Was here recently for a girls trip and came here for dinner on a Saturday night. This is located inside The Hotel Ballast. There was a marine ball at this venue and men in uniform with the women dressed so beautifully in their gowns hanging out before they went to their ballroom. We had a great quiet evening, only a few people at the bar that evening - I had the salmon dinner with potatoes and spinach and it was delicious. Our server was kind and friendly. We got the scrumptious chocolate chip cookie with the vanilla ice cream which she flash froze for us so it wouldn't melt when we walked back to our houseboat. And it was still intact and not melted at all when we got back. That was a wonderful touch. This was a nice place to go to for a nice sit down dinner with good food. read more

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Really good food, but the service was extremely slow. I think probably habitually understaffed. Give yourself plenty of time if you come here read more

I was excited to see housemate gravy so off I went. Was disappointed it was in the basement of a hotel. Pleasantly surprised with the flavor of the "Loaded Biscuit" and the server was so sweet. My eggs were as ordered and the portion was good size. Being able to see out to the water was a nice change. The lighting was a little dim for my liking, but I'd return. read more

Board & Barrel - Loaded Biscuit - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

A delightful dining experience that pairs a charming waterfront location with a robust menu of Southern-inspired dishes. Nestled comfortably on the Cape Fear riverwalk inside Hotel Ballast, it's one of those places you're not expecting much. And honestly it was pleasantly surprising. I'd still say it's a 3.5 or so, but this one feels like I should round up rather than down. The service is the part that was kind of strange. Not due to any of the actual staff. In fact they're great! But due to stuff like the limited space and the weird schedule, they run into issues I feel. The schedule part showed up when at lunch I came in after it was supposed to be open but the bartender was the only one there yet. I think it was due to the hotel catering an event upstairs that day, but it's hard to say. They didn't seem to have a list of what beers were on tap outside of going to the bar. The wait staff had to go ask the bartender what was there. The food though was really good. The chicken quesadillas were perfect. Wings were on point as well. If it wasn't on the higher end it would have bumped the rating up higher to a solid 4 anyway, but all things considered it would have to be this good at the price. It's an interesting combo. I'm not sure if I'd come here if I wasn't in the hotel or not with so many unique places to try in this area. read more

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This place is located in Hotel Ballast. It has a restaurant as well as a bar. After the restaurant is closed, guests enjoy some beverages to wind down. I ordered a clam chowder which was fairly bad. It was watery and didn't have much flavor. But the experience was saved by the oscar mahi mahi. The sauce, the fish, and everything else on the plate just filled my mouth with happiness. The waitress was attentive, but not overbearing. read more

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While I wished the hotel had a free continental breakfast, I believe they made up for it with the reasonably priced, and delicious, dishes here. The place was also very beautiful. I ended up getting the French toast and some hot tea for breakfast. The staff were very helpful when dealing with the tea as they would bring me a separate cup of hot water when I was ready for another round. They also had a decent selection of breakfast teas for me to pick from at will. I had gotten a tea at a local coffee shop yesterday afternoon and they charged double what this place charged, and I would still pick this restaurant over the coffee shop. Free refills of hot water is a perk too! I will be trying to find this brand once I get back to my home in Texas. The French toast was beautifully served with a kind attitude from staff. Very filling and tasty, but a bit dry. I enjoyed the meal but I would rather have gotten the buffet, that they offer on Saturdays and Sundays. I kept seeing the meals people were getting from the buffet and they looked delicious! If I visit Wilmington again, I will be trying that buffet. Main takeaway is: great food, great service, and great environment! read more

