You know a place is incredible when people start lining up by the door the minute it opens. Amazing staff, great ambiance( super relaxed) and good to die for! Their nachos and onion wings were incredible. We can't wait to go back and try everything on the menu read more

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Loved this place! Signature joint that's been around for longer than I've been alive. Menu had a handful of staples that sounded delish. We started with the red pepper hummus which was served with warm pita. Then we each had the 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich, the Philly Cheesesteak, and a blackened chicken Greek salad. Everything was fresh and I really enjoyed the salad. The chicken sandwich was rather dry, but still had a decent taste. The Philly cheesesteak was awesome, super juicy. The bread that they use is from locally Apple Annie's, ugh fantastic. Perfect! Place could be a tad cleaner, went here on a Friday afternoon but I hear it gets super packed at night! Service was prompt and friendly. Would definitely return! Also, the sweet potato fries are awesome! read more

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Bar food. Delicious onion rings Friendly staff. Saw them on PBS and learned they were on Diners Drive-in's and Dives

Outstanding service at the bar food was excellent awesome indoor area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Copper Penny is a relaxed typical "American" fare restaurant located in downtown Wilmington, NC. While it is a good location the only issue I have found is that parking can be an issue at times. This is typical for any downtown restaurant. Those of you that have followed my reviews have probably noticed that I truly enjoy French Onion soup. The reports of the exceptional French Onion soup are what spurred my visit to this restaurant. Alas..... I was disappointed to find it was no longer on the menu. Since I am all about trying new restaurants My wife and I decided to stay and order some food. My wife, a Wilmington native was excited to eat there again as she had expressed how good the food is, etc.... We started out with an appetizer of Cheesesteak Spring Rolls. These were very flavorful when combined with the Spicy Catsup provided. Without the "Spicy" Catsup it would have been good but not exceptional. The Catsup was not spicy to me but was still flavorful. They were greasy which should be expected to some degree however, these were exceptionally greasy. I feel the fryer temperature was too low, as this allowed grease/oil to seep in during cooking. We arrived and were the first customers in the restaurant, so that leaves me wondering if we had not been first would the oil have been at the correct temperature? My wife ordered the Southwest burger with no peppers and a medium cook (See the menu picture for more information). The burgers presentation was bold with it being so tall and well put together. The toppings were provided at an appropriate level and were fresh. The cook on her burger was perfect and the flavors were well balanced. I would recommend this burger. Her fries were well cooked and were typical restaurant fries. Tasted great, but nothing special. I ordered the Classic Pub Style and asked for a medium well cook on the patty. Again the toppings were fresh and appropriately portioned. My burger was heavily burnt on the bottom but I chose not to send it back. I was a noticeably uneven cook. The sweet potato fries were also overcooked. They were not oily but were definitely left a little too long in the fryer. They must have corrected the early low oil temperature or used a different fryer. The most outstanding thing about the restaurant was the high level of service. All employees were happy and seemed genuine about that fact. They truly seemed to care about the customer's experience. Overall I am torn between giving this a 3 or 4-star rating. My wife's burger and the exceptional service moved it to a 4-star. My burger and the Cheesesteak rolls would have landed a solid 3. read more

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Called to make sure we could be seated as long as we arrived before 9. They said yes. Got there at 8:30 and they told us they couldn't seat us. It was too late. And the hostess was rude. We won't we going back. read more

Been here a few times and have never been disappointed. This time my wife and I split a Dip sandwich and onion rings, both were amazing and homemade. Service was perfect and beer was cold. What else can you ask for? Oh, cleanliness...spot on! I did notice while there that people would walk in during lunch time and due to its popularity, there was a wait of about 20 minutes without a reservation. 3 people in a row got nasty with the hostess and was mad at her? Why? People just amaze me. If you want to be sure to get a seat without a wait, make a reservation. Or wait for a whole 20 minutes and grab a cold beer from the bar in the meantime. read more

There was a 1 hour wait time to be seated- while we waited they did offer to order drinks from the bar. Once we sat down to order the waitress was great. She was super quick and friendly. We ordered a batch of chips and they came to us undercooked and soggy. We requested a new order and they came back the same. I highly recommend the wings! They were delicious!! read more

