What was to be a quick lunch turned into a fine dining experience. We most definitely did not expect the wonderful meal that was to come! Let's start with the location: located right off a main road, Wolcott's is situated in a beautiful homelike building that fits in seamlessly with the feel of the area. It is upscale and classy looking from the exterior, with nice landscaping, deep blue and white features. Walking in the place feels very chic but comfortable. There is a bar and indoor seating, along with a lovely covered porch for dining. We came at a "late lunch" time and received great service (would rate it perfect had she refilled our tea). She was helpful, answered our questions, and made us feel very at home and welcome. Wonderful! Then came the fun! The FOOD! So if you don't know me, I travel the country and eat a LOT of good food. I've also deckhanded for offshore fishing guides and worked at a seafood market... so when I start off by saying the Lobster Bisque was out of this world... I mean it! The lobster bisque was one of the most delicious things I've eaten. The flavor of the lobster was the main feature with rich butter tones and the perfect blend of salty. I ate every bite possible, and I don't do that. My partner ordered the Chicken Kiev. It was beautifully crispy and moist. It came out piping hot and my partner greatly enjoyed it. I tried a bite and it was really good. The lobster Mac n cheese was full of actual lobster bites but I felt like the creaminess you seek with Mac n cheese wasn't there, it was very runny and didn't hold. The flavor was good but the sauce didn't back up calling it Mac n cheese. Now for the dish that was a challenge to win me over: today's special included a Reuben. I am a Reuben connoisseur... I have eaten them all over the country and I will say this was very good. The pastrami had beautifully savory flavor to it, the bread was perfectly crisp (a huge pet peeve of mine!), and the cheese and sauce was beautifully melted and delicious. While I wouldn't say it was the best I ever had, it was extremely good! The thing that won me over on that plate was most definitely the French fries! Holy smokes they had salt, they had flavor, they were crisp but some still squishy (JUST HOW I LIKE!) the parm and seasoning was just perfect. Omg they were good. read more

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Good experience. Definitely try this place. Plan for 2 hours. Not a negative or positive- just an observation. Bottle of wine, 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 desserts = $175 not including tip. Complimentary biscuits were not fully cooked - still doughy. Waitstaff said they were "waiting for the biscuits to cook" - totally understandable, but wait 3 more minutes so you don't serve uncooked dough. This is a time management thing for the kitchen: 5:00 reservations = put biscuits in the oven no later than 4:40. Escargot was good. Disappointed that our dirty/empty appetizer plates stayed all over the table so long. This is the difference between "fine dining" & a typical restaurant. Utensils used for appetizers should be removed & replaced for main meal. Just another little detail that sets apart "price is worth it" & "why'd I pay that much?" Steak frites were good. Lamb was good. Desserts were good. Cacao nibs were entirely too hard - I thought I was eating pieces of nut shells. Not enjoyable. Waitress was very friendly, but we did get the feeling that we weren't regulars, so it was ok to not pay attention to us (like remove dirty dishes). read more

This has become our go-to place for a great meal in the Sandhills. The specials are wonderful, the regular menu always has a variety of options for any palate, the drinks are interesting and well made and the service is efficient and friendly. Cannot recommend too highly. read more

First visit to Wolcott's. Couldn't believe we've never been there before . Fantastic ! Best Bloody Mary in the Sandhills! Bisque is delicious with nice chunks of lobster. Homemade biscuits are unique and yummy. Best of all, ambience and service. Excellent. Plan to return soon. read more

Very condescending staff. The food is meh and cheap. Beer budget with a champagne dream.

Interesting menu from burgers to foie gras to caviar. Everything is good. Simple salad was amazing. Main course and dessert were all very good. Weekends are busy and reservations are a good idea. During the week much slower. I'm not sure what it's live when there are events. Service and inside is quite nice. The patio is available but I've not been when the weather cooperates. read more

I normally don't leave bad reviews, but this experience was absolutely ridiculous. I ordered a simple side salad and asked to add steak because he said they don't carry chicken breast and the only protein available was a steak. I expected a reasonable upcharge--maybe $10, $15 tops. Instead, I was shocked to see I was charged $40 just to add steak to a side salad. That's more than the price of most full entrées on the menu! There are plenty of restaurants in town that offer better quality and treat their customers with more honesty. I won't be coming back. read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Totally fine for a restaurant to not have high chairs. A little surprising maybe, but no big deal. Would have happily come back another time, without company with a baby. But for the remark of "we don't serve babies", i'll pass on trying another time. Restaurant was empty, was there on time for a reservation with a friend from out of towns birthday. I did think our down town would be a little more people friendly. read more

Great find! Good everything, we ordered to share so we tried many dishes. Tuna and salmon were soft and juicy. Lobster roll on a great bun.

Just had a fabulous dinner here! Service with Lisa was fantastic and seafood sausage cassoulet innovative and delicious! We will be back.

Amazing food and service. Owner and chef Scott is the best and often hosts special wine dinners. Matt the bartender is great and they have a wonderful wine list with option of outdoor seating. read more

We had never been to Wolcott's but always wanted to try it. We loved its quaint southern appearance with the screened patio on the side. Anytime we passed by it , it seemed full and we assumed this was a good sign. Most of the reviews were very positive and we even heard lavish praises from friends. It was my birthday and we wanted to celebrate with dear friends of ours, hoping to enjoy a scrumptious, special dinner. We were greatly disappointed. I always feel bad leaving negative reviews but I am always doing it in the hope the business cares and takes it to heart for their own good. I wish them nothing but to thrive in our community. First the menu: it's confusing to say the least. A mish-mash of appetizers, lunch, and dinner dishes arranged in random order on the page. It took us a while to figure out what we should order if we wanted a dinner experience. Some items felt fancy, others over the top and some totally plain. But I was totally willing to overlook this , thinking everything must be exquisite. I saw escargots on the menu, and being French, I wanted them as a treat I haven't had in years. Now escargots typically come in their shells baked with a garlic parsley butter. What a surprise went they came plain and on top of pasta!! My bad, I should have read the fine lines under the heading. It does say that they come prepared as such. Never ever seen this before and it was absolutely gross. I tried one and it tasted off. We shared our disappointment with our waitress who was so helpful and friendly and offered to take them back and we weren't charged for the dish. She said the NC sanitation department forbade the escargot dish to be served in shells. She was the first to admit that it's crazy BUT if you can't serve them as they should be served, don't serve them at all! Move on! Our friends had the fish and chips, lobster bisque and eggplant dish. They seemed ok with it but weren't super impressed. My husband and I got the steak frittes . Hard to mess that up. The meat was high quality and tender ( I asked well-done and got rare). Frittes were ok, the marrow bone at the center of the plate was a bit off putting and the tomatoe was a huge tomato chunk, warm but not fried or seasoned. Frying a slice of tomato with garlic and parsley in olive oil is simple and would have added a nice touch. All this for $48 , could have been MUCH better. Finally we ordered the bread pudding for dessert and it was acceptable but not great. Wine was good. Again I want to emphasize that the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly. I feel that this little place has so much potential if it made a few changes and maybe got a new chef or at lease improve its recipes. I left feeling let down and a tad embarrassed to have brought our gourmet friends to Walcott's . read more

How nice to enjoy dinner in a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. The bonus was a dinner that was fantastic. Walcott's is a small, quaint restaurant in Southern Pines. We have been twice and everything we had was delicious. Don't skip dessert! The homemade ice cream is a real treat. The menu is small but with something for everyone from burgers to caviar. Make a reservation. read more

Walked in to empty restaurant , my husband and I and were told there were no tables available, very rude manager. Ambiance not memorable. Did not get to taste food. read more

Okay, note my friend was hungry me not so much. However, I felt like it was only right to order something light and small. The croissant was stuffed with chicken salad and bacon. It wasn't until I took a bite that I instantly regretted eating breakfast. This had to be the best chicken salad I have ever eaten. The bacon was sweet, not something I'm fond of or could eat apart from the sandwich but it paired exceptionally. The fries were delicious too! Being I was traveling for work I didn't take the remaining half to go but gave my compliments to the chef. I'm going back here just for this sandwich and I'm going to make sure I'm hungry! It was soooooo good! Note that the service was excellent and we really enjoyed the ambiance. It was quaint. The whole town is definitely a vibe! read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - Chicken salad sandwich and fries - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

Overall, good experience. I had a very attentive waitress sitting at the bar. Portion was on the small side for the price but everything was delicious. Homemade tzatziki sauce was so good with the Pom frites. You won't regret getting the lobster risotto! read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - Pom Frites at the bar - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Went for lunch Sat 5/10/25, ordered lobster rolls ($20 each) and onion rings for lunch and lobster bisque soup to start. Lobster rolls and rings came out ( never got the soup).....onion rings were soaking in grease, the lobster in the lobster rolls looked like the little pieces you have left over after cutting up a lobster that you scrap up and throw away. Pitiful at best. There were only about 6 people there at lunch on a Saturday, easy to see why. Won't be back. read more

Had dinner Friday night with friends out on the patio. Wonderful experience! The food was awesome with a diverse menu. The attention from the waiter was impeccable. The setting is so stress-free and convenient. It's quiet enough to have a conversation at your table without hearing everyone else's conversation or having to yell across the table to be heard it's peaceful. It's well worth exploring. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. read more

Just moved here. Had some friends come to visit and didn't really know where to take them. Popped in here on a whim late lunchtime and got a seat. Holy cow. Was not expecting the level of quality and service we got. Kind of a casual, "seat yourself" kind of place, then they whip out French food that knocks your socks off. We shared oysters, burger, foie gras, and something green. Lol. Our server was kind and hospitable. Had good recommendations and was attentive without being intrusive. Beautiful restaurant. read more

This is a favorite for us, particularly when we have out of town guests. Always a different menu, lovely shareable plates and everything is delicious. Not to mention that the service is wonderful and hospitable. The ambiance can be romantic inside or more relaxed on the outdoor patio which is our favorite. read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - Seafood Sampler - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

Love this dining option in Southern Pines. Small quaint rooms offering seasonal menus. Great food, superb service.

My wife had fish and chips, and I had scallops. Both dishes were delicious, and portions were just right. Our server was attentive and friendly. It did take a little while to get our food, but it was lunchtime on Saturday, and this is definitely not fast food, so the delay was not a problem. I'd definitely recommend this fine restaurant. read more

Everything was excellent (except that they didn't have my favorite wine, a Moscato). I ordered then a Mojito, which was a close second choice. Service and food were excellent. We were seated at a table opposite the bar. All the tables surround the bar as the restaurant is on the small side. We will be going back because we really enjoyed the food and the way it was plated. Important to make a reservation. Linda D. read more

Awesome food! We all had biscuits, yum. Lobster bisque was awesome. We all had different entrees and all loved them!

Excellent food--usually the service is personable and attentive, sad to say this was not the case the evening we were there Party of 3 seated early with only one other couple nearly finished with their meal and we were among the last serve in the bar area dining room after others were seated well after our arrival. That said, we love going to lunch & dinner here when we are visiting family here. read more

I'm just not even sure where to start. The place is very small and also appears elegant. The menu choices appear overwhelmingly good and we had a difficult time deciding what to order. The service was good but everyone else we saw looked very unhappy to be working there. I ordered the simple salad and my husband ordered the lobster bisque (was the best thing we ordered). The salad was fresh but was unusually salty. I finally decided on the steak for dinner and the server said they change the cut of meat every day and today was filet mignon. It was the thinnest filet I've ever seen and was cooked medium-well not medium. The fries were okay but they were clearly frozen and ones I could get from any freezer in any grocery store. This entree was $42 and I'm still upset I chose it because it was not nearly worth it. My husband ordered a seafood entree that included a variety of seafood. It came with 3 scallops, several shucked oysters, 5 slices of seafood sausage, and half a lobster tail. All of which was served cold except the sausage. No sides. $36. He didn't enjoy it. Unfortunately, I went to the bathroom before leaving and saw their health rating: 92. WTH? They had it hanging in the back of the restaurant where you wouldn't see it unless you went to the bathroom. So disappointed. read more

Creatively amazing Chef prepared dishes! Ambiance makes us feel like were in a little French Bistro! Great wine selection!

We just stumbled upon Wolcott's while on an impromptu shopping day in Southern Pines, and what a lucky find! It was time for a late lunch, and the Sparkling Rose cocktail called. It was so good I asked for, and was happily given, the recipe and will make it at home. Lunch for two of us was Greek Shrimp and Grits and the Eggplant and Cauliflower Piccata. Both excellent choices! The pasta with the eggplant dish had to be freshly made, it was that good. I would happily order either of them again. I was so happy with the portion size also. Enough for a meal, but not the obscene overload restaurants seem to think they have to provide. Even so, we were too full to even consider dessert. My only critique? I miss bread or breadsticks, etc for the table. We would have appreciated a small selection of interesting bread while waiting for the entrees. I will definitely go back. I've already told two friends they must go. Now I'm telling anyone reading this that you should too! read more

Delicious food but slightly small portion for my husband. We came for Valentine's Day and sat by the window and it was freezing. Cold coming in from the window and the AC was right below our table. Service however was great and good was tasty. read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - Seafood bouillabaisse - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

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Great evening with a delicious meal, wonderful outdoor atmosphere and outstanding service. This is easily one of the best (if not THE best) restaurants in Southern Pines! You won't be disappointed! The menu is limited to about 6 entrees. We thoroughly enjoyed our 1st evening out since the pandemic. Thank you! read more

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Went here for lunch Saturday morning. I got a Pilsner with the chicken Kiev and a side of lobster Mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was good but maybe two little tiny pieces of lobster. The chicken was incredible. It was deep fried but the breading had so much flavor and the chicken was super moist. I'd definitely go back. Service was great. read more

Short review because I'm on phone and just finished a wonderful solo dinner. Travis took care of me. Lobster bisque, fried oysters & NY cheesecake accompanied with excellent wine. Very knowledgeable about wines and fabulous service. They are high etiquette mixed with personality & authenticity. It's my place I go to in Southern Pines alone or with beloved friends. You should come here!!! read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - Lobster bisque - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina

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We came here, because the reviews were very high, and we are extremely pleased! The ambience is cozy and warm, and the food is different and delicious. The staff was incredibly attentive and respectful. We will definitely come to this place again and enjoy their night ambience as we were here for lunch today. I would highly recommend the better night roasted squash salad, and the chicken salad sandwich. Their fried oysters were amazing and I would say the french fries were away above average. read more

Often times I have been torn and unable to decide between the choice of 2 entrées; perhaps even 3! That is one of the many reasons to dine at Wolcotts. The cozy ambiance, the superb food, along with a wonderful selection of libations (wine & spirits) makes for an extraordinary dining pleasure. Have been coming to Wolcotts since the first week they opened (same location) about 2003 This particular evening, Daniel was Helping/Waiting on our stay and his service was spot on. The menu looked scrumptious as usual, and the "just a taste" portion came in handy. Please see menu pic's. We began with the charcuterie platter having exceptional cheeses,Duck pastrami, Spanish chorizo, and the usual suspects of olives, honey, glazed pecans, and chutney; All pretty special! Appetizers consisted of: 1 Foie Gras (for Moi) 1 Lobster Bisque, and 1 Lobster cake. The Foie Gras was a bit underwhelming-not quite sure if it was suppose to be cold- but the Bisque(creamy) and Lobster cake(lobster rolled in crab meat) made up for the Foie! My order of Veal Short Ribs Bolognese was the hit of the night with tender Veal falling off the bone and pasta al Dente in a divine red sauce. (no tasting available on this item) Also ordered portion of Breast of Duck Chasseur with a Demi-Glacé to die for, perfect with the duck. An order of Grilled Eggplant Cannelloni portion w/ Ora King Salmon, also portion. Both very delicious. An order of (we mistakenly doubled this) Breast of Duck and Eggplant Cannelloni. Add 2 bottles of "Tapestry" wine and the evening was complete...almost! Could not leave without the superb Bread Pudding and Cream dessert which is a favorite, always. Because the place is small, reservations are recommended. Street Parking is plentiful. Try Wolcotts yourself, see what you think =) read more

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Wolcott's is soft porn. I loved coming over for lunch and having this handsome Footmen pour me tea. They do it so dignified without the expensive price of dignity these days. I had a delicious real ham with Brie and chutney sandwich served with french fries and the price was quite reasonable. I returned for dinner a day later and had the most marvelous chicken breast and country ham fried gnocchi in a Jack Daniels cream sauce that tasted as good as Tyler Posey's cream sauce. This glorious place reminds me of a graceful time that has long passed but still remains right here. The food, service and ambience is romantic and fun. I cannot wait to return and see what chef Scott seduces us with in the Fall. read more

We had lunch there today. Very disappointed with the $20 lobster roll. Very little lobster, no chunks like it use to have. A Very heavy mayonnaise with a smear of lobster . Not running back to have lunch there. Only one waitress, she did a great job considering she was the only server. read more

Outstanding. I love simple menus with amazing dishes. They break everything down into from sea to meats to from the ground. Love the French-ness of the place. I had their steak and fries. A simple dish with an amazing béarnaise sauce and asparagus. My fiancé had their seafood pasta with lobster and scallops. We both loved it. Besides the food, the service was superb, the environment relaxing and fun. We can't wait to go back. read more

Spectacular!!!! We went to Wolcott's because of the good reviews we read on Yelp and it definitely turned into one of our new favorite restaurants. 4 of us went for lunch on a Saturday all got something different and everything was great. I had the lobster burger which was sort of like a crab cake but with lobster. It was honestly 99% sweet, juicy lobster. It was amazing and a great price of $13. My boyfriend had the grilled cheese which had 3 kinds of cheese, bacon and tomato. It was unbelievably decadent and delicious! My friend got the chicken salad sandwich with cranberry sauce and it was so fresh and delicious as well. My other friend got the turkey burger and commented on how moist it was. We also had the cheese platter for an appetizer. Loved everything!!!! We will be going back for sure! I am already craving the lobster burger!!! read more

This place is so fancy and classy. The charcuterie board is on another level of good! The wine list is insane. I can not say enough good things about it. read more

Ate here this evening to try something new on my visit to town. Food was absolutely amazing, service was even better. I will be returning here! read more

Wolcott's Restaurant - New American Near Me - Southern Pines, North Carolina