Tanner .. Piping Plover Pilsner...made here in Wilmington…read moreNC!! Wife had Red Oak Bavarian Amber Lager I ordered the Meatloaf, with asparagus and mashed potato's My wife had her usual chicken sandwich which I've forgotten the name but she did enjoy and the portion was large enough for me to get a few bites lol All was very good and we went be back

We had a larger party, so waited for some time but this was expected on a Saturday. Sat outside,…read moreshaded at high tops. Mixture of food from shrimp and grits to salads to blts. I had a Bloody Mary, well made. Some sodas and beers for all as well. I had the Cobb salad with a blue cheese vinaigrette- good, fresh veggies (great cucumbers). I do wish there was more roasted chicken/protein. Had a deviled egg on it, but flavor was a bit off on that so didn't eat it. Shrimp and grits x4 were good- grits a little thin, but flavor good. Only turn off was the tails being left on. On grits (and pasta) that is a pet peeve for me as you lose some of the shrimp and t makes it difficult to eat. BLT- good, fresh veggies and thick bread. French toast x2 - really good with a great variety of fresh fruit. Service was good.

Love this place. Have been eating here for quite some time…read more If not the best, has to be one of the best in Wilmington. I am glad that Guy Fieri had visited this place while visiting Wilmington. The whole staff including Lyndsey are amazing

Today, we had friends visiting from Virginia and wanted to treat them to a great Southern…read morebreakfast, so we brought them to Cast Iron Kitchen. We've eaten here many times, but this was their first visit. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a mistake. The food was very good, the service was excellent, and the restaurant was clean, just as we've come to expect. The problem wasn't the meal--it was a group seated at the table next to us. The group included a staff member (who was not working that day) as well as well as a family member of the owner along with three friends. They arrived one at a time and quickly became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. They were loud, obnoxious, and their conversations were not appropriate for a family restaurant. When I say loud, I mean we struggled to have a conversation at our own table because they were constantly shouting over one another. They were also drinking heavily. New drinks were served before the previous ones were finished, and at one point, a half-full drink was simply poured into a fresh one. It was obvious that alcohol was contributing to their increasingly disruptive behavior. I was embarrassed that this was the experience our friends had at a restaurant we had enthusiastically recommended. On the drive there, we had talked about the owner's popularity and appearance on a Food Network television show. It made the experience even more disappointing to see someone connected to the restaurant behaving this way. Perhaps the next television appearance shouldn't be on Food Network--it should be on Jon Taffer's Bar Rescue. We will not ever be back!

We were finally able to stop into RUMCOW on Grace Street in Wilmington this weekend!…read more We had a reservation. We were seated within a couple of minutes. Our server Ava knew the menu and read the table well. No overselling, no scripted recitations. She just took care of us. Thanks Ava. The Blackened Chicken Breast came with basmati rice, seasonal vegetables, black bean salsa, and a chipotle cream sauce that worked harder than it had any right to. The flavors didn't compete. They really settled into each other. The Rumcow Salad, loaded with mixed greens, carrot, tomato, onion, cucumber, and wonton strips, we ordered topped with shrimp. It was sharper and more interesting than we had expected. It's a newer spot in Wilmington, and it shows. In The Best Sense. We'll be back for sure!

We've been to Rumcow many times over the years and always enjoyed it. It's a cool spot with two…read morefloors, a lively atmosphere, and a strong A sanitation rating (96.5), which is always reassuring. The service was friendly and attentive, and we started the evening with a bottle of Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay (2023), which was a nice way to begin dinner. Unfortunately, the food this time around just didn't live up to what we remember. We started with the Asian Tots, which used to be one of the best items on the menu. In the past, the peanut sauce was poured over the top so everything came together as one dish. Now it's served in a small cup on the side, and there isn't enough of it to properly coat the tots. They also stopped finishing the dish with the salt they used to sprinkle on top, and even the presentation has changed -- the silver dome they once used is gone. What used to be a great appetizer has been reduced to something that's simply okay. For the main courses, the results were mixed but mostly disappointing. My blackened chicken was a little overcooked. My wife ordered the miso salmon, and that was overcooked as well -- which is especially noticeable with fish. When salmon goes past the sweet spot it quickly becomes dry, and that seemed to be the case here. None of the food was terrible, but none of it really stood out either. Dessert didn't help much. I ordered the carrot cake, but what arrived looked more like a small cupcake buried under a heavy amount of icing, with a large mound of whipped cream on the side. There wasn't much actual cake there, and it wasn't what I expected from a carrot cake dessert. One thing that stood out during the meal is that it feels like the kitchen may be constantly adjusting dishes -- moving sauces, changing presentations, tweaking things that didn't necessarily need fixing. In restaurants, sometimes the best move is to pick a lane and execute it consistently rather than continually modifying dishes that customers already liked. So here's the bottom line. Rumcow is not the Rumcow of yesteryear. Was the food terrible? No. But it was mostly meh, and that may be the most disappointing part. This used to be a place known for memorable dishes and small details done right. Right now it feels like a restaurant that has drifted away from what made it special. The atmosphere and service are still good, but the food just doesn't match the reputation it once had.

