We have our usual brunch spot we always go to on Sundays after church. The Sounder is a minute drive from church so we decided to try it out. The new colors and ambiance compares to the old restaurant are like night and day. It has a beach vibe now. The place is bright and much more full of life. The wait staff could not have been better and the food was way above my expectations. The filet and eggs special along with the homemade biscuits and jam made my Sunday. They also take reservations which is a big plus. This will be our new Sunday brunch spot for sure. We are looking forward to trying out dinner for our next date night. read more

Such a great late-night find! We came in around 8:45, not realizing they closed at 9:30, but were immediately assured it was completely okay. We finished dessert around 9:45 and still received top-notch service from start to finish. I feel like so many places start ignoring tables or rushing you as closing time approaches, but that was absolutely not the case here. We ordered a variety of things from the menu, including the smoked fish dip (fabulous!), the mussel appetizer, Caesar salad, and the trio. The trio was SO good, and I was honestly shocked by the portion size--such a great amount of food for the price. Rich and Dave/David were fantastic with recommendations, refills, and checking in on us throughout the meal. They truly made the hour-long drive worth it. We will absolutely be back and have already recommended this place to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Great food and even better service! read more

The Sounder - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

My husband and I had a very good lunch (5 July 2026). I had the double patty burger (I asked for the dressing on the side) with a side of tomato basil salad and my husband had the prime rib pizza special. It was huge! We had leftovers. We liked the atmosphere of the place. It's very nice, open, and bright. They have a big bar area too with tv's and plenty of tables throughout the place. It was on the cold side. I always bring something to cover up if a place is too cold. We were sitting in an area where the air vents were facings us. Just a heads up. read more

The Sounder - Double patty burger with a side of tomato basil salad. - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Before even arriving, there was a small but noticeable point of confusion. When I initially called the restaurant, I was told they were fully booked and didn't have availability until after 6:30. However, when we checked the Resy app shortly afterward, there were multiple openings available starting at 5:00 p.m. My wife was able to make a reservation for 6:00 without issue. We arrived a bit early and were seated promptly. Not a major problem, but there was a clear disconnect between what we were told on the phone and what was actually available. Once seated, we very much enjoyed the meal. The food was excellent across the board. We ordered smash burgers with fries, a Caesar salad, and oysters, and everything was well-prepared and delicious. Both of our mixed drinks were also very good. From a food and beverage standpoint, they're doing things right. Our server, Cameron, was excellent--attentive, professional, and personable throughout the meal. There were a couple of front-of-house issues that kept this from being a five-star experience. The pacing of the meal felt rushed, with courses arriving all at once rather than being properly spaced. There were also a few interactions involving the host that felt unprofessional. While we were speaking with another server, the host (Chris) interrupted to mention that she had a nine-top waiting, which felt awkward from a guest perspective. Later, when my wife was waiting for me at the front door while I used the restroom, she was asked where I was. When she replied that she was waiting for her husband, the comment back was that I was "probably in the bathroom taking pictures." That remark was unnecessary and inappropriate. A simple "How was your meal?" or "How was the service?" would have been far more fitting. I did share this feedback directly with the general manager, who was receptive and professional, which I appreciated. It's also worth noting that this is their first week open, and some growing pains are expected. This feedback is offered in a constructive spirit as the staff and management continue to settle in and build what has the potential to become a very successful business. I'm generally a "three strikes and you're out" kind of person, and this experience doesn't count as a strike at all. We'll absolutely return and look forward to seeing how things continue to come together. I look forward to a 5 star review next visit read more

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Absolutely beautiful coastal looking restaurant. The menu is small but the food is amazing. The service was top notch. I had a cheeseburger that was delicious. My husband and daughter had the fried chicken and said it was the best fried chicken they have had in a long time. I will definitely return. read more

The Sounder - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This place is 1) beautiful! 2) service is great! Our server was super sweet. 3) has great food. I recommend the smoked fish dip. The saltines it comes with are phenomenal (not plain crackers, trust) Then I had the shrimp and grits, 10/10. I would definitely recommend this place!! read more

