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.):
- 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!
- 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.
- The Copper Penny. Their weekly lunch specials are awesome, and they include my favorite: sweet potato fries.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
