More than 50 restaurants and bars have opened in the Wilmington area this year. See the list.
We have more Mexican, more Italian and just more good eats in general this year in the Wilmington area. Now that we’re past the halfway point of 2024, here’s a look at some of the restaurants, bars and coffee shops that have opened (or reopened) in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties through June.
New restaurants
Bori Café Bar: The people behind the Wilmiricans food truck recently opened this brick-and-mortar cafe serving Puerto Rican coffee and food like quesitos, guava and cheese pies, cronuts, meat pies and avocado toast. It’s at 14280 N.C. 17 in Hampstead.
Brunch Thyme: This spot is the latest from On Thyme owners, Corey and Phallin Scott, and specializes in brunch fare with a Southern sensibility. It opened in February at 1124 Fourth St. in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District.
Brunches at Federal Point Grill: The new location of this Wilmington-based brunch chain is now open at 300 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach. This spot has a rooftop bar and the familiar brunch favorites. They’ve also added a new dinner menu and concept.
Buen Dia Mexican Breakfast & Lunch: This Castle Hayne gem now has a sister restaurant in Wilmington. Look for a Latin take on early morning favorites, as well as popular brunch cocktails at 4719 New Centre Drive in Wilmington.
CheeseSmith: The second location of this popular grilled cheese restaurant opened in April at 1319 Military Cutoff Road in the Landfall Shopping Center. In addition to favorites, they’re also selling cheesesteaks every day they are open.
Chingon Taqueria, Wilmington: The latest eatery in the restaurant family that also includes Si! Se?or Modern Mex in Wilmington and Papi’s Chicken in Leland opened in February in the former Catawba Brewing Co. taproom at 4712 New Centre Drive.
Chipotle: The Wilmington area’s third location of this quick-service Mexican chain restaurant opened March 29 in the Porters Neck area with a special pick-up lane for digital orders.
Clean Eatz: Don and Evonne Varady have transformed the former Chuck E Cheese location at 4389 Oleander Drive into a new cafe and headquarters for their business that includes more than 100 franchise locations across the country.
Coco Pipa: This smoothie and salad shop officially opened on June 20 at 506 Castle St. in Wilmington. Look for coconut water-based smoothies, bowls and other healthful treats from owners Lizzy Fowler and Isaac Bol.
Deli Works: This breakfast and lunch restaurant moved from their spot in Holly Ridge and re-opened in Surf City at 13500 N.C. 50 near Cowfin and Surf City BBQ with an extensive breakfast menu that’s served until 3 p.m.
Fentoni’s: While the owners are working on a full restaurant location for this popular Carolina Beach pizzeria, they have opened their slice shop on the boardwalk, as of May. It’s designed for quick, on-the-go service.
Four Corners Wrightsville Beach: The sister restaurant to this Chapel Hill favorite opened in April at 2025 Eastwood Road and is adding sports bar vibes to the area. Look for TVs, including on the patio, as well as pub grub and draft beer.
Los Primos Southport: A sister restaurant to the Mexican eatery in Hampstead is now open at 5021 Southport Crossing Way in Southport. The family-owned restaurant officially opened Jan. 26 offering traditional Mexican dishes.
Meet the Greek: The shopping center at 5120 S. College Road in Monkey Junction is now home to this counter-service spot that serves gyro, souvlaki and other meats available as wraps and platters, in addition to Mediterranean salads and sides.
Melecio's Fiesta Bar: The newest location of this Mexican restaurant chain opened in June at 219 Myrtle Ave. In Carolina Beach. The other locations can be found in the Lumberton area of North Carolina.
Miranda Mexican Restaurant: This new restaurant at 3224 N. College Road in Wilmington brings diners authentic food from the Guerrero region on Mexico’s Pacific coast. There’s also a bar and a regular schedule of live music.
Nautical Bowls: This national smoothie and acai bowl chain is now open at Pier 33 in Wilmington. The menu includes signature and build-your-own bowls and superfood smoothies at 32 Harnett St.
Noodles & Company: This fast-casual restaurant brand with more than 450 locations opened in Wilmington on May 22 at 351 College Road in the University Commons shopping center. The menu includes globally inspired noodle dishes and salads.
P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille: The newest location of one of Wilmington’s favorite burger (and fries) places opened officially on March 1 at the Crossroads at Independence. You can find it at 3852 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington.
More: This Wilmington-area restaurant has the best fries, according to StarNews readers
Pasta Mia: This fast casual, fresh pasta concept includes house made sauces and meatballs. You can find it at the former Flaming Amy’s Bowl location at 418 Shipyard Blvd. in the Long Leaf Shopping Center.
Paul’s OKI: A sports bar came first in 2022 but the owners added a restaurant to the space in January. Chef Jason Talbott offers salads, appetizers, pastas and entrees like shrimp and grits and bourbon-glazed pork chops at 5419 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island.
Ponysaurus Wilmington: The Durham-based Ponysaurus Brewing Co. has expanded to downtown Wilmington. They opened a pizzeria and beer garden in a renovated office space at 214 Market St. in January.
Puffy’s Magic Dragon: The owners of Pop’s Diner in Carolina Beach opened their newest eatery in March at 304 N. Lake Park Blvd. The dragon-themed restaurant also an eclectic Asian fusion menu as well as beer, wine and spirits.
Remini’s Carolina Beach: This Italian restaurant opened in February at 102 Cape Fear Blvd. in Carolina Beach in the former Fork n Cork location. It’s similar to owner James Ferrone’s Roanoke, Virginia, restaurant of the same name.
Rico’s MexiTacos: Oaxaca native Rico Hernandez is bringing his popular tacos and other Mexican fare to this storefront at 1722 N. Kerr Ave. in the North Kerr Mini Mart. It opened early this year.
Riverside Greens Salad Bar: This spot in downtown Wilmington has a health-focused menu that includes green salads and fruit salads, bowls, smoothies and protein waffles. It’s at 106 N. Water St.
Royal James Rummery: Southport has a new restaurant and rum/tequila bar named after the pirate Stede Bonnet’s boat. It’s at 109 E. Moore St. and a new business from the owners of The Pub of Southport.
Santorini Greek & Italian Bistro: In January, the owners of the former Santino's Italian Trattoria reopened with a new name and concept at 205 S. Topsail Drive in Surf City. Look for Greek pastries, pizza, pastas and gyros.
Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar: Owner Joel Hartzler has reimagined the former Shagri-La and Surf House space at 604 N. Lake Park Drive. It’s a farm-to-fork, dock-to-dish concept with a seasonal menu and craft cocktails.
Sunny Daze Smokehouse: Barbecue, frozen drinks and ocean views have returned to Carolina Beach. Former manager at The Dive, James Hardin, opened this spot at 9 Pavillion Ave. S. in the former Carolina Smokehouse location.
Wildfire Pizza: This spot that boasts cooking innovative pizzas in 184 seconds officially is open at 614 North New River Drive in Surf City. Look for house-made sauces and doughs, including gluten free options.
Your Pie Pizza: After a brief closure, the Wilmington location of this pizza restaurant re-opened early this year with new owners at 4403 Oleander Drive in Wilmington.
New bakeries, coffee shops and more
Blendstations Beverage Bar: This business serves healthy cold-pressed juices and smoothies, as well as craft drinks and homemade shakes. It opened at the end of April at 20 S. 16th St. in Wilmington.
Café Ahora: This coffee shop opened a second location in February in Midway Commons at 2831 S.E. Midway Road in Bolivia. The other is in the Supply area at 3369 Holden Beach Road.)
Celtic Creamery Porters Neck: The fourth location of this Carolina Beach-born ice cream business is now open. It's at 8209 Market St. serving the signature rich and creamy ice cream in a colorful setting with a cool mural for selfies.
