This place does it right. I made reservations for 6pm on a Saturday night. It was fairly busy already. We were greeted at the door by the owner, who was SO nice, especially to our daughter. If it's your first visit, they offer complimentary pimento cheese balls...delicious. Their bourbon list is pretty good and they make a decent old fashioned. The spinach and artichoke dip served with crostinis was tasty. My husband ordered the sirloin, cooked to perfection and I had the Tuscan beef with pasta. Both very good. They also have an extensive kids menu! So don't hesitate to bring the littles. That kids pizza is BIG. It's semi loud so that worked out well for us. It's a little pricy but worth it and we would definitely come back for a date night or special occasion. read more

Sunday brunch was very good. Portion size is generous and the service was friendly and attentive even as the place filled up. A casual, but upscale option in the MJ area is a great choice for a weekend brunch or nice night out. 421 is not open for lunch MON-THU, so don't make the same mistake I did and think it either was closed for business or very unpopular... it is open and very popular with daily dinner specials. read more

I'm sorry to say this was easily one of the most frustrating service experiences I've had recently. We got seated pretty quickly, but after that we just sat waiting for our waitress to approach us, greet us, or take our drink order. Instead, we were left sitting there waiting. We eventually had to go back to the host stand and ask for someone to come help us. I believe the manager got involved and sent out an appetizer for us, which we thought was a nice gesture. Our waitress then came over. After waiting so long, we already had our full orders ready to go. From there, we continued to have various issues and often had to remind or prompt our waitress about drinks and other things we needed. At times, we had to repeat requests multiple times. She brought out dinner rolls with strawberry butter. We weren't really sure about the strawberry butter and requested regular butter instead, but after waiting another 5-10 minutes, we ended up finishing the bread anyway, especially since everything had already been so delayed. Finally, our meals came out. My smash burger was fine overall. It had decent flavor, although a couple bites were a bit salty for me, and the fries were also somewhat salty. As the restaurant started to clear out toward the end of our meal, things did begin to improve, but it felt like too little, too late. It was really disappointing because the other reviews spoke so highly of this location, and unfortunately our experience just didn't match up. read more

Junction 421 - Smash burger - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Had another great time here, I can't stop bragging about Junction 421. If you are in the Monkey Junction section of Wilmington, stop in. They have specials each night of the week, pub style atmosphere, and large portions. This visit, we are out with friends, so no photos this time. However, for apps, my fav are the Brussels sprouts and we tried the potato skins. I gave the Carolina burger a try and it was huge. Others had the grilled salmon with veggies, steak sandwich, and the fettuccine Alfredo. We all took our leftover food to go. The portions are huge, service is great, and the prices are pretty fair for the size of the meals. I would like to try a milkshake next visit. Or a dessert. Either way, you will leave very full! read more

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I got the Smashburger. It had no flavor whatsoever and the fries were not that tasty either. It was an $18 burger and fries and it wasn't worth it. The atmosphere of this place is very nice everybody else at my table seem to like what they got. I just would not recommend the smash burger. read more

I do not understand how this place is rated so highly. The prices are ridiculous in relation to the quality of the food. The rolls brought to the table were exceptionally unremarkable. The potato skins were freezer burnt, unevenly sized, puny, and missing green onions. The oil the fries and chicken were fried in desperately needed to be changed. The chicken tenders were anything but; they were super thick tough, and overcooked. And the spinach and artichoke dip was burnt. Based on other pics in reviews, burnt is how they serve it. It's been a long time since I've spent that much money on "food" that tasted that bad, if ever. However, the service was fine. read more

Junction 421 - Burnt spinach and artichoke dip. - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Very friendly and accommodating! Great atmosphere, from beginning to end awesome service. They gave us free stuffed cheese balls for being first timers. The food was excellent, the best fish and chips I have had since being in Willmington. My daughter ordered the steak with cherry sauce also excellent. Would highly recommend. read more

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My fiancé and I were running errands and decided to come in for a quick meal one evening. We looooove the fresh rolls with the strawberry butter (seriously, it's amazing, get lots of it!) and the fried pimento cheese balls. We were so busy eating these, I missed pictures of our main meals- the 421 chicken entree and the smashburger. Each time we come here, the food is always tasty with good sized portions. We never have to wait to get a table, but the restaurant is at least 75% full so definitely bustling. read more

Junction 421 - Fresh rolls and strawberry butter - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The Food and ambiance are great. Quick service. Good apps and nice open areas. I would recommend you try if your in the area!

