In a town where “fresh catch” usually steals the spotlight, Wilmington is secretly a burger lover’s paradise—if you know where to look. We’ve eaten our way through towering stacks, smashburgers, and even a plant-based masterpiece or two, all to assemble the juiciest guide around. Ready to loosen your belt and dive in? Let’s meet the heavy hitters on the Wilmington burger scene.
Merritt’s Burger House | Classic Carhop Nostalgia
Step into a world where the sizzle of a flat-top griddle and the rustle of wax paper still set hearts racing. Here, patties arrive double-stacked, seared to golden perfection, and snug inside that iconic greaseproof wrap. Forget indoor seating—your car becomes the ultimate booth, cupholders at the ready.
Carhop service delivers chili dogs crowned with tangy slaw, while crinkle-cut fries offer a satisfying crunch you won’t find anywhere else. Thick milkshakes beckon, daring you to embrace a brain freeze as a badge of honor. Every sip and bite carries you straight back to simpler times.
Cash reigns supreme, so leave the plastic at home. Whether you’re reliving childhood dreams or stumbling upon this scene for the first time, prepare for an old-school culinary lesson you won’t forget. Experience Merritt’s the way Wilmington’s locals have since ‘58.
Rooster & The Crow | Wildly Creative Combos
Imagine a burger joint that transforms a piece of local history into a flavor-packed playground. Housed in a late 1800s warehouse, it’s run by two friends who refuse to settle for ordinary. By layering pulled pork and brisket onto a perfectly charred patty, they prove creativity and comfort go hand in hand.
Then comes the Graceland. Think crisp apple cider bacon, sweet caramelized bananas, and a daring dollop of peanut butter that makes you question every burger you’ve eaten before. One bite feels like a high-stakes gamble worth every juicy risk.
The rest of the menu reads like a Southern comfort manifesto. Loaded fries piled high with cheese and jalapenos share the stage with house-made pimento cheese that deserves its own fan club. You can belly up for a craft beer or nip next door to the Cryptid Den for a hand-mixed cocktail.
Bring the whole crew. A kids’ menu and high chairs keep the little ones happy. If you haven’t tried the bacon jam yet, you’re missing out on a true local obsession. See what chaos you can order.
Molly Pitcher’s American Grill | Build-Your-Own Burger Bliss
When it comes to building your own burger masterpiece, this local hangout treats you like a flavor architect. Forget the fuss of artisanal buzzwords. You choose from classic beef patties grilled just right and sturdy buns that stay out of the way while holding every glorious bite together.
The topping list reads like a compendium of indulgence. Add smoky strips of bacon, drizzles of bourbon-honey pork belly, or house-pickled veggies for an acidic pop. A rotating lineup of scratch-made sauces turns each meal into a dipping adventure.
Hand-cut fries arrive golden and crisp, begging for a sidecar of sauce. The kids’ menu ensures even picky eaters walk away smiling. Local beers fill the bar, and a welcoming porch hums with good conversation well into the evening.
Rustic charm meets family-friendly ease. Here, you call the shots—and your taste buds reap the rewards. Unleash your inner burger architect right here.
On Thyme Restaurant | Gourmet Burgers With Soul
Burgers don’t get more inventive than this. Originating as a beloved food truck, the kitchen engineers each creation on buttery brioche buns.
If you’re tired of ketchup-and-mustard monotony, try their take: think crispy fried shrimp atop a beef patty, all tied together with a haunting thyme-infused sauce that lingers after every bite.
The interior feels like your coolest friend’s living room. Soft lighting highlights local artwork while plush chairs invite you to linger.
Hand-cut fries share the stage with Philly Egg Rolls and Pow Wow Shrimp, yet the Castle Street Burger still steals the show. Its smoky bacon and tangy aioli flirt until you finally surrender.
Community energy thrives here. Rotating specials, live music on weekends and a menu built for both carnivores and plant-based diners mean there’s never a dull moment.
Kids’ meals, craft beers and clever cocktails round out the scene. Best of all, street parking sits right out front, making this neighborhood gem impossibly easy to love. see why locals keep coming back for more Thyme.
Sealevel City Vegan Diner | Plant-Based Patty Paradise
Forget everything you think you know about a burger. Here, lentil-based patties reign supreme, and the Chavo proves it.
