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> Restaurants > Historic Downtown
Wilmington Restaurants
Historic Downtown
Wilmington
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The southern coastal region presents an abundance of great
places to eat. A complete listing of the region's restaurants and
eateries could fill an entire book. This chapter offers a sampling of
what's available in each area. If your favorite restaurant isn't listed
here, it may be because it's among the many fine restaurants that are
impossible to miss because of reputation or location. We've made a
special effort to include the more out-of-the-way places that shouldn't
be missed, along with some obvious favorites. Please keep in mind that
restaurants may frequently change menu items, hours of operation or
close after this book goes to press. Call ahead to verify information
that is important to you.
Big Authentic Thai Restaurant
$-$$
1001 N. Fourth St., Wilmington
(910) 763-3035
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Located in the up-and-coming NOFO area, this
entry in the Wilmington Thai food clique is tucked away toward the end
of Fourth Street. Start your evening with one of their sumptuous
appetizers, like the savory Thai dumplings or the coconut flavors of the
creamy Tom Kai Gai soup. Featuring many classic traditional Thai dishes,
the menu features other contemporary fusions as well (try the pineapple
curry with duck). A solid wine and beer selection complements the entree
choices nicely, and the staff is accommodating, courteous and
knowledgeable. While off the beaten path, this well-priced jewel is
worth the effort to find.
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Caffe Phoenix
$$-$$$
9 S. Front St, Wilmington
(910) 343-1395
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This downtown eatery has more than a decade on
most other restaurants in the area. Offering the finest in Mediterranean
cuisine infused with many other influences, Caffe Phoenix combines
delicious food with a casual and comfortable environment. Numerous daily
specials highlight the menu, and garlic lovers won’t be able to pass up
the famous Caesar salad. Rotating art shows feature the finest of
Wilmington’s creative community, and the renovated space has a fresh,
updated feel. With a sidewalk café open in the warmer months for al
fresca dining and a reputation as one of Wilmington’s best places to be
seen, this is one culinary experience you don't want to miss.
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Caprice Bistro: Restaurant & Sofa Bar
$$-$$$
10 Market St., Wilmington
(910) 815-0810
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The setting is perfect. Historic Downtown
Wilmington's riverfront is within view, bricked streets lead to quaint
boutiques, and a period horse-drawn carriage passes by regularly. Though
lace curtains adorn the windows and white tablecloths drape the tables,
Caprice Bistro's atmosphere is one of friendly, casual ease and, for those
who have never experienced it, a glimpse of the charm and cuisine of an
authentic French bistro. The hearty menu is traditional bistro fare served
in generous portions at affordable prices. Your choices include a bounty of
appetizers, entrees and classic desserts. Prepared with fresh ingredients
and innovative style, this cuisine offers a full continental spectrum, from
the homemade country pate, French onion soup (offered during winter months
only), steak au poivre, duck confit and profiterolles to an array of entrees
featuring steak, seafood, poultry and game. The bistro's wine list offers
European wines plus a good choice of American labels as well. Caprice
Bistro's second floor is an intimate, original sofa bar, perfect for
relaxing with a martini or glass of wine. The full menu or simply appetizers
and dessert is available in this beautifully appointed bar. Caprice Bistro
opens nightly for dinner. The sofa bar remains open until 2 AM.
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Chelsea’s Downtown
$-$$
1 S. Front St, Wilmington
(910) 763-8463
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A wonderful addition to the heart of downtown,
Chelsea's is the perfect place for light European fare and a perfectly
paired glass of wine. Featuring examples of French, Italian and Spanish
cuisine, the kitchen creates great panini sandwiches, sumptuous bruschetta
and delicious salads on their tapas-style menu. With more than 40 wines by
the glass and 150 different bottled varieties, Chelsea's also offers a full
bar with a great selection of premium spirits and European beers. The
restaurant's facade faces Front Street, providing some of the best
people-watching in town. Enjoy the Euro-chic atmosphere and impeccable
service, and ask the knowledgeable staff for a recommendation. Chelsea's is
open for dinner nightly, stays open until 2 AM Tuesdays through Sundays and
is available for private luncheons.
