Sealevel City Vegan Diner — Restaurant in Wilmington

The joke is on you if you're like me and made a disparaging face when your wife suggested a vegan restaurant.

I'm a truck driver. I haul arms, ammunition, and explosives. I've driven 49 states and half of Canada. I've been a certified welder. There's not anything around a house I can't fix. I like a good steak, and generally am a steak, potatoes, and whiskey kind of guy. I'm probably not the usual patron of a vegan restaurant.

I am not at all the guy who picks a restaurant like this, and I absolutely would roll my eyes if anyone suggested I eat there.

But, I would have missed the best chili dog I've ever eaten. The hot dog tasted just like a hot dog. They did not destroy the flavor of the chili by over-cooking it, like so many places do, and the bun was not soggy which was awesome. The chili had a robust flavor with real peppers and a hearty, traditional taste that went nicely with the red onions and mustard.

I also had a German dog. I'm German so I'm no stranger to sauerkraut and good German cooking. This delicious German dish would have made my mother proud. I bet the person that put this German dog together probably makes a mean goulash.

The generous helping of fries are not too thick and not too thin, they're Goldilocks fries, perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of salt.

I don't usually do dessert, but they offered banana pudding, and I thought why not after such a flavorful lunch.

The first bite was the perfect blend of real banana, pudding, and whipped cream. As my wife and I worked our way through the dish, we found it had just the right amount of graham crackers to add to the medley of tasty sensations.

I took a good minute to write this review, because they obviously put a lot of thought into these dishes and most likely years of experience went into their fantastic menu.

This is really traditionally delicious food made with healthy ingredients that any red blooded American male can appreciate.

I highly recommend giving...

Updated: the picture is not one order of plantains it was two.they have me a total of 8 plantains. I would have liked it if they just gave me extra but that wasn't the case. I apologize if the pic is misleading one way or the other. the two little pieces each equate to one full piece each which is why it upset me. It has also happened two other times which also is why I was compelled to write something. I will check the food from here on before I leave so Im not rash in my review. I shouldn't have given you two stars as you don't deserve it . thank you for responding because I forgot I wrote this and wouldn't have corrected it.

Always great food, people and experience. Even if you aren't vegan try it out. The place is always clean and inviting. One of the few places that is on the "must try when in Wilmington" list . Updated 8/20/22 - super disappointed in the meal today, I am not the most regular customer since I live in Raleigh but once or twice a month I go to sealevel because usually they kill it in everything but lately things haven't been up to par. I usually get two orders of the kimchi Ruben with sides of plantains and an extra order of plantains with it. The sandwich was half filled with their recipe but the plantains have been getting super small.the photo is what I got in my side of 6 plantains. I know I am only supposed to order 6 but good lord look at the size of them!! Not even bite size. If this was the first time I wouldn't mind but it's been getting to be everytime. I take responsibility for not checking it before I head out but come-on. Long story short just check your food before you go. It won't stop me from going there I just...

UPDATE: Business is under new ownership and I'm happy to change my review to 5 stars! Excellent service, excellent food, excellent people.

Sealevel WAS one of my favorite restaurants in town - despite the eclectic hours. Awhile ago I noticed there was a change in (read: loss of) some staff which slowed down the kitchen. Understandable! This caused an increase in prices and change in menu. Also understandable! What I did not expect was the owner acting extremely unprofessionally by saying that her previous employees "had no choice but to live together" and then they "all turned against her."

In my experience if all of your employees "turn against you," you are mismanaging both your business and employees. I have heard awful things about Nikki's management style and how poorly (and frankly abusive) she treats her employees but to hear it from the horse's mouth in the open in front of customers was a shock. DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO THIS RESTAURANT! She will treat your entire table poorly. I've seen her yell at her employees in public.

I won't be supporting this business anymore and, frankly, neither should you. She seemed irritated by the customers every time I've come in since she ran the kitchen, and made myself and my friend feel like we were an unwelcome inconvenience. Nikki, it's not hard to "find good help" in town unless no one wants to work with you. Pretty soon you'll have difficulty finding good customers if you...