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Pp - Tequilas Waterfront, Wilmington, NC

Tequilas Waterfront

3.9
3.9
116 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
  • Lively
  • Great for scenic views
  • Great for outdoor dining
A culinary collaboration between Tequila Comida & Cantina and Marina Grill, infusing the vibrant flavors of Mexico into the heart of Wilmington’s waterfront. Established in 2018 by Chef Ramon Villasenor and Miguel Villasenor, Tequila Comida & Cantina has teamed up with Marina Grill to create an exceptional dining experience.

Nestled beside the Riverfront Park and boasting an extraordinary view of the Riverfront Marina, Tequila’s Waterfront offers a unique setting. Our spacious outdoor area is the perfect spot to enjoy live music during the summer months. Located next door to the Riverfront Park, home to the Live Oak Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater hosting open-air concerts and entertainment, we invite you to savor the magic of Mexican cuisine amid cultural warmth and breathtaking views.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex, Traditional Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (910) 408-4805
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Wilmington
  • Cross street
    Next to Marina Grill, at the roundabout of Harnett St. & Nutt St.
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Additional Parking Information:<br />Park on our waterfront pier, located behind Tequila's Waterfront &amp; Marina Grill (around the roundabout and behind both restaurants) for easy access to delicious dining. Additional parking available on the second and third floors of the Metropolitan Garage, just a stone's throw away at 41 Harnett St. <br /><br />Public Transit Stops:<br />Route 203 stop at Harnett St. /Pavilion: 4-minute walk.<br />Route 101 stop at MedNorth Health Center: 8-minute walk.<br />Padgett Station Transit: 12-minute walk.

What 116 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9
3.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Kid-friendly

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Lively

  • Wilmington

    Hot spot

  • Wilmington

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Wilmington

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tequilas Waterfront offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning river views and "super yummy" food. Guests praise the "wonderful service" and delicious margaritas. While some experienced slow service and reservation issues, the lively ambiance and tasty dishes like guacamole make it a "new favorite spot." Enjoy a fun dining experience by the water!

116 Reviews
  1. Steve

    Baltimore

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Overall review: at least the drinks were cold! Seriously though here’s my honest thoughts: 1. The salsa was very mid-tier. Very tomatoey in a pasta sauce kind of way, almost tasted jarred (very well could be) 2. the flautas appetizer was ok. Overcooked, and they drenched them in sauces, which were ok but the problem is, let me choose which sauce to dip in. I don’t like that it was drenched. 3. We got two entrees, the pastor tacos were simply not good. It clearly wasnt pork slow roasted authentically, and it was way over sauced. My enchiladas suizas were drenched in this melted cheese that was overbearing and made everything mushy. Green sauce was good but the cheese killed the dish 4. The side rice, which we all know is important part of a good Mexican plate of food, was perfumey and overcooked. 5. The seating is strangely uncomfortable. These metal chairs that almost scream “we churn tables by making you uncomfortable”. The lighting was too bright for an evening timeframe and it was extremely loud in the restaurant. 6. The staff was nice and the drinks were good. Overall I don’t recommend this spot.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded 7 days ago
    Thank you for your review, Steve. We are a bright, vibrant restaurant that can get loud when busy. Our salsa is made fresh in house. We are sorry you didn't have the experience we would have liked for you. I would like to invite you back to try some different entrees. Our pastor tacos are grilled pork cooked with mole sauce. But, for slow roasted pork, I would suggest the Cochinita Pibil. I'll bet that is more what you were looking for. And, we would be glad to put any sauce on the side for you upon request. We appreciate your honesty, Steve. We work every day to improve and make our customers experience a good one.

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  2. Jennifer

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food!! Outside patio offers great views! Highly recommend!
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded 7 days ago
    We love out patios! And, we love your review, Jennifer! Come see us again soon!

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  3. Jack

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This Mexican restaurant is definitely something to try! It has a very vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality. The menu offers a fantastic variety of authentic dishes, each with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. I LOVE the guacamole. I will definitely be coming back.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on October 24, 2024
    Thank you for coming in, Jack! And, for the great review! Come on back for some more guacamole! We make it fresh every day!

