Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wilmington, NC offers a clean atmosphere, great parking, and solid food, though the service and setup have room for improvement. The interior was clean, but if you're hoping for waterfront scenery, the indoor views are lacking, we couldn't see much of the water from inside. Keep in mind that while there is outdoor seating, it isn't well-protected from rain, so keep an eye on the forecast if you plan to sit outside. On the plus side, parking is a breeze; they have a large, free lot that easily accommodated our full-size truck. We sat down for dinner around 5:00 PM and started with the crab dip and a cup of New England chowder. The crab dip arrived hot; it had a slight fishiness to it, but was decent overall. The chowder arrived lukewarm, though the flavor was good enough to make up for the temperature. For entrees, we tried the newly added sweet corn risotto and the lightly blackened seafood trio. The risotto was excellent (though I wish it came with a few more scallops!), while the seafood trio was just average, good, but nothing spectacular. Service fell a bit short during our visit. Drinks weren't refilled promptly, and we experienced a few lulls, waiting over 10 minutes for appetizers and another 10+ minutes just to get our final check. A small detail, but there were no coasters or napkins provided for our cold drinks, which left the table wet and dripping on the sides from condensation throughout the meal. Overall: A decent spot with easy parking and a few standout dishes, but speed of service, indoor view placement, and small details could be dialed in. read more

See all

Even though it was raining this place still was a nice spot to watch it. The atmosphere was pretty nice, the staff was very friendly. We had a situation with a booster for my niece but our guy max saw the stitch and fixed it in a heartbeat. The food was amazing. The only thing I would say is that the couscous was a bit over done on the mediterranean mahi. The corn bread was amazing had coconut and cheese in it. Very decadent. Crab dip was superb although I wish the toasted bread that came with it was a more toasted. The crab cakes are not your traditional type of style and has a different almost kind of a tumeric or some kind of light masala almost tasting profile. The kids fish and chips were spot on. read more

See all

Food---horrible--worse than the worst school cafeteria food you may have ever had. Service ---Excellent Ambiance-- Excellenct This restaurant needs a head chef that loves food. Whoever is making the food seems to have prepackaged food and a microwave. It is the worst and most expensive worst food I have ever had. WAWA is better. The Bartender is EXCELLENT! read more

We've been going there for years and today's lunch was terrible. We had another couple with us would had the same issue. The salmon wrap had very little fish on it. Mahi taco were dry and and cold. Very embarrassing and disappointing. read more

The service and waterfront views alone elevate the dining experience at Bluewater. Our table enjoyed all of the cocktails and mocktails we ordered, the standout drink was the was the matcha cocktail which had the earthiness of the matcha complimented by strawberry and lemon flavor. We all enjoyed the Carolina Crab Stack. I ordered their new scallop risotto which was flavorful, the scallops could've been more grilled for the dish. The Calabash platter had the perfect crisp on the shrimp. Our family finished our meal with the perfect ending, tableside smores. read more

See all

Good menu, good food, very large place. Our server was great and moved us inside upon our request because of the weather. That was nice. I think it may be just a bit over priced for what you get, but I would return. read more

See all

Had a great meal at the bar at Bluewater last night. The bartender, Hunter, took care of us. He's a total pro, and we noticed that the staff in general were hustling, attentive and friendly to everyone. We had the crab dip, the tuna and avocado, and the crab Louie salad: each was a ten out of ten. The. Drinks were outstanding and the value was top shelf for everything. A must go to if you're down in Wrightsville. read more

Mid...service was lacking, but we were at the end that wasn't under the fans and stale hot air. There were plenty of open tables under the fan, also. Food was also mid and nothing but overpriced by the water corporate tasting seafood. I'm sorry I dragged my wife out here from Old Town Wilmington. Reviews pump this up too much because it's a staple on the water by the bridge. Don't bother coming from far for this. read more

This was my first time visiting this location. I usually go to The Oceanic, the sister restaurant, but when I got there I was told the outdoor seating area and pier was closed due to a wedding. What a bummer! I drove straight there from Greensboro just to eat outside. The hostess told me to go to Bluewater Waterfront Grill for the same experience and food menu. I hop back in my car and drive the 2 miles to this location. They were packed because everyone was being redirected from The Oceanic. I feel like they need to put on their website when they will be closed for events because it sucks to have made plans to eat at Oceanic and take in the views and now you are denied. I wonder how much someone pays to shut down the entire outside space and the pier?!? Since it was just me, I was able to find the last seat at the outdoor bar, at Bluewater. Bar service sucked and there were a lot of dirty dishes, glasses, and overall disorganization happening, so much so that the bees were enjoying flying in and around the dirty glasses and plates, on the bar top . I finally got a table near the water where yachts were anchored and small dinghies were passing by. My food was cold at first after waiting about 30 mins. It was then remade and came out piping hot. I ordered asparagus while waiting. Had almost finished it and decided to cut them in half and add to my newly re-fired dish. It was delicious! The menus are not the same. I like Oceanic better. read more

See all

Ashley was pleasant and knowledgeable. The Carolina crab stack was as beautiful as it was tasty. We sat by the water and it was lovely. The calm chowder was delicious and my garden salad with balsamic dressing was fresh and full of tomatoes! Overall a great place to sit, relax and enjoy a delicious meal. read more

See all

This is a very nice waterside spot! You can watch the boats motor by while you dine. We were able to get a table for 6 waterside for lunch on a Tuesday afternoon at 1. Our server Gabby was just lovely. She was attentive and friendly. The food was decent. I got the crab stack and it was very fresh although a little light on the crab. My family said that their food was fine. We had margaritas that were pretty darn delicious! The place was on the larger side with both inside and outside dining so hopefully you can get a table! read more

We went to the restaurant from the water. They had plenty of docking available and an attendant helped tie our boat. The service was friendly and we were sat immediately on their nice patio at our request. The view from the patio is great you get to enjoy the boats and Inter-Coastal Waterway. The interior of the restaurant is nice, and I would recommend dressing for the occasion if you intend to eat inside. The food was good, fresh, interesting, and they had plenty of variety. The prices were reasonable, particularly for a waterfront place. Highly recommend. read more

We had a great time celebrating 26 years of Marriage! It was a vey busy night, we couldn't sit outside but the inside dinning was just as nice! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. Our party of 4 all ordered the same dish and we all agreed the presentation and taste were a 10!!!! read more

See all

I reserved a private room for my son's Rehearsal Dinner and for the Brunch the day after the wedding. Meredith was wonderful to work with. Was very pleasant and thorough. Also the waitresses for the events were excellent! Dinner and brunch were very good. Thank you read more

We stopped by the Bluewater grill in Wilmington on the intercostal. We were amazed at the beautiful intercostal views. Our server was friendly and attentive. I had the Shrimp and Crab salad, which had a good variety of toppings with a delicious creamy dressing. I dare say it was better than the daily catch Mahi sandwich was also very good! Loved this place! read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Mahi sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

See all

COME TO BLUEWATER WATERFRONT GRILL FOR THE MOST MEDIOCRE SEAFOOD OF YOUR LIFE!! Ordered the so called "seafood tower"... which was less of a tower and more of a seafood trailer park situation. I kept waiting for the second floor to show up (pictured) The oysters were not fresh and somehow splitting this with one other person still left us hungry enough to consider hitting a drive thru on the way home All this for $90 ... truly a luxury experience in disappointment. The only good thing was the shrimp... I also got some blueberry vodka drink that was fire asf read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Seafood Trailer - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

See all

First of all, we entered the area where we were sat and it reeked of dirty dishwasher rags. The menus were wiped and they made the area stink. Then throughout our whole meal, appetizers, drinks, etc., nothing was cleared off our table. Lastly, my shrimp & grits were delivered to the table and it was barely warm. Definitely lacking enough staff! read more

I was visiting NC and came here for brunch. What a relaxing and pretty place, being by the water is the most peaceful thing, something about it. And the beautiful boats and warm sunshine. Our server Gabby was really sweet and friendly and provided great prompt service. We enjoyed the food, I had the avocado toast that was pretty good. One of our friends had a Bloody Mary and the mimosa flight which they enjoyed as well. We loved our brunch time here over the weekend. read more

See all

First time here - just wanted a snack to make it back home 3.5hrs away. We chose to sit outside and were led through the bar to the upper balcony seats. PERFECT!! We could see all the people below in the sun and all the boats/yachts go by. Jake was a fantastic waiter - got everything that needed to be addressed corrected with the kitchen. JUST KNOW: If you order grilled shrimp, do not expect it to be cooked on a grill. It will be seared (on one side ‍) on a flat top grill. That was returned to the kitchen! The second side of shrimp was sautéed with garlic, served HOT, and was much better! The green beans were perfection!! Hubby's seasoned fries were lightly seasoned, not over salty. The strawberry mocktail was pleasant. It arrived with the mint sprinkled on top. I had to use my straw to 'muddle' the mint and stir the syrup into the spritzer for it to have the correct taste experience. We would definitely revisit to eat a full meal here and look forward to returning. read more

See all

BEST SERVICE! Great view outside. Chicken quesadillas were my favorite. Will definitely come back. read more

See all

Food was mediocre at best not worth the price. Got a frozen margarita and by the time they got it to us it was not even half frozen. The waiter could not take his eyes off my friends daughter which was SUPER uncomfortable read more

The scenery is awesome. More people sit outside even when it is 95 degrees out. We didn't. We sat at a high top and had the shrimp and grits and a mahi plate. Get the shrimp and grits. It's so delicious. You will not be disappointed eating here. read more

We stopped in on a Saturday morning just after they opened at 11 AM. We had 4 kids in town, from 3 to 10 years old. We were seated quickly and our drink orders taken right away. The kids all ordered off of the kids menu. My wife had the tuna avocado bowl and I had the shrimp and Grits. Everything came out quickly which is a must with a 3 year old. The kids fish and chips was great( the 3 yo shared with me) We went for some desserts to share, Keystone Lime Pie and Blueberry Buckle. Both were very good. read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Shrimp & Grits- best I ever had! - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

See all

I started this draft some time ago, so hopefully the food has improved since. The beautiful waterfront scenery is definitely the main draw here--it's a great spot to sit and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, the food was just plain awful during our visit. The calamari, which was supposed to come with peppers, was overwhelmed by them and ended up soggy and tough. The tacos were poorly assembled with slaw on the bottom, making them watery, messy, and basically inedible. Service didn't help much either--our waitress never checked in to ask how the meal was, which felt like she already knew there were issues and just avoided the conversation. Drinks were adequate, nothing special. If I return at all, it would be just to sip something by the water--not to eat. read more

I had the shrimp tacos and they were delicious! They were so flavorful with mango and pineapple. I look forward to going back! read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Shrimp tacos - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Walked in on Saturday for a late lunch for a friend's birthday. Were seated quickly outdoors. It was pretty hot but luckily the tables had umbrellas. The menu had a good selection of items and drinks. Food took a little while to come out but it was pretty good! I ordered the carnitas tacos which was tasty! I did they they could have filled them a little more given that it only included 2 tacos on a taco holder made for 3 though. Overall atmosphere is nice and service wasn't bad either read more

4 work friends 2 from Jax Fla met here for lunch, 2 of us got there 1120 got booth n said waiting ? Deb n her son got there 1200! Ordered food all plates were clean except my shrimp platter which went home w me!! We stayed till after 1430! They never asked about us camping n their booth!! Had Bft there never lunch great!! We all got different platter NO complaints!‍ read more

See all

this is one of my favorite places to eat in the water in Wilmington. The view is unbeatable, cocktails are scrumptious and the food is pretty good too. Service has ALWAYS been good here too. Absolutely recommend for anybody new to or visiting Wilmington. read more

