If you want to sit and have a meal by the water, locals are blessed with a wonderful confluence of restaurants and bodies of water. There are eateries with views of the ocean, of marshes and of rivers.
By our count, there are more than 80 restaurants with at least partial water views, depending on how you define them, in Southeastern North Carolina. But is there one that offers an ideal combination of great views and great food? What’s your favorite when it comes to dining al fresco?
There are so many places to love, but we decided to narrow it down to some of the great restaurants on the water in New Hanover County. Now, it’s up to StarNews readers to vote for their favorite in the poll below the list of choices. Voting takes place through July 20. Also, let us know if your favorite spot isn’t on the list by emailing [email protected].
Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill, Wilmington
It doesn’t get much more “on the water” than literally on the water. This barge is docked off South Water Street and is home to Wilmington’s only floating restaurant serving Calabash-style seafood, frozen cocktails and local beer.
Aview, Wilmington
This rooftop bar and bistro is on the seventh floor of the Aloft Hotel on Nutt Street in downtown Wilmington. In addition to being an excellent spot to watch sunsets on the Cape Fear River, there’s also a chef-created menu and specialty cocktails.
Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Wrightsville Beach
Near Mott’s Channel, this restaurant has multi-level indoor and outdoor dining areas on the water, as well as a place to dock and dine on the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu, too, is inspired by coastal living with options for lunch, dinner and brunch.
Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktail, Wilmington
Newer to the food scene in downtown Wilmington is this beautiful and exuberantly decorated restaurant at Pier 33. There’s dining area has an indoor / outdoor bar poised to look out over the boats and marina, and a menu of modern Central and South American dishes.
The Bridge Tender, Wilmington
By the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge, this restaurant has seen a lot of meals and good times since it opened in1976. The eatery was also cited by Yelp as one of the businesses that makes the local food scene special.
Buzz’s Crab Shack, Carolina Beach
Recently rebranded from Buzz’s Roost, this gathering spot is located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and offers everything from lunch specials to late-night eats just a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.
Carolina Beach Pier, Carolina Beach
This multi-purpose oceanside complex is a beachside hotspot near Freeman Park. There are pier side and upstairs bars and a comfort food menu that includes some secret items. This summer, look for earlier hours for breakfast sandwiches and cocktails.
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, Wilmington
This open-air spot is on the ninth floor of the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Wilmington. In addition to cocktails and local beer, the menu includes “Pie in the Sky” pizzas and shareable plates. It’s open seasonally and based on weather…