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22 North Reviews List
22 North
Located on historic Wrightsville Beach, 22 North has earned a reputation by visitors and locals alike as "the best kept secret on the beach." Embodying the best of traditional Lower Cape Fear cuisine with classic French and rustic Creole fare, we take pride in providing our guests with the most unique and eclectic Southern comfort food in the Wilmington area. Taking full advantage of the naturally abundant resources Cape Fear is blessed with, our menu changes virtually every day. You're sure to find local favorites along with bold, exciting, and fresh new creations! House specialties like our award-winning silky She-Crab soup, grilled Skirt Steak or our famous Shrimp n'Grits are featured along with more innovative fare such as Sweet Potato Crusted Grouper, Buttermilk fried Alligator and country ham Blue Crab Cakes. And of course our wonderful homemade desserts such as Key Lime Pie and Caramel Bread Pudding are pure delight. We invite you to come on in and make yourself at home!
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41 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 41 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(23)
- fit for foodies(19)
- special occasion(11)
- romantic(10)
- hot spot(6)
- vibrant bar scene(6)
22 North Reviews List
Review 1 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place at the beach
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First time there other than late night. Food was great."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to 22 North on June 5 for the first time. It was quiet and the food was outstanding. The service was great and it was an enjoyable experience. We will go back."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was wonderful from the bread basket to dessert. Squash blossom appetizer was outstanding!"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Birthday Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Was our first time at the restaurant. Found out about it through "Fire on the Dock" competition. Had friends come join us from out of town. All 4 of us ordered seafood and it was fresh and cooked to perfection. We were also pleased with the resonable prices for really good food. We will be back again."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Poor Service, Poor Ambience,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our experience was poor.. We will not be back. Bridge Tender and Pilot House were other restaurants we went to in Wilmington and they were much better,"
Dined on 5/26/2013
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Review 6 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
22 North Experience 5-25-13
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good! Service was moderate. We had to ask for refils and more cocktails during our wait for entrees. There were a few big parties there (8+ people) at the time and maybe that was the reason for the slow service. Waiter did not prebus any glasses or appetizer dishes as well before our entrees. Otherwise, I would highly recommend this establishment."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wrightsville Beach's best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Has never disappointed, great food, great staff. Definitely has become a favorite when visiting the area."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The meal was incredible!!! We had grilled swordfish, bacon wrapped wahoo and seared scallops for the table The fish was perfectly prepared as were the scallops. We had a Greek soup first that was unbelievable. Such attention to detail by the chef. Seasonings were spot on..... Would love to go there weekly!!!!!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Terrific for Mother's Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We took Mom there for Mother's Day dinner. Turned out we didn't even need reservations since it was the Sunday night after UNCW's grad week--which was a nonstop party on Lumina Ave. At least until Sunday night. It was almost empty after having lines out the door all week. Pretty funny.
Great food. Impeccable service. My daughter's a piscavore and asked they remove the ham from their crayfish mac'n'cheese, which they did without raising an eyebrow. The cuisine is distinctly Southern (I had the shrimp'n'grits), but manages to avoid the high calories/spackle-for-the-arteries features that characterize a lot of traditional Southern cooking. Wine list is a bit spotty, but the cocktail menu, especially the specialty martinis, is sublime."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining at 22 North
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Modest looking restaurant from the outside and inside, but don't let that fool you. The food is excellent, gourmet! The menu changes daily so it is presented on a chalk board. Everything is very fresh and the menu features many local seafood favorites. Dessert is a must."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 11 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Shrimp and grits
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The shrimp and grits were literally probably one of the best things I've ever eaten! If no other reason, go there and get that dish!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 12 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Its a dive
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We actually made reservations for this place not realizing what we were walking into. We arrived on a Friday night and we were the only people in the place. I know, should have turned around right then. Had the shrimp and grits because everything else scared us. They love to use this kind of bbq sauce because its on everything. We also tried the popcorn shrimp and you guessed it, bbq sauce was on that too. Dropped $100 on a dinner that at this moment I'm wondering why I did that. Not sure if the other positive reviews are family members of the employees or what but we certainly didn't see what they saw and this place won't be seeing us again."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 13 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great management! Excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great management! Excellent food!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 14 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
There were eight of us in
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There were eight of us in an empty front room. We should have known something would be unpleasant as we were crammed at a table for six. The waitress took ten minutes to return with water and another fifteen- twenty minutes to return with orders from the bar. The alligator appetizer was small for the price and very tough. After a 45 minute wait entrees arrived and while the lone person who had the steak said it was good everyone else had a shrimp or fish dish which was poorly prepared and barely edible. The saving grace was the rice pudding which unfortunately was served directly from the refrigerator. I would not go back."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
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Review 15 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was decent. The place
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was decent. The place smelled like mildew. The waiter brought us the wrong appetizer but told us to go ahead and eat it. The manager came over to tell us he was there to take the appetizer but since we were eating it, he would charge us half price....probably won't be back."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
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Review 16 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was friendly, efficient
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was friendly, efficient and fast. Pleasant evening for group of 8"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 17 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Don't Miss!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Four of us ate, four different meal and all were great (we sampled each). We even had Shrimp and Grits for desert, shared by all. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
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Review 18 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The menu looked limited but as explained it was changed frequently with fresh available ingredients. We tried a delicious appetizer and the entrees were delicious. Quite a surprise as our first impressions upon arriving was to turn around and leave. We expected a more upscale appearance. Parking is an issue they have a lot but limited. The service was good, but the wait was rather long for courses (we had no schedule, so no problem. The staff was very attentive and apologetic and even comped us the desert because of wait time. So yes I would go back. The food was 4 stars. Just plan on being there awhile."
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tasty
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first time to Wrightsville Beach and we chose 22 North based on good reviews. We liked the way the menu was presented on the chalkboard-everything based on what was fresh that day. Our server, Alexa, was well informed and patient with our questions. The food was wonderful-prepared in interesting ways and ample portions. We enjoyed salad and dessert, as well, and they were memorable. The only negative was the atmosphere-just sort of boring. It could have been in any neighborhood-no views, no beach vibe. We would definitely go there again. but"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food; varied menu. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good food; varied menu. Good service and a friendly and knowledgeable wait staff."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great anniversary experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great anniversary experience. Unique blackboard menu. Good food good service with awesome bread!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 22 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Less said the better. Will
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Less said the better. Will not return and will not recommend"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2010
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Review 23 for 22 North
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best on Wrightsville Beach !
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is the best food we have had at Wrightsville Beach! Enjoyed the entire experience,the menu is interesting as it changes daily and the food is excellent! The service is outstanding and we will be back everytime we visit the area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for 22 North
Based on the average of (18) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate