What else do you need to say.....JOHN is the MAN This guy is a legend in the food biz and is a kind and hard worker. Get a burger! read more

The Original Salt Works - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Like the old atmosphere. Waitstaff great. Pecan waffle just OK - kind of bland. Real butter and good hot syrup could make it a little better. Bacon plenty tasty but not crisp. read more

Great hotdogs! Bring cash tho - no cards/Apple Pay accepted. The manager/fella on the grill was super nice read more

See all

Service is quick, the food is awesome that why we come here. Best burgers in Wrightsville area. And the inside is like an old fashioned diner. read more

See all

Consistency, consistency, consistency That's the rule when you come here. The food is great. The service is great. The ambience is great. I've never had a bad experience at The original Saltworks. Whether we are there for breakfast or lunch, it is definitely a go to and must have for the locals or vacationers alike. read more

*CASH ONLY* Our friends took us to their favorite little local spot - Salt Works! We stopped in for breakfast one Saturday morning and didn't have to wait long. This is a neighborhood diner that has been around for years and I can see why! They serve up the most delicious breakfast with huge portions to beat. The grits have incredible flavor and texture. My omelet was cooked perfectly and not dry at all. The home fries are little crispy potatoes that looked amazing. Everyone loved their breakfast! The cooks were really cranking out the breakfast plates, it was really fun to watch. I wanna go back to try their lunch specials! read more

See all

Solid breakfast experience! This place is extremely casual and cash only. Service was quick and friendly. The dining space is small, so expect a wait on the weekends. However, they were able to get my group in faster than expected. I ordered egg breakfast without meat, grits, and a side of home fries. they nailed the cook on the eggs and the grits were fantastic. The homefries were pretty basic and a little bland, but salt and ketchup was all I really needed to make them workable. My meal also came with toast, which standard breakfast faire. If you're looking for an affordable, no-frills breakfast, this place is a great option! read more

The Original Salt Works - White Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

"Just go!" Is the best advice I can give you for The Original Saltworks! I am not the biggest breakfast/brunch fan, and overall would consider it the most overrated meal of the day. But the breakfast at The Original Salt Works was EXACTLY what I want in those rare times when I actually want breakfast! Simple, fast, friendly, cheap. I went with the Salt Works Special of an egg cooked any way, meat, hash browns, and toast. The eggs were cooked PERFECTLY, which I find I rarely get. Bacon was great, just a bit crispy! And those hash browns are amazing! While we went on a Saturday morning and there was no line, I am sure it can get crowded with a wait, but as fast as the service was I imagine they move through people quickly! read more

I am going to keep this review short and sweet because Salt works does not need a long rambling review. Salt works is a small southern diner a few minutes away from Wrightsville beach. It is no frills, has everything you need and nothing you don't. If you want a solid, simple breakfast, this is the place to go. Don't forget cash, they don't take cards. They also have an ATM out front. read more

Incredible fresh good! Great service and great local vibe! Best grits in wilmington! Breakfast and lunch are always delicious! Eat and be well. read more

I was in Wilmington it looked for a breakfast place. I found this and sat down and ordered and my food arrived and looked super delicious. Then I noticed there was a cash only sign on the door and I did not have cash. As I stressed out the cook who may have been the owner came up and told me that not to worry about that. He only was worried that I would have a good meal. He said if if I didn't have cash I can pay the next time I was in town. He also said there was an ATM right next door which really relieved me. So I was able to go get cash and pay. The food was perfect, the staff were super friendly and welcoming. I only get to Wilmington maybe once a year but I will definitely eat there the next time I'm in town right now. What a wonderful place read more

The Original Salt Works - Sign on the side of the building - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Always a great breakfast . Eggs, Bacon and Grits. Now that's a meal. Bob and his staff are amazing . read more

Great food. Great service! Would definitely recommend. Establishment is cash only, but they have an ATM onsite. Don't miss out on this hidden gem! read more

