As beer garden season returns to the Wilmington area, here are 11 favorites to check out

For foodies in the Wilmington area, spring isn’t just about the flowers and the fests, it’s also when seasonal restaurants open and outdoor dining season (unofficially) begins. Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties are blessed with waterside eateries, restaurants like Indochine, and hotels such as Blockade Runner that have cultivated unique outdoor spaces for years.

But let’s look at beer gardens. With the Wilmington area’s love of breweries and casual outdoor spaces, there are so many choices. Plus, owners don’t usually have the advantage of ocean or waterway views and usually have to make the most of the space available. Here’s a look at some of our favorites in pubs and breweries, especially those that put the ‘garden’ in beer garden with plants and shade.

Did we miss your favorite local beer garden? Email aballard@gannett.com and tell us about it.

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

Burgaw Brewing, Burgaw

In Pender County, this restaurant and brewery has a grassy courtyard located behind and between some buildings in this historic downtown area. Look for shaded picnic tables, games like corn hole and a place for live music at 103 S. Wright St., Burgaw.

By the Beach Brewing, Wilmington

This business at 104 Old Eastwood Road, Wilmington is always open air in nice weather, but the space also includes a fenced-in side yard shaded by trees. It's a hidden respite in an otherwise busy Wilmington corridor. Look for a variety of events like tarot readings, bunco, vendor markets and new beer releases like the new Under the Kilt Scottish Ale.

Good Hops Brewing, Carolina Beach

Built by Andrew Kippur in 2017, who now has a beer named after him, this garden carries some of the shady atmosphere of the nearby Carolina Beach State Park. Here, though, you can hang out in a pet- and family-friendly space with local beers at covered tables at 811 Harper Ave.

The Fat Pelican, Carolina Beach

One of the area's best dive bars is at 8 S. Lake Park Blvd. on Pleasure Island. There might not be an abundance of plants, but there are some shady trees on site. The sandy patio and the eclectic assortment of art and memorabilia gives what the owner calls a "beach trailer park” atmosphere.

Haven, Southport

At this new spot in Brunswick County, fans say this space is like visiting your friend's backyard. There's a granite patio for a European look, and live music a few times a week. Because this spot offers beer, wine and gelato, there's something for everyone -- room for frozen treats and running around for the kids, and prosecco float flights for adults at 307 N. Howe St.

Leland Brewing Company, Leland

All of Leland's breweries have a cool outdoor area where beer lovers can enjoy craft-made brews. This one at 2115 Ale Ave. includes a variety of spaces, including upstairs rocking chairs and downstairs picnic tables. There's also a grassy space for events like goat yoga and festivals.

Lush Garden Bar, Wilmington

Near Dead Crow Comedy Room, this hidden oasis includes indoor and outdoor spaces with a full drink menu and rotating schedule of food trucks. It's aptly named with lots of landscaping and cozy seating at 511 N. Third St.

Moe’s Original BBQ, Wilmington

You could easily drive by this barbecue restaurant at 5818 Oleander Drive and not know about the large backyard area, and nearby covered porch. It's a spot for picnic tables, live music with lots of rooms for kids, messy eating and pets.

Outer Dunes Brewing Company, Wilmington

Nestled among majestic live oaks, this Porters Neck brewery at 7976 Market St. is a adults-only gathering place. The expansive outdoor area has games, shaded tables, picnic tables, cobblestones and a covered Boat House area, with a deck. A full schedule of happenings includes food trucks, live music and events include a run club, trivia and music bingo.

The Outpost, Wilmington

In the Cargo District, this space offers both indoor and covered seating, with access to drinks from Alcove Beer Garden, coffee from Blue Cup Roastery and food from Beat Street. The combination of shipping containers and some strategically placed plants give it a cool urban vibe at 348 Hutchison Lane.

Prost Biergarten, Wilmington

The garden isn't just in the name for this German restaurant and bar that opened more than a year ago at 115 S. Front St. in downtown Wilmington. One of the owners, Bekah Smith said she thought about what she would do in the space long before Prost came to be. The result isn't just a cool beer garden, which they have, but also an interior that brings a garden vibe for the less outdoorsy among us.

Ponysaurus Brewing Co., Wilmington

This new restaurant at 214 Market St. in downtown Wilmington includes a terraced backyard area with vine-covered brick walls, a masonry fireplace and access to Ponysaurus beers and pizza.

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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: Beer gardens to try at restaurants, breweries in the Wilmington, NC