More food, more spirits are in the works for new Southport restaurant
With more than 135 bottles of whiskey, and its own “Paddy Wagon” ride service, The Pub of Southport has been building a following since 2009. As they like to say, it's an Irish-style bar where there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet.
Now, it’s growing its presence in the Southport area. After a lull in food service, they’ve brought in a food truck serving a rotating menu that includes some longtime favorites at 1513 N. Howe St. They're also adding a new rum bar and restaurant to the downtown area.
The Royal James Rummery is in the works at 109 E. Moore St., said Patrick Gaynor. He’s the general manager at The Pub and will be a partner at Royal James. The restaurant group also includes The Joyce in Leland.
The name comes from the stories of the pirate Stede Bonnet and was what his ship was named when it was captured off the coast of North Carolina, he said.
“The space has been a law office since the 1920s, I think,” Gaynor said.
They’re converting it into a two-story bar with a Carribean theme. Look for a wide selection of rums and tequilas, as well as a menu of tropical salads, rice bowls and wraps. They hope to open later this year, but there’s still more work to be done.
More: What's new in restaurants? 11 openings, and closings, in the Wilmington area
Royal James will have a small beer garden out back, ledge seating at the entrance overlooking downtown Southport and a festive vibe downstairs.
“We’re thinking of more of a lounge upstairs,” he said. Look for a couple of billards tables and comfy seating.
Until then, fans of The Pub can enjoy the return of their craveable menu items. Gaynor said the food truck is parked in front of the bar Wednesday through Saturday evenings, weather permitting. It also occasionally makes appearances at local events and fundraisers.
“We post the menu every week,” Gaynor said. “But the Irish mac and cheese and the Reuben eggrolls. I knew we had to have those, due to demand."
There's also a burger of the week (which was recently topped with smoked Gouda), as well as comfort food like a Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap or maybe a Hawaiian Chicken Philly.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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: The Pub of Southport is adding a rum restaurant