See all

Super close hidden gem for wrightsville beach area. Sat outside and had amazing views and weather for it. Seated right away and server was so friendly and amazing. She had great recommendations and we LOVED everything! Would definitely go here again next time we're in town! read more

See all

This was a very nice place on the water. We went on a sunny afternoon so it was nice to see the boats going by. The food was also pretty good, the crab dip was hot and fresh, cheesy, gooey goodness! I also tried the shrimp and scallop burger which was also good. The one thing I did not expect was the large slice of pineapple on the burger. The menu did say pineapple, but I was thinking it would be more of a pineapple salsa which might have been better. The large slice overpowered the taste of the burger but it was a refreshing addition so I wasn't too mad at it. read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Shrimp and Scallop Burger - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

See all

Went to Blue Water on May 19,2026 for a few drinks & a appetizer. Been there many times before but this time we ordered an Oyster Rockefeller. It took quite a while for us to get it and when we got it, there was one short on the plate. The waitress says she was going to comp it to us because it didn't come out right it taste awful and look even strange & told them to just take it back. We then ordered another appetizer, which was OK if I had never been there before I would probably never go again, but I know it is a good restaurant and I was very disappointed with the food that day. The cook needs to get his stuff together. if you know, the food is not right you should never bring it to the table read more

Great bar, service and atmosphere! The food is always on point too! Get the fish dip to start and the catch of the day. read more

Bluewater Waterfront Grill - Spicy Pineapple Margarita - Seafood Near Me - Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Sadly for the restaurant's Service of underachievers, the food is quite excellent. Bartenders are very friendly. Historically we eat there twice a week on average. Unfortunatey the latest experience (laughable), we were seated and didn't get service because the waiters/waitresses refused to work another table. After waiting fifteen minutes with no service the Hostesses stated the waiters/waitresses refused to take another table, why we were left sitting among serving customers. Go figure. I guess workers rule the roost. Blueberry Grill up the road, way more friendly and food excellent, also with a bar. Cheers, Just because read more

Great atmosphere, service was on point and food was fresh and flash fried perfectly!! Lacy was awesome. She was very attentive and knew when to check in without interrupting the evening. If in the Wrightsville area and looking for fresh seafood with great views this is your spot. Items are a little more expensive than other local restaurants but the service & waterway views make it worth it. read more

See all

The food was bland for me because I insist on putting hot sauce on everything.... I have ruined my tastebuds The service from the front door to the table was slow... But we learned they had just gotten a visit from the health inspector. Your grade is still stayed at a 99, and they were little distracted. I will give them that distraction and will be back.!!!! Our server was very nice and helpful .... The only thing that would have made it better is if we could have sat outside but apparently the rain storm Well, the table is over and made it impossible for that to happen... We will sit outside for sure next time read more

See all

I highly recommend Bluewater Waterfront Grill! We just had a fabulous meal ! The food was amazing and the service was fantastic!

Heading out of SC we decided to stop and see Wilmington and Wrightsville, stumbled across this place and glad we did. Even though we stopped on a rainy day its nice to sit by the waterfront and boats. Our server was so nice and helpful with recommendations. We tried the catch of the day blackened grouper sandwich and a shrimp/scallops burger with cajun sauce. Both were delicious. And tried the warm fudge pie which was homemade. It was like a brownie but gooey and fudgey read more

All I can say is YUM! If anyone had a bad food experience then they don't know good food. I had the crab cakes and hubs had the shrimp n grits. We are both foodies and this place is top notch. It's near the beach so yes you might have long wait. We did not. Arrived at 5:45 and an hour later we were checking out on July 3rd. Highly recommend super clean and great ambiance read more

Great service, wait time, exactly what they said it would be. Food was excellent! We drove down from Maine to go to UNC Wilmington college tour. Friends recommended this place. We were not disappointed! Highly recommend! read more

Very disappointed. The restaurant acoustic was very loud. The mahi grilled sandwich was no better than a Filet-o-Fish from McDonald's. Service was okay, but the food for the price was terrible. read more