Creamy avocado, crisp lettuce and tomato mingle with punchy chipotle mayo between a perfectly toasted bun. You might do a double take before believing it’s 100 percent vegan. It’s the kind of revelation that makes you question your life choices and celebrate your new cholesterol numbers.
Inside, the retro diner vibe feels straight out of a movie. Neon signs, vinyl booths and friendly banter create a laid-back scene. Dive into hand-cut fries or spicy fried plantains drizzled with jerk sauce.
The banana pudding is another highlight – creamy, dreamy and dangerously addictive.
Comfort food meets conscience here. Rotating specials keep the menu fresh, vegan shakes hit the spot on warm days and patio seating welcomes families and groups.
Bring your meat-eating friends then bask in their stunned reactions. Before long, you’ll be plotting your next visit. Check out the menu that’s changing the burger game.
Winnie’s Tavern | Iconic Dive-Bar Burgers
Step through the door and you’re greeted by decades of character. Since 1962 and still family-run in its fourth generation, this spot thrives on old-school charm. Half-pound beef burgers arrive gloriously messy and unapologetically stacked.
The Trailer Park Burger is the ultimate expression of excess. Fried green tomatoes cushion a beef patty oozing with house-made jalapeno pimento cheese. Crispy bacon and bold chipotle mayo follow, creating a mouthwatering mess that’s deliciously reckless.
Vegan visitors aren’t left out. A shockingly good Impossible Burger shares the menu, fully loaded with plant-friendly toppings.
Hand-cut fries and those show-stealing sweet potato fries pair perfectly with a rotating list of local beers or honest-to-goodness cocktails. Service has that surly-with-a-smile vibe only a true dive can pull off.
Park on the port side and claim a picnic table before settling in. You might recognize the joint from Blue Velvet, but nothing beats savoring a burger under the Carolina sun. No flash, no filters – just one of Wilmington’s unshakable legends. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
P T’s Olde Fashioned Grille | Hand-Cut Fries Heaven
If you’ve lived in Wilmington more than a week, someone has already sent you here. Known for its simple, juicy burgers, this old-school grill serves patties so hot they’ll challenge your dexterity. Build yours from a range of add-ons – every combination feels like a home run.
Inside, the atmosphere is no-nonsense but warm. Grab a seat at the counter or venture onto the patio to watch the world go by.
Don’t skip the legendary hand-cut fries; they arrive golden and crispy, begging to be dunked. When the sun’s out, the fresh-squeezed lemonade offers a bright, zesty counterpoint to all that savory goodness.
Parents appreciate the kid-friendly layout, while the staff moves at lightning speed without ever dropping a smile. Though it’s spread out across a few local spots now, the heart and soul remain pure Wilmington. If you need a burger fix that feels like home, this is the place to be. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Two Guys Grille | Laid-Back Burger Creativity
Picture a burger haven where flip-flops double as fine-dining attire and the ocean breeze seems to drift through open doors. Friendly servers welcome you like an old friend, and the laid-back setting instantly melts away any stress. While the classic cheeseburger holds its own, it’s the playful riffs that steal the show.
One bite might present a patty crowned with fried pickles. Another might layer smoky bacon and tangy bleu cheese for an unapologetically bold rush. Don’t skip the hand-cut fries, perfectly crisp with every bite.
Sweet potato fries appear dusted in cinnamon butter, serving a sweet-savory encore. Parents love the kids’ menu, designed to keep little appetites satisfied. With free parking and frosty drafts on tap, you’ll be back before you know it.
Here, every bite feels like a beachside celebration. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Goody Goody Omelet House | The No-Frills Diner Classic
Stepping through the door feels like hitting rewind to a classic roadside diner. Since 1977, it’s offered perfectly seasoned beef patties and butter-toasted buns that deliver pure, nostalgic satisfaction. The vinyl booths and chrome accents complete the time warp experience.
No truffle aioli or kale salads in sight – here it’s all about the fundamentals. Opt for the double cheeseburger deluxe to sample melty cheese, crisp lettuce and tomato hugging a juicy patty. Hand-cut fries arrive golden and irresistible.
The atmosphere hums with friendly banter as wait staff skillfully top off your coffee without a prompt. That unfussy burger could easily pass for an indulgent breakfast treat in its own right.
