Crust Kitchen & Cocktails is a recently opened restaurant that is already making a splash in downtown Wilmington. With its unique twist on classic American cuisine, this funky eatery is sure to surprise you with its creative concoctions and leave you wanting more. Take your pick from innovative sandwiches, salads, and fries while relaxing with a house-crafted cocktail. Don’t forget to top it off with fried cheesecake for dessert!
Comfort food with a creative twist
Taking a national favorite like the grilled cheese sandwich and dressing it up is no easy feat, but Crust has done just that with the ingenuity only experienced restaurateurs have. Two of its bestselling sandwiches are the Desperado, a rich and spicy sub featuring shaved rib eye steak, roasted jalapeño cream cheese, romaine, avocado, and cotija crust, and the Fresh Prince, a decadent combination of ham, figs, crispy brussel sprouts, goat cheese, and balsamic reduction. For first timers, owner Emily Luther recommends the mac n cheese and the Disco fries. Who can resist a plate of fusilli pasta in cheese sauce with buttered and toasted bread crumbs or fresh cut fries swimming in cheese sauce and gravy?
Newcomers downtown
Crust is 100% woman-owned with highly knowledgeable owners from the restaurant industry. Owners Emily Luther, Stacey McPherson, and chef Brian Di Giorgi have formed a solid team based on their business and culinary experience. They’ve worked to make Crust a fun and transparent space with a distinctive 90s theme and original menu. For them, the restaurant is a very personal endeavor. “It’s like having a dinner party. You want to make sure everyone is having a good time and enjoying the food. It’s really powerful,” says Emily. With its dynamic owners and chef and inventive culinary creations, Crust is certainly making a name for itself.
Locally owned, locally sourced
Situated in Wilmington’s lively downtown, Crust fits in nicely with the neighborhood. “It feels like family. It’s comfort food and it feels comfortable as well,” adds a member of the wait staff. An important part of the Crust business is to keep things local. That’s why the produce for the appetizing soups and salads is locally sourced. The menu was handcrafted by Stacey, Emily, and Brian, and the cocktails are original, too. If you’re in Wilmington while it’s hot, check out their “Should Have Been a Cowboy,” which features lemonade, cherry purée and bourbon, or a beer from a Wilmington-area brewery. Any of Crust’s speciality drinks pair nicely with Crust’s expansive back patio, which is ideal during a North Carolina summer.
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A fresh twist on American classics
The next time you’re in downtown Wilmington, give Crust Kitchen & Cocktails a try. Once you spot the flavorful lasagna, the great variety of sandwiches, and the fresh, summery gazpacho on the menu, you won’t want to go anywhere else. Crust also makes its menu available to all people with dietary needs by having vegan options and gluten-free bread available. Get ready to enjoy new school twists on old school classics!
History
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