More BBQ and fun: 11 restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area
As far as dining options in the Wilmington area, October brought more to the table. More oysters, more barbecue and more fun Asian fare. Unfortunately, the area lost a few restaurants, too, some of which have already been refilled. Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s gone.
Openings and re-openings
Fun Bowl Landfall: The latest restaurant from the sushi chef/restaurateur/brother partnership of Johnny and Andy Chen officially opened Oct. 12 at 1705 Eastwood Road in Wilmington's Landfall Shopping Center. It's in an outparcel close to the corner of Eastwood and Military Cutoff roads. The menu features boba and fruit tea, customizable bowls with a variety of toppings, and some signature bowls. They include the Fun Bowl Poke and one with barbecued chicken. They're open for lunch and dinner, but closed on Sunday.
Perla Raw Bar: The newest restaurant from Ash Aziz opened recently at 1039 Ashes Drive in Renaissance Park off Military Cutoff Road. The menu features oysters (including raw, baked and crispy varieties), a selection of small plates like crudo and a daily ceviche, handheld and larger entrees. It's predominately seafood but you can also find a burger, steak and a selection of sides. Dessert options include a lemon tart and a beignet with salted caramel mousse. Right now, they're open seven days a week for dinner but lunch hours are in the works.
The Smoke House at Monkey Junction: The newest member of this brisket-and-barbecue family opened officially on Oct. 3 at 5120 S. College Road. This is New Hanover County's introduction to what fans in Southport and Leland already know. They're open for lunch and dinner six days a week and are closed Sunday.
Surf City Brewing Company: Pender County's newest brewery held a grand opening on Oct. 13. It's a veteran-owned business that is already hosting food trucks and events like Music Bingo and Thursday Trivia. Find them at 402 Alston Blvd. Ext. in Hampstead.
By the Beach Brewing: Speaking of breweries, Wilmington has a new one, as well, at 104 Old Eastwood Road. Beers include the Sunday Morning porter and the Perfect Day pale ale.
The Cardinal: Technically, this restaurant wasn't closed. But they did reopen with a new concept and new name in October. What was the 3315 Cut & Pour steakhouse has been reconfigured as a neighborhood eatery. There's still a lot of what you love, from steaks to the half-priced pizza special. But you can also find more options on the menu at 3315 Masonboro Loop Road in Wilmington.
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken: There's another name change at Fabe's Peruvian Chicken at 1201 College Rd, Wilmington. Owner Fabian Llamas said the move is a rebrand. It now aligns with the 10 locations that are mostly based in the Triangle area.
Closings
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet: This Wilmington restaurant on College Road near Lowe's Home Improvement and Sam's Club has closed. According to a note on the door, though, a new location is slated to open in early 2024 at 1039 S. College Road.
Mariposa: The owners of this Spanish tapas restaurant closed at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington as the owners switch to a concept called Ellipsis that offers a series of pop-up events throughout the month.
Hop Yard: This Raleigh bottle shop closed their Wilmington location at 108 Grace St. A new concept with cocktails called Laws & Libations has now opened in the space.
The Wine Rack: This longtime Southport wine shop is no more. Fortunately, the owners of The Grape & Ale in Oak Island have taken over the shop to open a second location.
More: From food fests to wine dinners, here are 21 November events at Wilmington restaurants
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: October restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area