Food was very good. From Caesar salad, soup, Risotto dinner, shrimp & grits. Big portions for the price. We all enjoyed the food. Our server Joe was amazing. Very connected to the customers. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

We go there frequently. My favorite dish is Salmon Succotash!!! All the workers are fabulous, the owner usually comes around and says "Welcome Home" (Johnathan). The bar is fun appetizers in the bar half price! Everyone is so nice and the appetizers are great also. read more

We ate at Junction 421 for the first time tonight. I had the pepperoni flatbread and my mom had the shrimp scampi flatbread. Both were delicious and large portions. However, it was Colton, our waitress, who really shone. She was attentive, helpful, and delightful. She made an ordinary dinner extraordinary with her service. read more

Owner recommended the Carolina burger I didn't want my burger to have any red it does. They attempted to fix it and messed it up again. Not impressed.... read more

If you haven't been to Junction 421 on College Road yet, you definitely need to dine there! It is an upscale restaurant with a touch of warmth, friendliness, and a superb staff. From their spectacular service provided by Colton, linen napkins, and being greeted by the manager Jonathan who made us feel like family, it is definitely our new go to place in town! The Monte Cristo was to die for, and we can't wait to try the Grouper Oscar on our next Saturday visit! read more

Great service, was given a few appetizer as a new customer. Food was all great and will definitely go back.

Homestyle food that is exactly how you want it. Hot and satisfying comfort food that is exactly how you expect. The owner walks around ensuring that you had a good meal. He genuinely wants you to enjoy your meal and I love that! read more

Awesome coconut shrimp! The soup was a creamy vegetable that was so good! Everyone loved the food! We got our food quickly. The waiter was very attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is nice too. read more

Food and service were excellent. The dining rooms are very comfortable and spacious. We look forward to visiting again and will be recommending Junction 421 to our friends. read more

Brought my grandkids here for dinner. Granddaughter chose off the children's menu: pizza, it was huge! Grandson picked a double bacon burger and fries: ate it all! I had the steak salad. It was very good. We were given a free sample of the fried palmetto cheese! Yum yum! We ended up ordering chicken wings also as the kids were hungry. The big hit was the shark tank drink for the kids. Very cute, it's enormous and the kids took some we home. A bit on the pricey side, but we did get an appetizer and the shark tank which drive up the $$$z. I'd go again, read more

Junction 421 - Shark tank! - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I was vacationing in Carolina Beach and just a few miles away I found this restaurant. The atmosphere was inviting, the staff was professional and friendly. The food was amazing, I had the shrimp scampi flatbread pizza and was so impressed. My wife had a big salad called Salmon Goddess and it was delicious. Take the 10 min drive abd check it out read more

Nice family restaurant, the owners walks around and makes sure you are happy with your food and a nice chat. We had burgers which were excellent. I'm pretty much a burger snob and was very happy. And they give you pimento bites which were also yummy. We will return read more

Junction 421 - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Joe D. was my server. My family and I are foodies. Just overall great experience food was great and Joe services still exists in the restaurant industry explained the specials well and gave us complementary Pimento Cheese. He was passionate about the entire priceless and made the experience worth coming back again and writing a review. read more

Service was friendly and good so I'll give it a 3. The food left a lot to be desired. We have been here several times and had good experiences. Unfortunately, last night's dinner was not up to par. My grandson ordered a hamburger which was entirely over cooked and dry. I ordered the salmon goddess salad which was good but probably not worth 27.00. I also ordered the steak sandwich to go for my husband. That was the worst. The steak was shredded steak not shaved and very, very dry. They also failed to add the onions, green peppers and cheese on the sandwich. It was a little bit of meat and a whole lot of bread. It was disappointing and not worth 21.00. read more

"Welcome Home" is how you're greeted at this laid back eatery. The staff was warm and took good care of us. The coconut shrimp was yummy and the fried pimento cheese balls was a tasty treat. The grouper Oscar special was great and my husband enjoyed the shrimp and grits. Portions were generous! read more

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Never disappoints!! Never! Great atmosphere delicious food and pricing is very fair! Great staff all the way around!

This is such a delicious, wonderful restaurant. I love how after all of these years the chef still Comes out and greets every table. We had a party of 3 tonight. We started with crab dip which was wonderful! Them we each had a side Salad and the portions were huge. All of the dressings are made in house. I had the sirloin and it want the best but I think that's cause I am More of a filet person. Y friend loves her shrimp and grits and my other friend got a shrimp and crab pasta meal and y looked amazing! I had a delicious extra dirty martini too! read more

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We have eaten there a number of times. Jonathan does a great job. great service and food. Excellence atmosphere. The only reason we know Jonathan's name is because he makes it a point to introduce himself to every tabel and personally check to make sure you are sattifide. read more

Attended for Easter Sunday special brunch. Here is my review: Food: very good! Fresh and tasty! Special holiday menu have great options and everything was fresh that we ordered. We were not disappointed with selecting this restaurant for our Easter plans. Location: great location off south college. Large lots attached so parking is plentiful. Easy on and off the main road and you can also access the same lot from Carolina beach road at the far east section. Great bar with sports in one area. Seating for restaurant style in another. Clean restrooms. Seating in bar area and around it too. But there is also interior and outdoor patio options. Booths available for groups or large table set up. Service: top notch! Very attentive very personable very helpful. Drinks never went empty. Food delivery to table was spaced properly. Loved the staff and the owner even came by to wish us well for the holiday and for the meal. Great vibes. Attire/vibe: today was a mix of outfit types for Easter but in general I heard it can be business casual or casual. It's a popular spot and liked, clearly, it was super busy! But things moved very organized for seating. read more

