MISSION BBQ

MISSION BBQ

Restaurant Hours:

Mon-Thu: 11am to 9pm
Fri & Sat: 11am to 10pm
Sun: 11:30am to 8pm

351 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-338-2858 Restaurant
910-338-2858 Catering

MISSION BBQ opened its doors in Wilmington only a few weeks ago (7 April 2014) and is already one the number one spots to eat in the area.

The founders of MISSION BBQ, strive every day to remind everyone what makes our country great; its heroes.

They believe there is nothing more American than BBQ. And nobody more American than the brave men and women who have sworn to protect and serve our communities and our country. They do what they do for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders.

 

With this in mind they use only the freshest foods. When I say fresh, I mean fresh. Everything is made fresh each day. You will never get left overs and it shows when you are served and eat your meal. It is going to be hard to find better BBQ anywhere and I do mean anywhere whether you get the turkey, chicken, pork or the brisket it is freshly prepared everyday. Each table is set with at least 7 different BBQ sauces. Service? You will not get better more polite service anywhere. 

At Mission BBQ, they are proudly serving those who serve. They run their business they way a business should be run, by putting the community and you the customer FIRST.

MISSION BBQ WEBSITE: http://mission-bbq.com

La Bella Airosa Mexican Restaurant

La Bella Airosa Mexican Restaurant
3500 North Kerr Avenue
Wilmington, NC
1-910-769-2464

Open Tue - Sun
10:30 - 10:30

The La Bella Airosa Mexican Restaurant is the latest of many Mexican restaurants that have opened in the area. Located on North Kerr Avenue in the old Pearls Seafood House just a couple hundred feet from the N. Kerr and Castle Hayne Road intersection in Wrightsboro. It might not be the easiest place to find if you are new to the area but it will be worth the adventure looking for it. Even though they are just opening this week and are still trying to work the kinks out like all new restaurants have to do I would still rate them in the top 5 Mexican eateries in southeast North Carolina.

Today's meal consisted of Steak Faijtas and Chilles Rellenos.  The only complaint is the Cheese in the chiles could have been hotter. The Steak Faijtas were excellant, the meat had the best flavor and were as tender as anywhere that I have had Steak Faijtas. Desert was chocolate Flan. If you like flan and if you like chocolate this is the perfect blend. I am already looking forward to my next desert from La Bella Airosa. Service was the fantastic. All in all it was well worth the drive and will be adding it to my list of regulars.

Star News Article: http://foodies.blogs.starnewsonline.com/33592/la-bella-airosa-to-serve-authentic-mexican/ 

The Riverview Cafe

The Riverview Cafe
119 all Point Road
Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
1-910-327-2011

The Riverview has been serving seafood since 1946 so they must be doing something right. Located on the New River a few miles from the rear gate to Camp Lejeune in Sneads Ferry. It might not be the easiest place to find if you are new to the area but it will be worth the adventure looking for it.

Today's meal consisted of fries oysters, shrimp, scollops, okra and of course hush puppies.  The only complaint is they did not drain the oil they were fried in well enough,but the taste was still excellent there was also the baked potato which was as good as you will find anywhere, but maybe on the small side. Desert was chocolate pie with meringue topping. All in all it was well worth the drive up from Wilmington.

The Harp

The Harp
3rd Street and Greenfield Street

Have had breakfast there several times and it is a little above average, but what I went for today was the Fish and Chips. It was a little pricy but it was as good as anywhere in Wilmington that I have tried. It comes with 3 fish figures about 5 inches long and a inch wide, the best TARTER SAUCE in town and maybe the state, cold slaw that some of our fish houses should try to copy, it is the best, and of course chips, for those that don't know that mean fries in this case. It was missing something and can't quit out my figure. Even with it missing something I will be back for more. The one real complaint that I have they use Heinz Malt Vinegar and for me it just doesn't have the kick a malt vinegar should have. Now my standard for fish and chips is Cedric's which was the only place in Wilmington to get fish and chips for years, sorry to say it closed years back.

Give them a try I think you may like them. It has the atmosphere of an Irish Pub but don't expect to hear  an Irish accent spoken there unless Ireland has moved up north. Don't let that scare you, the lass was as sweet and helpful as any Southern Bell.

Uncle Louie's Pizza Lounge

Uncle Louie's Pizza Lounge
3224 North College Road Suite F
Wilmington, NC
910-833-8093
http://www.unclelouiespizzalounge.com 

Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm
Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm
Sunday  - -               1pm- 9pm

Uncle Louie's is without a doubt the best Italian restaurant in southeast North Carolina.Now that is saying lot because there are a lot of so called Italian restaurant here, but neither the chain outfits nor the individually owned restaurants can even come close. If you think you like Italian then try Uncle Louie's then you will no you like Italian. On their worst day they are better than any of the rest on their best day.

If you don't want to sit in the lounge and yes it is a lounge (not a bar) their is the dinning room. Always a family atmosphere and don't be surprise to see Rocky the owner making sure everything is perfect.

Go to Uncle Louie's web page and read about Uncle Louie.

Give them a try, you will not be sorry.

Sid's Catering and BBQ

Sid's Catering and BBQ 
455 S Railroad Ave
Beulaville, NC 28518
(910) 298-3549

Come early on Saturday because if you wait until 1 or 2 in the afternoon you may just have to go hungry. They open early and serve until the BBQ runs out. The parking lot may be full but the service is fast and some of the BEST Eastern North Carolina BBQ I have tasted. I can say the same about their slaw. I have only eaten a few places that can match the slaw and less that can match the BBQ and absolutely no where that has the combination of the two.  
It is well hidden behind the house at 455 South Railroad Avenue, look hard and you will see the cars and BBQ house. As far as the railroad it isn't there.

Duke's Old South BBQ

Duke's Old South BBQ
318 Village Road
Leland, NC
910-833-8321

Serve yourself and eat until you are full. Believe me you will go back for a second plate and maybe even a third or forth plate.

The vegetables are just like grandma use to make. The fried chicken can't be beat. The green beans are perfect, only someone that knows nothing about Southern cooking could find anything wrong with them. Same with the BBQed chicken. You will have to try the hash for yourself, there is just no way I can describe it but I guarantee you will go back for another serving.

Now the BBQ pork it is just simply the best around. Southeast North Carolina has not seen BBQ pork this good since the original owners of Skinner and Daniels were in business. Really this taste  like the old time BBQ that was cooked in a building out back over oak coals all night. Just can't say enough about this eatery. It is going to be one of my regular stops.

MIKE'S FARM

1600 Haw Branch Road

Beulaville, N.C.  28518

Telephone: (910) 324-3422

Toll Free: 888-820-FARM

(888-820-3276) http://www.mikesfarm.com My wife and I went  this past Friday and loved it! Nice motorcycle ride, little over and hour. if you like you caned a goat and have a few private conversations with some chickens and the donkey.  Ride a tractor and take as many pictures around the farm as you like. You may go a little crazy in the fudge shop and come out with piping hot apple cider, fried apple pies, several different flavors of fudge and a few cream cheese puffs. At the cash register were several samples that  included apple butter, crackers, cream cheese and the best jalapeno jelly that i have ever tasted. After that we needed to take a break so we decided to eat lunch at the restaurant. We had fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, mac and cheese, fresh sweet corn, ham and biscuit and apple pie. Did I say this was all you can eat? Well it is and the waitress brings it to you so all you have to do is sit and eat. Taste? Sorry mama but it was as good as your's. I am already planning on visiting Mike's Farm again soon.

1600 Haw Branch Road

Beulaville, N.C.  28518

Telephone: (910) 324-3422

Toll Free: 888-820-FARM

(888-820-3276)
http://www.mikesfarm.com

My wife and I went  this past Friday and loved it! Nice motorcycle ride, little over and hour. if you like you caned a goat and have a few private conversations with some chickens and the donkey.  Ride a tractor and take as many pictures around the farm as you like. You may go a little crazy in the fudge shop and come out with piping hot apple cider, fried apple pies, several different flavors of fudge and a few cream cheese puffs. At the cash register were several samples that  included apple butter, crackers, cream cheese and the best jalapeno jelly that i have ever tasted. After that we needed to take a break so we decided to eat lunch at the restaurant. We had fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, mac and cheese, fresh sweet corn, ham and biscuit and apple pie. Did I say this was all you can eat? Well it is and the waitress brings it to you so all you have to do is sit and eat. Taste? Sorry mama but it was as good as your's. I am already planning on visiting Mike's Farm again soon.

