Restaurants on the Intracoastal Waterway Near Wilmington, North Carolina

Jane Gosford, Demand Media

Traveling 1,200 miles from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway runs along a host of major cities, including Wilmington, North Carolina. Not only does the waterway feature such natural landmarks as bays, inlets and sounds, but man-made comforts lie near and line the waterway in areas such as Wilmington, including exciting dining options.

Casual Restaurants

Located on the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway and Wrightsville Beach, less than a half-mile from Wilmington, Dockside Restaurant (thedockside.com) features a laid-back setting, including floor-to-ceiling windows, ceiling fans and outdoor seating with views of the waterway. The restaurant also offers a full bar and gift shop. Specializing in seafood, menu options include fried or broiled shrimp, crab cakes, oysters, flounder and scallops.
The Fish House Grill (thefishhousegrill.com) lies near the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge and along the Intracoastal Waterway. The casual restaurant includes hardwood floors, rustic wood beam ceilings and umbrella-covered tables located on an outdoor deck. Seafood sandwich selections include mahi-mahi, soft shell crab and shrimp burgers. The restaurant also offers a kid’s menu and a small sampling of wine and beer.

Upscale Dining

The Bridge Tender (thebridgetender.com) offers an upscale setting, complete with white tablecloths, candlelight and outdoor seating with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Menu selections include coconut shrimp, blackened salmon and 7-ounce filet mignon. The restaurant provides a full bar and kid’s menu. The extensive wine menu includes items from New Zealand, Chile and California.
Perched along the waterway, Bluewater (bluewaterdining.com) includes a full bar, outdoor patio dining and dark wood furnishings. The menu features offerings such as barbecue chicken, baby back ribs and citrus-glazed scallops. A children's menu is provided. On Sunday afternoons, the restaurant features live music on its outdoor patio. Guests may rent the second story for private parties.

West of the Intracoastal Waterway

Boca Bay Restaurant (bocabayrestaurant.com) is located less than a half-mile west of the Intracoastal Waterway. The restaurant offers a high-end setting with mural-covered walls, art deco light fixtures, cherry wood accents and ceiling fans. Selections include sushi, steak and a raw bar. The kitchen also features prix fixe menus, Sunday brunch and a daily happy hour at its full bar.
Just a half-mile west of the waterway, Sweet & Savory Bake Shop & Cafe (sweetandsavorycafe.com) offers a relaxed setting with brick walls, tall wooden chairs, recessed lighting and patio dining. While the restaurant serves pasta, seafood, sandwiches and salads, the bakery offers cakes, pies and breads baked fresh daily. The restaurant also features a full bar and offers wine tasting sessions.

East of the Intracoastal Waterway

Mellow Mushroom (mellowmushroom.com) sits five minutes on foot from the Intracoastal Waterway. The casual eatery features wood beam ceilings, white plastic chairs, hardwood tables and outdoor deck seating with ceiling fans. The restaurant offers specialty pizzas, calzones and hoagies as well as a massive selection of beers in bottles and on tap.
Causeway Cafe (no website; 114 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach; 910-256-3730) lies less than 500 feet from the waterway. Open six days a week, the restaurant offers lunch and all-day breakfast service, including sandwiches, waffles and omelets. The laid-back setting features counter seating, a chalkboard menu and ceiling fans. The cafe does not serve alcohol.