Decided to stop for breakfast this morning. We were seated promptly, the restaurant is small only about 10 tables and a few seats at the bar area. Menus were on the table and our server was prompt. We both decided on a Salt Works Famous Breakfast; eggs fixed your way , with a choice of bacon, ham, sausage, grits or hashbrowns and toast . I went for the one egg , scrambled dry, with sausage, hashbrowns and an english muffin with coffee. Hubby ordered; two eggs, scrambled dry, crispy bacon, hashbrowns, and whole wheat toast and chocolate milk. We both asked for strawberry jam. It was a short wait until our food arrived . The place was full of patrons. Coffee comes in a large to go cup- styrofoam. Our orders arrived , the eggs were perfectly cooked, not runny . The hashbrowns tasty and perfectly cooked. The sausage had great flavor and was one round patty. The english muffin well toasted. The bacon was nice and crispy - as ordered and the toast perfect . The chocolate milk also came in a to go cup ; it was cold and nice and chocolaty. It was a great breakfast, service was good . Please remember to bring cash , they take No plastic at all. When we left there was a line waiting to get in. This place is worth a return trip to. Maybe even try lunch there . read more

See all

It was easy to order the food to go through the phone. Cash only! They say they have an ATM, but we just went to the bank beforehand. It's a small and casual inside. I got a crabcake sandwich and my partner got the chicken salad sandwich (choice of white or wheat bread). The staff asked if we wanted lettuce or tomato in the sandwiches. They usually come with ruffle chips, but we did an upcharge for onion rings and fries instead. The crabcake sandwich was decent, but I was still a little hungry after eating it. After eating most of the onion rings, then I felt full. There was one onion ring that had three onion slices in it, so it was big and very juicy. The chicken salad had good flavor but not that impressive. It reminded me of a homemade sandwich someone would bring to work. The chicken was finely shredded-I prefer bigger chunks of chicken in my chicken salad. Fries were crinkle cut, nothing great. If you're looking for a simple, petite to average size portions of food, then this is your place. If you have a bigger appetite, make sure to get a different side than chips. read more

This place is a Perfect example of Simple Food made well. I am a believer in the (KISS principle), go in, sit down, order from a small well thought out menu and order, Food comes hot, fixed the way it should, tastes even better, get up and get out and the Service!!!??? WTH (Lauren) and the Manager/Fast Order Cook (John) Friendly, went out of their way to make you feel like your were family coming over for the holidays. I had 2 Grilled Cheese ( Up Charge to Fries, CRINKLE!) keep in mind if you order 2 sandwiches your going to get double fries unless you tell them, not that bothered me, the fires were awesome. The wife had a Grilled turkey with fries and loved it. We will be back, I promise you that! read more

See all

Service was ok, but we sat outside and it was very loud. Also there were a lot of flies. I ordered a double cheese burger, my boyfriend had the coleslaw, onion rings and double cheeseburger. It tasted a little undercooked.. an hour later we both got sick in the bathroom. Not sure what to tell you, but we don't plan on coming back. read more

Food was amazing and so was the service. Super lowkey and it was so nice that it was cash only!

Tuesday 10:00 am breakfast. We're on vacation at Carolina Beach. When we travel, one of our quests is to find good breakfast (even though I always bring food to cook and never use it,). Food: Just Amazing. Nothing fancy at first glance, but oh, Lordy-the chef Bob has magic in his spatula! The House Omelet took up most of the plate, which was already overflowing with some of the crispiest and well- seasoned hash-browns we have ever eaten. Bob spoke to us and shared his philosophy: Keep it fresh. The potatoes are cooked to order. His loaded omelet is cooked through, nothing runny in the middle. The grits were Spot On! I don't usually say that about grits that don't come out of my own kitchen. His secret is he cooks them a long time, and lots of butter. I approve. Don't overlook the tea. At the first sip, we could tell they keep their equipment clean. They make several gallons a day. Service: extreme hospitality. You know you have good people when they sit down with you and take your order and offer recommendations. Finally, the little brick building on the side of the road has barn wood paneling, and lots of character, including a squeaky screen door to the front porch. The dining room is set tables, booths, or you can belly up to the bar to watch Bob and his crew do their thing. You will not be disappointed! read more

