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Dixie Grill

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A century-old Wilmington staple serving up classic diner fare and Southern comfort food with a friendly, retro vibe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
fun decor

Dixie Grill

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A century-old Wilmington staple serving up classic diner fare and Southern comfort food with a friendly, retro vibe.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This beloved hipster café draws in every crowd with its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere."

TIP

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits and ensure fresher food by visiting outside of busy meal times.

Try unique menu items

Step beyond the usual and try specialties like the Bacon Cheddar Scramble or sweet potato pancakes.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Thursday 8AM

Cuisine

American, Southern Diner

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(910) 762-7280

Address

116 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Southern Comfort Food

Southern Comfort Food

Experience classic diner fare and inventive Southern dishes in a cozy, retro atmosphere that feels like home.

15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington (NC)The Ultimate Guide to the Best Breakfast & Brunch in Wilmington NC [2024] -
Bacon Cheddar Scramble & Sweet Potato Pancakes

Bacon Cheddar Scramble & Sweet Potato Pancakes

Unique breakfast creations like the melt-in-your-mouth Bacon Cheddar Scramble and syrup-free sweet potato pancakes.

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

A flavorful and well-prepared rendition of the Southern classic, often praised for its delicious grits.

Seafood in Wilmington Area (Durham, Wrightsville Beach: houses, buy, college) - Coastal North Carolina - North Carolina (NC)Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Th @dixie_grill is a must try restaurant located in #downtownwilmington and has been a staple since 1903! . Here's a more detailed look at the Dixie Grill's history: Early Years (1903-1999): The Dixie Grill, initially located at 116 Market St., has been a restaurant, pool hall, cigar store, and diner, with at least three addresses throughout its history. In its early years, it was known as a class...
@coastaltam
129 likes • 2.4K views

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits and ensure fresher food by visiting outside of busy meal times.

Try unique menu items

Step beyond the usual and try specialties like the Bacon Cheddar Scramble or sweet potato pancakes.

Dixie Grill in downtown Wilmington review. I’ll give you a hint. We are there 3 mornings in a row. #dixiegrillwilmington #kidsratethings #lpcpratings #wilmingtonnc @Dixie Grill
@the.dani.ray
11 likes • 303 views
update:the snack was rung in! #foryoupage #dixiegrill #wilmingtonnc
@dixiegrill
76 likes • 537 views

Consider bar seating

Solo diners or small groups may find quicker service at the bar.

Ask for recommendations

Servers like Madison are knowledgeable and can suggest delicious pairings.

happy saturday! ☁️🌞 #wilmington #coffee #hiddengrounds #dixiegrill #wilmingtonnc #coastalliving #vlog #breakfast #beachtown
@michaelacheye99
44 likes • 526 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit during off-peak hours

Avoid long waits and ensure fresher food by visiting outside of busy meal times.

Try unique menu items

Step beyond the usual and try specialties like the Bacon Cheddar Scramble or sweet potato pancakes.

Consider bar seating

Solo diners or small groups may find quicker service at the bar.

Ask for recommendations

Servers like Madison are knowledgeable and can suggest delicious pairings.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dixie Grill is celebrated as a beloved Wilmington institution, consistently praised for its friendly service and comforting diner classics with a Southern twist. Diners rave about unique breakfast items and well-executed Southern staples like shrimp and grits, though some have experienced inconsistencies with food temperature and preparation.

"A Wilmington staple for over 100 years! The Dixie Grill was once a fancy restaurant serving lobster and during WW2, it was transformed into a lunch spot for workers in the area. The staff is always incredibly friendly and the food was absolutely delicious!"

Johnathan Vaughan

"WHAT IS IN THE FARMERS OMELETTE THAT MAKES IT SO DELICIOUS?!?! Our delightful server Madison recommended that to go with my cheesy grits and a sweet potato pancake and they must be using some dark magic for everything to taste this good. Setting the bar high for our first meal in Wilmington, NC!"

Bowen J Knarr Jr

"Awesome food. The staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the great food on the menu.

Fast service. Great place to eat with friends and family. Very reasonable prices."

Sevor Klu

What People Like

Friendly and welcoming staff
Inventive Southern dishes
Comforting diner atmosphere

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food temperature
Occasional preparation issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Dixie Grill is known for its welcoming atmosphere and is a great place to eat with friends and family. TikTok users have highlighted it as a family-friendly spot. TikTok

TikTok

Highly recommended are the Bacon Cheddar Scramble, sweet potato pancakes, Huevos Rancheros, and the Shrimp and Grits. [^data, R2, R8]

Google Review+1

While famous for breakfast and brunch, Dixie Grill also serves lunch and dinner, offering diner classics and Southern dishes. [^M1, M7]

15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington (NC)Self Guided One Tree Hill Tour (Wilmington, NC)

The restaurant offers a comfortable 50's vibe setting and a convivial atmosphere, with some describing it as a beloved hipster café. [^data, M2]

Best Brunch Wilmington, NC

Information on reservations is not explicitly provided, but tips suggest visiting during off-peak hours or opting for bar seating to avoid long waits. [^data]

Some TikTok videos have featured special events or limited-time offerings, such as a unique 'Crab Fest' with various crab dishes. TikTok

TikTok

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Restaurants Marker

15 Best Restaurants in Wilmington (NC)

Dixie Grill has been a stalwart of Wilmington for many years and ranks among the top restaurants in Wilmington, NC. Dixie Grill started serving food during a Gatsby-like age of flappers and jazz. Since then, it has developed into a favored neighborhood hot spot serving inventive, delectable Southern cuisine. Dixie is a popular destination for both locals and tourists because of its laid-back vibe, warm southern hospitality, and of course, delicious food.

