This is the best waterfront restaurant in New Hanover County, according to StarNews readers

Is there anything better than a bite to eat with water views? StarNews readers don’t think so. We've been asking their thoughts on important foodie topics like great burgers and fries and who makes the best shrimp and grits. We know that people are passionate about their favorites.  

When we recently asked people to take part in a poll for the best waterfront restaurant in New Hanover County, it turned out to be the biggest one yet. Almost 64,000 votes were cast for the 28 restaurants we included with views of the Cape Fear River, ocean or other waterway. 

Mostly, two restaurants kept edging each other out for first place during the weeks of voting, which led to these businesses getting a combined 96% of the votes.  Of course, keep in mind that the results are just for fun and bragging rights.  

Although the top two vote-getters are on different bodies of water, they do have some things in common. They both have a large, loyal fan base. And both are located near a waterside hub of activity. It’s more than just a serene view; they also have boats and bridges, or (alternatively) rides and a beach boardwalk. Here’s a look.

No. 2: Hurricane Alley’s, Carolina Beach 

After opening (and selling) The Dive bar and restaurant in Carolina Beach, David Cole turned his attention to a long-vacant building on the boardwalk. After renovating the space and doing much of the work himself, he opened this business around 2012. A second story deck and bar added in 2020 are positioned perfectly to look out over the Atlantic Ocean and the beachgoers enjoying it. 

But diners at Hurricane Alley’s also check out the Ferris wheel and other carnival rides, and shops and eateries on Cape Fear Boulevard, all with a colorful drink in hand. Cole said when it comes to food, the restaurant is popular for burgers, wings and a pickle-brined chicken sandwich that is said to be better than a certain fast-food chain.

People enjoying the boardwalk can also get a frozen drink and quick bite from the window service Alley Bites. It’s Cole’s newest addition, which he built under the deck. Hurricane Alley’s also sponsors the CB Trash Walkers, a volunteer group that picks up trash and keeps the town and boardwalk area clean. 

Readers cast more than 28,500 votes, or almost 45% of the votes, for this waterfront restaurant. 

No. 1: The Bridge Tender, near Wrightsville Beach 

Oysters Rockefeller on the deck at The Bridge Tender restaurant near Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

The top vote-getter was The Bridge Tender, a long-time favorite at 1414 Airlie Road near Wrightsville Beach. It’s been welcoming diners since 1976. A lot has changed in the area since then, but some things have stayed the same, said owner Catherine McLatchy. The Wrightsville Beach drawbridge is still there, as are the boats that sail through the nearby Bradley Creek and Motts Channel.  

“I like to say that the view is as timeless as we are,” McLatchy said.  

There’s an expansive dining room with big picture windows, and the bar also looks out over the water. Diners also have a few options for outdoor dining, including one near the bar and another cafe-like area.

Their fans are just as appreciative of the food. They offer fresh fish every day and hand-cut their steaks. The restaurant was mentioned specifically when Wilmington made Yelp’s list of “small towns with big flavor” in 2022. Two of the most popular menu items are the shrimp and grits and the horseradish-crusted tuna, although the crab cake and oysters Rockefeller are also well-reviewed. 

The restaurant got more than 33,000 votes, or about 52% of the total. 

More waterfront dining

Because there are so many great options for waterfront dining, here's a look at some of the other restaurants on our list in New Hanover County.

Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill, Wilmington: It doesn’t get much more “on the water” than literally on the water. This barge is docked off South Water Street and is home to Wilmington’s only floating restaurant serving Calabash-style seafood, frozen cocktails and local beer. Aview, Wilmington: This rooftop bar and bistro is on the seventh floor of the Aloft Hotel on Nutt Street in downtown Wilmington. In addition to being an excellent spot to watch sunsets on the Cape Fear River, there's also a chef-created menu and specialty cocktails.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Wrightsville Beach: Near Mott's Channel, this restaurant has multi-level indoor and outdoor dining areas on the water, as well as a place to dock and dine on the Intracoastal Waterway. The menu, too, is inspired by coastal living with options for lunch, dinner and brunch.Bonita Latin Fusion & Cocktail, Wilmington: Newer to the food scene in downtown Wilmington is this beautiful and exuberantly decorated restaurant at Pier 33. There's dining area has an indoor / outdoor bar poised to look out over the boats and marina, and a menu of modern Central and South American dishes.Buzz's Crab Shack, Carolina Beach: Recently rebranded from Buzz's Roost, this gathering spot is located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and offers everything from lunch specials to late-night eats just a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.Carolina Beach Pier, Carolina Beach: This multi-purpose oceanside complex is a beachside hotspot near Freeman Park. There are pier side and upstairs bars and a comfort food menu that includes some secret items. This summer, look for earlier hours for breakfast sandwiches and cocktails. 

Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar, Wilmington: This open-air spot is on the ninth floor of the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Wilmington. In addition to cocktails and local beer, the menu includes "Pie in the Sky" pizzas and shareable plates. It's open seasonally and based on weather.Dockside Restaurant, Wilmington: This restaurant has been a local tradition for decades, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a deck and dock for waterside seafood. They're open for lunch and dinner on Airlie Road near Wrightsville Beach.

Elijah's Oyster & Fish Camp, Wilmington: Recently refreshed and rebranded, this restaurant boasts the largest porch on the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington. It's a more casual counterpart to the neighboring The Pilot House and offers a fish-camp style menu with fresh oysters and other favorites. Fish House Grill, Wilmington: On Airlie Road near Wrightsville Beach, and overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, this sister restaurant to The Bridge Tender has both an indoor dining room and a spacious outdoor deck. It's an ideal spot to watch the boat traffic and have some fish tacos.

Floriana, Wilmington: If you’d like to take in a view of the Cape Fear River from on high, there are now hotel restaurants that are poised stories above street level. But we are partial to the balcony two-tops you can find at this Italian restaurant at the corner of Market and Water streets.Marina Grill, Wilmington: On the north end of Wilmington's Riverwalk, this restaurant offers views of the harbor and the Cape Fear River. Their menu offers something for everyone, and chef specials made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients.Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar, Carolina Beach: Although this spot was among USA Today Bars of the Year in 2024, it's also a restaurant -- one with an upstairs dining room, bar and patio that look out over the Atlantic Ocean. And trek out on the pier to the Tiki Bar for summery drinks and fresh, casual fare.Oceanic, Wrightsville Beach: On the remnants of the Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach is this longtime local favorite with oceanside options for indoor and al fresco dining. To go with the views, there are seafood-focused menus for lunch, dinner and brunch.

The Pilot House, Wilmington: Like its sister restaurant Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp, this eatery has been serving diners on a deck overlooking the Cape Fear River for decades. It was also recently updated, but it still has all the great views along with a polished menu and drinks at the new Crow's Nest bar.

River 128 Restaurant, Wilmington: Formerly known as The George on the Riverwalk, the owners renovated and renamed this restaurant earlier in 2025. The new menu still includes a lot of the favorites, as well as more steaks and new southern coastal dishes. 

Riverview Restaurant, Kure Beach: This restaurant at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation area was once off limits for civilians. But it's now open to anyone who enjoys fresh seafood (in dishes like po' boys and tacos) on open air decks and screened-in porches.

The Sailfish, Wilmington: At Marsh Creek Marine on the county border between Porters Neck and Hampstead, this spot has options for everyone. The Sailfish is the upstairs restaurant with an outdoor deck and a menu filled with fresh seafood. Downstairs is the more casual, no-shirt-no-shoes Ballyhoos.Smoke on the Water, Wilmington: This restaurant in Wilmington's Riverlights community has seen some changes recently, but it still has an indoor / outdoor space with lots of deck space and trees on the Cape Fear River. And current owner Dustin Smith is revamping the menu to include specials, seafood and barbecue.

Solstice Kitchen & Cocktails, Wrightsville Beach: The former Sunspree hotel is now the Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach by IHG. And this is their onsite restaurant with coastal-American cuisine, an open floor plan overlooking the ocean, and outdoor patio tables.

South Beach Grill, Wrightsville Beach: This restaurant not only serves farm-to-table fare and a selection of chalkboard chef’s specials using local ingredients, but it is also that rare local beach restaurant that offers sunset views, from their patio that looks out over the Intracoastal Waterway. Steam Restaurant & Bar, Wilmington: Located on the second floor of the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Wilmington, this restaurant is outfitted with lots of large window to make the most of its riverside location. The menu offers seafood specialties, hand-cut meats, cocktails, beer and wine.

Stoked Restaurant, Carolina Beach: This full-service restaurant can be found on Canal Drive on the harbor in Carolina Beach. Look for a varied menu for lunch and dinner, boat docking, live music, breakfast service on weekend, oyster specials and prime rib nights.

Sugo Italian Steakhouse, Wilmington: Inspired by classic New York style Italian restaurants, this restaurant in the Hotel Ballast in downtown Wilmington was renovated to make the most of the river views. And the menu includes classics like Chicken Parmigiana, Vodka Rigatoni, and Mushroom Risotto.

Tequila's Waterfront, Wilmington: A few restaurants have opened in recent months and years on this northern edge of downtown Wilmington's Riverwalk. This one, though, is from two brothers who have expanded their Mexican restaurant brand to this two-level restaurant with an upscale tequila lounge.

The Tropical, Carolina Beach: This new restaurant near the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach isn't pointed at the ocean, but its three-story floorplan complete with a rooftop bar does offer views. And the menu adds unique and signature egg rolls and frozen drinks.

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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: This is the best waterfront restaurant in New Hanover County, according to StarNews readers