What is Travelers’ Choice?
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.
Ports of Call
Review
About
Travelers' Choice
2024
Downtown at 116 N Howe St. Southport, NC 28461 Two blocks from the water.
Features
CUISINES
American, Seafood, International
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Discover
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Live Music
Mastercard
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Street Parking
Table Service
Visa
Wheelchair Accessible
Wine and Beer
Location
Parking Available, Street Parking
Menu
Does this restaurant have live music
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 11:30 AM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Contribute
4.4
505 reviews
Excellent
328
Very good
107
Average
37
Poor
16
Terrible
17
Betsyadvisor
7 contributions
Nov 2024 • family
We enjoy Ports Of Call on a regular basis. However, in recent months, we have noticed many notable changes. Most importantly, your menu changes are especially obvious.
Thank you for providing Southport with new flavors and unexpected pairings. For example, from the Specials menu last night, we enjoyed the beautifully plated Sesame and Togarashi seared Ahi Tuna paired with Lavender and Roasted Red Pepper Jasmine Rice all served over a Garlic and Black Bean puree. It was light yet filling and oh, so delicious. We also enjoyed the Steak and Cremini Mushroom Pasta. We were a little chilled all afternoon and desired a substantial dinner. The pasta dish hit the spot (and warmed me up)! Perfectly proportioned were filet mignon tips and cremini mushroom slices in a delicious lightly weighted red wine-based sauce served over-not too much-linguini. It was just wonderful (and also beautifully plated). Unfortunately, we were satiated and could not indulge in the delicious-sounding POC dessert specials but I can assure you a future visit will be desserts-only and I will return here with my findings!
I also want to congratulate Ports Of Call on the cosmetic upgrades. The exterior enhancements have elevated the downtown charm and draw passersby to, at least, take a peek. The interior changes are also positive improvements to the old structure.
Lastly, and certainly not least, I commend your staff. We do not see your kitchen staff making the magic (then cleaning it up), but we do see the wait staff and bartenders working extremely hard to accommodate your guests. Finding consistent staff is a challenge these days but I cannot say enough about the quality of your food servers. They are extremely hard workers and do so with a smile, and it is clear to me the “behind the house” staff are working just as hard to meet our high expectations.
If you want a truly fine dining experience I recommend you patronize our local gem, Ports Of Call. You will not be sorry.
Written November 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.
southport foodie
Southport2 contributions
Nov 2023 • friends
Highly recommend the tapas and jazz night at Ports of Call Bistro in Southport, NC.What fun!
On Wednesday night, we took friends from Florida and loved the shrimp and fried green tomatoes and spicy chicken wings.
The jazz group was wonderful also,
Shout out to our wonderful waitress Olivia. She made great recommendations for food and even suggested a non/ alcoholic tequila to make a delicious margarita.
We all agreed she was the best waitress we’ve ever had in Southport or Wilmington. We’ll be back!
Written November 18, 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.
James M
Hartsville14 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
Not my first visit to this fine restaurant and hopefully not my last. It has great menu selections; both seafood and non-seafood. Portions are outstanding and the service is the best ever. Our server, Olivia, was extremely outgoing and well versed in her knowledge of the menu selections. Don't miss this spot on your next visit to the Southport area.
Written January 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.
Dawn S
1 contribution
May 2024 • family
So disappointed with this restaurant on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. My handicap, elderly mother, her caregiver, 2 of our dear friends, and myself went to Ports of Call today. We arrived at 2:30pm for a 2:45pm reservation. The hostess did not bother to bring my friend, who arrived a few moments after us, to our table, just gestured and said there’re over there. The waiter wanted to take our order before our whole party arrived. When we did order, three of us ordered waffles. We were told they ran out of batter! 3 of us ordered eggs Benedict. The English muffins were served just about raw, there was a sliver of tomato, the eggs were dry. we wanted to order hollandais sauce. The waiter was nowhere to be found. By the time he had come back, several of the meals were done or almost done. Mine was cold, but I did not eat until I had more hollandaise sauce. Only one plate had a pleasing presentation. One person had shrimp and one hadn’t been peeled. An English muffin was forgotten. Upon receiving our checks, we saw that a gratuity of 20% was added, though there were only 5 of us. As we were leaving we overheard that they were closing up for the week to go on vacation. We felt undervalued as customers. We felt disrespected as customers looking for a nice celebration for a special day at a “nice” restaurant.