This spot doesn’t chase craft brews or Instagrammable shakes, and cash remains king. With its compact dining room and vinyl seats, it’s a welcoming nook for families, early birds and anyone craving an honest, greasy burger. Arrive early to beat the lunch rush and savor Wilmington history. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Copper Penny | Best Pub Burger Downtown
The Copper Penny keeps it simple: two juicy beef patties land on a toasted potato bun with enough toppings to send your taste buds for a spin. You’ll find a classic cheeseburger alongside a Southwest Burger that brings a serious kick and a house-made black bean option for plant-based diners. Each component feels fresh and intentionally chosen.
Inside, the atmosphere blends a laid-back neighborhood hangout with just enough sports flair to satisfy die-hard Eagles fans. Craft beers line the taps and chatter fills the air in that easygoing downtown Wilmington style. Hand-cut fries arrive golden and crisp, the perfect partner to any burger.
Swing by on Mondays for a rotating specialty burger deal that turns the start of the week into something to celebrate. Vegetarian friends won’t feel left out when that black bean burger steals the show. Every patty is cooked to order, ensuring each bite stays hot and juicy. It’s no surprise the Food Network stopped by to take notice. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Cast Iron Kitchen | Southern Comfort Burger Brunch
At Cast Iron Kitchen, the beef patty gets the VIP treatment: fresh daily-ground meat topped with crisp lettuce, a shockingly juicy tomato, crunchy red onion, and a generous swirl of house-made Cast Iron Burger Sauce. This old-school classic feels elevated, as if grandma decided to enroll in culinary school and then went wild. Beyond nostalgia you’ll discover bold twists like the “Not My Momma’s Meatloaf” sandwich.
Sizable sides banish pretense—hand-cut fries arrive steaming and golden, while the corned beef hash crowned with pickled cabbage Chow Chow looks like art on a plate. The dining area feels like someone borrowed grandma’s living room and mixed in rustic ranch details. Mismatched chairs invite you to stay awhile.
Weekends on the patio turn even rainy Saturdays into a chance to linger. Kids get their own menu, so you can skip the drive-thru bribes. With chalkboard specials that change by the blink of an eye, you’ll already be plotting your next visit before dessert arrives. Check out the menu where Southern comfort crashes the burger party.
Blue Surf Café | Creative Coastal Burgers
Blue Surf Café flexes a bit of culinary muscle without losing its laid-back spirit. Classic patties share the menu with inventive smash burgers, all nestled in toasted brioche buns. Every burger comes served with surf-inspired chips that show this place has fun in its DNA.
The Pimento Smash Burger layers grilled onions, smoky bacon, and a generous smear of pimento cheese. Its Southern Burger arrives with house-made Sriracha mayo that delivers a slow-burning kick. Both feel rooted in comfort yet eager to surprise.
A full bar and a rotating list of specials mean you’ll never run out of reasons to return. Plenty of outdoor seating invites large groups and families, while the kids’ menu keeps even the pickiest eaters happy. Free parking nearby is the kind of coastal perk you learn to appreciate quickly.
Whether you’re fueling up after a beach day or just craving a burger worth writing home about, Blue Surf Café delivers with a wink and a smile. Dive into the menu at Blue Surf Café.
The Original Salt Works | Old-School Burger Time Capsule
Stepping inside feels like slipping into your grandfather’s fishing cabin, minus the seaweed scent and with plenty more flavor. Wooden walls have been soaking up stories for over 40 years at this cozy spot. The menu is wonderfully old-school: beef patties sizzling on the grill, layers of melted cheese, and crinkle-cut fries fried in the same oil that’s been in service since day one.
Bring cash and a laid-back attitude. There are no gluten-free wraps or high-end aiolis here, just honest bacon cheeseburgers and paper cups of sweet tea poured under the shade of live oaks. Before you know it, the staff will be calling you by your first name.
Whether you’re refueling after the beach, grabbing a quick weekend lunch, or craving a break from fancy downtown fare, this place has made its legend one simple burger at a time. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Famous Toastery of Wilmington | The Best Brunch Burger Fix
What if breakfast and burgers joined forces? At Famous Toastery the idea feels completely natural. A 100 percent beef patty lands on a locally baked bun with none of the post-meal grease.