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Circa 1922
$$-$$$
8 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 762-1922
www.circa1922.com
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Circa has become renowned for serving a
tapas-style menu, which allows you and your companions to create your own
dining experience by sharing several small plates of specialties from around
the world. Or you can order individually by course. Each course is marked by
the quality and exceptional service that makes this restaurant stand out
from the rest. If you're looking to begin your meal with an appetizer, you
may want to consider the crab and artichoke dip. Then it's on to an array of
tempting choices for your main course. One excellent choice is the Filet
Mignon Porto in Pastry, topped with Gruyere cheese and proscuitto ham and
wrapped in a puff pastry served atop a tawny port wine sauce. Save some of
your appetite for generously portioned, award-winning desserts. The bananas
Foster will put you in a state of pure bliss, and the creme brulee is
heavenly. The greatest part of Circa, aside from their appetizers, desserts
and complete wine list, is the authentic 1922 atmosphere. You will expect F.
Scott Fitzgerald to walk in the door before you leave. Circa opens nightly
for dinner. Reservations are welcome.
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The Copper Penny
$-$$
109 Chestnut St., Wilmington
(910) 762-1373
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If you’re looking for a laid-back pub atmosphere
with tastier fare than you’d be likely to find in a pub, you’ll flip for The
Copper Penny. Based on many of co-owner Christine Cadwallader’s family
recipes, including her dad’s own award-winning chili, the menu has expanded
significantly from the restaurant’s early sandwich days. Each evening
features a full entree selection, including a steak, chicken and fish
special, as well as nightly appetizers and soups. Definitely not your
ordinary pub grub, The Copper Penny’s comfort food pays homage to the old
standard neighborhood bar and grill while upping the ante on its menu. The
bar features 80 bottled beers, mostly American microbrews. The Penny even
offers monthly beer tastings to highlight new selections. Fourteen taps pour
a wide variety of brews from ale to stout, and the extensive martini list is
a nice way to kick off the night. Utilize The Copper Penny’s catering
service for your next affair or arrange to have your party thrown on the
premises. This stately monument to the pub has a home-style feel that
envelops you like a warm wool blanket in winter. |
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DELUXE
$$-$$$
114 Market St., Wilmington 
(910) 251-0333
www.deluxenc.com |
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Deluxe offers an aesthetically stimulating
environment in a lively and casual atmosphere: eclectic decor of art deco,
abstract expressionism and architectural formalism and paintings, wood
sculpture and glasswork within a historic space under high ceilings with
clean lines. It's a sublime and friendly environment for enjoying excellent
New American–style dinners, with the largest selection of fine wines in the
region, and one of Wilmington's superior brunches. Dinner is memorable, with
innovative offerings, including French, Asian, Italian, New Southern,
low-country and Caribbean dishes that appeal visually while tempting the
palate. One delicious example from a menu full of unique cuisine is the
pan-seared Outer Banks striper filet. For brunch, the menu is equally
attractive, with selections that include cinnamon pecan swirl French toast
or hickory-smoked salmon, served with melted white cheddar cheese, two
poached eggs and topped with a mustard cream sauce. After dinner, sit back
with a 20-year-old tawny or vintage port or a Grand Marnier flight, and
you'll know why this cafe at the very heart of downtown has a dedicated
following. Deluxe is open for dinner every evening and for Sunday brunch
from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Menu selections are prepared with a special emphasis
on fresh local ingredients and exquisite plate presentation. Deluxe has
achieved a Wine Spectator award of excellence four years in a row, and the
staff is dedicated to re-inventing fine dining styles for today's savvy
gourmand.