Local staple. Cheeseburgers are amazing, greeted at the door by the owner who was super friendly. Cash only but no problem they have an ATM out front. Servers are friendly and food was delivered quickly. Always will recommend this place. read more

The best French toast, breakfast potatoes, and bacon I have ever had. All of the waitresses were extremely nice and the food came out quickly! Cozy restaurant! read more

The Original Salt Works - Cinnamon French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Have driven past a million times but never stopped to eat here because I was told it was cash only. Today my husband asked me to meet him there for lunch (he was prepared and had cash as he's eaten here several times already). We were told to sit anywhere and found a booth in the back. The interior decor was outdated but clean (and I think that's the exact vibe they are going for). Majority of the patrons dining in were over 65. My husband had a double cheeseburger and onion rings. He said he orders the same thing every single time (apparently he likes it). I had the crab cake sandwich and onion rings. The crab cake was just okay for me. Onion rings were good! After seeing the burger my husband order, I wished I ordered what he had. read more

See all

The food from salt Works was horrendous. It used to be fantastic, now it sucks. They would not accept a call-in order from the hospital for the staff. So we went there to order in person. They were rude. They only accept cash, which is written on the door. The burgers really were the worst. McDonald's is way better. I urge you never to eat there again because there's so many better places in Wilmington to eat .I wish I would've taken a picture, but it might have made you vomit. Wilted lettuce, old Soggy tomatoes... the orders were made singularly and they messed up on at least three out of the six burgers. The female cook was rude to her coworker. The only thing I can say that was good were the onion rings. I like to leave it on a nice note . read more

Had the highest of hopes walking into this place on a Saturday morning at 11....until we were told they were no longer serving breakfast. Who doesn't serve breakfast on a Saturday morning? Their lunch items were fine but nothing special. Came for the breakfast, left disappointed. read more

My husband and I have quickly become fans of Salt Works since moving to Wilmington. It ain't fancy, but we sure love the charm, friendly service and classic menu. On our first visit I ordered the club sandwich which was huge, but delicious. And the fries came out piping hot and crispy. On a second visit I got a cheese hotdog, which was also super yummy with slaw & chili. Can't wait for our next visit to try more of the menu :) read more

See all

Amazing food!! I ordered scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, and toast. Husband ordered three egg omelette with mushrooms, cheese, and sausage with grits and toast. Everything came out hot and perfect. Everyone was extremely nice. Thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast. It is the best breakfast place here and probably the best anywhere. (Sorry to all the mothers that have made slamming breakfasts for me-these guys do this for a living and it shows.) read more

Went there the last time 21 `years ago, still the same...great atmosphere and service read more

The Original Salt Works - a brick building with a sign that says salt works - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I thought I was going to Salt Box. Big mistake. Surly server who never checked on me. An ok menu but clique Irish as hell, not impressed.

I love this little place! There is nothing fancy about the decor, but wow, is the food great!! Hands down, best onion rings ever and the burgers are so good! This is fast becoming one of my grandson's favorites . The staff is so friendly. Do be aware though, that payment is only by cash or local personal check. Don't know what would have happened my first time if I didn't have cash on me! That is my ONLY reason for 4 stars instead of 5. (But that definitely won't keep me from going back!) Try out this great little place for some delicious comfort food! read more

Went for the first time and had breakfast. Was really delicious and the staff was friendly and attentive. Would definitely go back

