For most of my life, I have called Ohio home. I was born here, raised my family here, and still love returning to all my favplaces in the orite Buckeyeplaces. However, my husband’s job eventually gave us the opportunity to spend time outside Ohio, and we found ourselves in Wilmington, North Carolina. Before long, Wilmington became our second home.
Whenever we visit, one restaurant always ends up on our list: Smoke on the Water.
Located in the Riverlights community along the Cape Fear River, Smoke on the Water combines waterfront views, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to stay awhile.
Waterfront Views and a Relaxed Atmosphere
One of the things I enjoy most about Smoke on the Water is its location. Tables overlook the Cape Fear River, so there is always something to watch. Boats move along the water, people stroll the nearby paths, and if you time your visit right, you can catch a beautiful sunset.
The restaurant also features live music throughout the month. During our visits, we have seen a mix of locals and visitors enjoying good food, good company, and a relaxing evening by the river.
Start with an Appetizer
The appetizer menu offers several standouts.
One of my favorites is the Crab Dip. Loaded with lump crab meat, cheese, and spices, it arrives warm and ready for sharing. The Crispy Brussels Sprouts are another excellent choice. Bacon, parmesan cheese, and Green Goddess sauce give them plenty of flavor.
Seafood lovers should also consider the Blackened Shrimp Nachos. Shrimp, avocado, pico de gallo, cabbage, and lime crema create a fresh coastal combination.
Meanwhile, the Chicken Wings come tossed in flavors such as Roasted Peach BBQ, Jalapeño Buffalo, and Sweet and Spicy Sunset.
Being close to the coast has its advantages, and fresh seafood appears throughout the menu.
Fresh Seafood Takes the Spotlight
The Crab Cake Dinner features two large house made crab cakes topped with remoulade and served with grilled asparagus. The Shrimp Scampi combines grilled jumbo shrimp with angel hair pasta, lemon, capers, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
For those wanting a little bit of everything, the Calabash Trio includes fried flounder, oysters, and shrimp served with fries and coleslaw.
The Fresh Catch of the Day and fresh oysters provide additional options depending on what local fishermen bring in.
More Than Seafood
Not everyone wants seafood, and Smoke on the Water offers several strong alternatives.
The Smoked Brisket Sandwich arrives piled high with brisket, peppers, and crispy onions on a brioche bun. The Riverlights Smashburger features two beef patties topped with cheese and fresh vegetables.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the Meatloaf Plate. Served over garlic mashed potatoes with mushroom and onion gravy, it delivers the kind of comfort food that reminds you of home.
Weekend Brunch by the River
Brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Shrimp and Grits combines cheesy stone ground grits with jumbo shrimp and a bacon Bloody Mary cream sauce. The Crab Cake Benedict puts a coastal spin on a brunch favorite.
Guests can also enjoy French Toast, Biscuits and Gravy, Breakfast Tacos, or the hearty Smoke Breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, and Texas toast.
Something for Every Taste
The drink menu offers a variety of options, from handcrafted cocktails to alcohol free choices.
The Blackberry Bourbon Tea and Kentucky Kiss are popular selections. The Sunset Martini feels especially fitting when sitting outside overlooking the river.
Those skipping alcohol can choose from several mocktails, including the Blackberry Spritz and Sunset Martini mocktail.
Smoke on the Water Remains Our Wilmington Favorite
No trip to Wilmington feels complete without a stop at Smoke on the Water. We have shared lunches, dinners, and sunsets here over the years, and it remains one of our favorite restaurants along the Cape Fear River.
If you visit Wilmington, take an evening to enjoy dinner along the Cape Fear River. Order fresh seafood, settle into a riverside table, and watch the sun disappear behind the water. It is one of my favorite ways to spend time in our second home.
For menus, events, and hours, visit Smoke on the Water before your trip.
*All images taken by the author.
