Fat Tony's Italian Pub — Restaurant in Wilmington

We came on a Friday night at 6pm and I anticipated it being busy, but it was completely dead. (I am a mom with 2 young kids from High Point, NC….I don’t know the know the culture here…perhaps this is normal). By the time we got pushed out of the place at 6:54, it was 1/2 way full with no line. Yes….pushed out. We were asked at 6:40 if there was anything else we needed. I had a full alcoholic drink, I was still eating, my son was still eating, his soda was empty, and my daughter was still picking at her pizza. It was a question that comes at the end of the meal where the meal is 90% done and there are scraps left and everyone seems blissfully full. “Umm, we are good, thanks. Actually, Can my son get a refill?” What? He wants more? Is what it felt like At that point, I realize, we are in a time crunch. I look around..::there is an empty 4 top and an empty 8 top. Certainly they don’t need our table, right? Then why the need to kick us out? To make an extra buck in tips? Well….there wasn’t anyone waiting for our table….. All I know is, my kids and I were definitely an inconvenience to our server, Lizzy. Don’t worry, I was sure to give her a 20% tip to apologize to her for bothering her. I hate that for her.

Unfortunately in our rush to leave, I forgot to get dessert. When she asked if she could start cleaning off our table (mid bite), I was so flustered I just said of course and handed her my card. Forgetting all about my, I mean my kids’ sweet tooth.

But the food was amazing. The meatball sundae!!! I will take the watch watching of Lizzy just for a bite of that deliciousness. My daughter was hesitant to try it, but once she took a bite she devoured it in 20’seconds flat and scraped her plate and everyone else’s. The pizza-the nostalgia of the frozen Tony’s Pizza mini pepperoni that curls up when cooked..I mean. It is wonderful. And the espresso martini was delightful.

So, the food….. it makes up for the fact that they rush you through. Just don’t expect to be able...

I left North Carolina three years ago and came back to Wilmington on vacation to show my girlfriend all the things I loved when I was in the Marines, especially Fat Tony's. Tony's in and was immediately told by the bartender, who came over to seat us, that because they just sat three seven tops, it would be twenty minutes before our order would even be sent to the kitchen, because their food would be served first. We reluctantly agreed. I don't mind a wait in a packed house, but it's a little unprofessional to say right up front that the table that makes more money is going to have precedence over your party of two. The rest of our visit she was either no where to be found or behind the bar on her cell phone. Ezra, our waiter, is great. Full of energy, but with a full restaurant and only two-three waiters on the floor, it was difficult for them to keep up and I often saw them running. Had our drinks and appetizers inside of fifteen minutes. The bruschetta is as amazing as ever. Entrees in twenty five minutes. Soo amazingly good. Took leftovers home and I never take leftovers. Done eating in 45 minutes enter to exit. Either, the bartender really didn't want us there, or she doesn't have any idea what's going on, both have a good chance of being true. So, overall I give the whole place three stars because that treating really pissed me off. I made sure tips weren't pooled, because I didn't want that woman getting a single penny of Ezra's well earned tip. By the way, I'm pretty sure the...

Having lived in Wilmington for nearly 30 years we have seen many names come and go over the years. There are a few Wilmington staples, like Fat Tony's however, that remind us consistency is what makes communities like Wilmington lovable.

I sat down at Fat Tony's at a familiar table outside. After scanning the menu, I reminded myself that 2025 would be a year dedicated to trying and more importantly liking new things. I noticed that Fat Tony's has an award-winning New England Clam Chowder. I have never tasted an award-winning New England Clam Chowder. I now understand what award-winning New England Clam Chowder tastes like. And I agree whole heartedly they deserved every bit of recognition for that chowder. Really, really good.

I also ordered the Meatball Sundae. The entre was excellent as well, the sauce was not too sweet despite shared connotations with the sundae of the ice cream sort. I was very happy and well pleased with my decision here as well.

All and all Fat Tony's remains a Wilmington favorite and a consistent reminder that times will change but greatness will always remain. Personally, I think you're pretty great Fat Tony's thank you for a...