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Finally got to try the Copper Penny and it was incredible! Had to wait for a table but it was worth it! The onion rings are perfect, so crispy and delish. Those alone are worth the wait. As for those complaining about House Rules, get over it! They aren't offensive or excessive...wish more restaurants took this attitude! Can't tell you how many times I've waited to be seated while watching people just sitting and yakking and their food is long finished...purposefully ignoring all us other diners waiting to sit and eat. That is just plain selfish! You are keeping the restaurant from turning the table and cheating the wait staff from tips from new diners. Get up and go someplace not crowded to do your visiting! Come here for great food, pleasant staff, cold beer and then move on...it's not mean or rude...it's good business!! read more

This place was good and normally that would come with a higher star rating. This one is based on mostly food and service. Although the atmosphere is great, the people are nice, and it's clean.... we come to places like this to eat. I had the Philly cheesesteak and unfortunately for me, it was literally an onion sandwich. The bread is absolutely amazing and as a fan of onions I liked it for the first half of the sandwich but I kept eating the amazing bread sandwich hoping I would hit the meat and cheese section but it never came. The local bakery that makes this bread would receive 5 stars! It's apparently picked up every morning and absolutely amazing!!! FIND THIS BAKERY!!!! My only other issue would be that I ordered my beer well before an hour of closing and I wasn't ever asked if I wanted another. The bar staff was very busy cleaning the whole time (when she wasnt checking her phone) which I appreciate but I was just slightly disappointed since no one seated at the very full bar was even offered the opportunity. Before I seem like I am just mad about getting a drink.... it was the same for the check. I waited patiently for 20 minutes after my meal while the bar staff cleaned so I could leave. I will possibly try this place again as I don't like to leave a bad review. I feel like this place is worth a far better rating than 3 stars. It will just have to remain 3 stars for now while I clean my room, my car, my office, neighbors garage, aunts cat...... and everything else other than update this review. read more

Copper Penny - Philly Cheesesteak with mushrooms and onions - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

While on a 4-day work trip, I ate here 4 times! It was that good. Updating my review after the first visit because it got better! Cheeseburger/cheesesteak (can't remember) egg rolls were SO GOOD! Crispy, cheesy comfort food. Sweet potato fries matched well with the honey mustard. Hot pork sandwich disappointed me on the 3rd visit, but turns out they forgot to give me the side of au jus to dip it in. I didn't want to give up on them-- the sandwich is a well known favorite, and mistakes happen, so I went back a 4th time and talked to the manager (owner?). Here's where that extra star comes in-- he was so genuinely apologetic and determined for me to try it as intended, and I'm glad I took him up on it. It was AMAZING. He provided stellar customer service that went beyond just words and talk, but he was proactive and took action to show how much he values his business and his customers. He was so kind and it seems to rub off on his staff. Everyone I contacted was so friendly and welcoming!!! I look forward to visiting when I'm back in town. read more

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The BBQ Smashburger was amazing! But the best thing about the restaurant was service. Jarah was so friendly and attentive!

Good food ! Delicious! Great service and atmosphere. Reasonably priced .will definitely be going back , lively atmosphere and friendly and helpful staff! read more

Very busy place and we went middle of the day thinking we would be well after lunch and well before dinner... but there's a reason... food is great, it feels good to sit in the room, and it is worth the wait. Elevated bar eats and lots of creativity built in. The lady that served our table of 8 that day had a great attitude about another busy day and always had a smile and a friendly word. Good stop for sure, but plan ahead. read more

Food was good, the waitress service was also good but the hostesses were terrible. Walked in at 8:15 told a 30 minute wait went to look at any availability at the bar but to no avail. Went back to the hostesses to put my name on the waitlist. Went outside and waited, got a text confirming my cell number. Couple of people ahead of us. Around 8:35 those parties were gone inside. The app (Toasted) showed me that no other parties were ahead of us. Three other parties came after us while we were sitting outside. Two got called in but were seated at the bar then the third was called for a table. I went in and asked how these parties whom came after us were seated before us. The brunette said that the system does not allow them to Skip people( not sure about that). I asked then how come for the last 20 minutes no one was ahead of us. She looked at me like I had two heads and then just turned away from me. No personality at all and they gave me the impression we were bothering them. It's a shame the waitress was very personable and attentive but these two ladies ruined my experience. Oh yeah our 30 minute wait was almost 50 minutes read more

Food was fantastic! Service was on point and friendly! TV's everywhere so you can watch the games I really liked this place. A definite recommend! I will be back soon. Thank you. read more