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Wish we could give in-between rates, this would be a 3.8 Stars versus a 3. Three, only because it is not a solid 4-star experience. Beautiful ambiance, the hotel it is located inside, The Ballast Hotel and how it is positioned on the water. Very tranquil, sexy and romantic, especially at night. Milieu aside, the food is ok. Grits were watery and rubbery, go figure. Asked for Cheese Grits and "literally" had 4 shredded pieces, unacceptable! Eggs were cooked to request, scrambled and seasoned well. Biscuits are fluffy and very rich because they are doused in butter. They are made of a good fat, either lard or butter that makes them flaky. They also slice and sear each in piece in butter; Oh, the richness! The sausages are savory and were cooked hard, the way we like but extremely sybaritic. Could only eat a piece of one but they are delish! Hashbrowns are shredded, crisp and savory. The French Toast is thick eggy Brioched slices of warm spiced toast served with a hint of orange zest, lots of butter and warmed Maple syrup. They have a variety of juices, including Pineapple and Cranberry. Overall, Service is swift, efficient and congenial. Good place for a nice brunch. read more

Board & Barrel - Orange Zested Brioche French Toast - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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While walking along the riverwalk one visit last week, my Mom and I happened upon this lovely waterfront restaurant. With a clear view of Cape Fear, we enjoyed smoked chicken quesadillas more delicious than any we've ever had! And they were HUGE. A good sized side dish of seasonal fruit was served as my side and golden, crispy onion rings was served as Mom's side dish. Mom also enjoyed a huge wedge salad to start off the meal and a huge glass of their house pino grio. I enjoyed sipping a perfectly crafted old fashioned. Our waitress was attentive and helpful in guiding us to these perfectly paired choices. Our outdoor seating was comfortable as we watched the sunset over the river after dinner. Best Wednesday night in Wilmington! read more

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Terrible service, bartender was rude & ineffective! She made our stay at this hotel unpleasant. She needs training on proper customer service. What a horrible experience! read more

Board & Barrel - Worst bartender! - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

While staying at the hotel Ballast, ate here for breakfast and had a pleasant experience. The wait staff were polite and attentive. Had the avocado toast with grilled tomatoes on a multi grain bread that hit the spot! read more

My scallops were amazing! The halibut was incredible and the drink selection was immaculate.

First time here very impressed that I stayed another night. Dinner was outstanding had the Shrimp/Grits recommended by Stephanie who's service and smile was A++ Awesome atmosphere and busy but the Servers were on it! Although the next night different bartender felt like I was invisible sat at the end of the bar were she was in front of me getting mixes while I sat with an empty glass for 17 min and waited to order food. STEPHANIE you and Princess made EVERYONE feel special! Had to remove a star don't ignore the customer at the end of the bar read more

Board & Barrel - Shrimp n Grits outstanding!!! - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This was our first time at the hotel where Board & Barrel is located. We were not sure how it would go since usually places like this are not known for good food and high prices. We were pleasantly surprised. The views of the water were excellent. The server was incredibly nice and efficient. We had breakfast and were not disappointed. My wife had the oatmeal and I had the Belgium waffle. Both meals were excellent. The waffles were perfectly done with warm fruit compote and warm syrup on the side. I did not think I could brag about oatmeal but my wife said it was the BEST oatmeal she's had in a very long time at a restaurant. The prices were comparable to other restaurants in the area we have tried. Can't wait to try something different tomorrow. read more

Board & Barrel - Steel Cut Oats oatmeal - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Belgium waffle reasonable price with high quarlity eat here almost everyday during my stay in Wilmington read more

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Went in to get dessert. They said they were out of 2 of the 4 choices. I sat down and ordered the brownie with ice cream. They make you pay BEFORE it comes out. When it came out, it was really just a microwaved chocolate chip cookie in a small skillet with no ice cream. I said, "Isn't it supposed to have ice cream?" The waitress said they were out. I told her I wouldn't have ordered it if I knew literally half the dish would be missing. They took it back and said they would refund it. They brought me the refund receipt, but they didn't refund the full amount. I asked about it, and she said she didn't know, but it should have refunded the full amount. I gave up. read more

Typical hotel restaurant. Food is decent. Some outdoor seating and a small bar. French fries were delicious and fish tacos were pretty good (a little dry). read more