Made a reservation through the phone for a Monday night for intially 10 people, which ended being a table for 6. We received complimentary spiced muffins, which I did not eat this time around. They had specials for the night, including grilled oysters and sausage and truffle macaroni and cheese. The fresh catch of the night was North Carolina red drum in a pastry seasoned with a smoky Mediterranean spice and served with housemade white bean hummus, nut-free pesto, sweet potato, other veggies, etc. I ended up ordering the Grilled salmon entree, which was great. Salmon was seared with a nice crispy exterior. The hoppin john with bacon was deliciously salty. The whole dish with carrot mole and sweet grapefruit gastrique surrounding the entree blended well together. We shared the cinnamon sugar coated beignet dessert with melted caramel and chocolate sauces, which was the perfect sweet ending to our meal. They were like donut holes. I could stuff many of those in my face- they were addictive. Our waitress was great, patient, friendly, and polite. Thanks for another great night Sounder! read more

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Food was really good - Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Seafood Trio Sandwiches and delicious fries! Our server, Ryan, was great and it's a beautiful, open restaurant with great music! read more

I have been dying for this place to open! Came for a girls night. I LOVE the way they renovated it from when it was Hops. I miss Hops but this place is a cool addition to this side of town. Hostesses were sweet and server was knowledgeable of the menu and gave good recommendations. I loved the NC Shrimp. Shrimp should only come in this size because they were delicious. The salt on the rim off drink was beautiful and the perfect pairing. Will definitely come back here! read more

The Sounder - Port in a Storm with vodka - American Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Fairly new restaurant in town, old Hops location. Food and drink selection was good, wait staff Rich was great and took great care of our party. New decor inside and bathrooms was great. Can't wait to go back read more

Everything was delicious! The wings and Gulf Stream Trio were amazing, and the margarita was one of the best. The shrimp pasta was also so yummy! Our service was wonderful and made the whole experience even better. We'll definitely be back! My daughter is the pickiest eater and she loved the complimentary sweet potato muffins which is a toddler win! read more

Excellent, seafood, great service at big bright restaurant. Our discerning group agreed this is a great spot. Don't miss it.

excellent food, excellent service and wonderful ambience. Our waitress amy was outstanding. Highly suggest this restaurant.

Sunday Funday.... nope. Brunch menu runs till 2:00PM... two sandwiches on the menu, 1 a BLT 1 a burger..... 1:45 sitting in my forward pressed bar seat (great if you are studying for a SAT), ran out of burgers (probably because its one of two sandwiches on the menu).... 1:45 PM... bar menu starts at 2:00 PM... "Hey since you ran out of burger meat on opening week, can you drop those wings 15 minutes early?" HARD NO... Sigh... off to True Blue.... read more

We hosted a brunch there for 14 people, and I couldn't recommend The Sounder more. From the beginning of planning to the end of our meal, the staff at The Sounder made every part of the process so enjoyable and easy. Everyone for the most part got different meals from the brunch menu, and each person said at the end of our meal how delicious everything was. On top of that, our server made serving 14 look easy, providing us with great service, drink refills, and hot food served quickly. I had the cheeseburger with fries and it was incredible. Will definitely be back soon! read more

We have traveled past the Sounder many times as it is midway between the beach and downtown but decided to stop in on a recent Friday and glad we did. Nice, clean beachy interior and friendly staff especially our server Anna and the GM. Food was great: tried the buffalo shrimp which was the best version I have had in recent memory. Tried one of the daily specials which I hope makes it onto the regular rotation. The seared tuna app can easily serve as a main, really good and interesting smoked flavor. Cocktails were spot on. As it is in the same family as Flying Machine, all those beers are on tap and I had the Pils which is nice on a hot day. While it is not a sports bar, the bar area is nice with good tvs to watch the World Cup or whatever comes next. Will be back. read more

Food, top notch, service warm, welcoming and very attentive. A comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal. Will not hesitate to return !! read more

This was our first time dining here. What a beautiful atmosphere, the service (Anna) was fantastic and the food was absolutely amazing.

