WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Last week I featured the new Commodore Public House and Kitchen, and this week it’s time for another new face to Wilmington’s culinary scene, the South Front Tavern. Located at the old Second Glass location along Second Street in the city’s South Front District, it’s the perfect addition to the area’s growing dining options. It also doesn’t step on the toes of neighboring restaurants, instead South Front Tavern offers a little something for everyone.
The interior of the restaurant has been opened up, with a modern flair, and a new bar that features a couple large televisions to watch sports (an aspect sorely lacking at most other establishments in South Front). Make no mistake, this is no sports bar or what you may even think of as a “tavern,” it’s much more than that. South Front Tavern has an eclectic menu ranging from elevated bar food to toasted gnocchi and a hefty list of craft cocktails, draft beer, and wine.
I attended the soft opening a few days before the grand opening, so admittedly didn’t get to try full plates of food. However, just about everything on the menu was available in various bites. Owner Mark Zecher has used his travels and restaurant experience as inspiration for the menu.
That much is evident in the “starters” portion of the menu, with steamed clams, chili-rubbed chicken wings, pork empanadas, and even crab cakes available. My favorite was the roasted corn and shrimp bisque, complete with a velvety mouthfeel and savory goodness.
South Front Tavern also boasts a variety of salads, burgers, wraps, and quesadillas. Though some of the real show stoppers on offer were the two Cajun-themed dishes, the “Gumbo Ya-Ya,” and Bayou Paella. They clock in between $21 and $33 dollars, on par with other restaurants around town, and both are loaded with protein, flavor, and soul.
I could have wrote the entire article about the variance in food options, it’s that extensive. It also makes for an exciting visit, because you can’t pigeon hole the menu into a certain cuisine. Zecher and his staff couldn’t be any more friendly, and they’re eager to stake their claim in the South Front District. Put South Front Tavern down on your list for your next night out, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
IF YOU GO:
South Front Tavern is located at 1540 S 2nd St #110, Wilmington, NC 28401
Do you recommend a restaurant? Or know of a best-kept secret that you want the rest of the Cape Fear to know about? Shoot me an email at corey.preece@gray.tv and I would love to feature your selection. Cheers!
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