The much-anticipated Poe’s Tavern opened this past weekend in Wrightsville Beach. Named for literary icon Edgar Allan Poe, the restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers and craft beer.

Wrightsville Beach is the third Poe’s Tavern location opened by managing partner Riddick Lynch and his team. The restaurant’s flagship location in Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, opened in 2003, followed by Atlantic Beach, Florida, in 2011.

“We are excited to bring Poe’s to Wrightsville Beach, a community that feels similar to Sullivan’s Island, the home of our original location,” Lynch said. “We’ve been fortunate to have done well there, and as a result there can be a natural temptation to expand aggressively or rapidly, but we have not pursued that route. While there should be a healthy demand for gourmet burgers and craft beer almost anywhere, we’ve been careful in selecting new locations as both the market and location need to feel right and be a good fit for us.”

According to Lynch, the Wrightsville Beach location echoes the spirit and cuisine of the Sullivan’s Island restaurant. Many of Poe’s burgers feature specialty ingredients such as crab cakes, shrimp and Edgar’s drunken chili. There is also liberal use of pimento cheese, Applewood bacon, guacamole and fried eggs. Each Poe’s menu includes a changing special “Burger of the Day,” as well as a veggie burger.

In addition to burgers, Poe’s serves appetizers such as nachos and quesadillas as well as salads and fish tacos. A children’s menu is available.

The Wrightsville Beach location pays homage to the restaurant’s namesake by way of vintage film posters, antique photos and original artwork of Poe commissioned by the author. The interior is warm and rustic with stained glass windows, wrought iron chandeliers and tables made of reclaimed barn wood. The bar area is anchored by a large glass garage-style door that allows for plenty of natural light as well as fresh air in the warmer months. In addition to seating for 85 inside, there is a covered outdoor patio with seating for 70.

Poe’s Tavern is located at 212 Causeway Drive in Wrightsville Beach. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Sunday.

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