Cafe Koa

The sign on the street caught my eye so we decided to give Port City Java a try. I ordered an Iced…read moreSalted Toffee Latte - oh my, it was so tasty. It definitely was borderline in the dessert department but worth it. Also Ordered hot dirty chai and it was good- barista did a great job making it really hot like my husband likes it.

Port City Java is a great Wilmington area alternative to Starbucks. This Southport location is…read morelocated in the heart of the downtown core next to the Amuzu theater and has bright and welcoming interiors. After a somewhat disappointing experience at one of the Wilmington Port City Java locations where my drink was overloaded with ice, I made sure to ask to ask if it can be made with less ice, and the staff delivered by making a Mocha Freeze that was smooth and great tasting. It wasn't too sweet and more importantly, it wasn't over 40% ice. While it wasn't the best crafted drink I've had at a coffee shop, it was a solid 4.5/5 experience, which I'm happy to round up since the service was warm and friendly. I'd recommend giving Port City Java a shot for your caffeine needs in Southport.

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They have a map on the wall for everyone who visits from out of town. Just adding a pin for my Bartlesville, Oklahoma parents

Side Street Bakery

4.6(24 reviews)

0.1 mi

Christine at Side Street Bakery was amazing to work with for my recent wedding. She did the…read morecutest cupcakes and a wonderful small cake to go on top. We also had her provide us with cookies for our family and out of town friends dinner. Interestingly, many of my guests who asked where our cake came from did not know this bakery. I myself had only recently stumbled upon the business while out going all over Southport to sell ads for the Historical Society House tours booklet. Prior to this I had never been there either. I hope with this review and more on other social media that Christine's business gets better known.

Christina was so very helpful in making my friend's birthday cake just perfect and EVERYONE loved…read morehow it tasted! I highly recommend this bakery!!

They sell some other items as well

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The front of Side Street Bakery

Carolina Coastal Cafe

4.5(76 reviews)

0.3 mi

Our service was terrific It's a team work environment LOVED THIS!…read more The fur was fresh and hot! You Definitely should try this cute little restaurant

Came this morning close to 9:30 for breakfast with a friend. Place was very loud and super busy…read more Kendra was our waitress and was great. She checked on us often. I had the fried chicken breakfast bowl, friend had the french toast. Both of us could only eat half our food there was so much, oh well. Lunch leftovers later. Next up come super early if you want a quieter vibe. All in all everything was good. My friend had never been here. Street parking can be tough.

The cutest!!!!

Belgian Waffle with Chocolate syrup

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Southport Coffee

4.1(19 reviews)

1.4 mi

Very cute shop, we tried their May specials. The mocha and horchata one. Both were amazing…read more Definitely would come back

Love to stop at their drive-thru coffee kiosk, great coffee and friendly service. It's a great…read moreplace to stop when heading out of town

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Southport Coffee Co & Kitchen

4.9(16 reviews)

0.2 mi

Coconut Caramel latte is fabulous!! Great gifts -- get a…read moreshirt --and friendly service! Stop here!!

Great cozy spot for a delicious Cafe Mocha. Be prepared for a line as they are a popular spot for a…read moregood cup of coffee or a handheld bite for breakfast or lunch. They have nice selection of souvenirs and gifts to browse while you wait to order. Service was fast and friendly. We were lucky to snag little table on their front porch with our pup. They also have a nice side yard with several tables to enjoy the shade.

Sign

Vanilla chai iced latte

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Island Jo Coffee & Cafe

4.5(217 reviews)

3.8 mi

the food is great! so welcoming when you walk in the door. I give their chicken sandwich a 10/10…read more they have amazing pasta salad, definitely recommend coming here!!

Coffee is great! Food is great- bacon, egg, and cheese on a jalepeno bagel! The place is small so…read morebe patient, it's worth the wait. Parking is limited and off the main road.

Menu and order counter

Philly

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Front Entrance

Ruby's Coffeehouse & Eatery

4.3(82 reviews)

3.8 mi

Ruby's was a short walk from the condo I was staying at, so I enjoyed the early morning beach walks…read moreto get breakfast and coffee. It did not disappoint! I enjoyed their drinks so much I actually went back twice in the week I was on Oak Island. The line was at the door one of those times, but moved at a good pace. They have breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and bowls to go along with your coffee. I did enjoy the turkey sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel the most. Both of my drinks were so good...the perfect balance of sweet alongside strong coffee taste. Grab breakfast to go and then enjoy it while sitting on the pier.

