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Flying Machine's Wrightsville Beach restaurant - Flying Machine Oyster Bar, Wrightsville Beach, NC

Flying Machine Oyster Bar

4.6
4.6
36 Reviews
$31 to $50
Oyster Bar
Located in the heart of Harbor Island on Wrightsville Beach, Flying Machine Brewing Oyster Bar focuses on serving fresh oysters in creative ways showcasing local mariculture alongside Southern-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and Wilmington's award-winning Flying Machine Brewing Company beer. Join us inside or sit at our patio area overlooking the Loop!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Oyster Bar, Seafood, Southern
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (910) 239-9474
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Dylan Killane/Andrew Stanley

What 36 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Kid-friendly

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Good for groups

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Lively

  • Wilmington

    Good for groups

  • Wilmington

    Lively

36 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food!! Every dish we ordered was so fresh and delicious.

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  2. KMKCLT

    Charlotte

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our 2nd time here and the food and service were great. We arrived for lunch at 12:30 and were sat quickly. The location has easy parking and quick access to Wrightsville. Will definitely come back!

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  3. Sid44

    Raleigh

    49 reviews

    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Better than I expected. Great oyster selection at $2.50 each. Mash burger is amazing and as good as burgers at Winnie’s tavern. Server was outstanding and sorry I forgot her name but she was the best.

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  4. Dave

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The kitchen has done a phenomenal job transitioning the menus to a wonderful array of oysters plus local coastal cuisine that works for both seafood or land-food lovers!

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded 4 days ago

    Dave, Thank you so much for your support and kind words. Cheers!

    Is this helpful?

  5. VAmom

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    Food was average. My entree was my least favorite shrimp and grits I’ve ever had. Husband said the same about his burger. Atmosphere was very very dark. Ladies bathroom was yucky. Our server Haley was the best thing about the place!

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  6. GregF

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Cocktails were unique and very good….smaller menu, good food. Service was excellent.

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  7. JessicaLK

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Great atmosphere. Service was excellent. Food was just okay. The pimento cheese app was the star of the meal. My husband ordered the grouper special which was good and I ordered the shrimp and grits. Grits had the consistency of day old oatmeal and the shrimp was bland.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I gave 4 Stars for service only because our Server (for dinner) was very good. She did a great job. We sat at the bar before dinner and neither of the two bartenders who waited on us introduced themselves, smiled or were engaging in any way. They could have cared less. Seemed like neither wanted to be there. Drinks were well made but pricey, which seems to be the case most places these days. The food was average and a little bland. We like the atmosphere and it’s possible we would check out brunch. We heard that it was good.

    1 person found this helpful

  9. WilC

    Raleigh

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    The tomato okra stew was terrible. I believed whoever prepared it put sugar instead of salt in it. The kitchen staff tried to blame the tomatoes which sounded funny. The blue crab pasta was decent.

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  10. MichaelK

    Wilmington

    159 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    159 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great waitress, Vicky. Food was good, but not exceptional, limited menu which we understood. Nice place, cocktails a little pricey by comparison to other restaurants.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was outstanding ! Chef was able to accommodate my food request too! Great brunch with great music!

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  12. HawkHillgirl

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic. Read great reviews so we gave it a try. Glad we did.

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  13. JennyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cocktails were very good! We enjoyed the food as well.

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  14. BocaFoodie

    Wilmington

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Great server. Food was good but limited menu. If you are a large family out to have fun this will work. Otherwise the noice is very loud.

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  15. JimC

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Well, it was so good the first time we went back the next night and guess what? It was awesome again!!!! Different food, different server - Same quality on everything including the cocktails. Can't wait to go back on our next visit.

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  16. JimC

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Also cocktails are amazing and prices are reasonable.

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 22, 2023

    Jim, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Love to hear you enjoyed the cocktails and we hope to see you again soon. Cheers

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great pub style food with seafood options. One of the best shrimp and grits I’ve tried. It’s loud, but they do try to buffer the noise with some ceiling buffers. Server was good.

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 22, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience! It is an delightful to hear your enthusiasm for our shrimp & grits. Cheers

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  18. Leigh90

    Wilmington

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Our first visit to The Flying Machine WB! We're locals so understood the loud energetic vibe probably from tourists! We had Flat Iron Steak and Smash Burger. Food was great! Only downside for one of us was very limited gluten free choices and also overall the menu was minimal. No sparkling water or good bottled water for non-drinker. Other than that pretty good :)

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  19. KSP1

    Philadelphia

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The cocktails and beer were great, the food delicious and the setting very inviting. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful.

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 22, 2023

    Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We hope to see you again soon. Cheers

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  20. diddly

    Raleigh

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our server, Hannah, was so much fun and attentive to our dining needs! Will definitely visit here again

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 15, 2023

    We're really grateful and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We are thankful to have Hannah and her energy on our team! Cheers!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Always great service by managers, bartenders and wait staff. Menu is simple but very good. Specials are always good and the beer and drinks outstanding

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 8, 2023

    Thank you for the kinds words! We are looking to expand upon the food menu when we shift to Flying Machine Oyster Bar. Please, stay tuned for all the the exciting growth. Cheers!

