Wilmington:
Restaurant Capsules

TravelGolf.com Staff Report

Alleighs -- Alleighs is one of the area’s newest restaurants, and if you’ve ever been to Jillian’s in Charlotte or Raleigh, you’ll recognize the concept immediately. Games, entertainment and a variety of special events take place at any and all of Alleigh’s four Wilmington locations. The atmosphere, which features memorabilia from Wilmington’s popular movie-making history, is a nice warm touch. Menu offers steaks, pastas and fresh seafood. Solid wine list and a variety of specialty drinks are available. 4925 New Centre Dr., Wilmington. 793-0999. $5-20. Lunch and dinner, 7 days.

The Reel Café -- The Reel Cafe has quickly become one of downtown Wilmington’s most popular hangouts. Its full bar, indoor and outdoor dining (including a Charleston-style rooftop bar) and a chef, Ross Pratt, who once graced the kitchen at Port City Chophouse, all seem to come together to make Reel Café an awesome dinner venue. The interior is decorated with paraphernalia from movies filmed in the Carolinas. The roof top bar is second to none for views, and entertainment. Reel Café serves up oyster on the bottom floor deck out back. 100 S. Front St., downtown Wilmington. 251-1832. $5–$23. Lunch and dinner, 7 days.

Sticky Fingers -- Sure, it’s a chain, but has anyone ever complained about the ribs at this joint? Modeled after the world famous Memphis rib'n'chicken joints, Sticky Fingers isn't a place to be watching your girly figure. And it's no place to harbor any supper time pride; after all, its hard to look dignified when you've got a towel wrapped around your neck, barbecue sauce on your face and a big rib bone stickin' outta your mouth. The setting is rustic, the service is solid, the food is melt in your mouth good. 5044 Market St., Wilmington. 452-7427. $ 5–$15. Lunch and dinner, 7 days

Water Street Market -- A staple of downtown dining, Water Street Market is close enough to the river to feel the sea breeze through the door. Water Street is a casual but energetic setting that features a wide range of entertainment and good food. Superb live jazz complements the creole based menu. 5 S. Water St., Wilmington. 343-0042. $8–$17. Lunch and dinner 7 days.

German Café -- Authentic German cuisine, served by waitrons in authentic German costume, with authentic small town hospitality. Fans of old-world fare will find a variety of wurst, schnitzel platters, German potato salad and impeccable homemade desserts. 316 Nutt St., downtown Wilmington. 763-5523. $5–$14 Open Mon.–Sat. lunch, dinner Tues.–Sat.

El Vaquero Although its name translates as “the cowboy,” one feels more like “the gambler” when trying to find good Mexican food in North Carolina. It's always a good sign when you go into a Mexican restaurant and actual Mexicans are eating there; if it's good enough for them, it must be good enough for us gringos. With authentic Mexican flavor and frequent live music on the weekends at the Market Street location, El Vaquero wrangles up plenty of customers. 3530 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington (395-1433) and 4238 Market St., Wilmington (815-0506). $3–$8. Lunch and dinner, 7 days.

Slice of Life How can we say this succinctly … best pizza in Wilmington? There, we did it. This tiny downtown establishment, atmosphered with brick and stained glass, is relatively new but has already become a favorite for drinkers and pizza lovers alike. And though the service used to be slow things have come around nicely. Slice per slice, Slice of Life can hang with anybody in town. 122 Market St., downtown Wilmington. 251-9444. $1.75–$7.50. Lunch, dinner and late night 7 days a week.

Paddy’s Hollow -- The atmosphere and menu reminiscent of an old English Pub, Paddy’s Hollow features good food in a cozy setting downtown. Paddy’s was one of the first shops to open up in the restored Cotton Exchange, and has been a mainstay of downtown through its revival. The Cotton Exchange, downtown Wilmington. 762-4354. $9–$15. Lunch and dinner, 7 days.

Underground Sandwich Shop Themed after London's world-famous subway system, the Underground may be downtown’s most popular sandwich shop. That's why it might take a little longer, but it's also why it tastes a little better. Come and find out why the slogan "I'm Going Underground" no longer just applies to Londoners. 103 Market St., downtown Wilmington. 793-9686. $6 or so. Lunch and dinner, late night on the weekends. 7 days.

K-38 Baja Grill Hands down one of the best joints downtown. Awesome southwestern food in a casual, energetic setting, the K-38 is named after a popular surfing spot on the California-Mexico border. Owner Josh Vach drew on his restaurant experiences in southern California to develop a menu of entrees that exude color and flavor. The margarita menu ain’t bad either. 5410 Oleander Dr., Wilmington. 395-6040. $5–$17.