Rx Restaurant & Bar

I’m still kind of in shock after my experience at RX restaurant last night.
I had heard of the restaurant and read a few reviews, when a bartender friend of mine told me to check it out because he thought I might enjoy it.
Well I invited my girlfriend and to start our dining experience we shared the clams in what is called the «snacks» on the menu. Served with a toast point, baby carrots and fennel broth it was tasty and we both enjoyed it.
Next, my girlfriend ordered the butternut squash soup and I had the mixed greens salad with apples and pecans, it also was good, and the night was turning out great, a nice dinner with my girlfriend, nice conversation, I was having a good experience.
And by the way when I dine out, which is often I ALWAYS try a lot of choices. From appetizers to desserts, I don’t care about price, I’m there for the experience, even though RX is a pretty pricy place, everything is a la carte and smaller than average portions, and that’s ok as long as the quality and service backs it up.
For our main course my girlfriend ordered the NY steak and I ordered a pork dish, with collard greens which was quiet tasty,‘
The NY steak was maybe 8−9oz at best, but it was just plain tough,
It didn’t take many attempts to cut it with the steak knife to figure this out and when I tasted a small corner of the meat, it just confirmed it.
We alerted the server, she was gracious and apologized and asked if my girlfriend would like something else, she was reluctant, and kind of embarrassed to even return it, but I’m telling you the steak was just tough! She eats her meat well done. She ordered it Med Well and it was still pink in the center, it didn’t look overlooked but then steak was just TOUGH!
Anyway I pressed her too order something else that wouldn’t take so long and she choose the shrimp and grits.
What happened next was a first for me in 30 years of dining out.
A manager came out to the table and told us that she should have ordered the meat Med Rare and basically it was her fault for ordering the steak at the wrong temperature! He then said since it was her fault for not ordering it correctly so she’ll have to pay at least ½ the price of the steak even though she didn’t even eat it,
Can you say IDIOT!
I was so surprised at this treatment it felt surreal and like I was being pranked,
No!, he was totally serious and then he said
«The chef and the Owner agree that they did nothing wrong, that it’s my girlfriends fault for incorrectly ordering the steak at the wrong temperature,‘then he said «I’ll box up the steak you didn’t eat for you if you wish»
I just couldn’t believe it!
I let him know that it was an insult, I would never be back,‘but sure enough it was no joke!
The joke was on me for even going there,
Just so you know, everything was ok up until that point. I’ve eaten at all the top places here in Wilmington and never sent one thing back and I always tip very generously.
I want the public to know that they will be treated with insults and disrespect if they send something back that they aren’t satisfied with and that the RX restaurant has the very poorest service rating in the history of my
dining experience.
I felt sorry for the waitress, she was as embarrassed as my girlfriend.
That piece of Tough NY could not have cost more that $ 10 for the 8oz portion and I hope it was worth it to them to receive this rating for the entire world to see.

I had an encore deal from here that expired at the end of January so I took myself out on a date last Saturday. I ordered the signature bourbon and ginger cocktail, seasonal beet salad and pork belly starter. The drink was strong and refreshing. The salad was light and fresh. I was somewhat disappointed that their was not a variety of beets however I do know this restaurant serves farm fresh so this may have been it for the beet selection. The pork belly entrée was listed as a first course and the plating was small but savory. Overall I enjoyed dinner much more this time than in previous experiences. I think the key here is to not go at peak times.

We had an amazing brunch there the other day. The food was so fresh and made to order. The staff was so friendly and very pleasant.

A hometown homegrown favorite… fall in love with their unique ingenious mix of flavors with this captivating low country cuisine. From a sweet potato soup spiced up with chili infused olive oil and topped with chèvre and pecans to their mixed green salads with muscadine or champagne vinaigrette followed by a fish determined by the season such as the speckled trout, tuna, or this crispy flounder with a succotash of okra, butter beans, corn and tomatoes or perhaps the duck served with dirty rice and braised cabbage sweetened with a wonderful sorghum gastrique… RX from cocktail to dessert is a most wonderful experience for your palate!

