K38

K38: No better way to top off the perfect beach day. Southwestern "Baja" Mexican food to die for. Seriously, how can you not love the surf bungalow atmosphere? The food is excellent, and not the typical "greasy" Mexican food. I would argue the salsa is best in town, and I'm a salsa snob. They serve the norms like enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, etc. Each dish is creatively named, and it's those fun touches that make you love this spot!

Trying to coerce the kids into choosing k38 - tell them there's a good chance they'll see real live surfers sitting at the bar! K38's owner is deeply rooted and established in the surfing community! Tell the young-ens that K38 is actually named after a surf break down in Mexico...true story!

Adults - K38's Tequila list means business...it's impressive!

Personal fav: Barbacoas Enchilada

K38 Baja Grill
5410 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910)395-6040

Hours:
Sun - Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri - Sat 11am-10:30pm

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

Carolina Beach is home to El Zarape Mexican Restaurant. This is a popular place to eat, and especially in the summer, you can expect a wait! The restaurant itself is huge and can accommodate large party sizes. Overall, this really is great Mexican food. Their menu is also HUGE with about every food combination you could want! There is one drawback that must be noted. Plan on filling up on the complimentary chips and salsa, because regardless of how busy they are, it takes forever to get your food. It is worth the wait, and somehow always comes out piping hot!

What locals love:

• Tuesday's special is $3 Margarita

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant

101 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Carolina Beach, NC 28428

(910) 458-5226

Islands Fresh Mex Grill

Islands. Why go to Moe's, Chipotle, or Qdoba when you can go to Islands? Islands is like one of these chains, but with a few unique twists. One, the menu is fun, fresh, and unique. Two, the ambiance: surfing, beachy, laid back, tropical decor done RIGHT! Located near the university, you're bound to be in line with college students just trying to escape the UNCW dining halls. Islands is most famous around UNCW for their TUESDAY DOLLAR TACO NIGHT. That's right, ONE DOLLAR. (Do expect a pretty serious line if class is in session on Tuesday nights.) Islands does have great drink specials with a full bar right across from their taco bar.

My personal favorite: The BLT Quesadilla. (The island sauce just makes it!) My husbands personal fav: The Jerk Chicken Quesadilla.

Again, support the local tex mex when craving tacos and burritos!

Islands Fresh Mex Grill

260 Racine Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 799-2109