Folkstone Slow Bar: A new specialty coffee bar is located inside The Fuzzy Needle Records & Books at 716 S. 17th St. in Wilmington’s Cargo District.
Grateful Graze: This business that makes charcuterie and graze boards (and tables) now has a storefront at 1616 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington.
HOST & Graze: The grazing trend has resulted in another opening, too. This business first opened in Sunset Beach three years ago and now has a Wilmington location at 417 Arboretum Dr.
Moody Bean: The Olde Southport Village Shoppes in Southport is now home to this coffee shop, located at 1102 N. Howe St.
Nana’s Coffee & Ice Cream: The Rocky Point area also has a new spot to get ice cream and coffee at 8206 S. Highway 117. They use Blue Bell ice cream for sundaes, milkshakes and more.
Pie Slayer: In downtown Wilmington, this spot opened in June and offers late night drinks and desserts, from pies to marshmallow treats. You can find it at 129 Princess St. Near manna and Quanto Basta restuarants.
Kilwins at The Pointe: A light-and-bright location of this sweet franchise is now open at the Pointe at Barclay, 1474 Barclay Pointe Blvd. in Wilmington. Look for treats, as a lineup of fun events.
The Soundbar & Cafe: A space that combines wellness services with a coffee shop is now open at 823 S. Kerr Ave Wilmington.
Southport Cookies: Baker Joelle Ingram offers plant-based and gluten free cookies and other goodies at Olde Southport Village Shoppes, at 1102 N. Howe St. In Southport.
Sweet Alicious: This sweet shop held a grand opening on May 23. The menu includes ice cream, smoothies, shakes, coffees, pastries, desserts and gifts. You can find it at 14260 N.C. 50.
Three Friends Coffee: This coffee shop opened their second location in the new Skyline Center, located at 929 N. Front St. in the former PPD building.
Wandering Cone Creamery: A new ice cream shop offering house-made, small batch flavors officially opened on May 31 in Wilmington's Soda Pop District at 921 Princess St.
New bars and breweries
The BARge: The Carolina Beach area has a new floating bar offering beer, spirts, and live music at 401 Marina St. near the Carolina Beach Yacht Club.
The Bend: This indoor/outdoor gathering space opened June 24 at 7227 Market St. in the Ogden area. Already open there is The Parlor House bar which serves beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails and other beverages.
Brewha: This business is a family-friendly bottle shop and tap room at 7946 Market St. in Wilmington’s Porters Neck area. They held a grand opening on April 19.
Carolina Crab Brewing Company: Although this brewery and the surrounding land are up for sale, the partners are continuing with their plans to create a community gathering spot at 4810 Long Beach Road in Southport.
The Golf Barn: In addition to sporty fun, the space also includes a Beer Barn and a rotating schedule of food trucks at 7 Bell Swamp Connection N.E. in Winnabow.
Putter Pub: Speaking of golf, this new business combines an 18-hole minigolf course with a full bar. It's at 801 St. Joseph St. They opened in March.
Sip N Chill Lounge: Anthony Durrett held a grand opening for his new business at 614 Castle St. on May 17. The lounge offers beer, wine and cocktails and will also be a place for community events, live music and game nights.
Sip Tiki Bar: Get an island vibe at this new bar at 214 N. Water St. in downtown Wilmington. Look for beer and wine, as well as pina coladas, margaritas, and daiquiris.
Tinyz Tavern: This popular dive bar has a new midtown Wilmington home at 800 Shipyard Blvd. It’s in the shopping center that’s also home to Boba Tea Factory and a Mexican restaurant.
Topsail Island Brewing: The grand opening for this brewery, beer garden and taproom was on April 13. The address is 514 Petes Way in Sneads Ferry, but it's just across the bridge from the North Topsail Beach area.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New restaurants, bars, coffee shops that have opened in Wilmington, NC