Written May 12, 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.
Diane R
Charlotte22 contributions
May 2023 • friends
This used to e a really great restaurant, but something changed recently. The food is still fabulous, but…our reservation was for 7pm. There were a total of 4 tables of people and 2 people at the bar. The waitress finally took our drink order at 7:15, and she was the only waitress waiting on all the tables. The bar tender made the drinks, but just let them sit at the bar instead of bringing them , like they used to do. The waitress was not really skilled at being a waitress and finally brought the drinks, two had to be remade…then, at 7:40 she took our food order. We got salads by 7:50, but the entrees were served at 8:15. By this time, the bar tender was cleaning the bar, the other worker was taking stuff off the tables and cleaning and we were the only people in the place. We finished eating, not asked if we wanted a dessert, but only if we wanted the check split. What happened to this once really good restaurant?
Written May 31, 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.
TheJBs
Manchester6 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
Walked in on a Tuesday night. Restaurant was 3/4 full. Our party of 4 was sat quickly and that's when things went down hill. Waited a solid 10 minutes before seeing the waitress followed by another 20 to receive basic drinks. Again, the restaurant was not full by any means and there were only 2 couples at the bar. Tapas arrived 15 minutes later and then 20 minutes later the bread finally arrives with the salads and entrees. I asked for a glass of wine to go with my meal which never arrived. I kindly asked to cancel once I had finished eating. If the food had been at least average, I think we could have overlooked the excessive waiting and extremely slow bar. Sadly, the food was not up to par, some of it inedible. I had the filet special which was bland and average...it wouldn't have prompted me to leave a review of any kind, but my husband's catfish special was absolutely inedible. The batter was charred brown and so heavily salted it made us gag. The roasted Brussel spouts looked more like ash from the fire pit. The calamari tapas and the side Ceasar salad were the only good tasting and well cooked items we sampled throughout the evening. When the bill came it was the last bit of deflation, realizing we were dropping almost $200 on 2 tapas, 3 entrees, and 4 drinks on extremely lackluster food. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and assume it was an off night and they were understaffed. Unfortunately we won't be returning. Very disappointed.
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.
Toni B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • solo
The Filet Mignon was cooked to the exact temperature ordered. It was tender and had a perfect char. It was paired with a decadent wine that enhanced the beautiful flavor of the beef. Highly, highly recommend Ports of Call!
Written July 8, 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.
Faith S
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • couples
My husband and I have eaten at this restaurant over a dozen times. When we bring family members, they always ask to go to Ports of Call. From the moment you enter the door you are greeted with a friendly smile. They chef is amazing, and ALWAYS has different chef specials. No matter what we order it is always fantastic. From homemade soups, the crabcakes, fish tacos or the fish special, to the delicious brunch, you can expect a fantastic meal. The waiters are also a joy. I have always had fabulous service at this restaurant.
Written July 21, 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.
James C
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • family
A restaurant where my gluten free wife actually had a difficult time deciding because of the number of gluten free choices. She chose the small plate fried green tomatoes with shrimp. Because it was a small plate, she ordered a chicken breast too (which we took home because the small plate was ample). The plate was amazing. My crab cake sandwich was very good, but next time it’s something with the tomatoes for me.
We have been in the area for years and this is first visit. We have been missing something.
Written March 12, 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
Southport184 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
For my wife's birthday, we decided to go back to Ports of Call as our last visit was truly delightful. As they are were closed on her birthday (Nov 1st), we made reservations for November 2nd. I wish they would have told me that they had a private party coming in that evening (Mayor's Victory Campaign Party) as we would have rescheduled. They had the majority of the small dining room 'reserved' (as they do not have have a room for private parties) and the few couple's were there were put in the back of the room (quite crowded as the rest of the dining room was not made available to us. My wife's scallops were perfectly cooked and nicely plated. She had the Ahi Tuna, one of our favorites; perfectly executed. I had the tomato cognac bisque which was delicious and the fra diavlo special. It was very good, not too spicy and the shrimp and mussels were cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that there were too many sun dried tomatoes in the sauce. I did feel a bit rushed to get us through our meal so they could open the restaurant for the private party. I wish they would have been honest with us, especially when I let them know we were coming for my wife's birthday and Port of call was her favorite restaurant in Southport!