Ruby's Coffee House was one of our favorite stops on Oak Island! We ordered the house drip coffee,…read morea chai tea, and a bacon, egg, and cheese croissant, and everything was fantastic. The coffee was fresh, the chai was flavorful, and the croissant was delicious and hit the spot for breakfast. However, we finished our drinks before we got our breakfast so that was disappointing. We arrived around 8:30 a.m., and while there was already a line, it grew quickly after we got there. The wait was definitely noticeable, but completely worth it. Parking can be a challenge, but that's pretty common everywhere on Oak Island, so we didn't hold that against them. What we especially appreciated was how family-friendly it felt. We had a baby with us, and the atmosphere was welcoming and accommodating for families with little ones. It made for an easy and enjoyable breakfast stop. Great food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Just plan for a little extra time if you're visiting during the morning rush. We'd absolutely come back!

All the fixings for your magical bean juice

Plain bagel with egg, bacon and cheese

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Snicker's Latte!

OKI Coffee House

4.0(45 reviews)

5.3 mi

Came here every morning for a week during our vacation in July, friendly staff, adorable little…read moreshop and great tasting coffee!

This place was hopping on a Saturday morning at 10am. There is little parking available out front,…read moreso we parked nextdoor at Publix and walked. There was a long line of people inside waiting on their drinks, but we were able to walk right up to order. Much larger menu than I expected! Most coffee shops I've been to have a fraction of their choices...combinations the shop came up with themselves. I went with the Jamaican Me Crazy which had caramel, vanilla, and Kahlua with whipped cream. It was good! You could definitely taste the espresso which I appreciated, as a lot of places drown that out with milk and other flavors. Would definitely come back.

The inside

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Sandpiper Coffee and Ice Cream

3.3(33 reviews)

3.3 mi

Great service plus delicious pastries and coffees! Always on point! Having lovely soft and calm…read moremusic and located close to the ferry!

Great coffee shop, I have been going here for over 10 years. The coffee and ice cream is always…read morevery good and the ice cream is amazing. The service hit or miss, the shop is typically ran by young highschool/college students. It is a very small venue, so it can get backed up during busy times. They have improved their outdoor seating area in the past few years.

3 scoops of ice cream tray! Pirates treasure, chocolate, and cake batter

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Brown sugar latte

Blue Cow Grille

4.3(169 reviews)

0.2 mi

Took the Fort Fisher ferry over to Southport for the day, and we stopped in for an early lunch…read more They were not busy yet, which was our plan. Eat first, then do all our walking. We were greeted by very friendly staff that seated us in a back corner. No foot traffic over there. Server came by for drink orders and we had some time to look over the large menu. It is your typical diner food. Big portions and all fresh made. We tried the Henny Penny sandwich with side of fries and the Reuben with side of fries. Chicken was cooked perfectly on this wonderful roll. Looked delicious. The Reuben meat was chopped and mixed with the sauce and sauerkraut. Very easy to eat this way. And I love the marble rye bread. Not sure where they get their bread but both sandwiches were amazing. Fries were hot and crispy too. This is a great spot right in the middle of Southport. When we finished and left, almost every table was full, even outside tables. There are only about 8 tables inside, so when they are busy, I'm sure there is a wait. We will definitely return when in Southport. Give this little place a try. Great food and service right in the heart of Southport. 5 stars

Service: Fast service and waiter was quick on his feet…read more Food: Blue cheese burger had good toppings and the flavor was great Pork rinds were a unique addition. We sat outside and if the wait had been less I would have sat inside since the flies joined our table as soon as the food came out. Fun to sit outside though, just to feel some of the vibe as people milled about. Price was high for a burger in any normal environment, but you're paying beach prices.

Things to do in Southport

Grilled cheese for the Toddler and burgers about gone

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Beth G.

8 years ago

I LOVE this sandwich shop in downtown Southport, NC. The place is utterly charming, and the food is on point. I had The Bowie, a club sandwich on an everything bagel. The iced tea is perfect. I sampled the strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing and the peanut sauce that comes on the Thai salad. Both should be bottled and sold. read more

Eric J.

3 years ago

The food is always so good here! We love the omelettes and the Hall & Oaks Chicken and waffles is delicious!!! Service is always friendly and fast! Very cool atmosphere with great coffee as well! Austin is a terrific chef with fresh and unique menu choices. read more

Amy V.

2 years ago

Delicious breakfast! Such a foodie surprise! Loved it. Enjoyed every bite. We were just passing through town and stopped for a bite and were absolutely happy with our breakfast. Our waitress Savannah was lovely too. read more

Karen O.

7 years ago

The best broccoli soup and their salted Carmel cheesecake was to die for!!!! Love this place real cozy! I will be back!!!

Sofia V.

5 years ago

We had an excellent experience! The service was amazing and the food as well. We'll be back. read more

Cafe Koa - cafes - Updated September 2026

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Eggs Up Grill

4.2

(72 reviews)

We waited for about 20 minutes for our food but the whole place was packed and full of art and…read moregreat services and waitresses were amazing and helpful to all customers not just the ones at their tables but everyone around them. Finger licking, slap your momma type of vibes. Clean and friendly place to grab breakfast. It's a must try.

