Dedicated Diners

Order up

Some eateries just feel comfortable and consistent, especially the ones that remain true to their roots. WILMA visited five old-school diners where the location, food, and familiar faces make them as alluring as your grandmother’s kitchen.

Island Delights Restaurant

(316 North New River Drive, Surf City) is more than a beach café. The life-size James Dean cutout and tunes from a jukebox provide the first clues. Patrons have been surrounded by a growing collection of icons from the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s since LACY ATKINSON and his family opened the restaurant in 1990. Son, Wes, leads a crew of employees and other family members at the seasonal restaurant these days. Chubby Checker’s signed photos don the walls from his visit during the 20th anniversary celebration. Locals and beachgoers voted the restaurant high on TripAdvisor with ice cream, barbeque, and old-style handmade hamburgers bringing them back. Other good choices include made-fresh coleslaw, tuna salad, and chicken salad.

Kure Beach Diner

(101 K Avenue, Kure Beach) originally opened as the Seaside Café in the early 1950s next to the old 1923 Kure Beach Pier. The restaurant went through several name changes over the years, according to FRANKIE TURNER, who has owned the diner with her with husband, GEORGE, since 2012. Hurricane Hazel wiped out the original two-story building, so the pier house tackle shop was moved across the lane, where it continues to house the restaurant. It’s a good recommendation to see local law enforcement, firefighters, and other regular residents frequenting the establishment. Favorite menu items include homemade big biscuits, hushpuppies, burgers, and the Rueben sandwich.

White Front Breakfast House

(1518 Market Street, Wilmington) has its motto right on the menu: “Delicious Comfort Food at its Best for Less.” Server VERONICA WOODS calls out drink orders before the regulars can slide into a seat. She’s been an employee for four years, while some of her co-workers have been there up to fourteen years. The original restaurant was downtown by the old courthouse and moved to the current location in 1971, Woods says. Purchased by GUS DUKAS in 1973, it is now run by his daughter and son-in-law, ANTONIA and YIANNAKIS (JOHN) IOANNOU. On the wall hangs a framed letter and small photo from artist Gwendolyn Gillen who says she visited the café with friends, Sir Anthony and Lady Hopkins, and was so taken by it that she painted it. Woods says film crews, people who live nearby, and passersby are all part of the regular clientele. Specials are on a white erase board with breakfast anytime. Favorites are liver pudding and eggs, corn beef hash, and poor man’s eggs benedict. The menu boasts a couple of namesake sandwiches including “Skinny Gus” and “Skinny Pete.”

Penders Cafe

(205 North Front Street, Wilmington) will remain true to its roots, says owner MAXINE PENDER. From the 1950s milkshake blender to intricate metal ceiling tiles painted fire engine red, Coca-Cola memorabilia, and homemade foods, it’s the consistency that keeps customers coming back. A portrait of consistency, Louise Autry, was an employee for fifty-four years who arrived at 5 a.m. to make the biscuits. Beyond that, it’s a family affair. Pender’s children grew up in the cafe, and granddaughter, Jade, now takes the lead. Pender says favorite foods include the famed “Pender Burger,” breakfast anytime, homemade chicken salad, cakes, and real banana pudding made from her mother’s recipe – so good there’s a customer phone list to call when it’s banana pudding day.

Jimbo’s Breakfast & Lunch House 

(1529 South College Avenue, Wilmington) opened at 10 p.m. on a Thursday night in 1977, says co-owner ANNA PATSALOS. She and her husband, JIMMY, found a niche at a time when everything was closed by 8 p.m., a farm was across the street, and there was only one traffic light between Oleander Drive and Monkey Junction. Almost everything is made from scratch; favorites include hash browns (fifty pounds of potatoes are prepared every night), breakfasts, and soups made with fresh ingredients. A family member is always in the restaurant, and they treat customers like family – even checking on regulars who don’t show up after a couple of weeks. That’s how Jimbo’s managed to keep the same customers for thirty-six years, generation after generation.

To view more of photographer Keith Ketchum's work, go to www.keithketchum.com.