Take it outside: 20 restaurants to dine al fresco in and around Wilmington

As the tourist season winds down, locals' season begins. And, aside from a hurricane here and there, this time of year is perfect for taking advantage of the many restaurants in the Wilmington area that have fabulous outdoor dining. We have ocean views, river views, people watching and eateries that have carved out creative spaces in the middle of a parking lot.

We asked you for your favorite spots in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties, and here are just a few of them. Do you know of an outdoor dining area that should be on this list? Let us know by emailing aballard@gannett.com.

aView Rooftop Bar & Bistro

There could be a whole list devoted to restaurants with great water views -- even in downtown Wilmington, which is bracketed by Elijah’s and Marina Grill. We decided to look up, with new eateries taking advantage of spots on higher floors, like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. So many to choose from! However, several food fans mentioned this indoor-outdoor eatery on the seventh floor of Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, 501 Nutt St.

Beach Shop & Grill

This isn't your typical beach spot, but it is one that's evolved since it first opened in 1952. In the dining room, they serve elevated fare for lunch, brunch and dinner. It's a more relaxed vibe on their patio, which has its own cocktail bar with a menu of small plates and raw seafood. It's dog-friendly and you can check out live music at 701 S. Anderson Blvd., Topsail Beach.

Beer Barrio

In downtown Wilmington, in particular, there are a few categories for outdoor spaces – water views, rooftops and courtyards, for example. In the people watching category, this Mexican restaurant was one reader’s favorite, with its sidewalk tables and advantageous corner position at Front and Princess streets, or 34 N. Front St.

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Blue Surf Arboretum West

Owners opened this expansive counterpart to the Blue Surf Café in 2021. They had outdoor space in mind when they created this restaurant at 414 Arboretum Drive West in Wilmington. The 1,500-square-foot covered patio includes a large fireplace, an indoor-outdoor bar, plus lots of seating and lounge areas where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner and cocktails.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

This restaurant has an ideal location on the Intracoastal Waterway, one that allows for sunset views. While you can enjoy them from many tables, the patio provides an up-close view of the boats and the people passing by 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach.

Bridge Tender

Across the waterway is another reader favorite. This restaurant at 1414 Airlie Road in Wrightsville Beach has a deck on the water and have been serving both tourists and locals since 1976. And there is a reason is was mentioned in a recent Yelp report about our local food scene.

Fibber McGees

In a beach community, it can be difficult to create a noteworthy outdoor dining space that's not on the water. But this restaurant makes the most of its location in a retail center near Ingram Planetarium at 1780 Queen Anne in Sunset Beach. The outdoor patio spills out from their corner lot, outlined with trees and plants and dotted with blue umbrella-shaded tables.

Fishy Fishy Cafe

There's no shortage of great views on Yacht Basin Drive in Southport. But this one at 106 Yacht Basin, which is a sister restaurant to the nearby Edgewater 122 and neighbor to Provision Company, is a reader favorite for its waterfront dining, casual atmosphere and the photogenic signposts which make for great social media pics.

Floriana

While it isn’t a patio or deck, this restaurant’s balcony tables offer a truly unique dining experience. You and another diner can watch downtown Wilmington from above at one of these intimate second-story tables. It's a sister restaurant to one based in Washington, D.C., and serves northern Italian fare, fine dining style.

Havana's

Another beach restaurant that makes the most of a non-beach location is this spot at 1 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach. It's located in a historic craftsman style beach cottage and has three outdoor dining areas, including a porch and patio seating, where you can enjoy the seafood, steaks and pastas.

Indochine

Since 2000, this restaurant has been delivering a unique dining experience. That’s true of their outdoor garden, too. Sitting in one of the gazebos in this lush dining area, it’s easy to forget you’re in Wilmington. Details: 7 Wayne Drive, www.indochinewilmington.com.

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine

From the start, owners of this space in Lumina Station near Wrightsville Beach envisioned an expansive garden area to the side of the restaurant. They unveiled the space earlier this year, with a partially covered patio, lighting, lots of plants and pathways and a clever water feature that minimizes road noise.

LouLou’s Waterfront

In the former Betty's Waterfront, new owners are carrying on the tradition, while also making upgrades to the space. In addition to an indoor dining area with large windows overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, there's also a large outdoor deck with lots of color for dining, drinks and live music at 1045 V-Bar Road in Supply.

Mariposa Tapas Bar

Considering that this Spanish restaurant is located in a cozy, home-like setting, it makes sense that they've created an outdoor seating area on the porch. It's a great place to have some authentic tapas, sangria and the Bocadillo burger. It's at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington's South Front District.

Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar

Located at the Golden Sands hotel at 1211 S. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach, there are a few outdoor options at this oceanfront restaurant. There's dining room, an enclosed patio and a few tables on the deck. You can also get fish tacos and drinks practically on top of the water on the remnants of Center Pier.

Origins Food and Drink

Another cleverly designed restaurant, this one at 102 Autumn Hall Drive in Wilmington, has a few distinct spaces where you can have different dining experiences, including a separate bar area and a covered patio. The latter is set apart from its surroundings with creative plantings and a wall and screen.

Panacea Brewing Company

As this kombucha business has grown into a full-service restaurant with booming retail sales, they've also expanded and renovated their space along the way. There's now a dog-friendly patio, hidden off the main view at 4107 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. It's a great place to enjoy unique brews and plant-based fare.

Rebellion NC

There are a couple of cool courtyards in local restaurants. In downtown Wilmington, in the Cotton Exchange or the renovated space at Quanto Basta. But some readers were partial to the patio at this whisky bar. It has the feel of a European alleyway at 15 S. Front St.

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The Sailfish

This restaurant at Marsh Creek Marine, 2570 Scotts Hill Loop Road in Wilmington, has two areas that are both popular with readers. One is a full-service restaurant and bar with water views, and a seafood-focused menu. And Ballyhoos at The Sailfish is downstairs and offers a more casual "off the boat" vibe.

Smoke on the Water

In Wilmington's Riverlights community, this restaurant has an indoor/outdoor setting that blends into the neighborhood boardwalk and the natural surroundings. Enjoy innovative take on comfort fare, craft beers and cocktails anytime -- but especially at sunset.

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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: Best places for outdoor dining in Wilmington, NC