Rooster & The Crow

Rooster & The Crow is a beloved Southern restaurant located at 225 South Water Street in the heart of downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, situated in a beautifully converted late 1800s warehouse just steps from the Cape Fear River. Founded by best friends Zach Harmon from Goldsboro and Allen Carpenter from Newland/Crossnore, who began dreaming up this venture in 2012, the restaurant brings authentic Southern comfort food to the historic Riverwalk district. The menu features legendary fried chicken praised as the best by visitors from Charleston, crispy fried green tomatoes, creamy cheesy grits, decadent banana pudding, and unique creations like mac and cheese topped with BBQ. Weekend brunch serves up crowd favorites including bananas foster French toast. The venue encompasses multiple distinct experiences: The Beer Garden offers local draft beers and live performances in a relaxed outdoor atmosphere; Cryptid Den is Wilmington's only cryptid-themed bar inspired by Bigfoot, Mothman, and other legendary creatures; and Fowl Play Arcade provides classic and modern arcade games perfect for families. With a 4-star Google rating from over 1,170 reviews, Rooster & The Crow has become a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the Wilmington waterfront. Free parking is available at the Chandler's Wharf lot with validation. Open Wednesday through Friday evenings, Saturdays from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday brunch from 10:30am to 3pm.