Steaks & Chops

Just before you cross the causeway to Wrightsville Beach you’ll see Jerry’s restaurant on the right in one of Wilmington’s ubiquitous small shopping plazas. To get there, turn right at the light at Wrightsville Avenue and Eastwood then left to get into the strip mall. Jerry’s, a favorite among locals, has steaks, pasta dishes, an extensive seafood menu, very crisp salads and the best rack of lamb in Wilmington, according to our resident lamb expert. The staff is professional and attentive. Daily specials are always delicious and desserts are sinfully good. With a full bar and an extensive wine list, Jerry’s is open daily at 6 p.m.

One of the older restaurants downtown is Deluxe, located on Market Street between Front and Second. Deluxe opens daily for dinner at 5 p.m. and specials are offered every day. Steaks are always on the menu and they are carefully served as they were ordered. Seafood, pasta, pork, and inventive vegetarian dishes also are offered at Deluxe. They also have a very extensive selection of fine wines as well as a full bar.

If you’re craving a complete selection of wonderful USDA Prime steaks, there is only one place to go in Wilmington, to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located in the Hilton Wilmington Riverside. On the menu are all the cuts of steak, including filet, strip, ribeye and t-bone, and you can even order a porterhouse for two. Chops are available in lamb, pork or veal varieties and seafood, including a huge three-pound live Maine lobster, is on the menu too. There is a wide array of side dishes to accompany your meal, including nine vegetables dishes, potatoes prepared eight ways, and seven delicious salads. In case that’s not enough, you’ll also find a vast assortment of appetizers, an extensive, award-winning wine list, numerous craft beers, a full bar and delicious desserts. Order the caramelized banana cream pie made with white chocolate banana custard for a wonderful taste treat.

The inviting lounge opens at 4:00 p.m. daily with dinner beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and at 5:00 p.m. all other days. There is a separate lounge menu  and special offers on cocktails, wine or the bar menu are available on several days each week. Ruth’s Chris Steak House also has a private room with a beautiful view of the swimming pool that is available for special gatherings. The wall of windows in the main dining room looks out over the Cape Fear River and Battleship North Carolina.