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Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Seafood & Steakhouse in Wilmington, NC
Since 1976, The Bridge Tender has been a cherished dining destination in Wilmington, NC, offering exceptional seafood and steakhouse cuisine with waterfront views. Our establishment combines historic charm with modern comfort, featuring both indoor seating with panoramic bay windows and an outdoor patio overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. We specialize in fresh seafood, Certified Angus Beef steaks, and handcrafted dishes using locally inspired ingredients.

Our commitment to quality extends to our seasonal outdoor dining experience and carefully curated menus featuring starters, entrees, and desserts. While we welcome leashed pets on our outdoor deck with owner responsibility, our indoor spaces maintain a traditional dining atmosphere. With decades of service to locals and visitors alike, we continue to uphold our reputation for coastal culinary excellence.
Services
Dinner Service Waterfront Dining Outdoor Seating Gift Cards Private Reservations
Details
  • Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
  • Established in 1976 with deep local roots
  • Panoramic waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating
  • Fresh seafood and Certified Angus Beef steaks
  • Pet-friendly outdoor deck with responsible owner supervision
  • Historic charm combined with modern dining comfort
Services
Seafood Dining
Our seafood menu features market-fresh selections prepared daily using grilled, blackened, or seared methods. Options include tuna, mahi mahi, salmon, jumbo shrimp, and seared scallops. Each dish comes with two sides and choice of lemon buerre blanc or herb gremolata sauce, showcasing coastal flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Angus Beef Steaks
Certified Angus Beef steaks form the centerpiece of our land offerings. Choose from 6 oz filet mignon, 12 oz New York strip, or 14 oz ribeye, each served with scallion compound butter or brandy peppercorn sauce. Our steaks combine premium quality with expert preparation for a memorable dining experience.
Waterfront Dining
Enjoy dining with uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal Waterway through our large bay windows or on our outdoor patio. The restaurant's open floor plan and strategic seating arrangements maximize scenic vistas while maintaining comfortable spacing between tables for optimal enjoyment.
Private Reservations
We accommodate special requests and group reservations through direct phone contact. Our staff assists with seating arrangements for parties of seven or more, ensuring proper space allocation and service coordination. Outdoor reservations require advance booking through our dedicated reservation line.
Gift Cards
Purchase Fish House or Bridge Tender gift cards for flexible dining options. These cards function as prepaid currency accepted for dinner service, brunch, and special events. Recipients can enjoy waterfront dining experiences with the freedom to choose from our full menu offerings during operating hours.
Questions
What are your holiday hours for Thanksgiving?
We're open Thanksgiving Day from 11 AM - 5 PM on November 27th, 2025.
Do you offer outdoor pet-friendly seating?
Yes, we welcome leashed pets on our outdoor bar deck with owner supervision.
Can I make reservations for large groups?
Groups of 7+ require phone reservations through our direct line at 910-256-4519.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and Fish House/Bridge Tender gift cards, but no prepaid cards.
Are there gluten-free menu options available?
Yes, several menu items are marked gluten-free including select appetizers and entrees.
Do you serve lunch or brunch?
Our current service hours are dinner only Tuesday-Sunday from 4 PM - 9 PM.