Written November 3, 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.
SPdineout1968
Southport8 contributions
May 2020 • none
Hello,
We visited Ports of Call restaurant after the COVID-19 crisis (first weekend) and I can say that the time spent to correct mistakes was not utilized properly for this eatery. What was once a nice hidden oasis for food with international flare has gone down hill quickly. First off everything is dark the dining room, bathrooms, etc... Secondly the food is nothing to brag about. We (two of us) had the lamb special with pistachios and the encrusting must have been rushed b/c if fell completely off the meat & the braised duck with bing cherry sauce was hardly worth the money either. Sauces were overly sweet and just did not work for us on either item purchased. Next the meat was undercooked and the fat was left on the top of the bone regarding the lamb. Terrible plating and almost no sauce or seasoning and lastly with a reduced crowd you would think the service would have been quicker however it was extremely slow. In closing for a restaurant with a history of a film being featured there this restaurant falls short for us. We will not be returning ever, and why is everything always covered in pickled onions, parsley leaves ??? The food matches the décor boring, over thought, and lastly underwhelming. You would think that ownership would get rid of the stuff all over the walls that they are trying to sell I mean in the past it was classy but now it just seems old, cluttered, and a tad bit of an overkill regarding the market. Sad but there are better places elsewhere to dine.
Written May 31, 2020
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.
RaymundA_12
All of us at ports of call hope that you and your family safe during this pandemic.
Written June 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
scooterb
Oak Island40 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
It was really disappointing. I must say that the food was good, the drinks good, service was mediocre. After Drinks, apps, wine, meals, and dessert. Our server Olivia presented me with my 180plus dollar check ( not complaining about the amount). After returning to the table and seeing my CC she said we take all credit cards except American express. I explained that the was the only card I carry. Her answer was we don't take it and proceeded to stare at me without saying a word more.
This was not only very unprofessional and embarrassing it was very uncomfortable. Thankfully my wife had brought a purse and had a different card.
The really frustrating point is nowhere on the door, never when we made a reservation did anyone say we don't accept American Express. Nor is it listed on their website.
We are locals that live here full-time and frequent many local restaurants in Southport and Oak Island. This is the first and only one that I have had an issue like this with American Express not being accepted by a restaurant.
I realize that the service industry is hard now for servers and owners. However, this is no way to treat a customer. I wish them well and am very happy that there are so many great restaurants to choose from in our area.
Written November 25, 2022
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.
Stevedec
Decatur13263 contributions
May 2022 • none
We took a side trip to Southport while in the area with very little research beforehand. The Visitor's Center informally recommended a couple of places for lunch and this one happened to be the closest and most convenient. On the way in we heard them on the phone telling someone that they would be closed for a private event the following night and now I understand why. The variety of well prepared and presented dishes was almost overwhelming. Our meals were excellent and the server was knowledgeable and attentive. Prices were amazingly reasonable.
Written May 19, 2022
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.
Wendyr67
Miami14 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Everything about the evening was great. Wonderful staff. Friendly and knowledgeable! Shout out to David our service! The presentation of the food was beautiful and tasted yummy. Some of the things we had were: The beef Empanadas, POC Paella, miso and soy marinated salmon, Korean BBQ glazed tuna, the fried oysters, and one of the specials that night a flank steak. Everyone said their food was delicious! We will definitely go back!
Written June 2, 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.
705Dave2015
Maryland150 contributions
Oct 2024 • couples
This place is always excellent. The fried oysters are gluten free and delicious! The tuna appetizer was spectacular. We had the specials: prime rib and shrimp, fantastic. The special old fashioned cocktail was the best I’ve ever had. Jaycee our waitress was absolutely terrific; totally knowledgeable on the menu and jusybwonderful.
Written October 8, 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.
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