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Bluewater Grill
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Touristy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Bluewater Grill
Review Highlights
"Fabulous coconut shrimp."
(in 5 reviews)
"...the feeling on their outdoor seating area was lively and..."
(in 3 reviews)
"I enjoyed a mild mahi mahi filet with a delightfully fresh..."
(in 3 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica T.
Ellicott City, MD
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bluewater has a lovely outdoor seating area with a view of the marina; that's important because I like to look at yachts when I'm sipping my sapphire & tonic. After all, when you're using the company credit card, money is truly no object.
I enjoyed a mild mahi mahi filet with a delightfully fresh mango salsa. It came with a generous portion of rice and beans and a "vegetable side" that consisted of about 5 snow peas. Where I'm from, we call it "garnish." Just the same, the food was well-prepared and unpretentious; it's critical that your food be unpretentious when you're sipping gin and cupped-hand-waving at random strangers on boats. The hot crab dip came with buttery toasted bread slices and everyone at the table enjoyed it. My co-workers ordered the wahoo special, coconut shrimp, coconut chicken and a giant plate of all of Ariel's little friends deep fried and piled onto french fries. All enjoyed their meal... which is saying something. There is frequently a whiner who has to critique the temperature of the food, or some wanker who sends their plate back, but this night was blissfully complaint free. Thank you for that Bluewater.
Though the patio table was made of PVC pipe and had more wobble than a dubstep bassline, the staff was very friendly and the bartender mixed a good drink. I look forward to spending someone else's money here again soon. -
Review from David S.
Chicago, IL
12/20/2011
Service good.
Food Average. All the side items appeared to be beans and rice which I did not like. -
Review from Rick S.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
1/12/2012
This is a step up from the usual beach food. Always crowded because of its location on the Intracoastal this is a good choice. Don't expect gourmet and you'll be happy. Good bar.
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Review from Sarah H.
7/11/2011
Despite hearing about multiple other waterfront dining experiences in the area, I always seem to end up here and am never disappointed. On this occasion I started with some amazing mixed drinks that were surprisingly well priced for the alcoholic kick they provided. I tried both the strawberry daiquiri and the mudslide; both which hit the spot. For dinner, I had the coconut chicken, which was served with a fruit salsa on top. It was served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasoned green beans. The chicken was phenomenal with its crispy outer layer of fried coconut and its tender inside, and the sides were an excellent complement.
Although we showed up with five people, on a Friday evening around eight, and with no reservations, they were able to get us to a seat right on the water within 15 minutes. Not surprisingly, the service was a bit slow and they seemed rather understaffed but the waterfront view and yummy drinks made the waiting for food go by quickly. Although many people come here dressed up for the occasion, you will fit right in with a beach cover-up as well. If you end up here I would highly recommend both reservations and the patience to wait for a seat outside by the water. You will be glad that you did! -
Review from Marc C.
6/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
We try and hit Bluewater whenever we're at the beach. The food and service is consistently excellent.
They are located just over the bridge in Wrightsville Beach along the intracoastal waterway. Almost every table in the restaurant has a great view of the boat traffic. You can usually catch a nice breeze out on their deck while watching how the other half lives. (you know, the folks with the million dollar yachts!)
The wine and beer selection is basic but, serviceable.
We started with excellent Cesar salads. The dressing was very nice and it the salad contained large pieces of a very good Parmesan cheese.
I had the Mixed Grill; Mahi Mahi, tuna and shrimp basted with herb butter. It was very nice. The tuna was a shade over cooked but the shrimp and Mahi were excellent.
My wife had the Jumbo Lump Crab cakes. As usual, they were excellent. Two large scoops of crab with just a little filler. They are probably the best that I've had anywhere.
The crab cakes were accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes. All I can say about them is Wow! Excellent, creamy and chunky all at the same time. I could have made meal of them.
Our server was pleasant and available. She made some good recommendations.
This is a great stop after a day at the beach... -
Review from Marin J.
8/10/2011
Water and Alcohol do mix.
When you are sitting above one
With the other firmly clasped within a vessel between your fingers.
While watching the sunset.
oh yes. sit still and watch the sunset off the Bluewater Grill, Thumb their drinks menu. Enjoy.
The view is worth the price alone. Hell, buy a burger, don't eat it and just sit there, pretending you have just docked up in one of those luscious big honking' boats alongside the Bluewater.
Ok, eat the burger, very verrryyyy slowly. So you can pretend even longer.
Of course the burger is good. Above average good.
The drinks, while not particularly creative, are solidly good and you can sit at the bar and watch the bartender whip them up.
