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

Tandori Bites: Fine Indian Cuisine

In Wilmington, this is where you go for great Indian food. It actually just opened a few months ago, so give grace if the waitress isn't familiar with the menu! The only time I've ever had Indian food was in NYC - the mecca of food that's good. So naturally, I was a bit nervous because the bar has been set HIGH! I was pleasantly surprised at how awesome the food was! With Indian food, expect it to take a bit longer than normal to be served - they're making everything fresh! I asked them to kick up my dish, to add some heat, and it was fabulous! And with most Indian food - the portions are smaller - hey, it's good to have right expectations!

If you're new to Indian food: go for a Chicken Masala - it's a butter sauce, and very mild.

If you're brave: go for the Buhna - my favorite!

And with any dish - adding Garlic Nan is a must - it will change your life!

Tandori Bites

1620 South College Road

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 794-4545

Michael's Seafood

Michael's Seafood: Not your average fish camp! This is seafood with an upscale twist, at ridiculously low prices! I was impressed by the details put into the presentation of the food! Again, seafood at a reasonable price, can't go wrong! They also have a great outdoor covered and uncovered seating area! They were very accommodating for our group of 27 college students! It was a great pick after a long day of lounging on the beach!

I loved my coconut shrimp - the batter had more coconut than most, but fabulous flavor!

Carrot Cake - I've never liked Carrot Cake - and this was GOOD!

Coconut Cake - Also great!

Just remember, it's a beach restaurant, so your water and fountain drinks will taste like they scooped it out of the ocean! As a local you just get used to it, add some lemon!

Also - this is random - if you're coming FROM Carolina Beach - be careful as you're turning in and also leaving the restaurant - the traffic pattern is a bit strange getting there!

Michael's Seafood Restaurant and Catering

1206 N. Lake Park Blvd.

Carolina Beach, NC

(910) 458-7761

Grand Union Pub

Grand Union Pub has a kick back, drink beer, eat good food, talk for hours atmosphere. They have an above average selection of burgers and sandwiches along with a never ending beer menu. The pub is decorated like an old saloon, only no cigar smoking. The best part of the restaurant are the antique sofa and chairs that remind me of so many local pubs in Europe. Grand Union Pub is certainly unique to Wilmington, and I imagine will only grow in popularity! The food is priced well too!

I highly recommend the Reuben - I'm a Reuben snob, and this one was right on!

Grand Union Pub

1125 Military Cutoff Rd.

Wilmington, NC

(910) 256-9133

Kitchen open daily until midnight!

Causeway Cafe'

Causeway Cafe is like eating breakfast at your grandparents house. Also most likely the cheapest breakfast in town. During the tourist season, be prepared to wait! It's not a huge restaurant, and the crowd will come! One thing to remember is that they only take cash. Bring the family, Causeway is the perfect start to any day!

Causeway Cafe
114 Causeway Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 27480
(910) 256-3730

Bon Appetit

Bon Appetit is a well kept secret in Wilmington. They started out as a highly sought after catering business. Due to popular demand, they opened up their very own restaurant. Bon Appetit is gourmet breakfast at it's best, at a great price. The restuarant is nothing fancy, but the food is delectable!

Bon Appetit
3704 Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 796-0520

J. Michael's Philly Deli

J. Michaels's Deli brings the authentic taste of the Philadelphia Cheese Steak to Wilmington. This local joint has been in Wilmington for over 30 years now! And their prices are unbeatable! You can design your cheese steak to come with whatever you fancy! They have it all, and the menu has more than just cheese steaks. J. Michael's has tons of sandwiches to choose from!

Monkey Junction
609 Piner Rd
Wilmington, NC 28409
(910) 332-5555

Hanover Center
3501 Oleander Dr
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 763-6466

Porter's Neck
8232 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 686-0070