Went for the first time Friday night. Sat at the bar (which is great). We split the smash burger, which was excellent. Will go back and glad to have something in the spot again. read more

Dined there the other night, we were very impressed. Decorated in beach tones , very pretty. The food was delicious, the 4 of us really enjoyed our meals. The service was attentive. All in all a very nice experience. read more

I went on a Sunday at opening at 10:00 am without a reservation and ordered the breakfast bread pudding and cheese grits as my side. Very yummy. Great waiter, he was very attentive. The restaurant was gorgeous inside with white tablecloths. Very nice place to have a girl's brunch or a brunch date. I recommend if you go later on a Sunday to get a reservation. read more

Excellent food and service. Will definitely be going back!! Our group was 7 and we all enjoyed our meals. read more

Great atmosphere, great food, super cocktails. Staff was excellent. Always there when needed but never intrusive.

First time there on 1/20/26. We sat at the bar as I always do. The bar tender was fantastic had all the answers to all our questions. Food was mediocre at best and let me tell you they are proud of their drinks. Mt wife had to APs and they were okay. I was in there for about 1 hr 245 and change. A lot was drinking 6 drinks two AP's one entree 245. I looked at her and said what. Now I did pay the bartender her 20% $50 because it was no fault and I am not one to bitch or really complain unless it has to happen. Oh they did a great job on the remodel looks great inside. I wouldn't even stop in for a beer ever. Good luck if you choose to go. From a cpl that eats out every meal. NOT WORTH YOUR TIME!!!! read more

I have not been yet,however i'm going.I've passed on the way home.They must have good food because the parking lot is always full day or night. read more

Amazing atmosphere, food and service! Super cute layout and color scheme too. Would recommend for brunch/lunch any day! read more

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The prices are pretty outrageous for what you're getting, I left hungry. Quite bland as well. Sadly, I don't think this place will last seeing how slow it is. The inside is pretty but just a little awkward when no one is dining there, I feel bad for the staff. read more

Beautiful restaurant with a great bar. Loved the ambience. Cocktails were fantastic as well as the apps. Liked our entrees as well. Didn't know they were owned by Flying Machine until the waiter mentioned it. Looking forward to going back for brunch or half price wine night. read more

Atmosphere and service were great!! Went with a group of friends and we all loved the spicy marg. I got the smash burger sent it was a 10/10 so good and the fries were perfectly crispy and seasoned. read more

My boyfriend and I love going to the Sounder. The inside is so pretty and spacious. The food is so good. The whipped fish dip was our favorite and the burger was also super good. We love Flying Machine on Wrightsville, so the Sounder definitely lived up to our expectations! read more

Had the wings as an app & build your own salad for my meal. Both were fantastic & the service was phenomenal. Highly recommend checking them out! read more

very uncomfortable bar seats....too far back from the bar. Polenta fries, so greasy and no flavor. We soaked up the grease with our napkins and it was all over our hands. No flavor to the seafood stew, bland. The Catch...grouper, came covered in a very too sweet bacon jam, sent it back asking for no jam, it was so greasy and bland could not eat it! very disappointing as for we wanted this to be a good restaurant. We will not be going. back. read more

While they did a nice job on the building I will never go back. They only sell craft beer for one thing. I have never been to a bar with bar stools as uncomfortable as these. Fixed to floor and very close also forward leaning. We eat at bars about 5 times a week. We ended up leaving as the menu was not impressive at all. Really a shame as we need something good around here. read more

Ordered chicken and waffles. The chicken patty was a Tyson frozen chicken patty out of the bag- absolutely disgusting. The service and drinks were great read more

I love the food, everything was so fresh! The oysters were so good, they taste just like the ocean! My server, Anna, was so helpful. Will ask to be seated in her section the next time I'm there. read more

Food is top notch, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Our party of four tried as many items as we could. Oysters on the half shell, cold, yummy served with their cocktail sauce and mignonette sauce, and baked seasoned crackers which were surprisingly addicting. Oysters rockerfeller best I have had in ILM. Catch of the day cooked with dry cornmeal fried but did not taste fried, light, airy beautiful, vegies and potatoes delectable. Others had the seafood stew , shrimp pasta , burger , shared smoked fish dip subtle flavors, well blended and not fishy with those crackers, pickled peppers, vegies and house made pickles. Service was on point. Went there on a Friday night and was a bit surprised it was not more packed. Go there - it is a bit of a treasure. The food tastes heartfelt the owner, chef care and you can taste their passion. Thank you for a great evening. Design great too...must visit the restrooms LOL. Very chic girly, interesting (womens side). read more