There is seating inside and out. Outside of course is better. There are two decks lower and upper. I've enjoyed the bar and the lower deck. Highly recommend both.
The waitstaff is friendly and pretty much worth 20%. Yeah, go on, tip like you own one of those yachts you've been dreaming over while slurping down a frosty beverage. Nothing wrong with dreaming along. -
Review from tom j.
Wilmington, NC
7/11/2011
Go for lunch. Dinner is a bit of beating. The service is great, the deck and view are AWESOME; and the food is good.
I can see how this place could be hit or miss, but it's been a hit every time that I have been. Great place for Sunday lunch. Drinks are very reasonably priced, especially for the location. This is a great place to people watch. -
Review from Olivia H.
Austin, TX
2/22/2011
I try not to write reviews when I'm angry, so I've waiting a couple of days to post this one.
We had an awful experience here, mainly due to the horrible service when we went on a busy Saturday night. Waited 15 minutes for someone to even come and take our drink order, our orders were wrong, we were starving, and by the time we got our food it was cold. Cold fried oysters are the worst, hands down.
The part that really bothered me, though, is that I went to fetch the manager and kindly explain the situation to him. He seem absolutely unconcerned, brought us some silverware, and we never saw him again.
The service continued to be awful, the food was mediocre at best. Skip it. -
Review from Stephanie M.
Dublin, CA
1/10/2011
Food is great. Just don't ever order a mojito here. not the best. The worst actually. but I'm from California so maybe my pretentious mojito-lovin vibes got the best of me. Our server was more than chipper and upbeat and we ordered right away. Got the sampler plate which consisted of crab cake, coconut shrimp with a marmalade, and stuffed oysters. Everything was plump and fresh. I wanted more of the crab cake so badly!
Fried. Green. Tomato. CLUB. All the waaaaaaay. I had never had fried green tomatoes, besides the ones I would imagine from the movie. But boy, were they a pop of flavor in my mouth. Loved the crispness, yet savoriness that green tomatoes give. Unlike the red tomato which can be equally yummy, but with a little sweeter bite. The view of the water and the local boats harbored was refreshing. -
Review from Kathryn M.
San Diego, CA
9/5/2011
This place is a food factory. Would go for the outdoor patio bar scene when they have live music at sunset but that's about it. Super crowded and getting reservations is a pain.
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Review from Kait G.
Wilmington, NC
12/19/2010
The day before Thanksgiving, weather in Wrightsville Beach is beautiful for beach walking and then my 2 nephews and niece decide they are hungry...NOW! Causeway Cafe is closed and they want seafood. I whip out my trusty phone and reach out to my trusty Yelper buddies to help me. Blue Water pops up and I think, sure let's try it since I haven't been in a while.
I order a Blue Moon to take the edge off...kids are stressful y'know! My niece orders the kiddie popcorn shrimp, nephews split the Calabash Platter and I go for the grilled shrimp and pineapple sandwich. The waitress was great and I normally spew venom about lousy waitstaff in this area. My nephew ordered Ginger Ale and she kept it full so he wouldn't whine.
The food arrives and my niece's kiddie popcorn shrimp portion was huge! I think the cook screwed up and gave her the adult portion. Big fat shrimp, lightly breaded and fries done to perfection...crisp not limpy wimpy. The nephews platter looked great, clams, shrimp and real scallops not that shark/skate stamped crap. My sandwich was perfection. Nice big fatty shrimp and a crunchy whole grain bread
Everything was amazing and the kids were happy campers. Plus they slept on the drive home, BONUS! I was very impressed with Blue Water and I'm hoping the shrimp and portion sizes weren't a fluke because I'm telling everyone to go there and I don't want to get smacked if they don't experience the great food and service I had. -
Review from Crissy H.
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend had his wedding reception here last Saturday. Since there was a big group of us, they rented the whole top floor of the restaurant. The upstairs was nice, but it was broken out into three separate areas - bar, dance floor, and buffet. The tables in which you would sit at to eat, where scattered throughout the three rooms and where first come first serve. The décor of the restaurant had a very homey/rustic feel to it. Defiantly fit the bride and grooms personality. The servers were beyond nice and the bartenders were not cheap with the alcohol. As far as the food is concerned, it was very good. I loved their salad station and the coconut shrimp. I also was a HUGE fan of the late night grilled cheese sandwiches they served at the end of the night. Just what we were looking for after a night of drinking and dancing!
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Review from Rose S.
Charlotte, NC
7/4/2011
Standard dock restaurant, offerings were what is to be expected, view is great, service is ok. Plenty of parking.
