These 9 Wilmington-area restaurants made Yelp's list of the Top 100 in North Carolina
At the 1,000 or so restaurants in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, there’s a lot of good food to enjoy. It can be difficult to choose where to go. If you’re interested in online lists and reviews, you might want to check out one of the most recent from Yelp, which ranks the Top 100 of the “Best Restaurants in North Carolina.”
Using the number and ranking of reviews to compile the list, it includes popular burger spots, pizza joints and interesting eateries. You can find the Greensboro location of Cugino Forno on the list at No. 24, but not the Wilmington one, for example. The original Duck Donuts, which once had locations in this area, is No. 27. And Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill is No. 66, and a location is in the works for Leland.
As for the greater Wilmington area, here’s a look at the nine restaurants that landed on the Top 100 list.
More: Yelp ranked the Top 100 restaurants in NC. Here are the top 5.
Yelp’s Best Restaurants in New Hanover County
Island Burgers & Bites: The only business to break the Top 5 was this counter service burger spot that shares space with a convenience store. Coming in at No. 5, it’s definitely a favorite with locals, year-round, at 111 Carl Winner Drive in Carolina Beach.
Savorez: In downtown Wilmington, this restaurant is also a popular one for Yelp reviewers. It’s No. 9 on the list. Fans mentioned their popular brunch service, the tuna tacos, Crispy Quinoa Flounder and vegan rellenos.
Fish Bites Seafood Restaurant: This classic seafood spot at 6132 Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington came in at the 48th spot. People love the lobster bisque, stuffed flounder and a variety of fried seafood. Yelpers also appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable service.
Cape Fear Seafood Company: This favorite local seafood chain came in at No. 49. The restaurant has locations in Raleigh, Leland, Wilmington and an upcoming one in Southport. But Yelp’s list refers to the Monkey Junction location at 5226 College Road.
Copper Penny: At 109 Chestnut St. in downtown Wilmington, this pub favorite is solidly in the middle of the top 100. Reviewers say that the 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich, Ft. Fisher Fish and Chips, and French Onion Soup helped it land at No. 51. What? No onion rings?
Benny's Big Time Pizzeria: In Wilmington’s South Front District, Yelpers praised the cozy and inviting atmosphere at 206 Greenfield St. The restaurant is No. 83 on the list, with a special shout out for dishes like the chicken parmesan and Tony Pepperoni pizza.
The Basics: One of three downtown Wilmington restaurants that made the list at No. 96. It’s well known for its Southern slant on breakfast, lunch and dinner – from the Southern Benedict to the Fried Chicken BLT in the Cotton Exchange at 319 N. Front St.
Yelp’s Best Restaurant in Brunswick County
Salt 64: This Oak Island restaurant came in at No. 19 on Yelp’s list and is the only representative in Brunswick County. Yelpers mentioned the atmosphere, the addictive Crack Toast (made with a four-cheese blend, garlic and herbs), and the “best steak ever.”
Yelp’s Best Restaurant in Pender County
Shaka Taco: North of Wilmington, this restaurant is Yelp’s only one in Pender County and earned the 25th spot. There’s a location in Hampstead, but the list refers to the original spot at 107 B, N. Shore Drive in Surf City. Tacos of all varieties are tops for dishes.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington, NC, restaurants on Yelp's Best Restaurants in NC list
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