We’re usually not Sunday breakfast/​brunch people, but we were on vacation so what the heck. This was a lovely experience. Our server, Christina, couldn’t have been sweeter. The food is all local and the menu changes daily depending on what’s available, so when they say FRESH orange juice, they’re not kidding! The guy behind the bar had a crate of oranges he was juicing the whole time we were there! My husband got an omelet and I got the french toast with their homemade jam ($ 10 each), an OJ ($ 3.50 each) and coffee ($ 2.00 each). We got there pretty much the second they opened for breakfast, so there was no wait. The service was excellent, the food was excellent, and if you have time when you eat there, visit the antique stores along Castle Street as the perfect complement to your meal!

Ahhh, Rx. The food is just so amazing. Locally sourced, super fresh, clean, and downright delicious. Do yourself a favor, and go for brunch. Then go back for dinner. Braised pork cheeks, clams, and sticky toffee pudding were the highlights from tonight. They also make excellent cocktails, and have half priced wine on Tuesdays. Anything they do with pork is on point. They grow things (like ghost peppers) on the roof. I absolutely love this place.

I have never been dissatisfied with the food or service! It’s pricey, but I can honestly say it’s worth it! No other restaurant in Wilmington can compare to the level of food quality! Hands down best place in town for fine dining! Go at least once and I promise you’ll go again!

I have been traveling for about a year now. I get the opportunity to try restaurants all over the states. It is without a doubt that I rank RX among the top places I have dined at. The location might strike you as odd and deter you from believing it is as remarkable as claimed. However, it truly is a diamond in the rough.
The menu changes daily and is created based on the local ingredients available so don’t expect to see prices or menus online. It is very traditional foods served in unique ways, in my opinion. For instance, tonight the item I enjoyed most from the menu was a pork belly dish. It was braided pork belly served with a fried egg and cheese grits. It was UNBELIEVABLE. My coworker and i ordered 4 different items and split each of them. We enjoyed every dish. The chefs creations are really delicious. Im sure everyone is talking enough about the food, so i want to give praise on the service end.
The servers were very tentative. They were able to describe the dishes in great detail and give wonderful recommendations (hence the pork order, apparently pork is the chefs passion). The interactions were very kind, personable, welcoming, and not rushed. I never felt like a bother. I felt like a guest in someones home. The atmosphere is quiet, comfortable and low lit.
It is a nice restaurant without being too upscale. The prices ranged from $ 9 to $ 28 which seemed quite reasonable for the quality and quantity of both the food and the service. I would recommend this place to anyone… actually everyone!
Edit: An hour later and the waitress contacted our hotel to let us know we left a credit card behind. She remembered where we told her we were staying AND she is delivering it to us when she gets off. Top of the line service! Kudos!

I visited Castle Street for the first time and fell in love. Beautiful old houses, a wine bar, and vintage shops abound. We went to dinner at RX, and the love affair continued.
This place is a bit loud, but it is nicely lit. It appears that their menu changes frequently and that they use what is in season. It is a bit meat heavy, but one can order a vegetable plate that is comprised of whatever they have available. It is not on the menu, but perhaps it should be listed as Vegetable Medley Surprise.
My vegetable plate came with mushrooms, okra, corn, greens, fried onions, and my least favorite, green beans. However, these were haricot verts and cooked so perfectly that I would have eaten them even if they were road kill. The whole plate was to die for. The portion could have been a bit more substantial. Or, maybe I was greedy because that is how good it was!
My friend stated that they typically send out a basket of breads and butter. But, they must have forgotten. However, when my friend mentioned it, they showed up like magic. I appreciate the server warning that the cornbread contains bacon. So, I enjoyed the tiny, fluffy biscuits.
Thanks, RX, for stepping up to the plate. Pun intended.