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Review from Diane G.
Suffolk, VA
8/2/2011
Best part of this restuarant is sitting on the deck looking over the marina. Food is typical beach fare: tuna was overcooked, grouper was dry, but the blackened salmon was good. Best advice: find a local place.
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Review from Nikki K.
2/16/2009
I love bluewater. For a multitude of reasons.
First, their blood mary's are the business. And I am a connoisseur.
Second, their Lump Crab sauce is friggin' to die for. I would drink it, however, I think my coronaries would immediately clog and send me into cardiac arrest...
Third, their portion to price ratio is quite favorable.
Fourth, in the summers, nothing is finer than sitting on their deck drinking a few beers and having some wings on a Monday... NOTHING.
And Finally, they are in the same chain as Oceanic/Henry's and therefore have my all time favorite Cucumber Dill salad dressing.
Sigh. When can I return? -
Review from Debra L.
3/13/2009
I've been to all of those places on the Intracoastal while visiting with friends over the past few years. They all offer the same great view, great drinks, great atmosphere.
But Bluewater has the best food and best service of the bunch. I had an enormous Greek salad with shrimp and it was incredible. I don't know about the heavier dishes but the fish & shrimp make me happy. My dining mates were happy too.
Our waitress was as sweet as can be but honeslty, I think someone could tell me to "eff off" in a North Carolinian accent, and I would think it sounded sweet, so what do I know? -
Review from Terry W.
Apex, NC
After a draining day at the beach soaking up the rays and riding the Surf, This place was a surprise. Great setting and plenty of parking.
We were greeted and put on a list, within 15 minutes we were seated. Pretty good for people lined up outside the walkway. Our waiter came took out drink order right away. Now I have to say we had to cut him some slack, they were very busy , a full house so to speak. He was quick considering the circumstances. We ordered our meal and second round of drinks. Our third round of drinks was ordered. I know they were busy but I was hungry, we all were. The Manager of the place came to our table and apologized for being slow. I did not complain at all. I was impressed, but I told him that if this happens often he should be prepared to accommodate his guests. He apologized again and our food came while he was there. He said the next round is on him. Now that was a nice gesture , in coming to the table and apologizing for the food being slow and buying us a round of drinks.
The food was excellent, I had the Grilled Salmon , and it was perfect.
They aim to please here, so give them a little time on the weekend, but it is worth the wait. I can not wait to go back. -
Review from Andy J.
Big Lake, MN
2/24/2011
Menu was small, crab cake was cold in the center and my medium rare tuna was well done.
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Review from Jonathan P.
Charlotte, NC
11/20/2008
Ugh, Unfortunately Bluewater was not what I had hoped it would be. My brother Matt, had been hyping it up talking about how great the "Seafood Lasagna" was, so I ordered that. And it was just so-so. There was too much pasta, and the lasagna itself was too heavy. maybe I ordered the wrong dish, but iIwas not impressed, and no one else in my family was either.
The views may be excellent here, overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway unfortunately I did not get a chance to appreciate the vista due to the bright lights outside from the movie set.
They were shooting a movie on location at The Bluewater Grille that night, so maybe that had something to do with our sub-par level of service, but who's to say. All I know is the food was mediocre and the service was poor. Not impressed Bluewater. -
Review from Amy G.
Hampden, PA
9/22/2008
We ate here at the recommendation of a foodie friend. It is a really nice place. More yacht-club than beach-restaurant. We decided to sit outside and downstairs, right next to the dock where yachts and other boats were moored.
I had the fried oyster caesar salad with the blue cheese vinegrate dressing instead of the regular caesar dressing. It was pretty good, I'd give it a solid 3. The kids had the fried shrimp and fries platter - a little pricey, but it was large enough for them to share and the shrimp was well cooked (not over fried). Hubby had the oriental tuna salad - the tuna was perfectly seasoned (almost tasted like steak) and he really liked the dressing.
We started our meal with drinks. Hubby had a nice cabernet and I had a "tropical" drink called a Hula Hula. It was pina colada, strawberry daquiri, and midori. I didn't taste the liquor. I don't drink a lot so I usually feel the booze pretty quickly. I felt nothing. I tasted nothing. Maybe they just forgot. But for $6 I exepct to feel something. -
Review from Angel D.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
4/21/2011
Bluewater has a little something for everyone. The menu is pretty standard fare for the area accommodating both seafood and land-lover choice items. Selections are not exciting or gourmet but you can't go wrong by sticking to the general ingredients that the majority of people go for.
Spring thru Fall there is a band in the outdoor seating & deck area on Sunday afternoons starting at 4:00 PM which really draws a crowd and can get quite packed but worth a visit to sit and watch the boats go by as you sip on a cold beverage and enjoy the band. -
Review from Jordan T.
Kernersville, NC
9/19/2011
Sit outside so that you truly get the whole picture. Fabulous coconut shrimp. It's not the best food ever, but it's a great night at the beach. Drive your boat!!
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Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
6/29/2009
That's it -- time for fractions of stars already! 3.5 for this one. Or even 3.8. Nice view, fast and friendly service, and a very good chili. My mahi mahi was average, though I very much appreciated the beans and rice that come on the side. Bluewater is far enough from the beaches that it's not super hard to get a table, and the food is good.
I rounded up to 4 stars because of the service. Right after we ordered, a mean thunderstorm ripped through (very cool to watch the waves swell on the Intracoastal). The waitstaff was cheerful and efficient in re-seating everyone from the decks at new tables indoors. We had a great time! -
Review from Cynthia B.
Wilmington, NC
4/3/2011
Construction is done, go there now! They have bands every Sunday afternoons 4-8 pm, through October
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Review from Davis A.
Wake Forest, NC
4/3/2011
The food wasn't as good as you would expect. I've had better seafood off the coast, which is disappointing. You expect a place at Wrightsville to have strong shrimp. I would look for somewhere else unless I was on a boat and wanted to dock and eat.
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Review from christopher s.
Wilmington, NC
3/10/2007
I go here at least once a week. the views are wonderful(overlooking the harbor and all the yachts) the prices are sooo reasonable, and the food is wonderful/ the fried seafood platter is calabash perfect and the california fish wrap is awesome!!! I only give them 4 stars because they dont have oysters on the half shell.... but probably my favorite place to chill and enjoy the afternoon.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jennifer C.
Jacksonville, NC
8/7/2010
The view was spectacular, the feeling on their outdoor seating area was lively and upbeat. Our waitress was friendly and helpful, and the food was incredible! I will definitely be visiting this place again our next trip in Wilmington!
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Review from Michael L.
Shepherdstown, WV
8/3/2009
We go here when we are in Wilmington during the summer. The fried shrimp are consistantly good, and the catch of the day is usually ok, but most everything else is either average or below. The setting on the water is great. Te last time I ate here I had the grilled chicken sandwich. It was awful. The only saving grace was that it was delivered 15 minutes after everyone else had gotten their's so I was able to nibble a lot! True. Anyway, stick to fish of the day and fried shrimp and you will be happier.
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Review from Meg T.
Saint Louis, MO
10/1/2009
Nice setting if you sit outside, OK food, but nothing special. The best part was the old guy talking like a pirate who was wandering around. I have a feeling he wasn't supposed to be there though.
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Review from Erin S.
Carolina Beach, NC
2/14/2007
Love, love, love Bluewater. I've been there numerous times in the past, but haven't been back in awhile. My husband and I went there for dinner after seeing The Pursuit of Happyness the other night. (Which was wonderful by the way) The service is great. The ambiance isn't too fancy, but you don't feel like you're sitting in a TGI Friday's either. The highlight of the evening was my husband's Crown and Coke which actually had Crown in it. He's always searching for a bar that won't give him watered down Coke with a smidgen of liquor in it.
They only get 4 stars because there was an odd assortment of patrons in the restaurant. I know that's not there fault, but the strange people next to us all wearing sweat pants and baseball hats kinda killed the romantic mood we had going on. -
Review from Yalda M.
Columbus, OH
2/12/2009
Bluewater Grille is your typical waterfront restaurant with an overpriced menu for terrible food. I hate when they do that. You get so excited about scenery and location and you assume that due to the prices and the loads of cars in the parking lot that the place has to be descent, but no, another disappointment. All you're really paying for here is location. The service was less than stellar and the food was meh. If you really want to try it, than I suggest going on a warm day and ordering a glass of wine and an appetizer with friends. Otherwise, don't waste your money here.
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Review from Josh M.
Frederick, MD
1/19/2009
The view of the Intracoastal Waterway cannot be beat, and it seems nearly all of the tables there come with a view. The New England Clam Chowder was pretty good -- not the best I've had, tho. My partner and I split the Shrimp, Shrimp, and More Shrimp dish -- which had three different types of shrimp in it. The coconut shrimp was very good, the panned in butter shrimp was not as tasty but it was tender, and the 'peel ums' were tasty. All three types of shrimp were surprisingly large. We ordered from the kids menu for our daughters, and their food was okay.
