Wrightsville Beach isn’t just sand and surf—it’s a culinary destination where the salt air mingles with the scent of fresh seafood and grilling burgers. Finding a spot that makes you trade your beach towel for a table can be tricky. Whether you crave a casual fish shack with ocean views, a refined dining room for a special sunset dinner, or a lively pub perfect for post-surf beers, our updated list has you covered.
The Palm Room
$ | (910) 509-3040 | WEBSITE
The Palm Room is the beachside dive bar beloved by the Wrightsville Beach crowd. We can’t tell if that’s due to how chill and charming every corner of the bar is, or how ridiculously good the live music sounds. Probably both. If you want drinks, The Palm Room can set you straight, fill you up, and maybe even make you feel like you are being lovingly welcomed into the fold. Try a cold beer, a well-priced cocktail, and, of course, the excellent live performances from cool bands.
Load up on sports on TV, friendly chatter, or even a few rounds with the regulars if that’s how you roll at a beach bar.
South Beach Grill
$$ | (910) 256-4646 | WEBSITE
Somehow people forget that Wrightsville Beach gem South Beach Grill serves dinner. While the coastal spot stays busy for lunch, evening dining feels relatively relaxed. Maybe everyone nearby is just full from a couple of plates of seafood nachos from the afternoon, or maybe they don’t know South Beach’s dinner menu has signature Grouper Linda, braised beef short rib with gnocchi, or savory shrimp and grits.
Add on some corn bread with whipped honey butter, and forget that afternoon snack ever happened.
Trolly Stop
$ | (910) 256-3421 | WEBSITE
Trolly Stop is quite literally a stop. The Wrightsville Beach institution is the premier hot dog spot in town, and it runs at full tilt, especially during lunch hour. Expect all the delicious hot dog regulars: regular, all-beef, vegetarian, and vegan dogs, with various topping combinations or the option to build your own. Customers also enjoy custard, which is described as really good, and a seemingly infinite amount more. Grab what you want from the cozy area to order and pick up.
Whether you go solo or with a group—Trolly Stop can handle it.
Flying Machine Oyster Bar
$$ | (910) 239-9474 | WEBSITE
Unlike weekends when the wait can stretch past an hour, Flying Machine Oyster Bar is more accessible on weeknights. So you should plan accordingly. Seafood here is more creative than traditional, with a menu full of pimento cheese oysters, buttery lobster mac and cheese, and scallops with a citrus glaze. The star, however, is a generous plate of blue crab pasta that tastes like rich, creamy indulgence and coastal comfort.
Topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, we want to dive right in and savor every silky bite.
Mellow Mushroom Wrightsville Beach
$ | (910) 679-4645 | WEBSITE
There’s only one spot in Wrightsville Beach to grab a tempeh and vegan cheese pizza for lunch, and it’s at Mellow Mushroom Wrightsville Beach. In its contemporary, clean space near the shore, the popular restaurant serves a lineup of delicious pies. Think thin and crispy crusts, vegetarian options with fresh toppings, and friendly service that keeps things moving. Order everything at the counter, including a variety of pizzas praised by regulars.
Then, join the beachgoers and locals enjoying the fast, friendly atmosphere in the bright dining room.
Oceanic
$$ | (910) 256-5551 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wondered, “What would it be like to dine right over the ocean?” look no further than Oceanic. The Wrightsville Beach restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and stunning views from its deck seating. Fill up on perfectly fried fish from the fisherman’s platter, or indulge your cravings with crab stuffed salmon and tuna nachos. Sure, the presentation might not always be picture-perfect, but that’s half of the charm, right?
Whether you eat inside or on the incredible top deck, a meal spent at Oceanic will be a breeze.
Lagerheads Tavern
$ | (910) 256-0171 | WEBSITE
What do a friendly bartender, a spacious outdoor area, and affordable drinks all have in common? They can all be found at Lagerheads Tavern on the Wrightsville Beach strip. The beach bar has a relaxed vibe, which means the ocean breeze drifting in will be there to give your afternoon an extra glow. Bring a group of friends to help enjoy the casual atmosphere, or have some drinks solo at the bar with Justin’s caring service to keep you company.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill
$$ | (910) 256-8500 | WEBSITE
Dinner at Bluewater Waterfront Grill should be enjoyed at least once by every serious seafood lover. On weeknights, the Wilmington waterfront restaurant serves its regular menu, but it’s the sunset view over the harbor on weekends that shouldn’t be missed. With seafood in just about any way you can imagine (like mahi mahi, shrimp scampi linguine, crab dip, and baby back ribs) and consistently delicious meals that are perfectly portioned, dinner at Bluewater is indulgent but also very satisfying.
Plus, how can you be stressed while being taken care of by attentive servers like Tabitha and Hailey? There’s rarely room for walk-ins during peak hours, so be sure to arrive early to guarantee your spot.
Jimmy’s
$ | (910) 239-9188 | WEBSITE
Jimmy’s at Wrightsville Beach is somehow both wonderfully laid-back and lively all at the same time. We recommend grabbing a seat at the bar (to chat with the friendly bartender faster). Start with a perfect Bloody Mary, considered the best on Earth by a true connoisseur, or a refreshing Red Bull slushie that hits just right.
And, because the atmosphere is so great with live music and the tradition of writing names on the ceiling with dollar bills, ordering more drinks than is physically possible doesn’t feel like a crazy choice.
Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar
$ | (910) 256-8286 | WEBSITE
As comfortable as the evening at Jerry Allen’s Sports Bar in Wrightsville Beach might be, the casual dive bar atmosphere is the real heavy-hitter. Stepping into this dingy bar means having all of the best dishes offered during the day (think large, lightly breaded shrimp with homemade chips) while having more bar classics. Get tasty sandwiches with fair prices, average fries with pleasant service, and the same chill environment with friendly bartenders chatting about local topics.
Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill
$ | (910) 256-8585 | WEBSITE
Even on a bustling Saturday evening, dinner at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill is a fiesta. The Wrightsville Beach spot serves Baja Mexican food, usually with a side of lively chatter and upbeat tunes. Fuel your night out with a plate of citrus shrimp tacos or a breakfast burrito that would put your best homemade efforts to shame.
Come with enough friends to fill up a booth in the main dining area—and to split the $150 tab—and your crew will be passing around skinny margaritas and dipping into the trio of guacamole, queso, and elote before you know it.
Poe’s Tavern
$ | (910) 509-2739 | WEBSITE
Sometimes the best tavern is one that feels like you’re relaxing in your own backyard. Enter Poe’s. This Wrightsville Beach restaurant serves hearty pub fare in a lively dining space that feels like the heart of a coastal community. You might even find yourself admiring the rustic wooden beams in between bites of the Amontillado chicken or the daily burger.
Swing by with your crew, share some Chili Cheese Fries with Edgar’s drunken chili & cheddar cheese, and maximize your much needed quality time.
Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails
$ | (910) 256-2231 | WEBSITE
Transport yourself straight to the Carolina coast, or what we imagine a breezy seaside retreat to feel like, with a visit to Solstice Kitchen + Cocktails. The bright and airy patio restaurant in Wrightsville Beach does have spectacular seaside tables, a clean and bright ambiance, and an impeccable and reasonably priced brunch.
Try the brunch buffet with shrimp and grits that carry a smoky flavor, go minimalist with the blueberry salad topped with fresh shrimp, or get the BBQ chicken flatbread that’s hot, spicy, and tasty. And while the location on the second floor patio is indeed tricky to find due to lack of signs, just don’t try to sit before you order—the friendly staff keeps things moving and will seat you as soon as possible.
Shark Bar and Kitchen
$$ | (910) 239-9036 | WEBSITE
To everyone who saw Shark Bar and Kitchen’s crowds at Wrightsville Beach and wondered, ‘Is that seafood really that good?’ Yeah, the food—especially the spicy and generous Firecracker Shrimp—really is that good. And so are the cocktails at Shark Bar and Kitchen’s casual spot by the shore. Think Firecracker Shrimp Tacos piled with fresh slaw, lobster rolls overflowing with sweet meat on buttery brioche, and a massive Key Lime Pie with perfect tart-sweet balance on a graham cracker crust.
Make sure to get to Shark Bar as soon as it opens, especially on weekends, because the noise level climbs fast in this vibrant space.
SUNdays
$ | (910) 256-2011 | WEBSITE
SUNdays, a charming coffee shop on Wrightsville Beach, is where you go to relax and recharge. Particularly during the morning rush, when all the best beachgoers will be grabbing their caffeine fix. While you should come for the sweet and creamy iced vanilla almond milk latte, you should stay for refreshing beers and margaritas, cozy indoor seating perfect for getting work done, and the ability to create your own acai bowl with fresh ingredients.
Although the shop offers both indoor and outdoor picnic tables, planning ahead is still important. Parking can be stressful, so you’ll need a bike with a lock unless you arrive early to snag one of the limited spots.
Vito’s Pizzeria
$ | (910) 256-5858 | WEBSITE
While the search for Vito’s Pizzeria might take a minute down the Wrightsville Beach side streets, the pizza waiting at this hidden gem is worth it. Because at this casual spot by the water, the sauce is well-seasoned, the cheese is on point, and the crust is thin, crispy, light, and airy. Everything comes out astonishingly fast from the kitchen, so you’ll spend most of your time savoring that perfect bite, enjoying the simple atmosphere, and appreciating the quick service.
The pizza here is so excellent and satisfying. Which is why you’ll see families grabbing pies after the beach, couples on a casual dinner date, and solo visitors having a slice-by-the-water moment.