Looking for a nice brunch or dinner out? Willing to splurge a little? Interested in a few new food…read morecombinations and healthy-ish vegan options? This is your place! BUT be intentional. Check out the seasonal menu beforehand. Ask about the specials. ENJOY!

A beautiful space, the ambiance is so cozy and fresh and green. I love the patio they have on the…read moreback where you can see exactly where youre vegetables are coming from! As a vegetarian, I always am excited for a vegan friendly menu that truly highlights the tastes of vegetables and this is exactly that! The cornbread was my favorite thing on the menu, with matcha butter and a berry jam it blew my mind. The arancini was fresh and light, the brussel sprouts were also incredibly packed with flavor. The lions mane is the really unique thing on the menu. The way they cooked the mushroom is unlike anything I've seen before. The chocolate cake at the end was also dense, moist and delicious. This was an exciting place to try and I hope to be back soon!

Heard great things about this restaurant and decided to visit. I am SOOOO glad I did because it did…read morenot disappoint in the least bit! The service was great and the food was excellent. I ordered the old fashioned smash burger and it was so delicious! The smash patties were cooked to perfection with crispy edges, gooey cheese and fresh toppings & onion straws. The tots were hot and crispy which was a nice touch to round out a great meal. Order at the counter, grab or fix your drink, then wait for your order to be called. I dined in and seating is pretty adequate and the vibes are great for convos- the noise level isn't loud at all. I can't wait to try a milkshake the next time I'm in town as well as some of the other menu items. I'll definitely be back and will bring my hubby and friends for them to try as well!

Great way to start a day in Wilmington, NC! We were visiting over Christmas Break and decided to…read moreget some breakfast on a beautiful December morning in Wilmington, NC. We had heard a lot about Mess Hall but have never had the chance to visit. We could have walked from where we were staying but we had a couple of others joining us so we drove. The location is very much in a neighborhood. Kinda to cool to include such a fun place to have breakfast. Upon entry we immediately saw the casual setup...plenty of tables, a concrete floor, Specials Board, music playing, a bar and a low-key set up overall. I should have taken more pictures of the interior but it was kind of busy and I didnt want to spook people out taking pictures while they were eating. We had a group of 9. Not everyone was going to eat. Most were drinking either coffee or water. I ordered a single burger with tater tots. My daughter ordered a breakfast burrito and my wife ordered a vegan breakfast burrito. We set up a few tables in the back after ordering and waited for our food. They must have been playing Sirius radio "Petty channel" because most of the songs were Tom Petty's top hits....which we all enjoyed! The food came in a reasonable time and all of us raived about our selections. I had burger that reminded me a burger that I use to get when I was a kid at the Boy's Club...small with a fresh bun and delicious! The tater tots were just kind of a throw in for me but boy, they were delicious! Both burrito's were met with rave reviews as well...fresh and tasty! As we were getting ready to move on, we noticed how fast the place filled up. The room that was relatively quiet when we arrived was all of a sudden crowded with almost all the tables taken! Vibe- Fantastic....which I lived closer Parking- easy, plenty of spots Price- fair & reasonable Staff- friendly & helpful with the menu Food- 5 star Would I come back? 100% YES Great spot!

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.

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.

Our first time to Wilmington and we were celebrating my wife's birthday so I decided to take her…read morehere. I got lucky with a last minute reservation for two at 7pm on a Thursday night. So definitely book a reservation in advance if you can. We started with a dozen local oysters and they were very good. It was our first time trying NC oysters. The tuna crudo was delicious as were the complimentary cornbread. However the entrees stole the show. My wife really enjoyed her cioppino. It was different from the Cioppino we get on the west coast. I decided to give the swordfish a try based on the reviews. I've tried swordfish a few times in the past and have always been disappointed. However this recipe has turned me into a fan. It was the most delicious swordfish that I have ever had. It wasn't dry or fishy tasting. It was just perfect!

We had brunch at Seabird and, despite one memorable hiccup, it was another very good experience…read more My wife and I split the Spicy NC Shrimp Chilaquiles, and once everything arrived as intended, the dish was excellent. The funny part? The kitchen initially sent out the shrimp dish... without the shrimp. We had to ask for them to bring the missing shrimp, which they quickly corrected. I couldn't help but imagine Chef Gordon Ramsay standing in the kitchen shouting, "You served the shrimp dish without any shrimp, you muppet!" That alone was worth a chuckle. We sat at the bar, where service is usually outstanding. This time the bartender was clearly overwhelmed and stretched thin, so things moved a little slower than normal. Even so, everyone remained professional and friendly. Chef Dean Neff has set a very high standard here, and it's easy to understand why Seabird has received so much recognition and James Beard attention over the years. The food quality, creativity, and consistency continue to make it one of our favorite spots in Wilmington. A missing shrimp on a shrimp dish and slower-than-usual bar service keep this from being a perfect score, but neither issue was enough to spoil the meal.

