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The Sandspur

4.3 (97 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
Updated 3 months ago

The Sandspur Photos

Business Info

THE SANDSPUR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - The Sandspur

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Reviews With Photos

The Buoy Basket of cornmeal breaded shrimp with fries, slaw, buttermilk ranch, and cocktail sauce
Ashley S.

This is a small dive bar with a surf shack theme. The food is delicious. We both had the shrimp basket. Service was fast and friendly in spite of it being very busy. It was pretty loud because it's a small space. If we come back to CB in the summer, we would definitely return and sit outside to avoid the noise level. But I am sensitive to volume levels, so it may not bother the average person at all even when it's packed. The slaw is great - I could have eaten several of those! The drinks looked great but I rarely drink. My husband had a blood orange hard cider from their decently sizable list of options.

Buoy basket, $18.00

We ate at the Sandspur on 4/26/26 for the first time ever. It was after 8pm when we entered, so not very crowded. Service was quick, and our water was refilled before it was empty. We ordered two of their Buoy Baskets which were $18.00 each. Their fried shrimp is battered with corn meal, and the batter is pretty thick. It's sort of like shrimp stuffed hush puppies. The red slaw is excellent, but it comes in a souffle cup the same size as the ketchup. I would have given up a few fries to have twice as much slaw. The tiny serving size just makes them look cheap. The fries tasted good. Total cost for 2 Buoy Baskets was $36, plus 2.52 tax, plus 7.20 tip = 45.72. They did not add a 3% charge for using a credit card, or I would deduct a star. I do not know if the Sandspur has a lunch menu with prices less than their dinner menu. The ambiance was fine for a seafood place.

David W.

This place is small so get here early or make a reservation. The food is good. I had the tacos. Seemed a little pricey for just a couple tacos but oh well.

Entrance and bar
Jeff R.

Great location, quaint decor, excellent food, and super friendly service. Fish taps were delicious and the tuna nachos a great blend of flavors and twist on nachos! Must try this place if you're here at the beach.

Kids tenders
Alathea B.

Surprised this isn't the top rated restaurant in the area. This was the most fresh fish I've had since living in North Carolina. If there's Tuna on the menu, then you should definitely get it. We didn't order any alcohol but I did spy some Chartreuse and Campari which are always a good sign. Can't wait to come back and make this a go-to.

Tofu sandwich and bowl with additional tofu
Abby M.

Great spot for lunch. We had the tofu sandwich and bowl with tofu. While I felt the additional +5 for tofu on the bowl was a bit excessive, it was a large portion. I honestly would recommend the bowl by itself for a lunch portion. The interior felt like a vintage beach cottage, and was well kept.

Tuna special

We've visited the Wilmington area twice before and I knew this last time I had to look up what local's recommended. I was blown away by this unassuming bar and their fresh offerings. Previously, we didn't love the food and I questioned if we could live somewhere the food was just ok. But this trip changed my opinion. Sandspur is outstanding fresh food. I came with my family and we all enjoyed. The service was good but it didn't matter. Happy to have a meal I still think about!

Orange Crush

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1 month ago

Delicious food & good portion sizes. Tofu tacos were excellent, my husband and son loved their sandwiches and the French fries were so good.

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

Great food, atmosphere and service. Cleanest, newest and nicest 'dive' bar I've ever been in!! Rhonda was awesome!!

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9 months ago

The atmosphere, service and food was outstanding. We ate inside and loved the cozy look and feel. Food was very tasty!

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3 years ago

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

Great service, excellent food! Love the outdoor seating area. Will definitely be back!

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9 months ago

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Lake Park Steakhouse - Chicken Parmigiana

Lake Park Steakhouse

4.4(160 reviews)
0.0 mi

Lake Park Steakhouse delivered on every level--food, service(Marcie was amazing), and…read moreatmosphere--but more importantly, they provided the right setting for a meaningful night. Nothing felt rushed, nothing felt careless, and everything felt intentional. The staff's quiet professionalism allowed the evening to unfold naturally, which mattered deeply to all of us. This was the kind of place Bill would have been proud of--a place worthy of gathering with friends, sharing stories, and honoring a life well lived. We couldn't have chosen a better setting to remember him, and we will carry this night with us. Lake Park Steakhouse is more than a good meal. It's a place that understands hospitality in the fullest sense of the word.

