2025 Burger Guide

Beach House Burgers is a classic burger shack that’s convenient to visitors who are lounging along the Kure Beach shoreline. Located less than a block away from the oceanfront, this seasonal stand features all the beachy classics, including...

Billy Ray’s Family Restaurant is a unique destination that attracts sports fans and southern cooking fans alike. Located in a busy but more local section of Carolina Beach Road, this relatively new eatery serves up big plates, cold drinks, and...

Blue Surf Café serves up inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner fare to hungry UNCW college students, Wilmington locals, and savvy vacationers-in-the-know alike. Featuring a wonderfully extensive menu, with a host of global influences, patrons...

Vacationers who are looking for a fast and classic bite before reaching the beach can make a stop at Bob’s Dogs – a fun and funky hot dog restaurant (and more) that’s found just a few blocks away from the beach. Featuring a central...

Downtown Wilmington is known for its collection of hip restaurants with culinary inspirations from around the world, and the centrally located Bourbon Street is no exception. Found just a block away from the waterfront, this cool food and drink...

Take a break from the daily grind and dive into a game of volleyball, a trivia night, or just a few rounds and a hearty meal with friends and family with a visit to Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Sports Bar. This unique destination...

David’s Deli & Restaurant is a solid breakfast or lunch destination for vacationers who are cruising from the mainland to the Wrightsville Beach shoreline. Located along Eastwood Drive, this casual and family-friendly destination features...

Eggs Up Grill, at 110 Shallotte Crossing Parkway, serves guests daily 6 a.m.-2 p.m. The full menu is available all day for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Menu categories include breakfast sandwiches, benedicts, omelets, pancakes, waffles, French...

There’s nothing like enjoying a stunning waterfront view, and Elijah’s has a prime location along the Cape Fear River on the edge of Wilmington’s historic downtown. Featuring both indoor and seasonal outdoor tables, this little...

Eric’s Grille is a casual spot that’s found along a busy and more commercial section of central Southport, and which is known for classic American fare, home cooking, and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. Serving up breakfast and lunch...

Visitors who are cruising along the Cape Fear coastline from Oak Island to Southport can enjoy a fully satisfying break from the car with a visit to Fat Andy’s Burgers. Located in a tiny but tasteful coastal shack along Long Beach Rd, this...

The Fork N Cork is serving up a new blend of Artisan cuisine to the diners of Wilmington, with truly creative fare that takes advantage of local flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a hefty amount of imagination.

The Fox and Hound Pub & Grille is a prime destination for visitors to relax with a pint and a hearty meal after a long day of shopping in the ultra-posh Mayfaire Town center. Featuring a full menu of drinks and lunch and dinnertime traditional...

Beer fans who want to see what brews the Coastal Carolina region can cook up can pay a lunchtime, dinnertime, Happy Hour or late night visit to Front Street Brewery. Known for a collection of flagship brews that are available in kegs, German...

As the name would suggest, Hang Ten Grill is a casual beach joint with a definitive surfer vibe that serves as the perfect hang-out after a long morning or afternoon of riding the waves in Carolina Beach. Located along Carolina Beach’s...

BEST FOOD ON THE ISLAND, HANDS DOWN

Movie buffs and foodies alike will have a fine time at Hell’s Kitchen, a chic little Downtown Wilmington restaurant that had a guest role in the homegrown TV series, “Dawson’s Creek.” Located just a couple blocks away from...

“Pleasure Island” is all about having fun, and the Hoplite Pub & Beer Garden, a true pub or “public house” lives up to this reputation with a full menu of brews and pub grub, and a relaxed setting that stays open well...

Hops Supply Co is a fresh gastropub on Oleander Drive that impresses patrons with its equally distinctive drink and food menus. With an internal dedication to provide an exceptional beer selection, as well as fresh and flavorful cuisine, Hops Supply...

Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill is a fun destination for a Happy Hour drink and round of appetizers, an easy-going lunch or dinner, or a late-night snack right before the party begins. Located next to the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, and popular with...

Take in the spectacular views of the intracoastal waterway while dining with friends and family. Executive Chef Joe Paxton has created a crave-worthy dinner menu based around coastal favorites and seasonal vegetables sourced from local and regional...

Katy’s Grill and Bar is a haven for sports fans, thanks to a recently renovated living room, a full bar with rows of flat screen TVs, a cool outdoor dining area complete with shady umbrella-topped tables, and an array of flags outside that...

Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill is a fun spot for beach fans and night owls alike, with a wealth of entertainment that’s just steps away from the wide outdoor patio and bar. Known for ice cold drinks, casual beach eats, and plenty of ways to...