Board & Barrel - Fish tacos and fries - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This review is specifically for the bar and bartender. We had a great time at the bar while waiting for our reservations downtown. Our bartender was super knowledgeable about their craft and gave us some really great history/recommendations! Super glad we stopped in. Also - my cocktail - Brandy Crusta was absolutely lovely. Wish we caught the bartenders name so I could shout her out! read more

Board & Barrel - Brandy Crusta and Makers rock - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Great hotel restaurant and bar. I visited both the bar and restaurant a few times each during my visit to Wilmington. The bar was great place for a single woman to hang out. Bartender was very sociable as well as a great mixologist. I had a fabulous salad that was supposed to be served with salmon, and I substituted shrimp. The wonderful breakfast with excellent choices gives everyone a chance to recover from the day's activities and set you on a path of great adventures in the area. I recommend grabbing coffee at the top of the stairs. It wasn't their strong point. read more

Grace at the bar is the #1 reason to visit Wilmington hands down. I love my bourbon and man did she know her stuff! I got schooled in the best way and she made some incredible drinks using things she foraged in her own. She definitely deserves to open her own bar or speakeasy. If I didn't already blow my money on her drinks I'd buy a bar for her. read more

Wouldn't know if the food is any good because... The service is absolutely horrible. The management must think because they have a captured audience of folks staying in the hotel they don't have gto try to do well. I absolutely hate this place. To contrast it, there are three people working the front desk fiddling with their iPhones not even looking up or paying attention to guests. Additionally, there are two people making drinks behind the bar and not going out to take drink orders. MyRotary District has this place booked for mid September. I'm not returning and I'm a district officer. I'll do my best to get this relocated elsewhere. Worst excuse for a convention place ever restaurant. read more

Came to the bar on my birthday and they "don't do shots". Taking my business elsewhere..

Came here with 2 girl-friends for some food and drinks after the battle ship run. We sat at the bar and were served by a girl named Taylor. What a cool chick! This girl knows her stuff! I saw her interacting with other customers and she really made our meal so enjoyable and entertaining. Thanks to her i'll be making this a regular stop. I had the salad with the lemony dressing...delish! my friend had one of the best bean burgers. She has talked about it a few times and comes here regularly. Most definitely a fan! read more

Every time my husband and I take a trip to Wilmington we try a new restaurant for a change in pace. Today, unfortunately we chose Board & Barrel. First this establishment is located inside a large hotel and unless you are familiar with the hotel the restaurant itself is not easy to locate. Once we finally found the restaurant it's actual appearance compared to the photos on yelp were less than expected. The restaurant was located in an open space without any ambience. The carpets were filthy and seating looked as if it was just thrown in to fill space. We should have left at this point but, we decided to stay and see how the food was. We ordered the mushroom fondue as a starter and it should have been called mushroom soup as that was the consistency of what we received. The crostini that came with it was as hard as a brick as well so, I definitely don't recommend this starter. Next for entree's my husband had the Ruben with fries and I had the Turkey Apple Brie wrap with the "super coleslaw." My wrap was advertised with an aioli which was nowhere to be found and the "super coleslaw" tasted like Granny Smith apples with cabbage (gross). My husband's Ruben had the same "super coleslaw" and to those that know how a Ruben is supposed to taste imagine that with apples again, not at all appetizing. So, needless to say we will no be returning to Board & Barrel and definitely do not recommend it to anyone else. The only positive I can justify giving one star for was the hostess and waiter due to their professionalism and friendliness. read more

Board & Barrel - Turkey Apple Brie wrap and "super coleslaw" - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Nice location near the river walk. Friendly service by Tre. Breakfast was average but lunch was better than expected. Great crab cake with corn salad. I would highly recommend the crab cake. read more

I came here for the first time last night. It took a few minutes for the bartender to recognize he had a new patron since he was talking to everyone else. Finally placed an order and waited forever for half a grilled cheese and cup of soup. He places it in front of me and ignores me. No how is everything, do you need anything-nothing. I asked for my check before I finished because I sensed his desire to be someplace else. No sooner then I asked for my check he starts telling everyone he wants to close out their checks. I'm still eating and without asking starts reaching for the check folder so he can speed up his departure. I pulled it back out of his hands and just gave him a look. I put my card in after I was done. I paid and left the bar area convinced I would never go back. read more