SENSATIONAL!!! I created a Unilocal account just so that I can give a review of Rx. I rely on Unilocal reviews when trying something new and felt the need to share our experience. The dinner we had at Rx was the absolute best food southern food I have ever had. Probably even the best food I have ever had in Wilmington. We went for restaurant week last night $ 35 for three courses per person. This was a steal!!! The restaurant is located off the beaten path (which I love). The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with an artsy eclectic décor. The service was fantastic. Our server was gorgeous (not that, that really matters) very friendly and knowledgeable of the food. It was evident from the service we received and the wonderful creations on our plates that both the waitstaff and kitchen share a passion for food.
My BF got a draft for half price (bonus) and I started w/​the bourbon and ginger signature cocktail (delish) I also had a glass of wine with dinner. Our two starters were a Pumpkin Soup w/​duck confit, chevre, brown butter crumble, chili oil and a Smoked Fish pâté w/​RX hot sauce and poppy seed crackers. My second course was the NC Duck w/​hoppin john, tatsoi & a sorghum gastrique. The BF had the Wonderland Pork Duo with butter beans, chow chow, a bacon jam & rinds. I am drooling writing this review. Our meal was finished with a Warm Sticky Toffee pudding topped with a small scoop of ice cream and a Chevre Cheesecake. Yes, all of this food for only $ 35 each! The flavors and textures were well balanced, full of flavor, rich but cut with the right amount of acid, salty yet sweet, creamy but with a bit of a bite. the meat was tender and the skin oh so crispy. The portions are very generous, you will not be leaving hungry.
They also had a 7 course chef’s tasting for $ 75 per person. I cant even imagine how amazing that would have been and am bummed that restaurant week is over because we definitely would have come back for that. Regardless we will be back soon and are telling everyone we know about this restaurant. I cannot wait to come back…

Every time we dine here we fall more in love. Sat at the bar tonight and the bartender was wonderful. Half price wines on Tuesdays (half price draft beer on Wed) which was a bonus. The snacks and small plates are plenty for us. You really get your money’s worth with those.
Tonight it was the butcher block with AMAZING selections. Especially magical were the baconator and 9-​month aged ham. The. Ham. Is. Life. Changing. Next were fried green tomatoes with homemade pimento and cheese, bacon jam, and chow chow-​Wowza! Then our favorite – the pressed pork belly with cheese grits, fried egg, jus, and fresh chives. I would eat it everyday for breakfast if I was a sultan, or a king, or Donald Trump. It’s what might just make America great again – pressed pork belly. Get yourself to R/​X folks!

Rx is special. It’s on Castle street, which might not be the best neighborhood, but the restaurant is class all the way. The staff is knowledgeable about food and wine and very friendly.
I tried the fried okra and it was fantastic with a yummy sauce.
The crudo was excellent and fresh. The thinly sliced fish was placed on a beet.
The beef carpaccio was flavorful and came with some greens in lemon and I’d order it again.
The bartenders make excellent cocktails.

Our favorite Resturant in Wilmington! The food is always fresh, great flavors and original dishes.

My first real farm-​to-​table dining experience and I was thoroughly impressed. Rx is located at a corner downtown in kind of a random spot, and the outside is pretty unassuming. But once you step through the doors, you’re greeted with lots of nice wood tables and warm lighting. There’s a decently sized bar in the restaurant as well, and it definitely isn’t pretentious at all. Simple but comfortable.
My family and I tried the okra fries and the pappardelle for our starters. They were both pretty good, but I would recommend the pappardelle as more of a small entrée. If you’re looking to share something with the table, go with the snack dishes. The okra fries were nicely battered and very fresh, which made them a pleasure to eat. The pasta was good as well, with tons of mushrooms and a nice toothiness to the noodle.
But where Rx really shines is the entrees. I tried their duck, served with Carolina Gold rice (I watched an episode on it on Mind of a Chef and was blown away) and okra, and it was delicious. The duck was PERFECTLY cooked and had a nice sweet tanginess to it with the peach sauce and the rice was a delight to eat. My mom had their steak, which was also really flavorful and tender. My dad had the shrimp and grits, which he also enjoyed a lot. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their entrees.
Reasonably priced with fresh local ingredients cooked perfectly, what else can you really ask for? 100% would recommend to anyone looking for a nice but not pretentious restaurant specializing in Southern flavors.

Food is very good but the service is very very very slow. Getting condiments or another drink is impossible so the onus is on you to order absolutely everything up front because you will never see your server again.
I wish I had not wasted my brunch reservation on them.