Tandoori Bites

Tandoori Bites
1620 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 794-4545


Had an awesome lunch this week at Tandoori Bites. Classic platters of mouth-watering tandoori chicken, lamb curry, goat vindaloo (cubed meat marinated in vinegar and potatoes with spicy gravy) and shrimp tikka masala.  Always a thumbs' up whether you eat the lunch buffet or order from the dinner menu.

Kings Famous Pizza

Kings Famous Pizza 
3511 Hwy 17 South
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-272-8414

We got there before 2 PM, seating was not a problem even though it was the beginning of fall bikers week. Our waiter was very nice and attentive to our needs. Food was delicious and served within 10 minutes of ordering. I would highly recommend this establishment for your next craving for Italian food. The meat sauce is some of the best I have eaten anywhere. Plenty of seating and quite a few locals eating there which is a good sign in a tourist area. Can't wait for my next trip to North Myrtle Beach so I can try other menu items.

Atlantic Seafood and Steaks

Atlantic Seafood and Steaks
5059 Southport-Supply Road SE
Southport, NC
At the crossroads of
Hwy 211 & Hwy 133 (also known as Long Beach Rd.)
910.457.4477

Looking for a place you won’t leave hungry? Look no further. Atlantic Seafood and Steaks is just that place. Newly renovated this past winter (formerly Golden Coral) Atlantic is already a local favorite. And for good reason. Atlantic Seafood and Steaks is everything it’s name says and much more. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable and did I say it is probably the best seafood in the area. It is worth the drive from Wilmington and I will be doing it again soon.

Tengu Japanese Steak House

Tengu Japanese Steak House
5924 Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
910-791-9556

This is our second trip to this place. Our first visit was soon after it opened and the service and food was average. We have given it plenty of time to find what works and what doesn't. Sorry to say it is worse. Probably a 3rd of what is on the menu is no longer served. What is served really isn't that good. I got the chicken tempura and would have got better tasting food at the food court at the local mall at half the price. The chicken was dry and the batter was cooked just long enough that it wasn't doughy. The vegetables were average at best. Now the rice was gummy and tasted starchy. Will I go back? Probably not. If I am pay absolutely not. If you are paying maybe.

Almost for got most item are 15 to 20 dollars, but the portions are adequate.

Los Primos Restaurant

Los Primos Restaurant
3530 Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-443-3840

I am very sorry report that Los Primos has closed. As the best authentic Mexican restaurant on the east coast it will be MISSED. Just proves that even the best have a hard time in a bad location. Wishing the Brian and his staff the best in what ever the future brings them.

Have to be honest and say my first visit was a little disappointing but I went back a week later and am glad I did. Los Primos is  one of my top picks. The management goes out of their way to  make sure you are happy and will be coming back. If you are looking for HOME COOKED authentic Mexican food this is where you want to go. Now if you are a fan of Tamales you have to try theirs. No one else in town comes close. This is not the run of the mill Mexican eatery. You feel more like you are in someones home than in a restaurant. Remember back in the days when I would go to my mother in laws and she would not sit down to eat until she was sure everyone was full and happy.

They are a welcome addition to southwest side of town.
Http://www.LosPrimosRestaurants.com

Boathouse Restaurant

Boathouse Restaurant
6328 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC

Near Bradley Creek on Oleander the seafood is among the best in Wilmington. The real surprise is the Friday Special. They serve spaghetti and it is way better than what you will find in most of the so called Italian spots in town. Nice relaxed atmosphere, easy to find and the management makes sure you know  that they are glad you stopped by.

Lane's Ferry Dock and Grill

Lane's Ferry Dock and Grill
11016 HWY 210
Rocky Point, NC

Another great place to have a light lunch. The grill is right at the bridge that crosses the Cape Fear River on HWY 210 between Rocky Point and Hampstead. They have old fashion homemade hamburger and cheeseburgers, patties made on site and on Thursdays and Fridays some of the best barbeque you are going to find on the coast. It is located in the old Lane's Ferry general Store that has been there as long as I can remember and I have been going up there for over 40 years. Try it you will not be sorry.

