This Carolina Beach restaurant is a cool hang-out spot that still takes food seriously
Before coming to the kitchen at The Sandspur in Carolina Beach, chef Brad Royal worked at restaurants like Rx Restaurant and Bar (before its change to Rx Chicken & Oysters) and Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria. For four years, he was also the person who created the unexpected small plates for manna’s beloved (and missed) Beggars Can’t Be Choosers nights.
When Clay O’Neal and his partners talked with him about this project, he felt they were all wanting to create something similar.
“They are all friends that I’ve worked with at other restaurants,” he said. “We all have an appreciation for good food but were excited to do something more casual and fun. A little more approachable.”
The Sandspur opened in March 2023 in a renovated beach cottage at 103 S. Lake Park Blvd. Royal said it fits his more laid-back approach after he took a break from fine dining.
“I started hunting and fishing. My quality of life got better,” he said. “My food got more casual but also more about being in nature and just quality products.”
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Compared to typical five-person kitchens, Sandspur has just room for two. They use fresh local fish, and hand-peeled N.C. shrimp. Royal sources the same vegetables, steaks and pork shanks as those other restaurants.
“I want to keep those things I care about and keep the menu smaller and then change it more,” he said.
The basic menu
Look for classic, refreshing cocktails made with fresh juices and a small menu with four items – a salad, bowl, tacos, or sandwich – with a choice of protein. Royal’s goal is for this list to be about 30% of what’s available.
The specials
These account for the other 70%, depending on how busy it is. They sell out often, and some options are based on logistics. In the summer it’s a lot of grilled fish because the fryer is dedicated to other items.
The events
“Sometimes it’s all about the food,” Royal said. “Sometimes, it’s all about the party.” Sandspur also hosts a series of events, including a concert series that begins in March. For these, the focus is on shareable taco platters.
What’s popular
Cornmeal-breaded catfish, tuna nachos, fish tacos, seasonal salads and specials made with the Brasstown beef bologna.
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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: The Sandspur in Carolina Beach offers serious fun, concerts and food