5 stars well deserved for food, service, and owner response to customer comments. Music at just…read moreright sound level.

Kate's Pancake House

4.1

(667 reviews)

Some places serve great food. Others nourish your soul. Kate's does both…read more From the moment you walk through the door, you're welcomed with genuine smiles and a warmth that makes you feel like family. Here's what makes this place so special: 1. The Food Many of you know how much I travel, and I don't say this lightly, these are the best Eggs Benedict I've ever had. Period!!! I ordered the Crab Benedict, while my wife enjoyed the California Benedict. Every bite was simply outstanding. 2. The People The entire staff is incredibly kind, attentive, and welcoming. Yes, you may wait 25 to 50 minutes for a table, but I can honestly say it's worth every single minute. Great things are worth waiting for. 3. Kate And then there's Kate, the owner. She is truly one of a kind. Her kindness, humility, and positive spirit radiate the moment you meet her. More than anything, her faith is contagious! We spent just a few minutes talking, yet her words left a lasting impact on both of us. As we were leaving, she handed us a small pin that read, "God's Got This." Wow... it was exactly the message we needed at that moment. Please take a moment to read her story in the attached photo. It's inspiring and a beautiful reminder that faith, hope, and love still exist all around us. From now on, every day can be "CB" day for me, because I'll gladly return to Kate's for what I believe is the best breakfast, served with the biggest hearts. Thank you, Kate, for reminding us that sometimes the greatest thing on the menu isn't just the food, it's the love, faith, and kindness that come with it. God Bless you, your family and your amazing team!!! 100% Recommended

I only got pancakes, so I can't speak to the other menu items. But the restaurant has pancake in…read morethe name so it seemed like a must. The sweet potato pancakes were insane. Perhaps some of the best pancakes I've ever had. They had nuts in them and were perfectly spiced. 10/10. Red velvet was good, the cream cheese icing was quite tasty but they weren't anything too special. And the apple pancake was my least favorite; the apple filling on top tasted like it came from a can. Super sweet and didn't taste fresh. But the pancake itself was still good. This place does not take reservations and I was told the line goes out the door in the summer. There was a large line even while we were there in the off season during a storm. So if you want to eat here on a weekend, or the weather is nice, proceed with caution and be prepared to wait (standing outside--there is no seating while you wait).

Royal James

3.9

(24 reviews)

We stopped in for a quick lunch on our annual trip to Southport. We opted to sit at the bar since…read morethey were not busy yet. The bartender was super friendly and gave us several great recommendations. Get the street corn - so good! My husband devoured his hot ham and cheese that comes with a delicious house queso and my daughter really enjoyed her Ropa steak and cheese that came with a tasty dipping sauce on the side. I went with the Nashville hot chicken. It was good but I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if it would have been 1 piece of chicken versus tenders. I also cut my sandwich in half so it was mostly my fault that it was falling apart. My plan has been to only eat half but the pretzel buns are so good that I killed the whole thing. If you dont like it too spicy, it will be a perfect pick. I added a good dose of Cholula to mine. I snagged the queso from my husband's order and went with the multicolored tortilla chips. Next time I am trying the mac and cheese bowl! Glad we found a new spot to add to our Southport list.

***This review is the for drinks only.***…read more My husband and I sat at the bar to grab beers. I like the space and the service was fun. I can't speak to the food but they serve it here. It is definitely worth checking out for drinks. Cheers!

Wildlife Grill

3.6

(22 reviews)

Been there several times in the last 4 months , omelets are very good as well as the french toast ,…read morestaff friendly and efficient, I've seen other plates like burgers and specials that look good , would recommend

Great diner food. Service is like a well oiled machine. Terrific little spot. No bells and…read morewhistles, just good food.

Provision Company - Southport

4.3

(748 reviews)

We have been visiting Southport for a few years now and for one reason or another never made it out…read moreto The Provision Company. We can say we have one and done it now. They were pretty busy during Friday lunch before a big holiday weekend. We got our meal to go because I did not realize that they were not dog friendly. Completely my fault because I did not check ahead. I knew that surrounding places with outdoor dining were so I assumed incorrectly. Not a big deal since there are lots of benches in the area to sit by the waterfront. I ordered the Grouper Salad sandwich, my husband got Thee special that came with 1/2 lb. peel and eat shrimp, crab cake, corn on cob with sides of cocktail and tarter sauce, and my daughter got the regular lunch special with came with shrimp, crab cake, and sauces. Unfortunately, my daughter's lunch only had the 1/4 lb. of shrimp when she opened her box so she had to hoof it back and wait In line again to get her crab cake and sauces. Thankfully, I texted her a copy of the receipt because they gave her a bit of a run around regarding her missing items. I should have gone in there with her. Several staff members asked to see the receipt and then asked if she was sure of what she ordered. If I had known they were going to give her a time, I would have taken care of it myself. Don't get me wrong, I get it. I worked in food service for many years but when a customer shows you a receipt, then tells you there was mistake, and is polite about it, the customer usually doesnt have to explain the issue to multiple people. It is off putting to put the customer to task for your mistake. They gave her a free small drink, which she appreciated. Other than the order mishap, our food was pretty standard. The tarter sauce was nice and thick but was warm. The crab cake was better than some I have had but a bit dry. I cannot say the meal was worth what we spent. My Grouper sandwich was the highlight but for $10.95 and no side it won't be enough for us to return. I am glad we got to try them out while we were there. We have lots of friends that love it. I think our experience would have been better if we had eaten there instead.