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wilmingtonncmagazine.com

Best Brunch Wilmington, NC

For locals, the word breakfast is synonymous with “Dixie.” This beloved hipster café draws in every crowd from elderly couples to young families to slightly hungover, beard-bearing natives. Take the patiently waiting swarm of people buzzing around the restaurant as a sign that you’re in for a treat. Regular brunchers slurp Bloody Marys in mason jars at the vintage bar while no table is left unturned.

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More Than Main Street

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Breakfast & Brunch in Wilmington NC [2024] -

Upon first glance, you might just walk right past this spot, but The Dixie Grill is hands down one of the best downtown Wilmington breakfast restaurants. Serving breakfast and brunch seven days a week, this is a popular breakfast spot for both locals and visitors to Wilmington. With friendly staff, southern hospitality, and great food, you can’t go wrong with breakfast from The Dixie Grill.

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Wilmington NC beer destinations | Homebrew Talk

On my way out of town, last year, with my son who had just turned nine, we stopped for brunch at The Dixie Grill. We just stumbled across it...it's near the main waterfront area in a small, old little building and this place is funky!. Drink your beer elsewhere and I don't know about their lunch/dinner, but the breakfast/brunch was excellent.

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WALTER Magazine

Wilmington: A culinary tale of two cities

A local institution known for its breakfast is The Dixie Grill. Yes, they serve lunch and dinner, too, but if you want a hearty morning meal that varies just a touch from the usual, this is your joint. The Dixie Grill is a Wilmington staple – it’s apparently been around for over 110 years – but it has changed with the times.

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city-data.com

Seafood in Wilmington Area (Durham, Wrightsville Beach: houses, buy, college) - Coastal North Carolina - North Carolina (NC)

Best Shrimp and Grits that i've had was at Dixie Grill, but that was awhile back, not sure if it's still the same dish, i know that they've changed their menu around some too. A lot of the places here seem to use instant grits (ahem, dockside) and you can tell, but last time i ate at dixie they had really good grits.

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Wanderlust With Lisa

Self Guided One Tree Hill Tour (Wilmington, NC)

You’ll recognize this diner from many of the scenes in the later seasons with Sam (Brooke’s foster child). She ate here a lot, as did Brooke, Julian, and Brooke’s mom!. The food is really good here so if you’re hungry, definitely a great opportunity for lunch!

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Maurer Architecture

SALT Magazine – A spotlight on Wilmington development and several of our downtown historic projects

I learned that a few months back, at first over coffee with HWF Executive Director Beth Rutledge at the century-old Dixie Grill downtown. Then came an eye-popping walking tour of classic 19th- and 20th-century architecture — once downtrodden, but now reborn.

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North Carolina Travel Guides

7 Fantastic BREAKFAST Spots in Wilmington, NC (+ Map!)

The Dixie Grill is a breakfast restaurant that serves breakfast every day of the week, except for Tuesdays. The restaurant is located at 116 Market Street in Wilmington’s Historic District. For breakfast, you can choose from savory and sweet options.

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Wilmington Star-News

PHOTOS: Wilmington-area spots for National Fried Chicken Day

Water St. Using a pressurized deep fryer, new downtown restaurant Rooster & The Crow is making some waves with their fried chicken. Grab their chicken and waffles or a fried chicken entree along with southern staples and classics.

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wilmington-nc.com

Top Wilmington, NC Wilmington Restaurants for 2024

The Dixie Grill is a down-home taste of southern cuisine in the heart of Downtown Wilmington. Found in a modest building just a couple blocks away from the waterfront, this breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is a longtime...

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Top Wrightsville Beach Wilmington Restaurants for 2025

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Best Places To Eat In Wilmington NC According To Locals

Every list of Good Eats needs to include a good old-fashioned diner. The Dixie Grill is the diner that makes the list for the best places to eat in Wilmington NC.

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Wilmington Best Breakfast & Brunch Places

Dixie Grill is the perfect place for classic breakfast options in a diner setting. Its menu offers everything from savory omelets to sweet pancakes.

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Top 11 Gluten-Free American Diners to Experience in Historic District, Wilmington

Great range in menu options, they have gluten free bread and a full bar. Our server was sweet and attentive.

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10 Amazing Places To Eat In Wilmington North Carolina

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