Carolina Beach is set to get new bars and restaurants in the coming weeks and months
Warm weather always brings more people to the beach, and to the restaurants in our oceanside communities. But there’s something unique happening on Pleasure Island this spring and summer -- at least eight restaurants and bars coming (possibly) this year.
“It just isn’t a small town anymore,” said Bill Farriss, owner of Farriss Hospitality. He’s working on a few restaurant projects there now. "So many people are moving to Carolina Beach. Plus, it’s so popular for travelers and tourists.”
For restaurateurs, that translates into a need for more dining options, said Jeremy Fenton, owner of Fentoni’s Pizza. The Carolina Beach Boardwalk building where his restaurant was located was sold last year. But that move just made Fenton double down on the beach town. He’s planning to open two other locations, one of which could be serving pizza slices soon.
The eclectic dining scene includes longtime favorites like Freddies Restaurant and Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, favorites like Soul Flavor Kitchen and Bar and Island Burgers & Bites, and hot spots like The Spot and Fat Pelican.
But changes are happening. New owners are revitalizing the Carolina Beach Pier and Havana’s restaurant. Sandspur restaurant and the Neapolitan wine shop opened last year. And while changes aren’t imminent for the popular SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, the new owners are looking to rezone for a future project,
Now other entrepreneurs, many of whom already operate businesses in the Carolina Beach area, have more in the works. Here’s a look at some of them.
Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar
This spot opened at the end of January in the former Shagri-La and Surf House space at 604 N. Lake Park Blvd. It’s from longtime restaurateur Joel Hartzler and chef Joe Marple. Early favorites on the menu include the shrimp and grits, with creamy Anson Mills grits and a Bloody Mary style sauce, and the bacon cheeseburger made with Brasstown Beef. For cocktails, try the Espresso Martini.
Remini’s Carolina Beach
James Ferrone opened this local sister restaurant to his eatery in Roanoke, Virginia, in February in the former Fork-N-Cork space at 102 Cape Fear Blvd. Look for classic Italian fare like Nanna's Rice Balls, Fresh Bruschetta and classic Spaghetti & Meatballs, as well as some lighter coastal dishes.
Puffy’s Magic Dragon
The owners of Pop’s Diner are planning something new for Carolina Beach in the former Ida Thai location at 304 N. Lake Park Blvd. Patrick Puffpaff and Amy Webster are hoping to be officially open this month serving an Asian fusion menu in a cool dragon-inspired eatery with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu will include dishes like Crab Rangoon pizza and wonton tacos made with fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
Fentoni’s Pizza
Fenton said he’s offering the best of both worlds with his new restaurant locations. This month, a by-the-slice window service spot could open on the Boardwalk. It’s the kind of business that keeps them busy all summer, he said. But in the Publix Super Market Commons at Federal Point at 1018 N. Lake Park Blvd. He'll have a spot with more seating and more parking.
Putter Pub
The owners of The Dive restaurant in Carolina Beach have also been working on a new business -- a mini golf bar. It's been in the works for a while, but it is starting to take shape now that the concrete foundations of the miniature golf holes are installed. There will be benches, and an indoor bar with a sliding window for quick beer service. It opens March 15.
The Tropical
Owners of Island Beverage have been working on a new business for two years. They say they’re close to opening The Tropical, which is located right on the boardwalk on the corner between Silver Dollar and the Fuzz Love boutique, by May. Egg rolls, bowls and frozen drinks are the focus of the menu. And the space will include a first-floor bar, a dining space on the second floor, and a rooftop bar with ocean views.
More: New three-story restaurant and bar slated to open this spring in Carolina Beach
Basil’s Coastal Italian
The owners of the popular Lake Park Steakhouse at 12 Lake Park Blvd. S., who also brought Hop Lite Pub to life before selling it, are planning a new, ambitious project in the 5,000-square-foot SunFun golf cart rental space at 1204 N. Lake Park Blvd. (SunFun is now at 505 Lake Park Blvd.) At Basil’s, look for lighter and seafood-focused Italian food and a selection of house-made pastas. It will have a private dining room and a market lots of grab-and-go fare.
Brunches
Carolina Beach mayor Lynn Barbee recently announced that this Wilmington-born breakfast and lunch restaurant would be coming to Pleasure Island. The fourth local location will be coming to the former Sharkey's restaurant space at corner of Carl Winner Drive and Lake Park Blvd. Look for it this summer.
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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: New restaurants and bars coming to Carolina Beach, NC