The absolute ONLY reason I'm giving 3 stars is because of the cleanliness of the restaurant and the…read morefriendliness of the staff. The food was a major disappointment. Crab cake was more like a flattened hush puppies with a few bits of crab in it. Ahi tuna was cooked to the point that it was grey, dry and flavorless. Potato salad was screaming for some seasoning. The cucumber salad was the best part of our meal. You place your order at the counter and then grab your drink of choice from the cooler. (I will say that they offered a decent selection of beer and wine). When you find a place to sit down they call your name and then bring your food. When you finish, you have to go back into the small and crowded ordering area and tell them your name and what you had to drink and then pay SO, needless to say, it took another 10 minutes to pay. It was a lot of work for a very disappointing experience.

Dot's on Howe

4.4

(21 reviews)

Ordered to-go Chef Salad and the Fish sandwich. Wait staff (Cassie and friend) were terrific and…read moremade sure my order would be correct and ready. Enjoyed the meal at home.

We were on last night if vacation and found this place on Yelp. Great casual spot with great…read morefood, prices and service. Staff came to talk with us - family feel. I wish I took a photo of burger and onion rings but decided to dig in. Highly recommend visiting Dot's on Howe

Island Times Cafe At Deep Point Marina

4.1

(11 reviews)

Aye a very good wrap with chicken, lettuce, bbq sauce, and tortilla chips. It was fresh and tasty!…read moreI also got a scone, which was heated. It was a bit dry and the frosting was good but sticky! They have a small staff, so if you're waiting for the ferry, realize they might be busy. Nice staff and good experience!

The grilled cheese on rye was very good. I was disappointed…read morethat they had Fox News playing on the television. Would have preferred a more neutral station. I was offended by what was playing on the tv.

Shagger Jacks

3.9

(694 reviews)

First, I'd like to give a special shoutout to our waitress. She truly made the dining experience…read morememorable. She was funny, a little sassy, and had a great personality that made us feel right at home. Be prepared for a crowd! We visited on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was very busy and quite loud. We had about a 20-minute wait at 5:00 PM, so I can only imagine how packed it gets around 6:00 or 7:00 PM. For dinner, I ordered the flounder platter with Gouda potatoes and sweet plantains. Everything was excellent--5/5. The Gouda potatoes were especially delicious, and the flounder was perfectly crispy without being greasy. My son ordered the crab boil special and cleaned his plate, which says it all. My boyfriend had the fried oyster po' boy, and it was very good as well. Even my little guy ordered the adult portion of fried shrimp and finished every last shrimp and fry. Overall, the prices were reasonable, the service was outstanding, and the food was delicious. We'd definitely come back again!

We have dined at Shagger Jacks several times-- the vibe is chill and laid back, love the outside…read moreseating tucked away behind all the plants, very much a relaxed & easy going beach bum place to eat. But we have definitely learned the food can be hit or miss. We love to get the fried shrimp and peel and eat to share. The peel and eat may be great once, but hard to peel and overcooked another. Same with the fried shrimp-- once was perfectly cooked and crispy, the next two times was soggy. The fries are always tough like they've been cooked a while and sat, rather than fresh. We have also tried the island poke bowl & grilled shrimp stick. Those were good! We usually sit at the bar and have had Lilly, who is always very nice! Last night we had Owen, and he took great care of our party of 4! Overall we enjoy going and supporting local when we crawl off the beach late and need a quick bite to eat!

Oak Island Deli & Pub

3.4

(46 reviews)

Beer is always cold. Service is always good. Bar food that is typically pretty good, but priced a…read morelittle bit on the high side for bar food. Good place to catch a game.

This place didn't have as many stars as I like but I do like to try places like these. My husband…read moreand I went by here for lunch. I got the steak and cheese and my husband got the classic cheeseburger. It was soooooo good, the bread was so soft, the meat was great. Our waitress was so friendly. The inside of the place is a bar with some tables, you also have a patio. Go check this place out, they do have specials the chef decides she wants to cook that day, which is great. This would be a great place to hang out with friends or find new friends.

KoKo Cabana

4.1

(396 reviews)