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Elijah's
$$-$$$
Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann St., Wilmington
(910) 343-1448
www.elijahs.com |
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No one can say they've been to Wilmington until
they've tried Elijah's crab dip. Directly on the Cape Fear River, Elijah's
offers traditional low-country fare as well as such delights as oysters
Rockefeller, the mouthwatering Shrimp and Scallops Elijah, and mahi
fettuccine. Elijah's is two restaurants in one — the oyster bar, which
includes outdoor deck seating, and the enclosed dining room, with its more
formal presentation of seafood, poultry, pasta and choice beef. Nautical
artwork recalls the building's former incarnation as a maritime museum. The
ambiance is casual, and the western exposure makes it a great place for a
sundown toast. Elijah's is open seven days a week year round and serves
lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Reservations are accepted only for parties
of eight or more.
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Fat Tony’s Italian Pub
$$
131 N. Front St.,
Wilmington
(910) 343-8881
www.fatpub.com |
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Founded on the simple joys of a good beer and a
hearty Italian meal, Fat Tony's Italian Pub offers plenty of both. They have
a selection of 24 draft beers, more than anywhere else downtown, and their
menu is filled with generous helpings of fresh and flavorful Italian
favorites. Begin your meal with any one of their yummy appetizers, including
Pizza Chip Nachos topped with Spinach and Artichoke Hearts or Carolina Crab
and Cheese, or try their lightly fried calamari. The huge, made-to-order
pizza-dough bread sticks are stuffed with your choice of spinach and cheese,
sun-dried tomato and goat cheese, or meatball and cheese. Craving New
York–style pizza? Try any one of their specialty pizzas or calzones or
select your own toppings. Or how about a pasta dish? Fat Tony's beef lasagna
has received rave reviews, and the Pasta Tony (artichoke hearts, mushrooms
and ricotta cream sauce baked with angel hair pasta and topped with
mozzarella cheese) is another excellent choice. There are also lighter
options, for those of you who are counting — try the Tony's Grilled Chicken
Salad, Tortilla Pizza or Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad. If through some
miracle, or careful planning, you still have room for dessert, their
homemade tiramisu is utterly divine. You can savor your meal in the
comfortable indoor dining area or enjoy the coastal North Carolina breeze on
one of the patios. The downtown location, strategically placed in the center
of the action for many downtown events, boasts a gorgeous view of the Cape
Fear River. Fat Tony's Italian Pub is open Monday through Saturday 11 AM to
2 AM (the late-night menu is served 11 PM to 2 AM) and Sundays noon to
midnight. Plan to visit Fat Tony's the second Saturday in November for
downtown Wilmington's annual Chowdafest, where they'll offer three types of
incredible clam chowder. Fat Tony's also has a location at 250 Racine Drive,
near Home Depot.
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Front Street
Brewery
$$
9 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 251-1935
www.thefrontstreetbrewery.com |
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Front Street Brewery is a spacious eatery and
microbrewery located in historic downtown Wilmington. Offering reasonably
priced appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, entrees and gourmet
desserts, every menu item is made from scratch with the freshest available
ingredients. The building has been completely renovated and features amazing
woodwork and beautiful decor, creating an upscale yet cozy environment. Nine
handcrafted beers are made by the restaurant's award-winning brew
master, and a number of seasonal brews are switched throughout the
year. Whether you're looking for a delicious dinner spot or merely hoping to
enjoy some top-notch draft beer, Front Street Brewery should be your first
stop.
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The
George on the Riverwalk
$$-$$$
128 South Water St., Wilmington
(910) 763-2052
www.thegeorgeontheriverwalk.com |
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The Cape Fear River is a scenic focal point of
the Wilmington landscape, and The George is situated right on its western
bank, even boasting facilities for your boat to create a unique "dock and
dine experience." Once you have secured your craft, you'll delight at the
unique and sumptuous selections featured in The George's Southern coastal
cuisine. Fresh local seafood, juicy steaks and numerous vegetarian
selections round out the menu, and a full bar offers top-shelf cocktails for
the discriminating connoisseur. An ideal sunset dining spot in the spring
and summer, The George brings you closer to Wilmington's maritime history as
well as its seafaring culture. In addition to serving both lunch and dinner,
The George's Sunday brunch is a lovely way to spend your last day of the
weekend, and the outdoor seating options provide you with a stunning view of
the river and, in warmer months, the sunset. Weekday afternoons feature
drink specials and $5 appetizers from 4 until 6:30 PM. With The George's
convenient parking, you'll want to start your Riverwalk tour with some tasty
treats here.