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Overpriced for bar food. Wine by the glass for 13.00 seemed too high for this type of establishment. The food wasn't bad but it wasn't good enough for the price they charged for the entrees. read more

Me and my wife had a great dinner. Service and food was fantastic. We will be back again

This is one of our favorite local spots for dinner. You can't go wrong with anything you order but I love the salmon. The fettuccine, pasta, burger, chicken, and everything else I've tried has been amazing. There's just something about the sauce on the salmon! It's a very cute place with amazing service, the owner is very hands on and comes by the table almost every visit. Such a great place to have close to home! read more

Junction 421 - Get the salmon!!! - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

We felt very forgotten by our server Mya. Mashed potatoes and Sirloin were out when we got there. 3 out of the 5 meals were good. The shrimp and grits was the biggest let down. There was more broth than grits and far too many mushrooms. Burger was fine and pizza was good. read more

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Dinner at Junction 421 tonight for a birthday dinner for my friend. Some great hits, but also a miss. The Calamari Stephania was a hit. The batter was so light and the calamari perfectly cooked. Not rubbery at all. Perfection. The "miss" was the Shrimp and Crab Marinello. On the pricey side for mostly angel hair pasta, a little bit of spinach, a little bit of mushrooms; 4 shrimp, and the crab was... was it crab??? It tasted like it was canned mushed crab. Not lump or even backfin. Very disappointing says two of us from Maryland. We know crab! The other dishes were very good (shrimp and grits and the short rib grilled cheese). For a birthday dessert, a baked fruit flatbread, which was very tasty. We were treated to fried pimento cheese balls, 4, as it was our first time there as a starter. Another plus: the owner was right inside and greeted us (and other guests) and was very friendly. Our waitress was friendly too but waaaaaay too talkative. Overall, it was a good dinner but not the best around. There are other items on the menu that may bring us back again. read more

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We had a good dinner here and the staff were very nice. I made a reservation to eat here at 5:00 p.m. on a Thursday, but there were still a few tables available. Not sure if it was because of my birthday, but we were seated at the comfortable half moon blue velvet booth. I ordered the short rib grilled cheese and my partner had the Carolina burger. They gave a dessert of my choice on the house for my birthday. It's not specified on the menu that thinly sliced fries come with the burger and sandwich dishes. The bread was toasted nicely for the grilled cheese sandwich and the fries were crispy. The short rib meat was tender, but a little dry. And depending on your preferences, I can see some people might prefer more cheese in the sandwich. My partner thought the Carolina Burger was decent, although he said the bacon was a little burnt and there was no ranch in the burger, as specified on the menu. He also requested the meat to be medium, but it was more of a medium rare. They had no problem taking it back to be cooked a little bit more, which was better, and they added some extra fries. We also ordered a salad to come with the burger for an additional $4. It was enough to share for two people as a side salad. The salad was fresh, with sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and fresh shredded cheddar cheese. I chose the apple pie for my birthday dessert. It was good, especially with the vanilla bean ice cream and whipped cream. The prices for the food are a little more pricey so if you're willing to spend a little extra more, this place might be worth a visit if you're looking for somewhere new to try. read more

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Service, atmosphere, and restaurant are very nice. Jonathan welcomed us right in and being a first time guest we were served fried pimento balls. Tasty. We had the chicken parm special and Tuscan beef. Both dishes were good. The beef was tender and flavorful but the pappardelle noodles were one big lump with a few ribbons actually not in the lump. read more

Junction 421 - Chicken Parmesan - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Jim was the most amazing server! We sat on the patio and he took such good care of us. The food was an added bonus! Get the pimento appetizer and you won't be disappointed. The patio is stunning with excellent ambiance! read more

Even though this is a chain I think the food is very good.The staff is super friendly and go out of their way to help you. Place is clean. The atmosphere is great and I would say it's a few steps above a chain restaurant. The bar is also great with lots to choose from including lots of different types of bourbons. The owner or manager walks around and makes you feel at home. read more

We couldn't figure out a place to go on a Friday night and started driving towards Wilmington and decided to pop in. Boy, when this place says they are comfort food, they not only mean the food but the insanely polite staff! We were greeted like family by the owner and the host and it just got better. The food was really good and our server, Reagan (I think!) was so sweet and attentive. To top it off, they have a ton of Orin Swift wine (which isn't well known but amazing) and the music was such an awesome mix of 90's music, we couldn't help but sing along. The coconut shrimp were delicious, as were the pimento balls, wings and salmon stuff with crab. My kids are already bugging us to go back. The stand out politeness of each and every staff member says so much about the owners and isn't something people seem to value anymore so it was such a nice surprise! read more

I feel like I am home when I come here .. comfortable, great food , great atmosphere, great people!!!

Always great service from friendly bar staff. Half price appetizers are awesome and make an inexpensive night out.