Wilmington comforts with coastal-Southern personality: hushpuppies, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and barbecue, with a dash of Lowcountry charm.
These five favorites are where locals go to unwind and eat well.
Casey’s Buffet
A beloved local buffet that reads like a who’s-who of Southern classics.
Expect crispy fried chicken, barbecue pork, fried fish, chicken and pastry (dumplings), and a spread of sides—collards, yams, mac and cheese, and rice and gravy.
The cornbread is the perfect mop, and banana pudding caps the meal with vanilla-wafer nostalgia. It’s family-run and pure comfort.
The Fork ‘N’ Cork
A cozy downtown spot with a chefly touch, The Fork ‘N’ Cork takes familiar bar-food comfort and dials up the flavor.
The mac and cheeseburger is a gleeful indulgence, wings are crisp with serious sauces, and fried Brussels sprouts arrive sticky-sweet and smoky.
The pot pie of the day and a cast-iron brownie with ice cream make this an easy weeknight favorite.
Craft beers and a solid bourbon shelf round things out.
Copper Penny
A long-standing pub where sandwiches and plates come hearty. The 109 Chestnut chicken sandwich—fried and tossed in buffalo sauce with bacon and cheese—is a local legend.
Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, French dip with au jus, and loaded nachos keep game-day crowds happy.
Service is quick, prices fair, and portions generous—comfort boxes checked.
Something Fishy Seafood
Homey, affordable, and deeply coastal, Something Fishy is all about fried seafood platters and hushpuppies straight from the fryer.
Flaky fried flounder, shrimp piled high, and a crab cake sandwich that’s meaty and lightly seasoned.
Sides like slaw and seasoned fries complete the beach-town comfort vibe. It’s low-key and always satisfying.
Salt Works II
A no-frills, locals’ diner with breakfast that tastes like a lazy Saturday.
Biscuits with sausage gravy, country ham, pancakes with crispy edges, and omelets stuffed with cheese and veggies.
Lunch brings burgers, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and hot dogs. It’s cash-only charm and pure diner comfort.
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