The Sorrow Drowner is always an amazing experience. Adventure awaits at this immersive experience…read moreTiki venue with its carefully curated decor, narrative theme, craft cocktails that go beyond the imagination, and culinary delights. The Sorrow Drowner is the best escapist experience in North Carolina with table service that is exciting and engaging and top tier stage entertainment such as VibeXotica, a musical act that performs classic exotica music with vibraphone. Even better, arriving costumed as your favorite explorer or wearing your Aloha finery just adds to the pageantry. Chart a course to The Sorrow Drowner!

This place is a whole experience. I had a fabulous time. I am a self-professed tiki and exotica…read moreenthusiast. It's located on a street corner in a neighborhood and has parking around back. It's easy to make a reservation online. They really lean into the performance that they are an institute and they collect artifacts. It's delightful. Their cocktails are amazing. They follow the true culture of tiki and serve traditional exotic drinks. These aren't boat drinks!! Also the Pu-Pu platter is amazing as well as the spam musbui. Just delicious! Not gonna lie, I also bought tiki mugs to go! I highly recommend this place as a true tiki bar and Donn Beach would be proud.

All I can say is that I had the black ens ahi tuna medium rare with slaw on the side. Everything…read morewas absolutely amazing. The service the ambiance just the location and how fast the food was there. I ordered a beer for lunch to compliment it and it was superb local brewery. Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful staff made it an absolute delight. Would go back there everyday if I was in the area

"Good Mexican with a twist near downtown Wilmington"…read more Came here on a Wednesday night for dinner at 6pm and were seated immediately despite it being a group of 5. The place was not very large but relatively full, so be wary of coming later unless you're OK waiting. The restaurant had a bit of a rustic look but clean & well maintained, and nice local art posted on the walls. Staff were welcoming and friendly, and a lot of the food was sourced locally. We started with a sweet potato- goat cheese "guacamole" appetizer. I split the Jefe's Arroz Con Pollo and the Carne Con Ancho with my son. My girlfriend got the vegan rellenos. Food came out in maybe 20 minutes. The ACP was very good but unusual. It came with a thigh and leg of chicken on top, and a big mix of flavors of food underneath-- coconut rice, black beans, pineapple salsa. Curiously no cheese. Very different from any ACP I've ever had. Overall, it was fine-- honestly, my son and I both felt it was too many flavors that overwhelmed each other. In contrast, the Carne Con Ancho was spectacular. The steak bits were cooked rare to perfection and absolutely melt in your mouth. The flavors of the arepa below it as well as the horseradish and other components blended beautifully and made for a wonderful dish. My girlfriend said the rellenos were nicely fried and the sweet potato puree was excellent-- a very hearty dish without feeling heavy. And we all also really liked the guacamole appetizer-- unusual yet delicious flavor (and no avocado). Price was fair-- this was definitely upscale, so not "cheap", but fair for what we got. Overall, I'd happily come back, and definitely would want that Carne Con Ancho again. I recommend.

Our waitress, Audrey(adorable curly haired blonde) was delightful. Very efficient and attentive…read more Highly recommend.

Very interesting place. Not sure how I missed it in the past. The local salesman recommended I give…read moreit a try so I did. Huge parking lot that was already very full at 6pm. They do not take reservations so it is first come first serve. I waited maybe 5-10 minutes and was seated at a booth. I hate taking up a booth at a busy place when it is just me but that is where they seated me. Hostess was super sweet but spoke very low. Background noise and being hard of hearing that made for several repeats. We worked through it. Interior is very Asian. Some looks to be very old Asian. Not sure how many years this place has been here but it appears to be several. After reviewing the huge menu I discussed with my server going with something different and went with the nest after she explained it. Sounded different and it was. It is also huge. Lots of shrimp and scallops. And the veggies block out the noodles that are sopping up the juice below. I was unable To finish it all. Wow it was good. The place is super crowded and super busy. They definitely move folks through. Great food and dining experience.