Waves Market & Deli — Restaurant in North Carolina

Waves Market & Deli is a versatile establishment in Waves, North Carolina, offering a wide range of products and a relaxed atmosphere. The reggae rock music and a couple of arcade games contribute to the laid-back vibe, while their extensive selection of beer, craft beer, and wine is sure to quench any thirst.

When it comes to food, the deli sandwiches and breakfast items are generously packed with ingredients, making them great options for those with big appetites. However, the abundant fillings can sometimes overshadow the overall flavors. For instance, the "Kelly Kapowski" comes loaded with tuna, but the sandwich felt dry and was not complemented by its bready kaiser roll. The "Cousin Louie" had an outstanding pesto sauce that unfortunately got lost amid the large amount of chicken.

For breakfast, the "Breakfast Sandwich" uses white bread that tends to mute the flavors of the bacon, egg, and cheese. Similarly, the "Wake & Bake" burrito is packed with sausage, bacon, and potatoes but could benefit from some added seasoning to elevate its overall taste.

One area for improvement would be wait-time communication. On our most recent visit, it took over 30 minutes to get our breakfast sandwiches even though there were only four people ahead of us. Knowing the approximate wait time upfront would have helped us make a more informed choice, perhaps opting for one of their pre-made items instead.

Overall, Waves is a convenient and cool spot to grab some essentials or hang out, but a few tweaks to the food offerings and better communication about wait times could take the experience to...

Since 1992, we spend a week or two each year in Waves. My sons and their friends discovered the breakfast burritos a few years ago. Now, we set aside at least one morning for the breakfast burritos. Half of one is enough for an adult breakfast, unless you're a college-aged male. Should you plan to run it off, map a course to Sandbridge and back.

Since we discovered Waves Market, (at the end of our street-Juan Ponce de León I'm not) we do our gap-shopping there. Yes, the prices include the lack of economy-of-scale, but Waves Market compensates by carrying an eclectic mix of products. We're blessed paying a little extra to support local businesses.

The prepared food is slightly quirky and delicious. My wife, my grown children, my grandchildren, and I enjoy stopping by a trying something new.

We were one of the last to leave the day Matthew arrived last year. The island was nearly deserted. Waves Market remained open and was still preparing food. We really appreciate the service.

I guarantee we won't be back for...

Whether it's your first time or you're a local, make sure to stop here. Every person working here is incredibly welcoming and nice. They have snacks, local beers, GOOD groceries, even fresh produce and niche products like oat milk and gochujang. Honestly the best one-stop-shop, and they're one of the few places open late. On top of everything, their food is fantastic.

Update 6/30, a whole year later: Been coming here two times a day for food, beers, and grocieres for a week straight. Surprising selection of niche groceries. Owner is extremely kind! Muffins are phenomenal, beer selection is so great, and above all, the food is AMAZING. Vegetarian friendly selections, modification friendly, and huge portions. No other food stop around here comes close in quality or price. Can't say enough good things about the food here. Only one complaint: more merch please! Fries are thick, onion rings are huge and delicious, and the...