American

Jackson's Big Oak Barbecue $
920 S. Kerr Avenue, Wilmington 28403
(910) 799-1581
A repeated winner of local magazine polls for the area's best barbecue since it opened in 1984, Jackson's is a family-run business fully deserving of the praise. The eastern North Carolina-style pork barbecue is moist and tangy, the hush puppies superior, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff is as hard-working as all get-out. The fried corn sticks are a specialty that should be a given with every meal, and if you're a fan of Brunswick stew, barbecue ribs and chicken, you won't be disappointed. The dining room is rustic and familiar, a good place to greet and meet. Jackson's is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Contact the restaurant for large take-out orders (for up 200 people).

Roly Poly Rolled Sandwiches $
1616 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington 28412
(910) 796-0045
419 S. College Road, Wilmington 28405
(910) 452-7772
Located on Shipyard Boulevard, Roly Poly puts the fun back into grabbing a quick bite. Their signature rolled sandwiches feature high-quality deli meats, cheeses, fresh veggies and homemade spreads in a huge soft-flour tortilla. The large array of choices range from the traditional to the innovative, or you can get creative with the "roll your own" option. Watching carbs? Ask for a low-carb tortilla with only five net carbs. Accompany your Roly choice with a soft drink and chips or a cup of delicious soup. Need to feed a large group? Party platters, catering and box lunches are available for meetings, seminars, picnics and other special events, corporate to casual. Call either location for details. Roly Poly is open for lunch and dinner daily and offers local weekday delivery with a $15 minimum.

Rucker Johns Restaurant $$
5564 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington 28412
(910) 452-1212
Discover Rucker Johns, a local family favorite since 1992. Renowned for high quality and attention to detail, Rucker Johns' theme is casual and the service is serious. The made-from-scratch menu features an array of fresh salads, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, hand-stretched grilled pizzas and unbeatable homemade soups. Entree choices include grilled chicken dishes, tender baby-back ribs, awesome prime rib, succulent steaks, tasty pastas and fresh seafood. Adjoining the oak-trimmed dining room is a horseshoe-shaped bar, the perfect place to enjoy live jazz on Saturday evenings or to catch the big game. A second dining area is available for business luncheons and private parties. RJ's has all ABC permits and boasts a wine list with fine selections from around the world. Located in the Myrtle Grove Shopping Center at Monkey Junction, where Carolina Beach Road meets South College Road, RJ's is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, closing late on Friday and Saturday.

NOFO Cafe & Market $
1125 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington 28405
(910) 256-5565
Whether you're dining in for lunch, enjoying a late-afternoon snack or ordering from the deli case, NOFO Cafe & Market is a delicious choice in a casual setting. Luncheon choices include two daily specials and two homemade soups in addition to the regular menu of hearty deli sandwiches, meal-size salads and homemade desserts. Can't find a sandwich to your liking? Try it "your way" from a list of deli meats and salads, cheeses, breads, condiments and side items. If you're on the go for lunch, fax your order and they'll have it waiting for you. NOFO also offers an appetizing alternative menu for special diets, corporate lunch boxes, a take-out deli counter and catering. NOFO To Go features a daily menu of supper specials that are cooked and ready to pick up. Also check out the frozen food case for meal solutions. Sunday Brunch adds egg and breakfast entrees to the cafe's regular menu. NOFO is open for dinner, Monday through Saturday, with all ABC permits. A colorful and appealing array of specialty foods awaits you in the market area attached to the deli. You'll find shelves of gourmet foods, condiments and sauces (many from North Carolina) in addition to mouthwatering imported chocolates, specialty teas and coffee beans, imported and domestic wine and much more. Gift baskets are a popular feature of the market. NOFO Cafe & Market opens at 10 AM seven days a week.

Wilson's $-$$
4925 New Centre Drive, Wilmington 28403
(910) 793-0999
Wilson's is a good choice for excellent food at a great value. Formerly known as Alleigh's, Wilson's still serves the same great all-you-can-eat buffets daily and has a variety of weekly lunch and dinner buffet specials. Choose from fresh seafood and hand-cut certified Angus beef or ribs, burgers, sandwiches and a Sunday brunch buffet. This 35,000-square-foot complex has everything from live bands, an outdoor Tiki Bar & Cafe and a Sports Bar with the most TVs in town, including a 200-inch big screen TV, to an intimate sofa lounge and a fun-filled Game Room. A late-night menu is available until 1 AM.

Henry's Restaurant & Bar $$
2508 Independence Blvd., Wilmington 28412
(910) 793-2929
Henry's is an exciting restaurant from the folks who created Eddie Romanelli's, The Oceanic and Bluewater. The cuisine is classic American fare created through high-quality, from-scratch cooking. The decor features beautifully hued stacked sandstone and hand-painted walls, a hand-painted ceiling and an awesome 100-year-old Brunswick-style tiger oak bar. Lunch possibilities range from generous salad selections (the grilled tuna and fresh spinach salad is a good choice) and cold deli sandwiches to luncheon plates (everything from roast beef and gravy to fresh catch) and hearty, two-handed sandwiches that come with your choice of a side item (12 sides to choose from). Start dinner with some of the best shrimp chowder in the region. Dinner menu highlights include hearty meal-size salads, sandwiches and generously portioned entrees, including pasta dishes, chicken, fresh seafood, prime rib and more. Insiders highly recommend Henry's awesome lump crab cake and the savory shrimp and grits. Sausage-stuffed pork chops and cashew-sesame-crusted grouper are just a few more favorites. The strawberry shortcake is made in-house and is better than Grandma's. Henry's bar offers all ABC permits with premium-pour liquors, eight draft beers and comfortable, upholstered banquettes for dining.

Brasserie du Soleil $$$
1908 Eastwood Road, Wilmington 28403
(910) 256-2226
Loosely translated as "Eatery of the Sun," the latest jewel in restaurateur Ash Aziz’s crown is nestled in the heart of Lumina Station and continues his tradition of fine dining establishments. Featuring a delightful assortment of appetizers as well as a “make-your-own” salad option, the starters on the menu are top notch. Follow these with one of the sumptuous fish or steak entrees for a perfectly cooked main course. If you have any room left, the dessert list is superb and features the not-to-be-missed chocolate sampler. With a distinctive interior design, outstanding service and all the right peripheral touches (including a fantastic selection of wines, beers and cocktails), this spot lights up Lumina Station diner’s palates year round.