Locals in Wrightsville Beach know exactly where to go for a great meal – sometimes right by the water, and other times at the casual cafés and markets scattered across the island. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before hitting the waves or settling in for a sunset dinner, here are the spots that define the Wrightsville Beach dining experience.

 


Waterfront Dining

Ask any local where to eat by the water, and they’ll point you to these three iconic restaurants.

Groups of people dining on the deck of Fish House Grill as the sun is setting

Fish House Grill

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

  • Sit on the covered patio and watch boats drift by along the Intracoastal Waterway as you enjoy casual American fare. Insider tip: Stop by on Sundays from May to September for Rock the Dock: Bluewater Summer Music (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Good to know: Bluewater Waterfront Grill is first‑come, first‑served, so arrive early in case there’s a wait.
  • Locals’ favorites: Crab Dip, NC-Style Calabash Platter, Bluewater Shrimp and Grits.

The Fish House Grill

  • Grab a table on the patio, sip an ice-cold beer and take in sunset views as boats glide by. The Fish House Grill has been a longtime go‑to for grilled fish sandwiches, po’boys, seafood platters and more served in a relaxed, breezy setting. Good to know: This restaurant is closed on Mondays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Pulled Chicken Nachos, Lemon Pepper Curly Fries, Mahi Mahi Tacos.

Dockside Restaurant

  • Located just across the bridge in Wilmington, Dockside Restaurant has been a Carolina tradition for more than 30 years. Serving fresh local seafood near the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s a great spot for coastal flavors with a view. Insider tip: Check this link for the restaurant’s live music schedule.
  • Locals’ favorites: House-Made Chips, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Fish Tacos.


Everyday Eats

From hot dogs and sandwiches to Cali-style tacos, these six restaurants capture the casual, come‑as‑you‑are spirit of Wrightsville Beach’s foodie scene.

Woman squeezing lime on top of a taco piled high with toppings of cabbage and cilantro - next to her is a pink and blue frozen margarita and a basket of chips in the background

Tower 7 Baja Mex

Flying Machine Oyster Bar

  • This modern oyster bar offers classic burgers, handhelds and coastal fare sourced from local farmers and fisheries. Start with a plate of baked oysters and a pint of locally brewed beer. Insider tip: Ask about the green‑gilled oysters – a specialty unique to North Carolina and France. Good to know: This spot is closed on Mondays.
  • Locals’ favorites: Baked Oysters, Shrimp & Grits, Blue Crab Pasta.

Poe’s Tavern

  • Order a craft beer or check out the “Burger of the Day” at this lively Edgar Allan Poe‑themed brewpub. The menu has beef, chicken and veggie burgers, as well as creative salads and tacos. Insider tip: Free parking is available in the clearly marked “Poe’s Tavern Parking” spots.
  • Locals’ favorites: Beef Rue Morgue, Buffalo Shrimp Taco, Chicken Pit and Pendulum.

Trolly Stop

  • A Wrightsville Beach landmark since 1976, Trolly Stop serves five types of hot dogs (including vegetarian) and 13 toppings. Slaw and chili are made in‑house, and there’s even a walk‑up Coffee Stop window for morning drinks and breakfast bites.
  • Locals’ favorites: North Carolina Trolly Dog, American Trolly Dog.

Tower 7 Baja Mex

  • Fuel up with Cali‑style Baja flavors at this local favorite, where burritos, quesadillas and tacos come with homemade picante and salsa. Don’t forget margs for the table! Insider tip: Try the new weekend breakfast menu, featuring dishes like Huevos Rancheros and Pigs in Pancakes.
  • Locals’ favorites: Tower 7 Burrito, Fajita Quesadilla, Citrus Shrimp Tacos.

Shark Bar & Kitchen

  • Located next to Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, Shark Bar & Kitchen serves local, sustainably sourced seafood with a Mexican twist. Insider tip: Head to the second floor to experience the newly opened Red Cat Sushi, with daily half-off sushi from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Locals’ favorites: Firecracker Shrimp, Crab Cake Sandwich, Sushi.