You lost a customer! Zero stars. Bring back normal burgers!. I don't like overdone hockey puck smash burgers. The only people who like these type of patties must be the line cooks because they are fast to make. Ask your customers if they prefer juicy tasty thick patty burgers cooked to desired temperature or bland flat over done dry hockey puck smash burgers . Why change your menu ? We're people walking in everyday begging for smash burgers? Did a number cruncher tell you it would save time / Money and your customers don't count? read more

This place is bomb.com! It's no wonder it made it on Diners, Dives and Drive-thru's but that not why we even came here. It was just "random perfection" that we ended up here for lunch. They've got a good selection of beers which were all tasty and a bunch of them local microbrews, which I'm a sucker for. I got the fish and chips because our server said they were a big hit and purple constantly rave about them. I love me some fish and chips and these are delicious. Perfectly braced and cooked to perfection. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Coincidentally the two menu items that were showcased on Diners, Dives and Drive-thru's were the ones that the wife and my pops were interested in and ordered. We now see why because they both were hella good. Juicy meats and the bread was just right; not too hard but not too soft. The service here was great. Not to fast but not too slow; not too bothersome with interruptions but not leaving us stranded on an island all alone. We highly suggest this spot if you're looking for some quality eats and service. We will definitely be back come our next visit to NC to try more from their menu. It's in town so parking is street or paid lots but then there's a bunch of cute ships around to check out and walk of some of those calories. read more

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Great find here in Wilmington on an unexpected layover. Didn't realize it was visited by Triple D until we sat down. Good beer selection. Great service !!! The hot roasted pork sandwich is not to be missed! read more

Me and my boyfriend shared 2 appetizers-- cheesesteak eggrolls and sweet potato fries! We were impressed with the portions! The cheesesteak eggrolls were DELICIOUS I highly recommend! read more

Copper Penny - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We have been looking forward to trying the Copper Penny. We arrived and immediate found a seat for dinner at the bar (wait for a table was about 15 minutes), we typically prefer the bar! However I would say this was one situation in which I would t recommend that. They weren't super friendly, but also not off putting. We ordered drinks and decided to split the famous Chestnut chicken sandwich. It does come out very quickly but the lack of service made us feel like we were part of a "get in, get out" meal line? It just wasn't it. Don't get me wrong the sandwich and fries were plenty edible. I appreciate that they let you share. I think a fee to share a sandwich is crazy, but understand where they are coming from. Overall checked a box off, but won't necessarily come rushing back. read more

Copper Penny - Chestnut Chicken Sandwich - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Excellent food service great starters delicious drinks. Salads are great. Cheeseburgers too. Or have a steak just the way you Like it. Don't miss this downtown treat!! read more

Solid local bar with good food. The service was super friendly and all of the Philly related memorabilia gave us a little bit of home. The classic pub style cheeseburger and the grilled salmon sandwich were very good. With neighborhood bar vibes and a good draft beer selection, I can see why locals come here. read more

The wings, the service, the espresso martinis ... so so good! 10/10 we throughly enjoyed everything we ate and will 100% be back !

I really enjoyed my dinner at the Copper Penny. We went for a date night and wanted some burgers and beers. This was our first time here and we will be going back! When we first arrived they said there was a 20 minute wait, it is a pretty small restaurant, we ended up sitting at the bar and being served immediately. The service was great and it wasn't too busy. I ordered the Black Bean Burger and it was so good, paired with sweet potato fries. My boyfriend got the Southwest Burger, it was a bit undercooked than what he requested and the toppings were piled high in one spot, they didn't take as much time on it as they needed. He adjusted the toppings and ended up not minding it was too pink. I would recommend! read more

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I love this place! The food is absolutely amazing! The bartender was very attentive and kind. I love the location in downtown Wilmington. Would highly recommend. read more

Amazing service and atmosphere. Food was awesome as well. Walking distance from most of the hotels in the area.

We have been hearing about this place and had to try it!! Wish we didn't wait so long!! The food is amazingly yummy!! Jess and the team very friendly; been here 6 years says sooo much!! Very friendly environment; will be back with friends!! Oh and the onion rings are better than any picture; and they look darn good in the pictures!! read more

Copper Penny - @mankindbrewery Witty Whit Wheat ale Very refreshing - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Old school pub with a great vibe. The staff is very friendly and the bar tenders were on top of their game. I had the fish and chips that I'm used to having it made with cod but this was haddock and it was delicious the crust was awesome came out blazing hot with a side of onion rings and I asked for some slaw, that was the standout. Great meal I'll be back read more

