I finally got to try this restaurant I've been wanting to visit for years and it made for such a nice night out with a good friend. We planned to sit outside for the view but it got windy and chilly after sunset. It took a little while for someone to come by but they kindly moved us inside to a table with a view of the water. The inside space was simple but really nice, with a darker cozy feel. Our server was energetic and attentive. We enjoyed the complimentary biscuits and got the tuna appetizer which was okay. For my meal I got the Stuffed Flounder which was delicious and a huge portion. I even had leftovers for another meal. On our server's recommendation, we got the bread pudding for dessert which was amazing and big enough to share. We had a nice dinner here and I'd I would come again. read more

The Bridge Tender - Bread pudding was giant and delicious - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Really enjoyed our dinner for 4 here. Had an earlier reservation; no issues with parking (right across from the restaurant). Seated immediately; drink selection was good. Crab dip amazing as an appetizer. Buffalo shrimp were excellent, coconut shrimp were just OK. All mains were excellent; bread pudding for dessert was perfect to share. Enjoyed watching the boats and birds while eating. Outdoor eating and bar area also available. read more

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We celebrated my MIL's 80th birthday here last night and we were completely pleased with the experience. Our server was attentive and very helpful with questions and suggestions. The food arrived promptly and was excellent. I ordered the fried oysters and they were fantastic. Usually I am hesitant to order them at some restaurants because they typically are premade/frozen; however they stated these were made by hand to order and they certainly tasted like it. On top of that, the serving was very generous for the price. Others in our party had the fried flounder, swordfish, Brussels sprouts, crab-cakes, etc., and all of them were very pleased. Definitely recommend! read more

The Bridge Tender - Birthday party! - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The calamari is all breading. Not any reasonable pieces to eat. The sauce it came with was too sweet. Make a nice aioli. And the stuff flounder is literally mostly cornbread stuffing. Bland AF. And it took 45 minutes to come out to my table even though we ordered before half of the Restaurant. Our waiter was nice and the decor is nice. That's where the positives stop. read more

I think I would honestly drive back to Wilmington just for this place. Holy crap it was amazing!! First, you need a reservation and get there early because parking is a pain. The restaurant is right on the water and they have indoor and outdoor seating, I'd go outdoor for the boat views. The staff was super friendly and even left a card on our table for our anniversary, which was such a nice touch. The food is pricey but the portions are huge and every bite was perfect. You will not leave hungry. The horseradish tuna was immaculate and the salmon was amazing, both cuts were huge. And seriously, GET THE BREAD PUDDING. Every table had one and now I know why. Easily one of the best desserts I've ever had. read more

The Bridge Tender - Horseradish Encrusted Tuna - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Nightmare experience - towed despite having a reservation: My husband and I brought my 89 year old parents out for dinner along with my nephew and his pregnant wife. Because we arrived early, we dropped my parents off at Dockside Restaurant for a quick drink and parked our car in the Bridge Tender lot. While walking back to the restaurant, we watched our car be towed away. The towing company forced us to meet them at Scotsman's (just down the rode) and pay $250 CASH on the spot - conveniently located right next an ATM. Our car was targeted solely because we did not walk directly through Bridge Tender's doors immediately after parking, completely ignoring our active dinner reservation. We still went inside and stayed for dinner, but the entire evening was completely overshadowed by this aggressive predatory parking behavior. My husband brought this to the attention of the GM, Sean Williamson, who refused to help in any way. Even if he could not directly reverse the towing charge, a simple gesture or comped item to ease a nightmarish evening for an elderly couple and their family would have shown basic human decency. The food is absolutely not worth the additional $250 parking penalty. There are far too many excellent restaurants in Wrightsville Beach that actually care about their patrons. We were so disappointed with Bridge Tender and theri GM Sean Williamson. read more

I came here to celebrate my anniversary and it was not a let down! I did extensive research on nice restaurants in Wilmington and I decided The Bridge Tender looked like the best option for me. We had outdoor reservations and the view of the harbor was absolutely beautiful. Our waiter was so kind and attentive and the food was brought out faster than we expected. The calamari was amazing and the sauce it came with was so unique and outstanding. I ordered the chef's trio while my partner got the pesto chicken and they both tasted amazing. The portions are quite large and the prices are reasonable. I highly recommend if you're looking for an excellent restaurant in Wilmington for a special occasion. read more

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One of my new favorites in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach. We came here for a special anniversary dinner and we were not disappointed. Our server, Phillip, was very friendly, attentive and engaging. We sat right next to a window overlooking the innercoastal waterway which added to the restaurant's ambiance. The food was cooked perfectly and very large proportions. My grilled shrimp was served as an even dozen. We got keylime pie to go because we were just to full to enjoy dessert while we were there. We'll definitely make The Bridge Tender a regular stop whenever we're visiting Wrightsville! read more

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A great dinner experience. Great staff, good food, great views and fairly priced. Just can't say enough good things about experience. Staff was too shelf and made the experience. Big shout out to Constance our server. We will visit again. read more

