A Local Favorite

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.

The Bridge Tender restaurant opened in 1976 and has been drawing diners ever since. Located on the Intracoastal Waterway facing Wrightsville Beach, there are both indoor and outdoor dining areas. Lunch and dinner are served and there are few things more pleasurable than enjoying a meal in this setting. Fresh seafood of course is the focus, but steaks, chops, pasta, salads and sandwiches are offered too. There is a full bar and the restaurant is non-smoking. The restaurant opens daily for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and dinner begins at 5 p.m.

Another restaurant on Airlie Road is Airlie Seafood Company, a restaurant that was recently renovated and also features that grand view of the Intracoastal Waterway. A twist here is that diners can build their own dinner by selecting a seafood item, picking the sauce to accompany it, then choose the side items they prefer from a large list of options. With extensive outdoor as well as indoor dining areas, Airlie Seafood stays busy year-round. They have a full bar and open for lunch at 11:30 a.m. and dinner at 5 p.m.