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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Mr. P's Bistro
Review
About
A longtime Southport institution, one of the top dining spots in town. Low Country-leaning menu. Good wine list
Features
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Meal types
Dinner
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Does this restaurant serve alcohol?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 4:30 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Contribute
4.6
(721)
Excellent
542
Good
120
Average
43
Poor
13
Terrible
3
Morgan B
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • friends
If you know me, you know I am the pickiest, most selective eater imaginable. Mr P’s went above and beyond from Erica making the most perfect French Martini to customizing a meal for me based on my favorites, with a packed restaurant on a Saturday night chef Stephen went out of his way to create the most phenomenal dish for me. Do yourself a favor make reservations, plan on an experience of a lifetime & do not forget to order the sweet potato brûlée cheesecake which is my now all time favorite dessert! This family run business pulled out all the stops to make my night perfection! Thank you for the best dining experience I’ve had in a long time!!!! I will be back soon & often!
Written January 18, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Birddogdoc
Castle Rock23 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
Best meal we had in Southport and OKI all week. We started with oysters in the half shell which were perfect…sweet and salty. I had the blackened prime rib which was superb! Cooked perfect and very tasty. Our waitress was April who was also amazing to say the least. She didn’t mind giving us the specials a few times and was attentive to all our needs. We’ll be back soon and hope to have April service us again!
Written December 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chocolvr
Townville80 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Nothing super-fancy about the building, but oh, baby, the food is incredible! Their roasted duck and baby lima beans with bacon, plus roasted red potatoes were served on a bed of sweet sauce that I can only guess may have been honey-brown-sugar based. Very different from any duck l’ orange we’ve tried. This is the stuff of Heaven! The wait staff are friendly and eager to please, the experience is worth every penny. I’d recommend reservations as this little gem fills quickly and lines up out the door and down the sidewalk; date night or family night, special events or just celebrating life, Mr. P’s Bistro will make your palette very happy!
Written July 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret B
Dublin1462 contributions
Oct 2021 • solo
In anticipation of visiting Southport this October for a two-night stay on my own, I researched restaurants and menus and chose Mr. P’s Bistro. Although I had made a reservation in advance, when I arrived I found they didn’t have it on the books. The staff was gracious and since it was just me, they set up a table in a corner area of the dining room. It was just fine! Being the owner of my own customer service business, I very much appreciated the effort to accommodate me on a very lively and busy Saturday night at the top rated restaurant according to Trip Advisor reviewers. Cassy was my lovely and gracious server. When I told her U like Margaritas, she suggested the Margarita Martini. Fabulous! On her recommendation I tried the Oyster Rockefeller and Oyster Bienville appetizer. It was incredible! I don’t care for raw oysters but these baked preparations were fantastic. But if you do like oysters on the half shell, according to what I heard another server tell the guests at a nearby table, you’d have a nice selection to choose from. I chose to have the baked fresh flounder stuffed with crab meat, grits and a garden salad. Everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. This is a fine dining restaurant and I feel the prices reflect the quality of the food, the exceptional ambiance (elegant casual and comfortable) and the warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Next year I’ll bring my husband with me on the trip. We’ll visit Southport before his Pinehurst golf trip!
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rapoza57
Orange Park40 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Don’t go here without a reservation and don’t go here under dressed. We had spent a casual day visiting Southport and stopped in for an early dinner(about 5:15pm). An older woman at the hostess station looked at me like I didn’t belong there and advised that they had nothing available until 8:30 pm. They close st 9. I thought with it being a touristy town that the dress would be very relaxed. Apparently I eas wrong.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackstraw1_12
Southport183 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
Mr. P's is one of those local restaurants that is always consistent. We enjoy going there for special occasions. December 23rd was one of those special occasion when our son and his wife came to town. We made reservations well in advance, I indicated we were coming in for a special night, and there were only 2 seating's left; 4:30 or 8:30...we chose the earlier seating as it worked out best for us all. We got there and were shown to Table 12, which I immediately indicated was unacceptable. It is right next to the Bar service area and the kitchen door. We were then seated in a booth by the window (much nicer and more conducive to a special family meal. Our server (#6) I cannot remember her name unfortunately was wonderful. She was quite friendly, attentive and articulated the evenings specials with grace. We started with the special Stump oysters and smoked salmon, both delicious. My daughter-in-law and I both enjoyed the Underground Tuna...hers was a bit rarer and mine a bit too cooked but the dish is always spectacular. My son had the tornado's of beef and my wife had the fish stuffed with crab special. All wonderful! We enjoyed our evening, although, right after we asked for a new table, some of the staff continued to stare at us and mad us a bit uncomfortable. We enjoy Mr. P's and will return, but I will request a table other than number 12 in advance and hope our server is still there as she helped make our evening special.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRaisis
22 contributions
May 2021 • couples
We cannot say enough great things about Mr. P’s Bistro! It started with a recommendation from Lisa at Captain Newton’s Inn. On the day of our reservation we called and asked if we could change our reservation by 30 minutes and they were able to accommodate us with 15 minutes later which worked well. Hailey, a recent ASU grad, was our server and she was perfect! We ordered Hailey’s recommendations and they did not disappoint. Oyster Bienville for the first appetizer was incredible! We could have eaten an entire meal of those. The hot backfin crab dip was one of the best crab dips we have had, even the bread was delicious. Two of us ordered the filet with Oscar topping, photo included, and they were cooked to perfection. The roasted red pepper hollandaise sauce was a perfect touch and there were mounds of crab meat. The other two ordered the surf and turf, one with prime rib that was loaded with flavor. The lobster tails were very good and not like rubber at all. All of the side items were incredible as well, it was hard to choose which one to pick. Hailey timed everything perfectly and we never had to ask for anything. As we enjoyed our dinner in this cozy atmosphere we discussed how we would be there every Friday night if we lived there. My husband and I only live an hour and a half away and we talked about driving up there just to have dinner again. Make sure you go on an empty stomach because their portions are generous. I could have shared my meal. I have no idea what they have for dessert because we couldn’t even think about it.