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Service started out strong but dwindled as they got busy - food was exceptional / we didn't get a pic of the crab dip because we were so hungry and it was sooooo good! Great wine list - maybe one of the best on the beach! Even with hiccup in service I still give a 5! read more

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Excellent food, attentive service, great atmosphere. Just wish there wasn't obstructions between the water and the restaurant limiting the views. read more

First and foremost, our server was Phil! Phil really knew his business. He made recommendations that truly hit the mark! Our meal was nothing short of, Fantastic! You Can NOT miss with whatever your order! This is an Amazing restaurant! read more

The Bridge Tender - Bread Pudding - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I am deeply upset by an incident I witnessed at The Bridge Tender, and I feel compelled to share my experience. Watching the way this group of people was treated was genuinely disturbing. It bothered me so much that I found myself still thinking about it later, which prompted me to look up the restaurant's reviews. I was relieved to see that Denise, a member of the party, had already shared what happened--and after reading her account, I was even more disappointed. This family was dining with their elderly parents. They were paying customers, yet their vehicle was still towed while they were at the restaurant. From what I understand, the manager had every opportunity to resolve the situation with compassion and common sense but instead chose not to. What makes the situation even more concerning is that they were reportedly instructed to meet the tow truck driver at a gas station and pay in cash to retrieve their vehicle. Whether or not there is an explanation, that process certainly raises questions and leaves a very poor impression. I truly feel for this family. No paying customers--especially those dining with elderly family members--should be treated this way. As a result of what I witnessed and learned, I will no longer patronize The Bridge Tender. Wrightsville Beach is home to many outstanding restaurants that value their customers and provide excellent service. Based on this experience, I would much rather support those establishments. read more

Good food, nice views, good service. Also, go towards evening time during the summer months beautiful setting.

My family was in town visiting my elderly parents (both 89). During our visit, their car was towed from the premises. Instead of offering a bit of customer empathy or guidance, the manager was completely unhelpful, dismissive, and lacked basic hospitality.Because of this lack of care, my father was left devastated and we all had a horrible experience. There are far too many other welcoming, family-friendly choices in Wilmington. I highly recommend avoiding this restaurant so you do not risk a similar situation. read more

Can't say enough good about Bridge Tender! Food was amazing-big quantity for fair price. Had Phil as our server and he was fabulous. Highly recommend oysters Rockefeller, tuna, shrimp and grits, bread pudding. Beautiful location. Will be going there again often. And taking friends. read more

Loved every single minute of it and teasing our waiter that I was actually allergic to mushrooms but I was close to the window with family and friends. It was the best place where I can sit and watch the boats going in and out of the little marina/boating dock. 5/5 service and everything, I would definitely recommend this place to all of my friends and family when I get back home to Northern Virginia. read more

Loved this place until this happened! Our waiter Phil spilled red wine on my new green linen dress. Apologized! read more

This was the first time for me (husband had been before with the guys) as well as our friends. I booked it because of the view. Even though we didn't get a window seat (too hot to sit outside) the ambiance was very nice, albeit a bit noisy. Our server, Nicole, was top-notch. Seriously, one of the best servers we've encountered in a while. Professional, friendly and knowledgeable. To the management at The Bridge Tender, treat this employee like the gold she is. Sadly, the food is not so deserving of positive accolades. As apps, we ordered the crab dip and Brussel sprouts. The dip lacked flavor, (when will chefs stop whipping crab dip into oblivion??) and the sprouts were dry and burnt. My friend and I ordered blackened salmon, but only mine arrived blackened, while hers was grilled. She ordered carrots which were basically inedible since they were practically raw rather than roasted. A major faux pas since roasting brings out the natural sweetness. My husband, as always, ordered the shrimp and grits, which didn't quite measure up, nor did the tuna our other friend ordered. Basically, the food overall lacks flavor and isn't properly seasoned, as well as either being undercooked, as was the case with the carrots, or overcooked, like the Brussel sprouts. I would consider returning, but perhaps for lunch when the weather is conducive to sitting outside, and limiting my selection to a salad, which is difficult to mess up. read more

Food, service and outside view were all spectacular! The server (Taylor, maybe) was kind to my kids.

It's touristy food with its main attraction being on the water. If you are able to get a water view seat, it adds to the ambiance. read more

Have dined here numerous times and always a quality meal in a beautiful setting overlooking the intercostal waterway. Service is always good too. Love this place for a date night, family get togethers or to treat out of town guests. Definitely recommend. read more

Food was absolutely delicious, great service as well. I got rj pasta, which was delicious. I was happy to see that I could exclude the mushrooms from the dish, as some restaurants don't allow exemptions to set meals (especially fancier places). My partner got the steak, which was tender and delicious. Got a bottle of the Malbec, which was great as well. Overall, great food, good views, and good service. read more

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My fiancés and my favorite place! We have had the Bridge Tender 3 times on vacations to Wilmington, and it never disappoints. Staff is professional, views of the marina are fantastic, and the food is EXCELLENT. read more

