Chef Jeffrey Porter has launched a new restaurant, Portside Bistro at 22 North, at 22 N. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach.

Porter is leasing space at 22 North, a popular beach bar, owned by Jim Radle, and said he’s going for a laid-back, island-style vibe for his new concept. No white tablecloths here, said Porter.

Porter began hosting events at the location last year, with his catering and event company, Port City Pop-Ups. He also held the inaugural Battle at the Beach cooking competition, which is expected to be held again in 2021.

Porter said he’s holding a soft opening now, with dinner service from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our brunch is fun, cheap and wild,” Porter said. “Nothing on the menu is over $14, and we serve our Endless Summer mimosas.”

Dinner menu items at Portside include basil, tuna and watermelon poke, a lobster, shrimp and blue crab roll served with Porter's signature Porterhouse fries, Asheville hot chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and a fried avocado BLT. On Friday nights, Porter features fresh 1.25-lb. Maine lobster served with a baked potato, asparagus, corn on the cob and salad for $25.

While some significant updates have been made to the building, Porter said he has more planned for the winter months. He also hopes to open for lunch as well in the coming weeks.

“Right now staffing has become an issue,” Porter said, indicating that many in the restaurant industry are leery about giving up their unemployment benefits and returning to work with COVID-19 cases continuing to rise.

This Sunday, June 21, Port City Pop-Ups will host a Father’s Day Brunch at Portside Bistro, with prime rib and beef carving stations, steak and eggs with lobster tails, and surf and turf benedicts.

Visit the Port City Pop-Ups website for full details.

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