First timer at the Original Salt Works for lunch and I was pleased, overall. This is a cash only, hole in the wall diner just minutes from Wrightsville Beach and conveniently located next to Wrightsville Beach Brewery, if you're feeling froggy and want to grab some suds afterward. The vibe inside is very unique but cool at the same time. Think, Tennessee country store meets a Waffle House meets a beach bait and tackle shop...but cleaner. Here's how it went down as a first time visitor. FOOD: Gabriel's Combo Club with fries & double cheeseburger with lettuce, mayo and a side of onion rings. The star of these 2 meals was that burger. Juicy, flavorful and hot smashed patties with just the right seasonings. The melted American cheese was perfect and there was just enough to blend well with the double patties. The lettuce was crisp, the mayo was adequate and the bun was soft and fresh. I really enjoyed the taste of this. The onion rings were nice with a golden batter and plenty of steaming hot, sweet onion strands inside. I'd consider this burger in a blind taste-off for the city of Wilmington. Next time, that's getting ordered, fully loaded. The Gabriel's Club was very good but for some reason, it was delivered to the table with no lettuce or tomato. I recall our very young server asking what condiments I would like on it so I simply said mayo. I'm wondering if she thought that meant no ingredients other than mayo?? I wanted to ask for the lettuce and tomato but she was very busy serving other tables around us so I chalked it up as a learning lesson. Next time, I will be VERY specific as to what ingredients I want on my ordered item. I never considered lettuce and tomato, condiments, but apparently, Salt Works does. The fries were super hot and tasty but there were so many, I ended up leaving half in the basket from being so full. With some modifications and crystal clear instructions to our next server, this may be a lot better. SCORE: 3.9 STARS!!! SERVICE: We had a mix of 2 young, female servers today and both were very friendly. Refills came once and our food was delivered in a timely manner. I'm still unsure why the Gabriel's Club was delivered without veggies on it, but I'm guessing something got lost in translation. You pay at the door on your way out (remember that this is a cash only establishment) and you're on your way. Aside from the whiff with the missing veggies, the AC vent directly above us began to drip water droplets on the table and once on top of my wife's head. About 7 large droplets fell from the overhead ventilation grate over the course of our meal. I made the young hostess aware as we were leaving since this could potentially be a serious sanitation problem and she acknowledged that they were aware of it and this wasn't the first time it had happened. She even made her follow co-worker aware of the issue again as well. I'd probably make a stong recommendation of getting this fixed for multiple reasons. SCORE: 3 STARS!! OVERALL SCORE: Great little spot with plenty of potential to create a consistent 5 Star experience. Because that burger was so good....3.6 STARS!! read more

See all

Super yummy omelet and home fries! Great service, friendly servers. Obviously a place loved by the community!

I came for lunch and ordered the double cheeseburger to go with fries. It passed the eye test and looked very good, even had the grease spots at the bottom of the paper bag. It also was a big portion of food. I was disappointed to find that the food was just lacking in seasoning. Zero seasoning on the fries and same for the patties. I was looking for that bang, but never got it. I do believe you can over season food, but it seemed like they didn't even try. The food was just okay to me. The staff were friendly, which does count for something. read more

I love Saltworks but I love Bob and his Staff the most!!! The food is good home cooking at a great price (cash only with ATM on site) and don't forget to try their onion rings read more

The Original Salt Works - Amazing Breakfast Sammie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Another 5 star review!! Best cheeseburger in town and fries!! Great hometown feel, too! read more

Finally tried this spot out! My family loves it and I see why. Cozy atmosphere and great service. The menu is simple but everything is made perfectly. A staple for anyone in wilmington, whether you're a local or from out of town. read more

The Original Salt Works - Crabcake Sandwich Onion Rings - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Salt of the earth for sure! Food was yummy, service was great! Highly recommend the Belgian waffles! We will be back!

Delicious grits! Had a great breakfast. Highly recommend! Friendly servers and homey atmosphere.

Seated right away. Great service. Food was served quick and tasty. Wanted to try because Carolina Country magazine listed it as a restaurant that's been in business over 50 years! I see why and well worth it! Just be aware that it's cash only. read more

My favorite breakfast place. Oh yeah, lunch too. Love when I'm on that side of town because it's a must do. Only place in town, I'll eat grits. House omelet is awesome and the lunch burger special is the talk of the town. read more