Top Lunch Spots in Wrightsville Beach

By: Susan Harkins

If you are like me, you like to dine out frequently. Luckily, Wilmington offers a plethora of fine restaurants – from pub fare to fine dining, and various places in between. Today I’ll share some of my favorite lunch spots, and hope this serves as a guide the next time you’re looking for the perfect lunch location.

Let’s start with Wrightsville Beach. The small island is only 2.4 square miles, and has several of my favorite restaurants.

The Oceanic 

The Oceanic has THE view, in fact one can dine directly on the pier, jutting out into the crystal clear azure Atlantic. It’s the only restaurant on the island that offers ocean pier dining. You’ll enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean, the expansive beach, the various seabirds darting about, and get to watch the surfers dodge each other. The food here is nice, but the true value is in the views. Order the fresh grilled Mahi sandwich, sit on the deck, and soak in the atmosphere. In cooler months, you can’t go wrong sitting at a high table in the bar area, being simultaneously served and entertained by Davin. Enjoy a nice ocean-front walk before or after dinner. Oh, and free parking..free parking! Parking can be a bit tricky in Wrightsville Beach, so this is a major advantage.

Tower 7 Baja Grill

Tower 7 Baja Grill sits on the busiest corner of small and exclusive Wrightsville Beach. There are actually three restaurants owned by the same group of restaurateurs in the Wilmington area, and I like them all. Good Mexican fare, always fresh, small casual atmosphere. Drawback…parking. As I’ve mentioned, parking on Wrightsville Beach is expensive and very limited. Go to this restaurant off season. Have the Carne Asada anything.

Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar

This little spot is historically home to the young surfer crowd, but don’t let that deter you. They recently upgraded the space and it looks great. It’s a great place to “slum it,” with cheap food and cheap drinks. We are talking pub food. It’s home to the three buck burger that’s grilled and good, and there are always drink specials. I like to sit out front and watch Wrightsville Beach go by on the main drag, Lumina Ave. Parking…well, we talked about that, but if you get there at the right time there are about six spaces to park for free behind the restaurant. Very friendly staff.

Blue Water 

Blue Water actually is on Harbor Island, which is just over the first bridge en route to Wrightsville Beach from Wilmington. This large restaurant sits directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and one can sit right at the dock’s edge. The food is good, but go for the view of the boats making the drawbridge go up, the breeze, and the frozen drinks. Many people hold events here in the large spaces for catering. During peak season there is live music on the crowded dockside deck on Sundays. Go and order a Bloody Mary.

There are certainly other spots, but these are my favorites. Want more info? Just ask! Stay tuned for upcoming blogs featuring other local restaurants.

Susan Harkins is a real estate broker in the beautiful coastal area of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Susan looks forward to introducing people to the area and helping them find the perfect home.

Spread the love

Written by
Posted in Wilmington
Tags: , , ,
Comments closed

Comments are closed.

Join our Newsletter

×