As a former restaurant manager for over 20 years I really appreciated how everyone worked together as a great team. It was nice to witness them all working smoothly and efficiently. They seemed like family rather than employees.
Great job Mr. P’s and thank you Hailey!
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frantim6066
Westerville16 contributions
Dec 2024 • business
Was recommended by a co-worker for their prime rib dinner. I sat at the bar but you may want to call ahead. I had the duck in honey-thyme sauce with parmesan green beans and roasted redskin potatoes. The plate was beautiful. It looked like something from a Michelin star restaurant. Everything was delicious but I had no room for desert. So I ordered their caramel apple-tini. It was like a dream. The perfect finish to the meal. My new favorite place in Southport. Chef is the real deal and Addison is a wonderful host and bartender.
Written December 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dale S
Tampa533 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Mr. P's has been around for a long time and is a "go to" place for locals and visitors - almost an institution. However, their food is a bit pricey (around $30 for many entrees) and slightly above average quality. Little too much breading on the fried green tomatoes and on the night's special Soft Shell Crabs. The menu is diverse so we'll continue to come back - looking for a dish that is well above average.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoesCruising
Apex33 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
We had the opportunity to be seated at the bar. Taylor and Addison behind the bar work like a well oiled machine! Efficient, personable, and friendly. Let's start with their craft cocktails. I don't remember exactly what it was called, but the fresh blueberry cocktail with basil was amazing! I had no plans of having two drinks, but could not help myself. Based on recommendations, we started with oysters three ways. Stellar! I don't have the biggest appetite, so moved on to a wonderful salad with goat cheese with broiled oysters. Oh my goodness, I'm already craving it. We shared a creme brulee, which was among the best I've ever had. Overall a wonderful experience, and we can't wait to go back!
Written October 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
North Carolina93 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We recently dined in a group of ten at Mr. P's. From start to finish this was a great dining experience. Two of the couples , who are part time residents of the area, were eating at Mr. P's for the first time. Both couples remarked that this was the best restaurant that they had ever eaten in the Southport area. Many things on the menu are exceptional. My favorite are the oyster's Bienville which would be great even in New Orleans. Shared appetisers, entress, and desserts were all well received. Surf or turf, you can't go wrong.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelseyad
High Point3 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
Really loved this restaurant. Fresh food with nice flavors and the right amount of seasoning from flounder (fish du jour) to the vegetable sides (creole cabbage and fresh corn!!) Lovely service with just enough attention without being bothersome. Was a little loud at first, but several tables left and it was perfect. Highly recommend so get reservations!
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary
Chapel Hill417 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Best food in Southport and Oak Island. Great cocktails, too. I love their blackened flounder with new potatoes and limas. My husband loves the soft shelled crab when it’s in season. Seafood gumbo is delish. Get reservations on the weekend.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
john l
Southport55 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Our first month living in Southport. Moved from Buffalo, NY which is a great food town btw. Late afternoon I was waiting for my wife who was in a fabric store next to Mister P's, looking at the menu in the window. Around the corner came Mr. P himself, Stephen Phipps, introduced himself and proceeded to describe his restaurant and the food and drinks available. He was very enthusiastic and welcoming. Needless to say we made a reservation for that evening and had great wine, cocktails and I had one of the best cuts of beef I have ever had. Blackened prime rib and shrimp. My wife had shrimp and grits, loved them. The martini was excellent, the service great and we will be back soon. Thank you Chef.
Written January 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill W
Knoxville21 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
We first went to this restaurant many years ago. They were at the waterfront at that time, but have since moved to a smaller restaurant on the main road in Southport. We were very lucky to get a reservation, as the restaurant was very crowded on a Tuesday night. The food was just as fantastic as we remembered it from years past. The service is always very good there. It was a very Lively night, so conversation was a little loud in the restaurant but I just believe that is hey indication that everyone there was having a good time. We highly recommend this restaurant, and almost certainly return there on our next trip to Oak Island.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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