Steaks on point! Hands down best steak house in the port city! Burgers are good to but totally prefer steak! Also always ask for some of there hot sauce no matter what you order, it's so good!!!! read more

Came here on a Saturday night and there was live music! Definitely more of and older crowd when we went and there was plenty of seating - no need for a reservation. The food was absolutely delicious and had some really complex flavors (like the red pepper purée under the crab cake appetizer). I had the Farm Chicken as my entree along with the app which was the perfect amount of food before an evening out. I only had one cocktail with my meal because it was boozy and took me the whole meal to drink it! Tasted great, a take on a Kentucky Mule that used ginger infused simple syrup instead of ginger beer. A bit on the pricier side but the food is high quality. Experience of the service (host was reading a book) didn't quite match the vibe of the restaurant which is why I am giving 4 stars. Definitely a great date night spot! read more

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Y'all.... this place is amazing the fried tomatoes are a bite full of everything southern.... they put pimento cheese and collards! The Monte Carlo is delicious! It has avocado, blueberry jam and sprinkled with powered sugar. The side of pickle fries.... are addicting!! You will not be disappointed read more

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Came here with a group recently for brunch. Most of us decided to go with the breakfast buffet, however, one friend ordered the quiche dish which was--she reported--super disappointing. I can report that her presentation was two round egg things on a long plate and that's it. She was definitely still hungry. Our waiter REALLY struggled which was concerning because most of didn't even get a cocktail and only one person ordered breakfast other than the buffet so the fact that she struggled with the one person who had decaf and was also obviously pregnant mystified me. It was also concerning that she struggled the entire breakfast with little things like refilling water or bringing cream for the coffee or knowing the name of the drink I ordered that she was delivering. There was also an issue with cleanliness. The buffet area never had anyone clean up or restock anything and the plates were not all clean. In addition, while they do have a omelet and waffle station the girls consistently had trouble getting anyone to man it. One time a man finally showed up in the window and it was clear he was not enthused to be at work, to the point that some girls decided to not order an omelet. Later a lady came to make omelets and waffles and she was much better but it took forever for someone to get her. All in all, it was mediocre. The food on the buffet was just okay. Nothing special, but there are some BIG issues that this place needs to work out and fast! read more

Board & Barrel - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

My sister and her husband were in town staying at Hotel Ballast. We met them at Board and Barrel for cocktails and conversation. My sister had ordered a couple of appetizers. The fried green tomatoes were crispy and had dollops of creamy pimento cheese and a garnish of collard greens. The spicy boiled peanut hummus was equally excellent served with pita bread and sliced veggies. While trying to restrain myself from eating all of my sister's food, I sipped on an expertly made French martini in the prettiest short stemmed glass. Board and Barrel turned out to be a nice hotel surprise. read more

I'm not complaining about the service, there was nothing wrong at all about that, in fact it was exceptional. Also compliments where due on the decor and ambiance. I ordered the SHRIMP ETOUFFEE smoked garlic grits, "perfect" egg yolk - $15. The shrimp was not peeled, the grits were very runny and the presentation was nothing like the advertised photo. Very disappointing. read more

Board & Barrel - Advertised photo of shrimp and grits - note the shrimp are peeled and the grits is of a good consistency - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Absolutely the best artisan cocktails in Wilmington NC. Grace's concoctions are innovative, creative and tasty. Her list of unusual elixirs are pretty extensive, it's hard to choose. Enjoyed watching the magic! I tried the "Pie In The Window", bourbon,Amaro Nardini, Cochin do Torino, house made apple butter and torched lemon sliced lemon read more

Board & Barrel - "Pie In The Window" - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Way OVERPRICED drinks and food !! Cocktails are $20 plus and food price and portions will leave you hungry ! Was my first time eating there and the waitress and bartender couldn't get my bill right ! Bartender has an attitude and I'm not sure they're training the staff well . Save your money and eat elsewhere so you'll be happy with your experience. read more

