The restaurant scene in the Wilmington area might slow down (just a bit) during the cooler weather, but the lull doesn't last long. There's always something new happening. Here's a look at the new eateries that have been added in recent weeks, as well as some businesses that have closed.
Restaurant openings
K38 Baja Grill: The newest location of this locally born Cali-Mex brand is now open in the new Carolina Beach mixed-use development, Proximity. It joins four other K38 restaurants in Wilmington.
Beach Break Donuts: This new spot serves “always hot” doughnuts, ice cream and coffee made with water purified via reverse osmosis. They held a grand opening at 1009 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach on April 14.
Shaka-Laka Bowls of OIB: A Brunswick County location of this organic acai bowl cafe. (There’s another in North Myrtle Beach. They opened mid-April at 11 Causeway Drive in Ocean Isle Beach serving a menu that also includes coconut bowls, pitaya bowls, ube bowls and green matcha bowls.
Crispy? Cones: This Shark Tank-approved concept opened its first North Carolina location on April 11 at 120 Market St. in downtown Wilmington. Warm pastry cones are made to order and filled with soft serve, toppings and drizzles.
Mi Rey Taqueria & Grill: A Mexican restaurant offering the flavors of Jalisco has opened in a former at 4015 Market St. in Wilmington. There’s a special lunch menu, a kids’ menu and specials like al pastor tacos on Tuesdays.
Casa Encanto: Also new in Mexican restaurants is the latest concept from the El Cerro Restaurant Group. It’s in the former Applebee’s space at 5120 New Centre Drive, Wilmington and aims to provide a unique, upscale experience with signature drinks.
Salty Dogs Cafe and Bark Bar: The former Archibald’s Deli has been rebranded as this pet-friendly spot with a full bar, fenced dog area, live music, and special events. Look for a menu with lobster rolls, key lime pie, salads and burgers at 2991 Holden Beach Road S.W. in Supply.
Grateful Graze: The owner of this charcuterie shop has been working out of the space at 1616 Shipyard Blvd. in Wilmington for a while. But on April 28, she opened the storefront and started offering a limited lunch menu and graze plates. Look for more hours and an expanded menu soon.
Restaurant closings
Dockside Seafood House: The owners of this Calabash staple announced they had closed after 70 years of serving great seafood and steaks at 9955 Nance St. on the Calabash River. "This is not just a farewell to a business, but a heartfelt goodbye to the countless relationships, shared memories and cherished memories that have been built within these walls," the owners said in a letter posted to social media.
David's Deli & Restaurant: This longtime restaurant that first opened in 1981 is also now officially closed, with a thank you note to customers posted on the door at 1984 Eastwood Road near Wrightsville Beach. Owner Doug Efting took over business in 1993 and announced in February that he would close the restaurant in April.
El Mariscal: This seafood-focused Mexican eatery opened in 2022 at 1319 Military Cutoff Road in Landfall Center as a part of the El Cerro Grande restaurant group. Now that they've opened Casa Encanto, Emmanuel Ibarra said that they transferred the staff (and many of the favorite dishes) to the new restaurant.
Chow Thai: The owners of this Asian restaurant at 5552 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington posted to social media that they would close due to ongoing financial difficulties. “This place has been more than just a business,” the note read. “It’s been a home for us. Serving you over the years has been an honor beyond words, and we are deeply grateful for the support and memories you've given us.”
Golden Dawn Bakers: This bakery located upstairs at Alcove Beer Garden in Wilmington’s Cargo District announced that they would close after four years in business. “Thank you to all of our customers who have supported us,” the post read. “We’ve made the difficult decision to close the bakery and pursue other opportunities.”
Panacea Restaurant: This restaurant, once an extension of the Panacea Brewing Company kombucha business, is also closed at 4107 Oleander Drive after the business was sold to a new owner last year. The kombucha is still flowing at Panacea’s Tiny Tap & Taste at 311 Judges Road in Wilmington.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].