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The absolute best crab cake! The cocktail menu offers a combination of custom and classic cocktails. The cucumber mule is on point with the freshest display of ginger and fresh juices. The draft beers are fantastic and offer a wide variety of options. Who would have thought the wine menu would be top notch at a location that is a brewery first? Service was inviting and knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 8, 2023

    Thank you so much for the kind words. We are glad to hear of your experience dining with us! Cheers

    1 person found this helpful

  23. KimF

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the crab dip and deviled egg appetizers. Both were excellent. For dinner we had the shrimp & grits and tomato okra stew. I added grilled shrimp to the stew. Loved both entrees, presentation and flavor were fantastic. Drinks were delicious! Our waiter was one of the best waitstaff we have encountered. Extremely helpful with menu and wine suggestions. One of our guests had an allergy and he made sure all items ordered were allergy free. Would definitely recommend going here!

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 5, 2023

    Kim, Thank you so much for the feedback and for letting us know about your positive experience. We hope to see you back in the future! Cheers~

    1 person found this helpful

  24. Justbee

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and excellent server Edie! Best crab dip, (not cheesy like at a chain). Had the market fish special as well as hamburger with bacon and blue cheese with bbq fries - all were delicious! Edie was helpful and so pleasant!! Totally recommend!

    Flying Machine Oyster BarResponded on July 5, 2023

    Hello, Thank you for letting us know about your positive experience! Edie is a gem and we enjoy having her as part of the team. We hope to see you again in the future! Cheers

    1 person found this helpful

  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service for a big crowd! Thank you for being flexible and accommodating.

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  26. ShannonB

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Decent food and service was good, but the noise level was very uncomfortable. The dining room is a large space with little to no soundproofing. Would like to go back when the restaurant is not quite as busy and hope owners can do something to improve the acoustics in the space.

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  27. LisaS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Service was excellent. Not many food choices. Very loud. Dark ambience needs to be brighter.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The BEST avocado toast and guava mimosa made with l❤️ve! Outstanding!!

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  29. KeithC

    Raleigh

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The beer was great. The dinner variety was good. And, generally, it was just a fun place to take our teenage daughter and meet old friends for dinner. I'll be going back.

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  30. JRob

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We found the menu somewhat limited but adequate, especially if you like seafood, oysters with many unique offerings, crab options, and traditional items like local flounder and shrimp and grits. Awesome beer, cider, wine and a myriad of craft cocktail options.

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  31. Bill

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Menu had different options! Crab dip was very good I had fried oysters wife had blue crab pasta both were very good!

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  32. ThomasA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed our lunch with friends. Beer was good, food delicious and our server was attentive, friendly and made our time extra enjoyable.

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  33. tccat

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The space is very cool. I suspect on a busy night, that this is a bustling and lively place to be. There is also a small outdoor area. The burger was fine. It has two patties, which is not stated on the menu. That was too much, so I removed one patty. The menu descriptions don't accurately depict the food that is served. The homemade barbeque chips were nice but didn't have any barbeque flavor. The deviled eggs had been refrigerated for too long and were dry and tough. The pimento spread was promising but was way too large for an appetizer and its texture was also unpleasant. I suspect again that it had been refrigerated for too long, but also needed to be brought to room temperature before serving.

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  34. JenniferM

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Enjoyed our family meal

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  35. Zoemessina

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always special. The staff is so caring and fun! Food and cocktails are carefully curated and the menu changes seasonally so you always get a new creative taste experience . I had the blue crab pasta last night and The Hubbs had the tuna lettuce wraps, deelish!! The brunch is also on point. This is one of our all time favorite places in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach. Other restaurants in the area need to step up their game…Flying Machine has quality , value and is always consistent. You can also take dogs and sit on their patio outside which we love! Great for dates at the bar and family gatherings with children. 5 stars, every time!

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  36. MandyH

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    This was our first time at Flying Machine. Our server Mayzee did an awesome job-she was very friendly, attentive and greeted us promptly when we got seated. The food was ok, but needed more flavor. The shrimp and grits plate presentation was great but the grits were bland with little flavor-definitely needed salt. The aioli on the chicken sandwich could handle more flavor as well. (Be sure to ask for extra aioli on the side). The chicken sandwich was well breaded and tender-very generous portion. I wish I had gotten the Ahi tuna tacos-I saw those delivered to another table and they looked delicious. It was easy to make a reservation and after ordering, dinner was served quickly.

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FAQs

Flying Machine Oyster Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 36 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Flying Machine Oyster Bar

530 Causeway Dr t 1, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480-1959

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Wrightsville Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Oyster Bar, Seafood, Southern
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Executive chef
    Dylan Killane/Andrew Stanley
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine
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