Steaks & Chops

Two popular eateries in Lumina Station owned by local restaurateur Ash Aziz belong on your dining list. Max’s Prime Steakhouse, with its solid, comfortable 20th century décor, reminds us of those great traditional New York or Chicago steak houses that have remained favorites over the years. When you’re longing for a truly fine, mouth-watering steak or cut of prime rib, this is the place for you. Not a beef eater? Max’s fresh seafood entrees, organic chicken or pork chops are superb, too. Complement your meal with crisp onion strings, a loaded baked potato, hearty salad or other “accessories.” Open nightly for dinner, Max’s also has an inviting bar that’s a great place to stop for an after-work drink or late night sandwich.

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.

Another new restaurant in Wilmington is Soho Steakhouse, which opened in 2008 on Oleander Drive just a few blocks from Independence Mall. Soho’s executive chef, John Turner II, received his culinary training at Johnson & Wales University in Virginia Beach. The New Jersey native offers a special reservation only “Chef’s Table,” where a uniquely planned private dining experience for up to eight people can take place. Reservations, however, must be made two weeks in advance. Regular diners can choose from the large menu, which in addition to several types of steak, offers seafood, chicken and pasta too. You’ll also find pork and beans on the menu, though this one is pork tenderloin over a bed of southwestern baked beans. Soho is open for lunch and dinner daily and has a full bar.