Wilmington Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards
We’re honored to help recognize the people and places that make Wilmington fun, functioning, beautiful and interesting
Food
Summer, Served Slowly
Bright, breezy recipes for warm-weather meals, from charred corn salad to berry Dutch babies
Bloody Good
In search of Wilmington’s most memorable and delicious Bloody Marys
The Shark with No Bite
How one Wilmington family created a smooth, distinctly Carolina spirit with an eye-catching coastal identity
Local Market, Family Recipe
Los Portales Supermarket owner Ramon Villasenor shares what to pick up for carne asada, from fresh-cut meat to Salsa al Molcajete
A Taste of History
Through Saltwater Stories, Cedric Harrison and chef Keith Rhodes are preserving Wilmington’s Black coastal history — one course at a time
No Reservations in 2026
Breezy bites for golden hour nights
A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Wilmington
Coffee Passport turns the local growing coffee scene into an intentional way to explore the city, support small businesses, and discover new favorite spots
Global Products, Local Roots
Monaco Market offers snacks from all over the world, right here in the Port City
Lighten Up
Spring forward, fork first
Hopped Up on Art
Leland’s Museum of Beer and Art blends craft beer with curated art
From Pitch to Plate
Two new restaurants open in downtown Burgaw through Own Your Own contest
Off-Season Stars
A lively twist on winter flavors
More Than “Just Drinking”
Ktown Karaoke, Good Lie Mini Golf Bar and Cargocade show how Wilmington’s activity bars turn a night out into an experience
Alpaca Chicken
A family tradition turned statewide sensation, this Peruvian eatery is serving big flavor and heartfelt community vibes to Wilmington
Flavor Therapy
A comfort food guide to the Port City
Holiday Recipes
Celebrate the season in festive flavors
An Italian State of Mind
Bespoke’s new era blends Italian espresso and aperitivo traditions
The Art of the Remix
Salt & Charm’s founder traded a career in music for a culinary journey
Raising the American Spirit
Inside BHAWK Distillery’s Mission of Gratitude
Big Dish Energy
Six cozy, crowd-worthy dishes made to gather, graze, and impress