Stopped in for brunch with my aunt and uncle and tried a little bit of everything: the Chicken &…read moreWaffles with bacon, a Spinach and Swiss omelette with home fries and an English muffin, and a Chicken & Brie sandwich on a brioche bun with home fries. The Chicken & Waffles were the standout. The chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and paired perfectly with the sweet syrup and smoky bacon. A great balance of sweet and savory flavors. The Spinach & Swiss omelette was light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. The spinach and melted Swiss worked well together, and the home fries were nicely seasoned with peppers and onions. The English muffin was a simple but welcome addition. The bird & Brie sandwich was another winner. The brioche bun was soft and buttery, while the brie added a creamy richness that elevated the sandwich. The arugula brought a fresh peppery bite that kept everything balanced. Overall, the food was fresh, portions were generous, and everything was cooked well. The home fries were crispy and flavorful across all the plates. Definitely a solid breakfast/brunch spot that I'd visit again.

This place has such yummy food wow…read more.. I ordered just a plain chicken sandwich (not on the menu) [$11] it was sooooo good and MASIVE... also got a side of candied bacon. Came with two pieces of bacon and it was delicious! Also got the country ham and it was sooo salty and savory! The mimosas were huge! Like two mimosas in one glass. Will def be coming back!!

What a fantastic evening at Dram Yard…read more We were a little concerned we might miss our 5:30 reservation after getting delayed by a seven-car accident on the bridge, but we arrived just a couple of minutes late and it wasn't an issue at all. From the moment we arrived, the experience was relaxed, welcoming, and exactly what we needed. We chose to sit in the beautiful courtyard, and with temperatures in the 70s, sunshine overhead, and a gentle breeze, it couldn't have been a more perfect setting. The outdoor gazebo bar creates a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying a cocktail before dinner, and if the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor dining space is equally inviting. A special thank you to Sarah, whose service was outstanding. She was cheerful, attentive, and genuinely seemed happy to be there. The restaurant wasn't crowded, which made for a peaceful and unhurried dining experience. For drinks, I ordered the Ghost Town, while my wife enjoyed the Venus Flytrap. Both were beautifully prepared and easy to see why they're among the restaurant's popular cocktails. The food was equally impressive. I had the Spaghetti Carbonara, and it was exceptional. The kitchen even accommodated my request for extra freshly cracked black pepper, which took an already excellent dish to another level. My wife ordered the Little Gem Salad with shrimp, and it was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. We also shared the Tuna Tartare Tostada, which was outstanding--beautiful presentation, fresh tuna, and a great balance of textures and flavors. Adding to the experience was a bottle of Albariño that paired wonderfully with the meal. What stands out most about Dram Yard is its atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, slow down, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, and forget about the stresses of the day. Whether you're looking for a date night, an evening with friends, or simply a quiet place to relax, Dram Yard delivers. Excellent service, creative cocktails, outstanding food, and one of the most relaxing outdoor dining spaces in Wilmington. We'll definitely be back.

