Wilmington Today: Oceanic Restaurant at the Crystal Pier

The Oceanic Restaurant is rooted in Wrightsville Beach history for over the last 40 years, and the historic Crystal Pier it’s attached to, 40 years older than that. The pier, when first built in 1939 was the longest wooden pier in the Atlantic Ocean and even to this day, is the only wooden pier in Wrightsville Beach, expanding 475 feet into the water. The location of the Oceanic is close to where Lumina Pavilion was once located, the entertainment venue that was popular in the early 1900’s and the destination for tourists and Wilmington residents for local entertainment, dancing and summer activities. Sitting on South Lumina Avenue, this iconic restaurant sits three stories high, with seating and panoramic views of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean from each floor. The restaurant was recently renovated, offering modern touches and coastal charm, while also providing a look back to Wrightsville Beach history as you enter the restaurant. The restaurant also serves as an event venue with access to use the Crystal Pier for receptions and ceremonies.

Enjoy live music on the pier from local musicians on Fridays and Sundays, all while you dine or enjoy a variety of cocktails at the pier bar. The location of the restaurant also happens to be a favorite location for surfers, and you can often catch the sights of dolphins, and sailboats on the water. Grab a refreshing cocktail or beer while sitting at The Jetty Bar, which has a robust selection of wines, cocktails and beers, and overlooks the coast and ocean, with views of Wrightsville Beach’s orange hued sunsets.

The Oceanic serves lunch and dinner daily, with a well-known beachside brunch on Sundays, complete with champagne cocktails and bloody marys. The Oceanic is known for their coastal cuisine and dedication to fresh, local and seasonal dishes.

The seafood dishes range from crab cakes and dip, sushi-grade Ahi Poke bowls, to your traditional Southern “Calabash-style” platters and chef-inspired features served daily. While visiting, be sure to start off your meal with one of their local favorite appetizers, such as the Jumbo Lump Crab Dip, Oysters Rockefeller or Sun-kissed Shrimp. Several seasonal salad entrees are available for those looking for something on the lighter side, with different toppings changing from fried oysters to shrimp. Steaks, chicken and pasta dishes, such as the Lumina Roasted Chicken are also crowd-pleasing dinner options.

The Oceanic has a fully stocked bar, with a variety of rotating local craft beers, extensive wine list and selection of cocktails. For those looking for a picnic dinner on the beach or heading home after a long day in the sun, you can pick up a to-go menu which includes large, family-style to-go platters. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 11pm, Sunday from 10:30am-10pm. Brunch is Sundays, from 10:30am-2pm. Oceanic has a private parking lot located adjacent to the restaurant, with handicap parking and accessibility. There is direct access to the beach, via stairs on the pier, or via the walkway next to the restaurant. For those on their family vacations, don’t forget to pick up a souvenir postcard or t-shirt to remind you of your memorable trip.