The Half - Wrightsville Beach

  • Visit The Half’s newest establishment, located across the Wrightsville Beach bridge in Wilmington. Order homemade sandwiches and chips, and don’t hesitate to ask for extra pickles – they might be the best ones you ever try! Insider tip: Seating is communal and best for smaller groups.
  • Locals’ favorites: The Nonna (fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula and balsamic on ciabatta), The Harvey (pastrami, pickled onion, Swiss cheese, slaw and tangy garlicky mustard sauce on ciabatta), Tofu Banh Mi.


Early Morning Favorites

Start your day at one of these three breakfast places, where locals often fuel up before hitting the sand or the surf.

 

Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar

  • Located inside Robert's Grocery, Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar serves light breakfast dishes, superfood smoothies and organic coffee drinks. Get your food to-go for a walk or picnic on the beach. Insider tip: Beach Accesses No. 26, 27 and 28 are conveniently located nearby.
  • Locals’ favorites: Nutty Acai Bowl, OG Avocado Smash, C Street Sunrise Smoothie (mango, banana and pineapple).

Drift Cafe Wrightsville Beach

  • Ease into the day with premium coffee and a menu inspired by the owners’ surfing adventures. Insider tip: Folks in Wrightsville Beach often use the Drift app to order ahead and collect loyalty points, which can be redeemed for rewards!
  • Locals’ favorites: Nutella French Toast, Savory Stack, Crispy Potato Brekkie.

The Workshop

  • Grab a coffee and wander through displays of fossil jewelry made from mako, great white, tiger and megalodon teeth collected by the owners, who are scuba divers. Enjoy light breakfast fare on the patio, or take it with you for a relaxing bite on the beach.
  • Locals’ favorites: Ham, Egg and Cheese Sandwich, Avocado Toast, Smoothies.


“Make-Your-Own” Seafood and Picnic Picks

This list of neighborhood markets has all the essentials for a DIY coastal spread.

Group of men and women are sitting on white chairs at a white table in Wrightsville Beach enjoying a picnic dinner as the sun is setting with lime margaritas

Robert's Grocery

  • Pick up everything you need for a beach picnic at Wrightsville Beach’s oldest store, established in 1919. Known for its steaks and homemade salads, Robert’s also stocks vacation essentials and is a classic stop for grab‑and‑go meals after a day on the water. Insider tip: Treat yourself to dessert before lunch at Waves Hawaiian Shaved Ice, located inside.
  • Locals’ favorites: Robert's Famous Chicken Salad, Pimento Cheese.

Bevvy Mart

  • Grab a coffee, pastry or wrap at this fresh‑and‑fast stop created by a group of international surfers. Inside, you’ll find a full coffee and tea bar, health foods, grab‑and‑go meals, imported beer and wine, mocktails and everyday essentials. Plus, there’s a slushie machine!
  • Locals’ favorites: Coffee drinks, pastries, wraps.

Motts Channel Seafood

  • If you’re cooking at your vacation rental, stop by this longtime seafood market for fresh fish, shrimp, oysters and more. Watch the crew prepare the day’s catch through the glass, browse local specialties like cheese grits and key lime pie, and pick up signature spices and sauces. Insider tip: Staff can pack your selections in a cooler for easy transport.
  • Locals’ favorites: Fresh fish, fresh lobster, fresh shrimp.

Topsail Steamer

  • Pick up a ready‑to‑cook steamer pot filled with fresh seafood, meats and veggies – just add water (or beer) and heat. Choose a signature bucket or build your own, and add extras like pies, cornbread or mallets and crackers.
  • Locals’ favorites: Signature Bay Buckets.


Bonus: Happy Hour and Sweet Treats

When it’s time to wind down after a beach day – or if you’re just looking for something cold and sweet – these four local favorites hit the spot.

colorful courtyard of Lighthouse Beer and Wine at Wrightsville Beach with people drinking, mingling, and playing jenga

Lighthouse Beer & Wine

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