Dixie Grill — Restaurant in Wilmington

If you’ve been in Wilmington for a while, or know someone who has, you’ve probably heard rave reviews about Dixie Grill.

“There’s always a line out the door.” “The food is delicious!” “That Guy from that show was supposed to film there.”

So, I gave in; I decided to go eat breakfast at the Dixie Grill. As I walked in, I heard music from one of my favorite decades: the 80s. An inviting voice offered me a place to sit, and that’s where things took a negative turn. A waitress with a unique accent appeared with a pen and a pad, but she left her smile at home. I asked for coffee. Good thing I sip slowly; I didn’t see her again for nearly 10 minutes. When she returned, I placed my food order. I’d finished drinking the first cup of coffee, but I feel like she didn’t notice since I had to wait until she returned with breakfast to ask for a refresher. Now, I’m a very easy person to please, so when I say I wasn’t happy with the food, it really is saying something. I was disappointed. I was let down. Was it my friends’ fault? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Maybe it was an off day for the DG...but it got even worse. See, I’ve learned to not complain about food in restaurants like dixie grill because, well, karma is occasionally instant. So I decided to take one for the team and choke down the seemingly fresh-from-the-carton eggs, the microwaved bacon, and the just-add-water gravy on the reheated biscuits. Once I finished, I had ample time to neatly stack my used plate, utensils, coffee cup, and any other items to be discarded at the edge of the table while I waited... . ... and waited . and waited while the waitress appeared to blatantly ignore me when she walked by.

Eventually, a different waitress approached my table to retrieve the items I stacked. I very politely asked if she could bring me my bill. She responded with arrogant condescension, “I’ll tell your server.”

At that point, I wanted to tell her to inform my server that I’ll never visit this restaurant again. But that would be a short-lived moment of comeuppance.

Instead, I’ve decided to share this incredibly lackluster experience with...

I'm looking at the breakfast pictures on the reviews and trying to figure out who cooked my food the day I went. Earlier this month drove down from Fayetteville to eat at Dixie Grill. Took a friend with me. Hadn't been in about 5 years. During the order I stressed I like fresh potatoes and was assured they will be hot and fresh. The potatoes were cold and FINALLY the waitress checked on us and I told her. She took them back and I waited.... and waited. I got a plate of cold potatoes again. I'm not exaggerating here. I mean what does it take to put potatoes on a hot grill and lay something heavy on them to cook quick? Again, the waitress took them back. She came over and said their heat lamp is broke on the potatoes and she talked to her manager. Do they know how to use a skillet? Then I got $3 off my meal and left hungry. Also, I swear I had only 1 scrambled egg. It was supposed to be 2 and the portion was very small. I am only reminded because I just cooked my own potatoes and eggs at home. Two small eggs at my home are much larger than what I got on my plate that day. I guess I'm still reeling over the experience. Too lazy to throw 20 cents worth of potatoes on a grill. I'm not eating at Dixie Grill again. Also they changed the decor. Not the same vibe...

Imagine if you can/ will, a family of five from Kentucky is visiting beautiful downtown Wilmington, and sure enough, lunch is upon you and the kids are letting you know it! At first, you find nothing but bars and breweries, which, contrary to popular belief, are not the favorite haunts of 8 year olds. You settle in to a restaurant on tired legs only to discover their menu caters exclusively to the "acquired taste" crowd, not a cheeseburger or french fries in sight! Exhausted, and hungry, you stumble upon The Dixie Grill, and after a little prayer and your order taken, euphoria sets in once you start on your meals! My wife and I had ribs and a chicken sandwich, which were exquisite! However, the true testimony to any great eatery lies within the satisfied palettes of 3 children, and their reactions were those you'd expect to find from any exhuberant teen who proclaims that, in their long life, "this is the best meal ever!!" My 8 year old, who usually shuns anything not associated with ice cream or candy, actually ate, ( wait for it), MOST OF HER MEAL!!! So, yes. In closing, may I just say this small business must be patronized frequently and religiously. Add it to the national register of historic buildings while you're...