Excellent!
Rx is in an old drug store building on the corner of a relatively quiet street near downtown Wilmington. Id say it is a farm to table restaurant with a southern themed menu. We had two apps, fried green tomatoes and zucchini fries, both were excellent. They clearly though through each dish and that showed.
After that my girlfriend and I split the clams and shrimp and grits. Both were amazing! I usually don’t l like grits due to their lack of flavor but these were both cooked perfectly and the sauce was exquisite without totally overpowering the shrimp and grits. All the veggies were very fresh. We will definitely be going back!

This is a «must try» venue if you’re in Wilmington. My wife and I dined there for her birthday and were amazed by the creative items on the menu. With a friendly waitress leading we went through the process of selecting a dinner featuring some taste combinations I found delightful. Ever had a chicken fried egg? It was Part of a salad that included strips of duck, pickled onions and feta. The egg was a fun new experience for me. While she had shrimp and grits I dined on a pork chop over pea tips with other flavoring I can’t remember. I DO remember there was no bone, the fat was trimmed away and the chop turned into a filet. We finished with a brownie of dark chocolate with a small scoop of ice cream and coffee.
This was a great dinner, one of the best we’ve had in the area, and we will be back again soon!

Went based on Unilocal reviews and this place is awesome. Very relaxed atmosphere, simple décor. Friendly staff, our waitress (kaitlyn or Kristen??? Sorry) was so welcoming and knowledgeable and warm.
Pork was king. We had pork belly as an app. And it was perfection. The braised pork shoulder with the most delicious crackle… yum.
The food and atmosphere were fun, so delicious. You must go

My son may not agree with my rating of this place, but it’s my review!
The restaurant itself was kind of unique and different, which is a good thing! There were plenty of tables and most were full, which is also a good sign. The menu selection was decent — something for everyone and the place was clean. The very best part is that the food is «Farm to Table» and that is the reason for the four stars. However, to get up to 5 stars they need to do a lot more.
Parking in the rain is somewhat of an issue and for the prices one could almost expect valet service. Rick — our server was friendly enough — sometimes a bit too friendly — but we are in the south! The drinks were over priced, not real good and our server didn’t get the recommendation correctly at all — not even close!
Though the food was good and different — it still seemed a bit over-​priced — though you’d be hard pressed to walk away not full!
The next issue was the loudness of the place — though it’s a great sign when everyone is busy chatting and having a great time — it didn’t appear that they have done anything to deaden the sound and I practically had to yell to one of the people sitting across from me. Additional it was cold — like there was either a window/​door opened or the air conditioning was still on and the vent was right above my head — none of which I could identify as being so, but I was freezing and had to put my coat back on.
Between the noise, the coldness, the over-​pricing and getting wet in the rain due to parking arrangements — I’d go back, but not as enthusiatically!

Farm to fork restaurant in a really cool neighborhood.
421 Castle St Wilmington, NC 28 401
910 399‑3080
Creative menu that changes based on available ingredients. How cool is that?!
Menu was so creative and perfectly blended. Combinations of meat and seafood with perfected selected accoutrements — veggies/​grains.
Dishes sampled: crispy pig ears accompanied by buffalo ranch and celery.. Curiousity killed the pig (bad pun) and i had to try it. They were crispy. and salty. I’m having an emotional hangover from the thought of eating ears. but they were good
Heirloom tomato and chevre — beautifully displayed, like sushi. Juicy and perfect
Fried kimchi with cashew dust — love this. Salty but really really good
Carolina shrimp and grits came with an amazing curry-​ish tomato creamy broth with fennel, chives. Carolina shrimp is always SO perfect, fresh and delicious.
Pork belly with over easy egg — pork belly. beautiful, fatt, delish
Veggie plate — chef’s choice a medley of perfectly sauteed veggies. Tiny carrots, potatoes, fennel, onions, the sweetest corn I’ve ever tasted (and i love corn), green beans.
Portions were generous. Dishes were perfectly spiced (not too overpowering), cooked to great texture and displayed nicely.
Service was attentive, energetic, and informative. Helpful since there we many ingredients listed on the menu that I asked about.
I saw families, dates, groups enjoying drinks and food. For such an an intimate setting, I didn’t like that the TV was on, but that’s just a personal preference.
tip: reservations available on
tip: veggie plate available, but they won’t tell you exacatly which veggies are in it. Can request no oil, butter, etc.
Get your RX on!