is such a cool place to pup into. They serve up good espresso right alongside their shark tooth necklaces and megalodon teeth found while scuba diving in the depths of the Atlantic.
Sip on a Lavendar and Honey Latte or sink your own teeth into a Cubano sandwich on the patio before running over to get into the water yourself (or maybe after you’ve been out, if you’re on Wrightsville Beach in the early morning walking your furry friend.)
Where: 86 Waynick Boulevard
When: Mon – Sun 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Call: (910) 679-8605
Lighthouse Beer & Wine
We saved the best for last! The Garden at Lighthouse, their back patio bar area, is super dog-friendly, with designated water bowls and perhaps even some treats so your pup doesn’t feel left out while you’re enjoying one of many delicious beverages. Think 10 wines by the glass, 12 specialty beers on draft, and the option to buy any bottle or pack from inside their store and head out back to enjoy it.
We should note that this one is ‘BYOF” but you’re welcome to enjoy some snacks that are offered or bring in takeout from the nearby Mellow Mushroom, Poe’s Tavern, and Drift Cafe. Or, of course, grab dinner at one spot and head here to keep the party going! You truly can do it all.
Where: 220 Causeway Drive
When: Mon – Sat 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sun 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Call: (910) 256-8622
Enjoy Your North Carolina Beach Eats
Now that you know the very best spots to go, all that’s left is to decide which menu looks the best to you!
Still can’t decide? Think about the atmosphere. Do you want to relax or have a wild night?
See you soon, friends!
Jerry Allen’s has a great breakfast menu as well.
Pingback: Know Before You Go: Crystal Pier, Wrightsville Beach - Beach Sherpa