7 Deliciously Creative Burgers You MUST TRY In Wilmington

When you’re hungry for a burger, nothing else will do. But that doesn’t mean you want just any burger. No, you’re craving something special, something like one of these specialty burgers from our favorite restaurants in Wilmington. Try ’em all! (and tag us with your pics on Instagram.)

Fork n Cork

The Hot Mess at Fork n Cork

When Wilmingtonians think burgers, they often think Fork n Cork. Burgers are the main selection at this downtown burger destination. Try the Hay Dios Mio or the Pimento Chz Burger, but our fave is the Hot Mess, a delicious pile of bacon, jalapeños, grilled onions, bleu and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion on a brioche bun.

STEAM Restaurant & Bar/Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar

The BURGER BURGER at STEAM Restaurant & Bar

Steam Restaurant and Bar has an extensive menu and educated staff with experience in food service all over the Carolinas and beyond. Located on the second floor of Embassy Suites and offering sweeping views, Steam serves fresh seafood, chicken, steak, sandwiches, soups and salads. We recommend checking out their BURGER BURGER, which features two 1/4 lb. griddled patties, American cheese, house bread & butter pickles, sliced onion, SECRET sauce on an everything brioche bun.

Carolina Ale House

Pub Burger from Carolina Ale House

There are plenty of sandwiches at the Ale House, and plenty of burgers—even a veggie burger! We especially love the Pub Burger with smoky bacon, American cheese, Carolina onion strings, and Papa Lou’s secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun. Try one with the sweet potato fries.

Smoke on the Water

The eclectic menu at this riverside newcomer with a view includes prime rib, po’ boy, and Texas brisket sandwiches. But don’t skip the unforgettable SOTW Burger, a half-pound N.C. grass fed beef patty on a toasted brioche bun with smoked Roma tomatoes, grilled onions, provolone cheese, and green leaf lettuce.

Daddy Mac’s

Topsul Burger from Daddy Mac’s

Dine surfside on Topsail Island! You’ll find fish, salad, sandwiches, and pasta at this Surf City restaurant, but the stuffed burgers are a true joy. Try the Firehouse and the Grilled Portabella, but our own favorite is the Topsul, a half-pound handmade burger stuffed with feta cheese and topped with a cucumber, romaine, tomato and Caesar dressing.

Platypus & Gnome

Feeling adventurous? Try an elk burger at Playtypus & Gnome in downtown Wilmington. If you’re not up for elk, good old hamburger is available in several delicious styles. We love the Mushroom-Swiss Platyburger, a custom burger of brisket, short rib, and chuck, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and smoked garlic-herb aioli on a fresh brioche bun.

Hops Supply Co.

Salmon Burger from Hops

The fun menu at this Oleander Drive restaurant offers salads, steaks, and sandwiches, including vegan choices. And there are plenty of burgers, including our top choice: the salmon burger. This yummy burger features goat cheese, roasted red peppers, roasted tomatoes, wilted spinach, and pesto aioli. Not to be missed!

Set a goal to try them all in 2020!