SUB STOP

Sub Stop
2400 block of Carolina Beach Road
Wilmington, NC

The Sub Stop has been in business at the same location since 1978 in the old Holly Farms Chicken Restaurant. While other sub shops have come and gone they just keep getting better. The present owner has taken everything that was good and made it even better. None of this prepackage NY Style greasy stuff here. Everything is made when you order it with the freshish product available. You will not find a better sub anywhere. What I really like is the fried mushrooms. The batter is just a little different than all the other places around and really makes a difference and their style ranch dipping sauce just can't be beat. Fast and quick service is what you will get and with a smile and you can have it your way or one of the 19 or 20 subs on the menu, plus things like fried pickles, fried okra, fried mushrooms, etc. and they know how to fry food and not be greasy. Oh Yeah, real Southern Sweet Tea. Just don't get any better.

ENGLESE'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Englese's Italian Restaurant
13460 Highway 50-210 Suite 102
Surf City, NC 28445

This was a pleasant find on a short road trip the other day. Great service and fantastic food, something I have learned not to expect at the local beaches.
Let me state first I do not like Salmon once you get past Salmon Patties my mother made. So to my surprise the only thing I saw on the menu that interested me was their Crusted Salmon. Really I was not expecting to like it when it came out. Man was I wrong, added just a touch of salt and pepper and I had a meal that was fit for a king. If that doesn't sound like you would like it, then try something else because they have all the regular Italian foods along with a couple of unique dishes that are worth trying. If you are ever up Surf City way give them a try every one there kids and adults alike seemed to really be enjoying their meals.

HOLLAND'S SHELTER CREEK RESTAURANT

Holland's Shelter Creek Restaurant
8315 Hwy 53 East
Burgaw, NC 28425
910-259-5743

Just 7.5 mile east of Burgaw on Highway 53 overlooking Shelter Creek you will fine one of the best seafood and Cajun style restaurants anywhere. When I say overlooking that is exactly what I mean with the dining area built out over Shelter Creek this rustic style restaurant will remind you of days gone by. You eat your meal in a relaxed atmosphere you just don't find this day in time.

Just a sample of some of the wide range of food available include, catfish, frog legs, scallops, fish, deviled crab, oysters, BBQ, pork chops, chicken tenders, hamburgers, hotdog, BLTs and the list just keeps on going. Soups, salads, plate dinners, sandwiches and submarines fixed Cajun or local Southern style you cannot go wrong. There is something there for everyone and every age.

After your meal save room to get some hand-dipped ice cream on the way out. I promise you will come back.

SZECHUAN BUFFET

Szechuan Buffet
6932-b Market Street
Wilmington, NC
452-2855

Szechuan Buffet has been here for years and has been run by the same family. Over the years it has had some bad press and mostly due to bad reporting and investigation by the local news. As many cases the past our local news seemed to report a story and then investigate it to find out if their facts are correct. In every case that I checked about Szechuan Buffet the reports were wrong. This said I would like to tell what I found during a recent visit.

During our last several visits the restaurant was found to be exceptionally clean and the best service I have found at any local buffet. The food was hot and plenty of choices to pick from. I personally think it is one of if not the best Oriental buffet in Southeast North Carolina. The menu includes the regulars at Oriental buffets, plus steak and fried blue crab. The sushi bar has a wide choice of sushi that should satisfy anyone that is looking for sushi. Good desert selection which include soft service ice cream. The salad bar almost always has watermelon, cantaloupe and fresh pineapple. To top it off you can get hot or real Southern sweet tea or the other standard beverages.

Las Olas Mexi-Q Grill

Las Olas Mexi-Q Grill
1127- A2 Military Cutoff Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405

Even Taco Bell is better. Bland or just no taste. Maybe I have been spoiled by real Mexican food. To call it Tex Mex is insulting to 2 countries. Service was fair. I will not waste my time going back to give this place second try. Really the food was just to bad for it to have been an off day. The black beans were horrible, tasted like they were using one of the old store brands. Chips were oily, but I will say the salsa was fair maybe even good. The chicken and BBQ had no taste, the cheese toast was good, now that I did like, but it would have been better if they had used real cheese and not a cheese food that way it would not have been as oily.

To be perfectly honest the food was better when I was in boot camp.