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Came here on a Friday night before the rush and were seated right away. We had a table of 7 so we got a bunch of appetizers to split that were all delicious- calamari, Brussel sprouts, and Buffalo shrimp. My only complaint is the breading on the calamari just came off immediately upon picking up. For dinner I got swordfish with cous cous and broccoli. DIVINE!! Swordfish melted in your mouth and had a garlicky herb sauce on top. Servers were all super nice and helpful when making menu choices. We will be back! read more

My wife and I went for an early birthday celebrstion and had a great meal and exceptional service. Caity was awesome - highly recommend! We had oysters Rockefeller and split a wedge as apps. Petite filet and the swordfish special with capers, tomatoes, wilted spinach and melted butter sauce. A local staple continues to impress. read more

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We had reservations and highly recommend you make them also, we got there and we were sat outside near the dock and we were Served by Nicole, who is professional, and amazing at what she does, in fact we have only had one bad experience for service and that was before we moved to Wilmington. The food selection and the view are so good. Look at my pictures and others to see if it is your kind of place, the feel is everything for me and I am sure it is for you. If you can get Nicole, or Wayne (aka JPW) you are in for a great service and food experience. read more

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We go here every time we visit Wrightsville Beach! GREAT food, great service & incredible views!!! See yall again on Sat. night!!!!

Always an excellent experience. Impeccable service, outstanding views, a wonderful wine list, and high quality food makes The Bridge Tender one of the best restaurants in the greater Wilmington area. The roasted carrots are amazing. I know it seems odd to praise carrots when there are so many amazing menu items such as mahi, tuna, prime rib, and steaks, but this side dish really is delicious. The halibut and pesto special that I had tonight was out oft his world! I love to come here for special occasions, but really, this place makes any occasion special. The free parking is pretty great too. read more

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Was so disappointed! The two items I came for were omitted from the menu! The spring rolls and the seared scallops with bacon onion jam!!!! These two appetizers were amazing!!! Please consider putting them back on the menu! read more

Great local fare. Incredible service. Feels like home! Bar area is the best. Fresh fish , prime rib is insane and desserts are over the top. read more

Bridge Tender is ILM royalty and part of our Port City's lore. If you are local, it is obligatory for you to eat here at least once. If you are a tourist, you'll love it because it's prettier than where you live. Food is always delicious, service is always spectacular, but the view is why you go. And if you go on a boat, you win. read more

I wasn't having a great day when I decided to have a business dinner at Bridge Tender last week, and was a difficult to please customer. I left a review here that was unfair and one sided. Then karma kicked in. I had to go back a week later for a lost receipt, that they graciously provided but asked me about my review and regret that I wasn't satisfied. I thought about it and realized later that I was reviewing my day, not my dinner. In retrospect that dinner was the best part of my day. Please take my word that dinner at the BT can do as much for your soul as your stomach. read more

Consistently great! It's become our favorite area-date-night-restaurant (as locals). Service is ALWAYS stellar, everyone is top notch and genuinely seems to CARE about every customer. Ask any staff for help & it's never 'I'll get your server' it's "certainly, I'll take care of that right away". A special hats off to one of the classiest gents "Henry" in the bar area. ALL Food is fresh, well seasoned, perfectly cooked and quickly served and never cold (unless intended!). Just outstanding. Every. Time. I'm even wondering myself why my last rating was 4-star???? So time to update this review!!! Fav dishes: - fried green tomatoes - coconut shrimp - fried oysters - fresh catch (especially salmon) - gorgonzola walnut salad read more

The Bridge Tender - Fresh catch red snapper, sticky rice & asparagus. - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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First time here, on a business trip. The ambiance of the restaurant is relaxing. The views of the harbor and surrounding area is really beautiful. (See photos) There is a bar in one area and a separate dining area. The food was hot and delicious and generous in size. Prices are reasonable. Great choices for seafood! I failed to get photos of the menu but look them up! You'll be glad you did. read more

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I've love this place for 40 years , great to go there with my some after going with my mom and dad as a kid . Great food and service . Reserve way in advance to sit by the window read more

Great ambience, service and fresh seafood ! this is our "go to" restaurant while in the Wilmington Wrightsville beach area Dining at the outdoor patio at sunset surrounded by the various watercraft docked at the marina is special! read more

Everything is awesome here!!! my wife and I checked this out as part of our one time trip to Wrightsville Beach. We had a choice of 20 different places and we chose this one and it turned out to be just the perfect spot. Service was incredible, food was amazing, drinks were spot on. I don't know how much else a person would want from a restaurant. read more

Fri pm 8:10, walked into bar, got h2o, looked at menu? Where's prime rib? It's Special on wkd!! N if u want u better hurry only 3 slices lf!! Asked for cold center, none only Medium! Medium Rare? No Medium! Lf not paying $50.00 for DEAD beef!! Disappointed been going here since opening! The original 2 mgrs would never had accepted this!!!! read more

Just can't say enough about the STAFF Straight Up The Best!!! And the food is OUTSTANDING read more

The Bridge Tender - Seafood Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina