Optimizing Your Lunch Experience in Downtown Wilmington

Having been with TG-K for over 2 years, I’ve eaten my fair share of lunches downtown. We’ve got lots of choices nearby, and a nice little stroll to your destination is better for your health anyway, right? So, here’s a list of my favorite lunch spots, along with my ratings on speed and price. I’ve also collected some insights from my fellow TG-K’ers, so I’m excited to include these as well! Whether I’m in the mood to have a little mid-day nosh or to flat-out chow down, these are my top seven go-to’s for lunch (one for each day of the week, of course.):

  1. On a Roll. What used to be 17th Street Deli is now “On a Roll”, and this one deserves to be first—it is the TG team’s most frequented lunchtime hotspot. Honestly, I check On a Roll’s Facebook page every day to see their special (sometimes as early as 10am if I happened to miss breakfast). They have great sandwich options with fresh ingredients. Plus they have a punch card, with a free meal when you fill it up. I think I’ve turned in at least 5 filled cards!
  2. Chop’s Deli. This locally owned sandwich phenomenon has opened it’s 3rd Chops in Wilmington, so obviously they’re doing something right. Make note it may be crowded (especially during tourist season.) My suggestion: Show up at 11:30-11:45 if you can, to avoid the crowd. In fact, this one is voted “favorite lunch spot if you had endless money or time” by our TG crew.
  3. The Copper Penny. Their weekly lunch specials are awesome, and they include my favorite: sweet potato fries.
  4. I Love NY Pizza. Great for when you’re on the go (and on a budget). Pizza by the slice with fast & friendly service. Bring cash, because they don’t take a card.
  5. The Greeks. Get the #12, you can’t go wrong. It’s the falafel platter, served with tabuli & Greek salad. Or if you really want to be bad, try the Big Fat Greek Sandwich. Yum! The Greeks also has online ordering (so I can now place my pick-up order secretly without everyone tacking theirs on, haha. Kidding—they’ll smell it anyway.)
  6. Megamaki Sushi. Megamaki Sushi is a great addition to downtown—it opened earlier in 2014. Oddly enough, it has an ice cream shop in its same store. I haven’t sprung for the ice cream yet, but it’s not off the table for the future! Megamaki has no tables for dining, so to enjoy your sushi lunch, I suggest you take your beautifully hand-rolled creations down to the riverwalk to relax and take in the scenery.
  7. The Basics. A great place for a business lunch, or even an “I want to do something awesome for me lunch.” Southern food with an upscale flair. Next to On a Roll, this is the 2nd most frequented lunch spot for TG-ers.

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