Grace is the best bartender in all of Wilmington. This is a must stop. You'll be blown away at the intricacy and craft on display at Board & Barrel read more

Had an absolute lovely time here. We were visiting the city for Labor Day weekend & wanted to end the last day with a decent breakfast. This place went above & beyond. The management, the staff were pleasant to be around. Julie & Ruthie are rockstars. The food was great. I got the stuffed French toast. Yum! Whether or not you're staying at the Ballast, stop here for a great experience. read more

Board & Barrel - Wine Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

What a great night!!! Fantastic waitress named Madison!!! She is awesome. Told me great burger and onion rings and she was right!!! Had a long day that day and Madison's kind smile and genuine concern for my enjoyment made the day's pain go away. She suggested the brown ale beer which was delicious. I asked her if the bartender made good old fashioned's and she said her specialty.... was she ever right!!!! Awesome with Woodford!! Also amazing here was the guitar singer named Chris Nash..... he was fantastic... played a lot of my favorites and was on it all night. Thank you Madison and Chris and there was another host or manager and I didn't see her name tag, but she was also sweet and very kind to me!! This was my first time in Wilmington. Great impression these three made. read more

Grace at Bar is impressive. Order a cocktail, any cocktail...she'll know it, and most likely make the best one you've ever had. Don't let the "hotel bar" vibe fool you. They have everything here! read more

We were so excited to give this place a try on Valentine's Day. Sadly, I have to admit I don't think we would come back for dinner. I would return and sit outside for a cocktail in the warmer months though. For starters, we had a difficult time finding the actual restaurant. There are plenty of signs for Ruth's Chris, but I didn't see any pointing down the stairs to Board and Barrel. Once we did find it, there seemed to be 6+ people standing at the host stand with no host. Surprising for a holiday like this. The host did appear shortly, but was a little disheveled and rude. Only talking to one group at a time and not acknowledging the remaining parties waiting in line. As someone who has worked in service industry and owns a business, I would not want that lady essentially as the "face" of the establishment. There were dirty tables that needed bussing, and I think, 1 waitress working. The place was seated to capacity at 6pm. I had looked forward to the fried green tomatoes and portobello sandwich for at least a week and knew my husband would be stoked to see pork belly, mahi, short rib and scallops on the menu. First glance showed that there was a limited menu for the week. Apparently because a large group was staying at the hotel. No portobello, chicken, fish, short rib, scallops or pork belly. We did not get seated with a wine list. The 3 entree choices: chicken fried steak, meatloaf and a 3rd I don't recall. We were quickly told that the chef wasn't making anything off the reg menu unless we came back later at night, and he "might do it." We were one of two tables still seated at 7pm. I'm quite sure the kitchen wasn't busy. It would have been nothing for them to offer us a few diff entree selections from the regular menu. I will cut this short and say that we ordered 5 small plates and a couple of drinks vs leaving. The small plates were good. Our waitress Makayla, was VERY sweet and attentive. She is a true gem and the only reason I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1. Makayala is probably the only thing keeping this place afloat if it is like that regularly. All in all, we won't return. For a $100 dinner we left semi hungry and disappointed. I have changed my initial review from 3 to 2 stars because of the lack of any customer service contact after writing this review. read more

Tiki cocktails, good food, and conversation this is a great place to come in sit back and relax have a nice drink or two in a relaxed atmosphere. Ryan and Rebacca are an amazing team with light jokes and exceptional attentiveness. They made sure everyone was happy well fed and tended to. Consumate professionals I havent had a better bartender/hostess combination in a very long time and look forward to coming in again. read more

I sat at the bar with a few friends on a weekday. It was slow, we ordered cocktails and each of us got the monte cristo sandwich. It was just alright, they should have just kept the classic recipe and not tried to make it their own. It had a weird jelly and was served on French toast. The bartender disappeared for about half an hour and we were the only 3 people in the place. read more