Their Good Morning Burger stacks crispy bacon, creamy brie, a sunny-side egg, and ripe avocado between a soft brioche roll. Each bite teeters between pure indulgence and breakfast brilliance. If you crave a little heat, the Southwestern Burger comes draped in jalapeños. Every version bursts with balance and flavor.
Vegetarian and vegan diners can opt for a Beyond Burger dressed in raspberry compote and tangy goat cheese. Sides like pesto pasta salad or roasted seasonal vegetables feel like accompaniments rather than afterthoughts. The menu knows how to straddle homey classics and unexpected creativity.
The casual dining room and open-air patio welcome families and early risers alike. With attentive service and stress-free parking, this spot makes every morning feel like a mini celebration. Explore the menu yourself.
Rebellion NC | For Bourbon & Burger Devotees
Here’s a spot that rebukes ketchup-and-mustard monotony. At Rebellion NC, burgers are ground in-house before meeting handmade bourbon bacon jam and sharp aged cheddar. The signature Rebellion Burger drips with smoky bourbon barbecue sauce and crispy applewood bacon.
Brick walls and exposed beams set an urban tone, while bourbon and whiskey bottles line the shelves. Television screens keep sports fans locked in and conversation buzzing. There’s even a kid’s menu for little rebels in training.
Forget limp fries; order crispy Brussels sprouts or a pile of tater tots that hold up under every dunk. Weekly specials prove the kitchen refuses to get comfortable, so each visit feels like a new adventure. Craft cocktails and private-batch bourbon blends round out a menu that’s part burger joint, part speakeasy.
Open late on weekends until midnight, it’s the kind of place where a late-night craving easily turns into a celebration. Check out the menu that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Mess Hall ILM | Smash Burgers With Serious Attitude
If you’ve been chasing that perfect thin, crispy-edged patty, Mess Hall ILM in the Cargo District is about to ruin every other burger for you. Their signature Samburger stacks two smash-style patties with smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, a tangy “mess” sauce, and a generous handful of onion straws. You’ll need at least one extra napkin, maybe two if you’re pushing your luck.
Not into beef? Their house-made black bean patty is proof that vegan options don’t have to be an afterthought. The loaded tots, especially Scott’s Tots – a wilder twist on your favorite casserole – are serious reinforcements for your main mission.
Menus here keep it tight, orders go in at the walk-up window, and the friendly local crew moves with military precision. Quality is never sacrificed for flair, but you might spot an occasional donut-bunned wonder that’s worth the detour. March on down to their menu and see what all the fuss is about.
Capt’n Bill’s Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility | Best Burger with a Side of Volleyball
Few things beat sinking your teeth into an 8-ounce burger while an errant volleyball sails overhead. This backyard gem has thrived since the era of flannel shirts and the Macarena. Every bite pairs big, honest beef with a laid-back vibe that feels more like home than a restaurant.
The legendary Slop Burger lives up to its name—a fearlessly slathered patty drowned in house-made chili that pays homage to Southern rites of passage. Sides of hand-cut fries offer the perfect salty counterpoint. For those who crave extra crunch, fried banana peppers and golden fried pickles deliver tangy, irresistible bites.
Families, friends, and weekend warriors mingle under open skies as an on-site brewery pours local pints. Part patio bar, part community hangout, it’s endlessly inviting.
Order another pint—this is the kind of place you’ll plan your next volley around. See what the fuss (and the chili stains) are all about.
Rumcow | Gourmet Southern Remix
If you think “adventurous” means extra ketchup, it’s time to meet Rumcow. Picture prosciutto crisped to a perfect snap, peach rum chutney that’s sweet with a kick, and a whisper of bacon aioli all piled on a golden brioche bun. They’ve swapped the usual lettuce and tomato for peppery arugula and bright pineapple salsa, transforming your burger into a world tour on a plate.
On the side, hand-cut fries deliver that ideal crunch you didn’t know you were missing. The setting blends rustic barn charm with sleek cocktail lounge vibes, and yes, those handcrafted rum drinks live up to the hype.
Outside seating lets you savor your discovery in the fresh air, and street parking downtown is a rare treat. Skip the ordinary and indulge your curiosity with every bite here. \[book your table and let Rumcow indulge your burger aspirations.]\(https://www.opentable.com/r/rumcow-reservations-wilmington?restref=1260019&lang=en-US&ot_source=Restaurant website)