This was the 3rd time we've been here. The first two times we did not make it to the table because…read moreof the service. They generally do not care about the customer at all. The star of the show is definitely the food. The chef is super proud of his food, and he should be. The only reason I'm giving this a 4 on food instead of a 5 is because there was no iced tea (in the summer in the carolinas - not really forgivable) the water was nasty and the biscuits on my Benedict were towards the burnt side on the bottom. Honestly, everything otherwise was amazing. What was really great: The restaurant itself is AMAZING! It's like being transported to a Parisian cafe. I love that when you walk in, you immediately see the fully in view kitchen. I'm assuming a chef owns the restaurant and designed the layout. The patio is quaint and delightful and surprisingly private for a downtown sidewalk restaurant. The eggs on my Eggs Benedict could not have been more perfect. I'm not a fried potato person; however, the pan fried potatoes here are mostly whole and they are out of this world. They were exceedingly crispy on the outside and completely soft on the inside. My son ordered the dutch baby. It was delicious. The accompanied fruit was perfect and truly ripe. I feel like they would have to toss a lot of fruit to get the ones that were truly that perfect. What did not work: The water - it was about 85 degrees out and humid. There is nothing here refreshing. Water is served European style meaning no ice and out of the tap. Warm tap water on a hot day in South Carolina is just nasty. It's ironic that while Europeans visiting the US for the World Cup are posting social media reels raving about ice in drinks in the United States, meanwhile The Dram Yard is insisting on pulling all of the worst parts of eating out in Europe into their restaurant. I truly dislike restaurants that serve canned and bottled beverages. It screams, "nickel and dime". If you bought your cans of soda at Costco and charged $4.00 for a can, I'd have to drink 9 cans before you're losing money. There is literally no reason to limit beverages other than driving higher profits. I hate price gouging. At the very least get a fountain and serve iced tea. SERVICE - the service staff simply makes you feel like they're doing you a favor by being open. Don't expect anything after that. When we arrived, the restaurant was at about 25% capacity with 2 food servers, who also double as the hostess. After waiting 10 minutes to be seated (yes...even at 25% capacity), service truly went downhill from there. It wasn't that the staff was rude. They were just not present and extremely slow. It honestly seemed like they were doing everything they could to not be seen. We needed salt, a refill of the water carafe and our check. That was it. The staff would come to our part of the dining room but then not even glance around or come by to see if we needed anything. I'm giving them a 2 because they were exceedingly slow and not present. When we did chase them down, I felt rude asking for help. The chef delivered our food. He was very proud and should be. However, here's the rub. The chef needs to learn that being in the restaurant business is not only about creating great food. It also requires front of house service and an overall dining experience that people are happy with. Right now, I'm walking away feeling: 1. great food and great atmosphere 2. terrible service 3. nickle and dimed me on drinks 4. doesn't have the sense to serve iced tea in the Caronlinas So - as much as I loved the food - there are too many restaurants in Wilmington that are good enough to overcome 2, 3 and 4 above. The Dram could be fixed so easily: 1. hire servers who want to be there and smile a little 2. put ice in your water 3. serve iced tea - at least in the summer months 4. get a soda fountain - it's 2026 Unfortunately, we won't be back because there are simply other options that, at the very least, hit 1, 2 and 3 with good food.

We appreciate them allowing us to dine in as we realized upon entering the hours on Yelp are not…read morecorrect. Call first to check the hours. We were served fairly quick. I had the pork chop meal and my children shared the chicken meal. Both were nice sized portions for the cost. It comes with rice and gravy but you also get to choose two sides. The green beans are way too salty so beware if you need to avoid high sodium dishes. The yams were tasty and we loved the cornbread.

I love coming to Nippy's for the lunch! The owners and everyone working there are seriously the…read moresweetest people. You go in, get seated, and someone brings you a drink. While you're waiting, your brain has already zeroed in on the delicious food in the buffet. While it doesn't look like a ton of food in terms of the variety, once you taste everything, you will stuff yourself silly with quantity because everything is delicious! I particularly love the mac'n'cheese, fried chicken, and the BBQ fish. Make sure you save room though for the desserts- there's usually some type of cobbler in the buffet too and it's always good.

This is your old school diner! Absolutely a most for any one looking for Southern charm !!!read more

I was in Wilmington this weekend and looking for somewhere to eat and was hoping for some really…read moregood Fried Chicken. Google recommended Ruth's so I decided to check it out. The waitress was really friendly and the food was pretty amazing. The restaurant is really tiny and you could easily miss it. The next morning I was up very early for an event and decided to return for breakfast. My waitress was a lady named Lee who was amazing at her job. I had eggs, sausage, grits, and toast and couldn't have been more satisfied. I only hate that it's in Wilmington and not Winston Salem where I live or I would eat there more.

I can't believe this was my first time to the Fork and Cork after living in Wilmington for 7 years!…read moreThey had a full house on a late Saturday afternoon, so we sat at the bar where I had a delicious bloody Mary and the 'brisket biscuit' from the brunch menu.OMG, it was a perfect pairing with the cocktail. The bbq pulled beef over homemade biscuits was topped with a spectacular mustard sauce with two perfect eggs and a side of sweet potato waffle-fries sprinkled with cinnamon, cayenne, and sugar... You guessed it, I ate the whole thing! My husband had the beet salad topped with blackened chicken, which he raved about the whole time we were there. I highly recommend this restaurant, it is small and cozy with a unique ambience, great service with a smile, quite loud, but worth the wait!

Ended up coming here for 4th of July because we were on vacation and found out they raised their…read moreprices compared to yelp menu prices. We ended up sitting outside because they didn't have seating available. Ended up waiting 34 minutes after ordering to remind the waitress to check on our food. She let us know it's going to be another 15-20 minutes because the kitchen was backed up. Which is pretty wild because all we ordered was burgers and fries. All in all we waited for our food for about an hour. Should have called beforehand to price check it because it's 100% not worth the price. Should have just cooked out on the bbq. I ordered the "Hot Mess" burger because it had decent reviews. The burger was decent size with a tiny portion of fries on the side. The service was mediocre, felt like the waitress / bartender was just damage controlling the small amount of tables in the entire establishment. On top of it all the ice tea was too sweet, we exchanged it for a water and still got charged. Overall, would not recommend, it was an absolute waist of money and time.