Wilmington’s Riverwalk is home to a new fast-casual, outdoor dining spot on the barge owned by Cape Fear Riverboats. Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill, formerly The River Grill, opened quietly over Memorial Day weekend.
 
Anne Bonny’s, at 101 S. Water St., is owned and operated by service industry veterans Steve Gaconnier, Justin Smith, Madison Vithalani and Michael Webber. The group leased the space from Cape Fear Riverboats, which according to Capt. Carl Marshburn hoped to expand on what The River Grill had offered.
 
“We wanted to find somebody that could take what we started and build upon it and grow it to its full potential,” Marshburn said. “And I think we’ve found it.”
 
Named after the famous female pirate from the 1700s of the same name, Anne Bonny’s offers surf and turf pub fare with items such as po’ boy sandwiches, tacos, burgers and half-pound hot dogs. Snacks and appetizers include wings, nachos, super pretzels and three varieties of grilled street corn: buffalo blue cheese, garlic herb and chili lime.
 
Anne Bonny’s has also partnered with Coastal Cupcakes, offering ice cream, smoothies and milkshakes.
 
The full bar features a variety of frozen drinks prepared with fresh fruit juices, as well as wine slushies and sangria.
 
All food and beverages can be taken about the Cape Fear Riverboat tours.
 
The 3,600-square-foot barge seats about 75 guests, with plenty of bar stool seating along the river, providing prime sunset viewing. Live music will be performed on the weekends, starting at noon Fridays.
 
Anne Bonny’s is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and later on weekends with a limited menu after 9 p.m.
 
Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected].