A History of South Beach Grill
Welcoming guests since 1997, South Beach Grill is proud of its local history.
Complete with a radiant ambiance, abundant lunch, and dinner menus, and daily chalkboard specials which are Southern-inspired and locally sourced from both the sea and land.
The seafood is fresh and caught each day, while the produce is homegrown and locally sourced. Enjoy all this mouthwatering cuisine in the eclectic interior that pays homage to the building’s original bank roots with art deco design. Or sit outside and breathe in the fresh air on the dog-friendly, covered patio overlooking the scenic Banks Channel.
South Beach Grill owners, John and Elaine Andrews, wanted to create a restaurant that allowed casual beachgoers to grab a delicious meal after a long day on the beach or boat. While still offering the fine diner an opportunity to enjoy a more elegant meal experience. Whether you have sandy feet or don and suit tie, their goal is simple for guests to feel completely comfortable while savoring the meal of a lifetime.
Deeply rooted.
In an article from Port City Foodie, Andrews explained more about South Beach Grills’ place in the Wrightsville Beach community and its history. “When we opened, Wrightsville Beach was characterized by the north end and the south end. The south end was the surfers, the cottages, the people who were more mainstream. The north end was second homes, the mega-mansions, very high-end real estate. Our name – South Beach Grill – reflected our ability to blend in with the south end of the island.”
Now a local staple, South Beach Grill, has been around for over 20 years and amid hurricanes and even a pandemic, this quaint restaurant is still going strong. The Andrews’ want to provide not only a fantastic meal but a comfortable and one-of-a-kind dining experience. This is all done with the combination of beautiful views, refreshing ambiance, and a diverse menu featuring seafood infused with Southern influences.
Coastal fine dining.
Some examples of this exciting yet delicious infusion include the Low Country Seafood mac and cheese, a sauté combination of shrimp, and local backfin crab served with penne pasta tossed in a spicy Cajun cheese sauce. Another crowd favorite is the Sweet Potato Crusted Flounder, which consists of fresh, locally sourced flounder spiced with sweet potatoes and herbs.
According to an article in the Star News, “the sweet potato panko crust elevated the humble fish without overpowering it. The accompaniments were similarly low key, focusing on the fresh ingredients. The barely mashed potatoes had just enough roasted garlic and seasoning to give them character.”
Other dinner menu items that showcase this unexpected seafood and Southern comfort food blend include:
- The Chicken Tortellini – Three cheese tortellini tossed with grilled chicken, andouille sausage, sundried tomatoes, arugula in a roasted garlic & asiago cheese cream sauce.
- The Eggplant and Shrimp Stack – Herb crusted eggplant layered with sautéed shrimp, Tasso ham, and fire-roasted sweet Peruvian peppers in a light roasted garlic, Boursin, and asiago sauce.
- Sea Scallop Maison-boro – Jumbo Atlantic sea scallops, pan-seared, sweet summer corn broth, green peas, arugula, pecan gremolata, linguini pasta.
Relaxed lunch menu.
There are also many tasty burgers and sandwiches for the more casual beachcomber that will hit the spot after a day in the sun. These savory menu items will also satisfy your craving for that flavorful combination of Southern comfort food meets fine dining fare. Some of the simpler yet delectable dishes include:
- Crabmelt Sandwich – Lump crab cake, fresh herbs, grilled buttered rye, Monterey jack cheese.
- Shrimp Po’ Boy – Fried shrimp, Monterey Jack cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce on a brioche bun.
- Shrimp Mac and Cheese – Grilled shrimp tossed with a spicy creole cheddar sauce and panko breadcrumbs.
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South Beach Grill has been proudly serving southern-inspired local dishes for almost 20 years to locals and tourists alike. Our menu features something for everyone, and we proudly cater to tourists and locals, families, or couples on date night, big celebrations, or just an intimate night with friends.
Coming by boat? Public docks are available across the street for Dock and Dine. Free guest car parking is also available– please contact the restaurant for details.