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Hell's Kitchen
$
118 Princess St., Wilmington
(910) 763-4133
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Formerly a set for the locally filmed
Dawson's Creek, Hell's Kitchen has fast become a popular downtown
destination for good times among friends. This pub-style setting has a fun
atmosphere so when you're feeling devilishly hungry, stop by and try
something from their menu of pub sandwiches, wraps, burritos, nachos,
entrees and more. Hell's Kitchen has a full liquor bar and offers a wide
variety of draft and microbrew beers as well as select wines. Regular live
music from local favorites each weekend turns the spot from a restaurant
into a club. Open for lunch and dinner and serving a late night menu until 2
AM, this place is on fire all day long.
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Nikki's
Fresh Gourmet
$-$$
16 S. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 772-9151
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This spot is one of the hippest eateries in the
downtown area. Featuring numerous organic and vegetarian dishes, Nikki's
appeals to anyone with a taste for unique and delicious cuisine. And if
you're a sushi fan, this Front Street spot is not to be missed. Try their
succulent Angel Hair Roll or any of their dynamic sushi or sashimi treats.
Nikki's serves beer and wine and the view from their bar seating at the
front of the restaurant is great for people-watching, especially during
tourist season when Front Street is busy.
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Paddy's Hollow Restaurant & Pub
$$
The Cotton Exchange, 10 Walnut St.,
Corner of Front & Walnut Sts., Wilmington
(910) 762-4354
www.paddyshollow.com |
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Tucked away in the middle courtyard of The
Cotton Exchange buildings, this narrow, intimate restaurant transports you
back to friendly neighborhood pubs with an Irish flavor. Seating consists of
high-backed wooden booths, tables and chairs or stools at the bar, where you
can have a brew and a bite while catching up with the news, both televised
and local. The lunch menu offers tasty appetizers, a soup du jour and
grilled seafood, chicken or steak salads. Sandwich selections, featuring
seafood, shrimp, prime rib and corned beef, are hearty and include a deli
pickle slice and a choice of French fries, potato salad, pasta salad or
fruit. In the mood for a burger? Paddy's 6 oz. Pub-burgers, cooked to order
and accompanied by a pickle and fries, are a real treat. In the intimacy of
the high-backed booths and the subdued lighting, dinner at Paddy's can be a
romantic affair. The dinner menu features the fresh-catch seafood prevalent
in the Cape Fear area in addition to tasty beef entrees, specifically prime
rib and New York strip, chicken and barbecued baby-back ribs. Check the
board or ask your server for the daily lunch and dinner specials. Need some
diversion? Check out Paddy's game room. Paddy's has all ABC permits, 16 tap
handles for draft beer, and bottled beer and wine. Cigar and pipe smoking
are not permitted. It's open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday
and for lunch on Sunday.
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The Pilot House
$$-$$$
Chandler's Wharf, 2 Ann St., Wilmington
(910) 343-0200
www.pilothouserest.com |
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The Pilot House is among the preeminent dining
establishments downtown. Overlooking the Cape Fear River at Chandler's
Wharf, the restaurant occupies the historic Craig House (c. 1870) and
strives for innovations with high-quality Southern regional cooking. The
wide-ranging dinner menu features sautéed and char-grilled seafood, beef and
chicken, pan-seared duck, pasta and a delectable roster of appetizers. Daily
lunch and dinner specials are equally tempting. Lunch selections include
generous traditional and seafood salads, innovative sandwiches and entrees.
You will see guests dressed in everything from Bermuda shorts to a shirt and
tie. Lunch is more casual than dinner. The wine list is carefully chosen and
well-rounded. The Pilot House features additional outdoor seating, weather
permitting, and serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, year round, with
brunch offered on Sunday. The addition of a newly renovated riverfront bar
provides spectacular views of the Cape Fear River to go along with that
cocktail. A children's menu is available. Reservations are recommended.
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Trolly Stop
$
121 N. Front St., Wilmington
(910) 343-2999
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Centrally located in historic downtown
Wilmington, Trolly Stop serves a specially produced Smithfield all-meat dog,
all-beef Sabrett dogs, no-carb veggie dogs and low fat/no-carb turkey dogs
in a variety of taste combinations. Local favorites include the American
(chili, mustard and onion), the Cape Fear (melted cheese and mayonnaise)
and, naturally, the North Carolina (chili, mustard and cole slaw).
Vegetarian and fat-free hot dogs are also available. Additional menu
offerings are sweet Italian sausage, their unique Burger dog, and nachos
with toppings. Enjoy Hershey's ice cream at this location.
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Underground Sandwich Shoppe
$
103 Market St., Wilmington
(910) 763-9686
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Appropriately located "underground" on the
corner of Market and Front streets in downtown Wilmington, this lively
sandwich shop serves a variety of classic American choices that include
everything from a grilled ham and cheese or Underground club sandwich to the
Reuben and Piccadilly Philly. Their BLT is one of the best in town. Can't
decide? Create your own with a choice of meats, cheeses, fixings and bread.
Salads range from the house salad to their entree-size Italian chef salad.
All sandwiches come with a drink and a side item. Try a glass of their
fresh-squeezed lemonade on a hot coastal day. It's awesome! Underground also
offers a selection of draft and bottled beers as well as a full compliment
of liquors, including frozen drinks. The atmosphere is friendly and casual,
and it's a great place to bring the family. The decor's theme suggests
London's Underground system. An eye-catching mural, painted by local artist
Chappy Valente, covers one wall of the restaurant and is thought to be one
of the prime pieces of public art in Downtown Wilmington. Underground is
open daily.
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The Union Cafe
$$-$$$
2 Market St.,
Wilmington
(910) 763-7227
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Enjoy a panoramic sunset over the Battleship
North Carolina from one of the nine intimate two-seater
balconies that overlook the Cape Fear River. This downtown's landmark
restaurant, formerly known as the Riverboat Landing, is located at the
foot of Market and Water streets, nestled in a building that dates to
the 1800s. A newly renovated interior decor complements the modern
cuisine, which features numerous amazing seafood dishes. Dinner is
served every night. Begin your evening with one of the unforgettable
appetizers, including some tasty shellfish, and a cocktail from the bar.
Oenophiles will enjoy numerous selections from the extensive wine list,
and the menu offers everything from sandwiches (the Oyster PoBoy is
excellent) to pastas and even a knockout filet mignon. Do not to leave
without sampling some legendary desserts. A children's menu is available
upon request.
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Water Street Restaurant & Sidewalk Cafe
$$
5 Water St., Wilmington
(910) 343-0042
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Housed in the Quince Building (1835), a former
peanut warehouse on the riverfront, Water Street Restaurant can be quite
romantic with its softly lit atmosphere evoking a bygone era in downtown
Wilmington. The restaurant offers moderately priced, healthy meals all day,
every day. Water Street's innovative dinner menu places emphasis on
fresh-catch seafood, beef, a generous use of vegetables, delicious homemade
dressings and daily soup specials (homemade, of course). Entrees include
choice of Caesar or house salad and fresh-baked bread. For lunch, try the
Water Greek Salad (toppings include tabouli, feta cheese, pepperoncini and
sun-dried tomatoes), a black bean burrito served with rice and a small green
salad, or a host of sandwiches, from the 7 oz. Water Street burger to the
Oyster Po-Boy. Their Portobello mushroom sandwich is an especially good
choice. Sidewalk seating is in full view of the Cape Fear River, and live
piano music is frequent. In fact, Water Street Restaurant is an attractive
nightspot featuring live entertainment — jazz and Dixieland bands, flamenco
guitar and more — Thursday through Sunday nights. Lot parking is available
for the restaurant's patrons at the corner of Dock and Water streets.
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Midtown Wilmington
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Links
To Other Area Restaurants |
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