Came here for my bestie's Bachelorette party last night. Some highlights:…read more * Steak dinner was cooked well & I enjoyed my macaroni. * Group got side salads and had fun customizing them. * For pasta dishes: shrimp scampi had too much butter and they didn't have two of the options due to one being taken off the menu (needs updating) and another dish sold out. * We did like that they were very accommodating since they let our large party do separate checks. The staff was attentive and even signed a card for my friend to say congratulations. You can tell this place is for the locals. Overall, would recommend to out of towner's but keep some things in mind.

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Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar - Shrimp Calabash and Fish Tacos

Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

3.7(485 reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

If you're looking for one of those places where everything just lines up--the weather, the food,…read morethe mood--this is it. Out on the pier at Tiki Bar & Ocean Grill, you've got a front-row seat to the Atlantic, and on a day like today, it doesn't get much better. Blue sky, sun hitting the water just right, and a breeze that reminds you why people have been coming to the coast long before fancy resorts showed up. Food Simple answer: they've got it dialed in. Fresh, well-prepared, and exactly what you want at the beach. No overthinking it--just good coastal food done right. That's how it's supposed to be. Service Friendly, easygoing, and attentive without hovering. The kind of service that makes you feel welcome but doesn't interrupt your view--or your drink. Atmosphere This is where they really win. Sitting out over the water with string lights overhead and waves rolling in? That's hard to beat anywhere. Now, yes--the beach itself has those big metal pipes running through for replenishment. Not exactly postcard material. But here's the truth: once you're up on that pier, looking out over the ocean, it barely matters. The view still does what it's supposed to do--makes you slow down and stay a while. Final Take Great food, solid service, and a view that carries the whole experience. Even with the beach work going on, this place delivers what a coastal spot should: good eats, cold drinks, and a reason to sit a little longer than you planned. If the weather's right, don't overthink it--grab a seat, order something simple, and enjoy it the way folks have been doing for generations.

My go to place after roasting in the sun at CB. Walk in the sand to a barstool overlooking the…read morewaves and coastline at Carolina Beach. Lots of great drink and food options. Shrimp are fresh and drinks are refreshing. Grab some merch from inside and support local.

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Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar
Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar - Bagel with cream cheese, side of fruit, coffee

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Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar - Tiki time

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The Spot

The Spot

3.9(147 reviews)
0.5 mi

If you're looking for a relaxed, welcoming place in Carolina Beach, we had a terrific experience at…read moreThe Spot Bar & Kitchen. We arrived around 4:30 and beat the dinner rush, which gave us a beautiful evening outside. From the moment we sat down, it felt less like going to a restaurant and more like coming home after a long day at the beach. Our servers, Abigail and Allie, were both wonderful--friendly, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. Service like that is getting harder to find these days, and they deserve a lot of credit. We started with the fried okra, and there were barely any left by the time I thought to take a picture. Crisp, hot, and some of the best we've had. The Black and Red wings were excellent too--full of flavor with just the right amount of kick. The fries were seasoned and cooked just right. The outside seating has a great atmosphere, and even the little details stood out. The place was clean, including the restroom, and seeing their 97.5 sanitation score posted proudly gave us even more confidence. They even had a Venus flytrap outside--only in Carolina Beach can a restaurant have its own bug patrol on duty. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. We'll definitely be back.

We have been to the Spot no less than 50 times. This is a great spot but.... $14.95 for 8 chicken…read morewings and $9 for a Tropical Lightning beer. I am a long time fan and first time critic. I know about inflation but the prices on those two items are exorbitant. We won't be back for a while with those prices

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Outside seating

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The Sandspur - newamerican - Updated May 2026

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