Pleasure Island Restaurant Guide
Pleasure Island Restaurants
Dining out is a vacation staple and the restaurants in Carolina and Kure Beach hold their own culinarily. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a relaxed atmosphere, or a more upscale approach, the area has a bountiful array of options. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all the places to dine in Pleasure Island, NC.
THE SOUTHERLY BISCUITS & PIE
The Southerly Biscuit & Pie brings an exciting community concept delivering on the best of southern traditions in a takeout environment. Our menu consists of locally-sourced, made-to-order options to build your perfect biscuit sandwich, and offers a variety of seasonal hand pies, classic confections, and whole pie & cake selections perfect for any occasion!
MR. BAGEL MEISTER
Everyone loves a good bagel! Phil has taken one of the most loved breakfast items, the bagel, and elevated it to the next level. Phil has also added some other classic breakfast and lunch sandwiches to the menu. All products served at Mr. Bagel Meister are made fresh daily for your enjoyment.
KATE'S PANCAKE HOUSE
Laid-back breakfast & lunch diner with nautical décor & specialty pancakes on the menu.
Casual seafood restaurant set in a fantastic 1916 cottage. Havana’s Executive Chef prepares all menu items & daily specials with using only the freshest ingredients available.
Its seaside décor and outdoor seating allow you to enjoy the coastal weather while the catch of the day is seasoned and served your way. This Carolina Beach favorite is well-known for its international, award-winning chowder, but there are plenty of other reasons the locals and visitors to the area flock to this spot.
SHUCKIN' SHACK
Great raw bar, wings and beer joint. Get steamed, fried, or raw seafood all right here! The casual atmosphere with its friendly and helpful staff has made many patrons feel very much at home be they locals or visitors.
Get your traditional low country boil catered right to you! The place to go if you want to have a traditional seafood steam pot dinner at your vacation rental. Be prepared to get your hands messy! :)
JACK MACKERELS ISLAND GRILL
The fun, lively atmosphere serves the finest, freshest Caribbean-inspired cuisine on Pleasure Island. You must check out their Tomahawk steaks as well!
BIG DADDY'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
This longtime staple serves seafood & steaks, plus beer, wine & spirits in a classically southern style sit-down space.
For all your "Calabash" fried seafood cravings, Bowman's has been serving fried seafood as well as other choices like burgers and sandwiches and soups since 1992.
BUZZ'S ROOST AT THE BEACH
Great happy hour and late night offerings, Buzz's is always buzzing!
With outdoor seating and a comfortable environment, Olde Salty offers reasonably priced seafood and fantastic blue plate specials.
Local pizza chain around Wilmington offering NY Style pizza
UNCLE VINNY'S PIZZERIA & RISTORANTE
A cozy restaurant feel offering a variety of options. As they say, "U gona neva fuhgeddabouit"
Stuffed crust pizza and other classic Pizza Hut offerings.
Track your order with their pizza app.
FREDDIE'S
Delicious Italian-American fare right on the boardwalk. Come dine with friendly staff and welcoming food!
FLAMING AMY'S BURRITO BARN
A Wilmington area staple, FAB offers an eclectic array of burritos with tons of homemade salsas and chips. Vegetarian options galore as well.
Authentic Thai cuisine, get your curry and Pad Thai fix right here. Recently reviewed by our team, read our full Review of Ida Thai Cuisine.
EL CAZADOR 2
Mexican restaurant with all the classics. Get your margaritas, chips and queso with your authentic tacos.
SUBWAY
Casual over-the-counter, build-your-own sandwich chain.
JERSEY MIKE’S
New Jersey based sandwich chain offering healthy portions of toppings.
NOLLIE'S TACO JOINT
Simplicity at its finest. Nollie's offers fresh made tacos and burritos in a cozy setting with a specific affinity for great beer!
Family owned and operated for over 35 years, the landmark known as Gulfstream Restaurant continues by serving great food at affordable prices to locals and vacationers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
NIKKI’S GOURMET & SUSHI
Delicious, hand made sushi with a modern vibe. Nikki's offers outdoor seating as well.
THE BISTRO - COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
Seasonal menu open for breakfast and dinner only.
TOP WOK CHINESE RESTAURANT
Take-out and delivery Chinese food.
Take in the view as you dine on some island inspired seafood and burgers. Always a refreshing drink at Island Burgers!
HANG TEN GRILL
Hang Ten Grill offers a great view and atmosphere with a lively staff and delicious burgers, sandwiches, seafood! Also serves breakfast.
POP'S DINER
Classic 50's era diner with delicious, mouth-watering burgers, malts and shakes!
Classic American drive-thru restaurant. Open 24 hours on the weekends.
GRANNY'S COUNTRY KITCHEN (CAROLINA BEACH)
Bustling, family-run eatery cooking up homestyle Southern favorites for breakfast & lunch.
CAROLINA SMOKEHOUSE
One of the best views around, Carolina Smokehouse offers amazing homemade sauces and outstanding barbecue. Featured on Food Network and PBS.
SOUL FLAVOR
Chef Newton crafts a diverse and evolving menu with a little something for everyone. The atmosphere reflects the menu in its uniqueness. One-of-a-kind artwork hangs on the vibrantly painted walls and guests dine to classic Soul music.
LAZY PIRATE ISLAND SPORTS GRILL
Whether you prefer to relax in a rocking chair on our front porch, enjoy an ocean breeze in our courtyard hammock, play a friendly game of checkers, throw darts, play a challenging game of billiards, test your skill at cornhole or take the whole family out to our sand volleyball courts for a great time guaranteed.
SEAWITCH CAFE & TIKI BAR
The SeaWitch is a unique restaurant and entertainment venue serving locals and tourists in Carolina Beach and the greater Wilmington area. Established in 1995, the business has operated as a restaurant and tiki bar, specializing in casual dining, private functions, and year-round live entertainment.
The Ocean Grill is an oceanfront gem nestled between rows of sand dunes and the Golden Sands Motel in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean Grill is a rare combination of ideal location, fresh coastal cuisine, and casual beachfront bar scene.
Great drink specials with a renovated look. So bring your beach party to the new Bud & Joe's and have great time drinking, playing pool and getting to know everyone. See ya there! and remember it's ok to...get stranded at the sandbar.
THE FAT PELICAN
The Fat Pelican has survived over 50 named storms and hurricanes over the 30 years of business including Hurricanes Bertha, Fran and Floyd. One constant is always “Beer is Love” at The Fat Pelican.
SILVER DOLLAR
Great local dive bar with a late night menu for all your cravings.
ISLAND BEVERAGE
A laid back craft beer and wine bar with a fantastic selection of both local & national craft beer and wine. 16 rotating taps and a diverse wine by the glass menu.
HOPLITE IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT
Serving the Island with the best Homemade Irish and American pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere with great service! Plenty of Irish beer on tap.
NORTH END CAFE JAVA STOP
A colorful coffee shop on the north end, Carolina Beach. Featuring roasted-on-island, freshly ground exotic blends, award-winning espresso, & more!
Named "Best Donuts" in NC by Buzzfeed. Champions of the Cooking Channel Show, Donut Showdown.
The iconic Squigley's® building was constructed in the 1930's as a private home with a detached Model-A Ford garage. The Squigley® is our trademark treat that has made us the most famous ice cream parlor in Southeastern NC, and the #1 rated ice cream parlor on Pleasure Island.
STOKED
Located right on the waterway, Stoked is a brand new restaurant set to open in 2019. We are excited to give it a try!
THE SPOT
Fresh catch, great specials, cold beer; you can see why they call it "The Spot"
HIGH TIDE LOUNGE
A locals secret we probably shouldn't even be telling you about. Located on the Northern end of Carolina Beach at the pier this place offers the best views in Carolina Beach in a fun atmosphere. As one local writes, "A great place to have a party!! Great bartenders. Ocean views. Drink specials." Enough said.
SALT FISH
Fare as cool as a Caribbean breeze. Award winning chef and owner, Kirsten Mitchell, is in the kitchen creating her eclectic dishes from the Caribbean, Polynesia, and all ports in-between using local farms and seafood.
CELTIC CREAMERY
A fusion of an Irish and American ice cream, lovingly hand made with the finest and freshest of ingredients from both North Carolina and Ireland.
A lively and comfortable atmosphere with simple elegance, great steaks, seafood and prime rib served by a friendly and knowledgeable staff.
GOOD HOPS BREWING
Inventive craft brewery serving beer on tap and new monthly specials, with a tap room and beer garden on site.
COAST CRAFT COCKTAILS & CALABASH
Quality calabash seafood in a beach-chic atmosphere where every visit makes it feel like you’re on vacation.
Perfect grab-and-go bagel shop with local ingredients and freshly made bagels every day.
Experience all of the delicious cuisine along Pleasure Island when you book your stay with Carolina Retreats today!