Tag Archives: dining in wilmington

Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Wilmington

Ready for Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo arrives tomorrow and we’re ready to celebrate! While many celebrate with Mexican cuisine and a margarita (or two) the holiday really commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. If you’re looking for a good bite to celebrate, see our favorite Mexican spots in the Wilmington area below!

Cinco de Mayo in Wilmington: Our Favorite Mexican & Mexican Inspired Bites

 

1. Taqueria Los Portales

If you’re looking for simple, authentic tacos, most Wilmington residents will point you in the direction of Taqueria Los Portales. Don’t miss the tacos al pastor.

1207 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403. Find them on Facebook here.

2. Live. Eat. Surf. Restaurants

Live Eat Surf has locations throughout the Port City area including K38, Las Olas, and Tower 7. No matter how far you are from the beach, Live Eat Surf locations will make you feel like you’ve just walked from the ocean to a to a beachside hangout. Each restaurant offers unique Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired dishes with some Baja flair, along with great margaritas.

Various locations in the Port City area. Check out their website here.

3. Flaming Amy’s

Flaming Amy’s is a Wilmington classic, and for good reason. Customers can choose from a variety of specialty burritos, soft tacos, or nachos, or build their own with a wide range of proteins and ‘goodies’. You certainly won’t leave hungry. There’s also great folks behind this business: the owner, Jay Muxworthy, is being celebrated as a local hero after he recently risked his life while saving a woman from a burning car.

Locations in Wilmington and Carolina Beach. Check out their website here.

4. Wilmington Taco Factory

If you’re looking for delicious quesadillas and stellar service, Wilmington Taco Factory is the place to go to. The staff is helpful and friendly, and the restaurant serves sandwiches for those in your party who are more in the mood for American fare. (If you are, try the meatloaf sandwich).

1051 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403. Find them on Facebook here.

5. El Arriero Taqueria

This Taqueria is easy to miss, tucked off of Market Street and at the end of a shopping center, but it’s well worth the hunt. Enjoy their taco bar, variety of salsas, and kick-butt micheladas.

6932 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

6. La Guera

Another hidden gem in Wilmington, La Guera is also tucked away in a strip mall, but deserve high praise for their authentic Mexican dishes. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but we recommend the tamales and the carne asada torta.

6620 Gordon Rd, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

7. Eatery 17

Don’t let the fact that there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options fool you, Eatery 17 offers burritos and tacos with serious flavor. The cafe also serves south pacific fare (try the pulled pork!) in addition to its southwestern offerings.

2547 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401. Check out their website here.

8. Taco Point

Taco Point literally has the BEST carnitas tacos outside of SoCal. And they make their corn tortillas by hand in the restaurant. Enough said.

13732 NC-210 #100, Rocky Point, NC 28457. Find them on Facebook here.

9. Mama Rosa’s Bakery

This bakery has awesome Mexican pastries. Some of our favorites are the Marranitos (a molasses, pig shaped cookie) and the apple empanadas. And of course, the tres leches cake! They have a little tienda in there, too.

7316 Market St #6, Wilmington, NC 28411. Find them on Facebook here.

 

Any great spots we missed? Share with us on Facebook or Twitter!

National Clams on The Half Shell Day

It’s National Clams on the Half Shell Day and with random national days gaining popularity over the last few years, we’re not surprised this exists. Although we did have an office debate over clams, particularly raw clams. Some of us appreciate them, others will only enjoy them cooked. However, we are all in agreement that Wilmington has some great spots for seafood, raw and cooked alike. Check out some of our favorite spots to enjoy a fresh catch below!

national clams on the halfshell day (1)

1. Shuckin’ Shack

When you need a bucket or basket of seafood, Shuckin Shack is the place to go to. They offer a variety of steamed and raw plates, along with sandwiches and traditional seafood fare.

Various locations in the Port City area. Find the closest shack here.
Check out their website here.

2. Dock Street Oyster Bar

Dock Street may be closer to the river, but the restaurant provides a beachy ambiance that compliments their raw bar and steamed offerings. It’s a great little place to stop after a day of shopping downtown.

12 Dock St, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-2827   Website

3. Fish Bites Sea Food

Fish Bites is a casual yet cute restaurant in Carolina Beach, cozied up against a retail fish market (yes, there’s a lobster tank). Their menu is a seafood lover’s dream with its vast offerings from raw bar classics to fresh entrees and pasta dishes.

6132-11 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 791-1117  Website

4. Cape Fear Seafood Company

Cape Fear Seafood Company was one of the first seafood places recommended to us and it is easy to see why. With a great atmosphere (perfect for date nights!), attentive staff, and great dishes and cocktails, Cape Fear Seafood Company is always a great choice.

5226 S College Rd #5, Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 799-7077    Website

5. Catch

Talk to any Wilmington local and they’ll likely hold Catch in high regards. With fun takes on the classics and dishes as delicious as they are colorful, Catch is a spot that never gets old. You can keep an eye out for Catch the food truck, or find their restaurant on Market Street with a tongue in cheek sign letting you know that, “Yes you are at the right place.”

6623 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 799-3847   Website

6. Surf House

Look no further than Surf House for sustainable seafood and farm-to-table fare served in a modern and fun location. Their dishes and cocktails are just as delicious as they are visually stunning.

604 N Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428
(910) 707-0422   Website

7. Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar

What’s better than enjoying dinner with an ocean view? Not much, if you ask us. And at Ocean Grill, their seafood dishes and cocktails will impress you just as much as the view does. (Pass me a Mai Tai).

1211 South Lake Park Boulevard Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910-458-2000  Website

 

Did we miss your favorite seafood spot? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #DiannePerryCo!