Copper Penny - No mayo slaw - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The food was great and the service was very friendly and helpful. We were able to slide into seats at the bar on a very busy Friday afternoon. The only thing we wish they would've had, was Dr Pepper... otherwise, we were VERY happy with our lunch. The beer, battered onion rings, were surprisingly not soggy or soft at all. Unlike so many others. What a delightful surprise. Definitely recommend the Beef on Weck sandwich. No question that this is a must stop if you're hungry while in Wilmington. It's no wonder why that the Copper Penny already has so many wonderful reviews. read more

We have been wanting to eat here for a long time. We live in Holden Beach, but, I work in Wilmington. So, one Saturday morning, we drove up here to give in to our curiosities. Our curiosity, and anxiety, became really high after Guy Fieiri's Triple D came here earlier in 2019. That's when the country was introduced to Cooper Penny. We got in there and was greeted with options: either wait 30 minutes for a table or go to the bar where it's first come first serve. . We chose the bar! I started off with an ice cold draft of WBC's Tropical Lightning IPA. Always a fave. My wife enjoyed a ginger beer. After we looked at the menu, my wife and I decided to share a lunch entree and an appetizer. Glad we did. They serve you a lot of food and more than enough for two. We ordered the Hot Roast Pork Sandwich with a side of homemade chips. We also shared an appetizer of chips, quest, guacamole dip and Pico. I'll go ahead and skip to the meal being brought out. The wait time was very minimal after we ordered. read more

Copper Penny - Yes, I took this photo! - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Found this place on Yelp while touring the Battleship NC in Wilmington. Wow!! Food Network's Guy Fieri was right. Onion rings are quite possibly the best I have had. The 109 Chicken Sandwich was phenomenal. Ambiance is that of a pub. It's very loud. Service is prompt, but not exceptional or terrible. Minor dings thus not 5 stars suck as water running out. Wasn't a lot of options our 12 year old found desirable, but he is picky. read more

Copper Penny - Onion rings and 109 Chicken Sandwich. - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Stopped in on a Thursday evening for a drink and an early dinner. Fantastic selection of local beer. The menu is the real deal- so many great choices. I went with the Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich - WOW is that a great sandwich. Crunchy, sweet, hot... so good! I highly recommend stopping in! read more

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Wow. We waited almost two hours to get in here, wait was worth it. Portions are big. Service is good. Place is nice and clean... but the food. The food was awesome. Tried a number of things, everything was 10/10. Can't go wrong with anything. Highly recommend. Classic American done right! read more

Copper Penny - Wings - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I asked to be seated and was told I could go to the bar. I informed the host that there were no available seats at the bar, but she still refused to seat me at a table because I was a party of one. This was very disappointing and reflects poor customer service. Every guest, regardless of party size, should be treated with courtesy and accommodated fairly. read more

Been here many times and was excited that the Onion rings are back! Also excited that we were seated right away! This place is so popular, you usually have to wait, especially on the weekends! Service was excellent! Seems like the food was out in about 15 minutes! Husband had the Pork Sandwich, which was featured on DDD a few years back! It didn't seem quite as good as before, but Onion rings were on point! I ordered the steak and cheese, excellent quality, but I should have added some Mayo to it! I got Sweet Potato fries with Ranch dressing! Yum! If I didn't have to drive 30 minutes downtown, I would frequent here more often! read more

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Shhh. This is a poorly kept secret. Great staff. Seriously good location. Brunch on the weekend. An Ahi Tuna Appetizer that I really enjoy. I love the shrimp tacos with the sweet potato fries. The food is worth the trip and worth the price. read more

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If you're hungry for some pub style food, and don't mind a wait, head on over to Copper Penny and put your name down on the list! We've ordered some takeout and dined in here and both times the food was excellent. The Ft. Fisher Fish& Chips are really great. The batter is crispy and not oily at all which is hard to do! I'm also a fan of their traditional buffalo wings and the French Onion soup is one of the best I've had-- super flavorful and not too salty. read more

Copper Penny - Ft . Fisher Fish - n - Chips - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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If I could leave a 10 review, I would. Really enjoyed our visit here. The service was quick and food was delicious. I got the southwest chicken sandwich and I swear it was the best chicken sandwich I've ever had! The sauce on it was amazing. Also got the hibiscus Margarita, which did not disappoint. The atmosphere was great, not too loud and good music playing. Definitely will be returning. read more

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Delicious food and cool vibe atmosphere. Sat at the bar and ordered drinks and sandwiches which were delicious!