Little Bit’s Grill is a small establishment in the heart of Oak Island that might be easy to pass by, but shouldn’t be missed by burger lovers and anyone who is craving a salty, decadent beach treat. Featuring a simple burger and...

Southport visitors who are in need of a strong cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast or lunch to start their downtown exploration will find everything they crave at the centrally located Locals Family Diner. Featuring a wealth of crowd-pleasing...

Merritt’s Burger House is a classic little drive-in joint that’s been a subtle Wilmington institution for generations. Featuring a drive-in style exterior, complete with an old-school sign, this simple little burger restaurant serves up...

Michael's Seafood Restaurant is an all-encompassing stop for both easy-going seafood meals and catering for casual parties or big events. Located in a central shopping and business section of inland Carolina Beach, this fresh eatery has been wowing...

Might as Well Bar & Grill is a modest-sized bar and restaurant that’s a solid destination for filling food and Happy Hour or late-night drinks with friends. Boasting a big array of beverages and drink specials, as well as varied but...

Oceans is a chick little dining option for visitors who are staying in Wrightsville Beach’s sprawling Holiday Inn Resort. Featuring a large and open dining room, as well as several nearby lounges that boast indoor or outdoor ocean views...

Ogden Tap Room is Wilmington’s newest haven for beer lovers, thanks to an extensive beer menu that includes 40 rotating beers on tap. Coupled with an inviting interior, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a full menu of great pub fare, Ogden Tap...

Visitors and locals who are cruising along Carolina Beach Road and who are hungry for a laid-back lunch or dinner that’s topped with a frozen treat can swing by the casual but tasty Papa Fin’s. Tucked away among a collection of shops...

Vacationers who are staying at the Bald Head Island Club don’t have to venture too far away from the sprawling and sparkling pool to find a good and casual spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thanks to the on-site Pelicatessen. Featuring...

Poe’s Tavern is an effortlessly chic spot for Happy Hour drinks, a post-beach meal, or a late night adventure with friends reminiscing about the day over a round of beers or two. Featuring a cool brick and dark wood interior, with subdued...

Pop’s Diner is a nostalgic little eatery that will bring a smile to any Carolina Beach vacationer’s face. Carolina Beach's only late night diner that is open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner and late night!  Featuring a cool...

PortCity Cheesesteak Company is a cool little sandwich shop that’s located just off of Market Street on the edges of Downtown Wilmington. As the name would suggest, this is place that Philly fans and natives can go to sample a big taste of...

The SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar is a casual little spot that has a definitive coastal vibe and a hearty menu that’s seemingly designed to appeal to salty appetites. Found just a block away from the oceanfront, and bordered by palm trees, this...

Shagger Jacks is an ideal location for a post-beach drink, snack attack, or full meal, with a wonderfully varied and beachy menu that matches the cool, coastal surroundings. With seasonal outdoor and indoor seating that’s designed for...

Wilmington residents and visitors in the Monkey Junction area have a new venue for a Sunday football game or a Happy Hour drink with friends in the form of the Slainte Irish Pub. With a friendly atmosphere, plenty of outdoor and indoor tables and...

For a no-frills breakfast or afternoon meal that’s loaded with southern flavor and coastal North Carolina staples, head to Sonja’s Grill. Found just off of Highway 17, and convenient to visitors who are exploring all along the Cape Fear...

The Sugar Shack is a cool Oak Island eatery that brings a little tropical spice to a traditionally beachy menu. Specializing in Jerk flavoring and entrees, this restaurant will wow patrons with an abundance of bold flavors that fit in perfectly with...

Take a trip to the edge of Downtown Wilmington to dive into authentic Irish cuisine with a visit to The Harp – a subtle little eatery that’s found just a couple blocks away from the Cape Fear Riverfront, and which features a casual but...

The Pirates Deck is a fun afternoon, evening, or even after-hours hang-out where patrons can feast on big plates of classic southern fare and seafood baskets in a relaxed and no-frills atmosphere. Located in one of the busiest sections of the island...

The Purple Onion Café opened on Main Street in Shallotte in 2004. Since then they have become a community favorite serving locals & visitors breakfast and lunch with a delicious menu of pastries, traditional breakfast items, burgers...

With solid prices, great grub, and a convenient location for Porters Neck locals and visitors, Two Guys Grille allows casual food fans to chow down on a hearty and slightly elevated menu without breaking the bank.

The Village Cafe & Deli is a unique little gem in the heart of Hampstead that’s found just off of US Highway 17 and, at first glance, looks like a residential home or business Visitors who find this little restaurant, however, will be...

Visitors who crave a really good burger and a beer in a super casual environment should make a beeline to Winnies Tavern. Located in a relatively quiet section of Wilmington, with a slightly rustic exterior, Winnies is laid-back but friendly, and is...