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  4. Jill

    Wilmington

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Restaurant vibe is nice. Server was so polite and friendly. Margaritas were great and the guacamole and carne asada were delicious!
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on October 12, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for the review, Jill! Come see us again soon!

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  5. Jacki

    Greensboro

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 28, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Quacamole was excellent. Food was sort of bland. Very nice view of the river front row of porta John’s. Got ripped off with drinks. Waiter didn’t mention there would be a 9.00 up charge for tequila in a 13.00 margarita, making a very average drink 22.00. I did not ask for an upgrade in tequila, and assume alcohol is included in the basic cost of a mixed drink. Didn’t feel like hassling about it. Waiter was very average with service and seemed pained to be there. However, I did do a 20% tip. It was such a basic and bland experience, except for that knock your socks off guacamole, and being overcharged by 18.00 for 2 mixed drinks, and having to pay to park, it was not worth it at all. I frequently come to Wilmington but will NOT go back to THIS place. Staring at portable toilets when expecting a beautiful river view was also a let down. 100 for 3 people you hope for a very good experience. Didn’t appreciate that mess about the mixed drinks either.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on October 3, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for the review, Jacki. We appreciate your feedback. We did have portable toilets out for PierPaloosa that was going on all afternoon and evening. And, you are welcome to park on the pier for free on any day or night that there is not a special event. We would love to make your experience right. Please reach out to the restaurant at 910-408-4805. We don't want you paying for things that were not accurate.

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  6. Erin

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I recently dined at this spot and unfortunately, the food was a major letdown. The dishes lacked flavor, and the salsa tasted more like plain tomato paste than anything with a kick. I was really disappointed in the overall quality of the food. On the bright side, our waitress was fantastic—very attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. The margaritas were also a highlight—refreshing and well-made. While I wouldn’t recommend coming here for the food, the drinks and service make it a decent place to meet up with friends for a round of cocktails. I’ll likely stop by again for drinks, but I’ll be steering clear of the menu next time.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on October 3, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for the review, Erin. We are constantly working to improve. Thank you, again! Come back by for Margarita Mondays or Taco Tuesdays!

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  7. Anne

    Raleigh

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had dinner at Tequila's Waterfront last night with some friends. The service was very good as was the food. It's a great location looking out at the river. They had gotten one of the orders wrong but were quick to correct it. I'd go again.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on October 3, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for the review, Anne! We appreciate you! Come see us again soon!

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  8. Ashlyn

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Staff was a bit slower than expected, but food and drinks were decent.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on September 25, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for your review, Ashlyn! Come try us out again on Margarita Mondays or Taco Tuesdays!

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  9. Russ

    Charlotte

    14 reviews

    1.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Making an OpenTable reservation is not a real reservation. You can select “standard” table but may be seated at the bar. And your table won’t be ready when you’re there. And they won’t accommodate your request even if tables are available. They’re quite rude about it. Also, our food came an hour and 45 minutes after our reservation time - cold.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on September 4, 2024
    We are sorry your experience wasn't up to par. As a policy, we don't sit reservations at the bar. We do have a number of high-top tables that are used as seating options along with our low-top tables. We have the same options for our patrons on our patios. We'd love to bring you back in and try for a better experience. Please reach out to the restaurant at 910-408-4805.

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  10. Carie Ann

    Greensboro

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for dinner on a reservation for a party of 10. We were sat immediately. They took drink and dip order for queso and guacamole which were great but brought no waters and drinks for 15 minutes later. Food was outstanding but service was horrible. Food runners were rude and slung your plates down with attitude. Had to chase down waitress for refills and check. A large gratuity was preadded so I assume that is why it was a slack service. The ambience and food were good so it’s a shame the service wasn’t. I’d try one more time with a smaller party to see if it’s any better.
    Tequilas WaterfrontResponded on September 4, 2024
    Thank you for coming in and for your review, Carie Ann. We are sorry service was not up to snuff. We do have an auto-gratuity for parties of 10 or more as stated on our menu. We would love to bring you back in for a better experience. Please reach out the restaurant at 910-408-4805. Thanks again!

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FAQs

Tequilas Waterfront is rated 3.9 stars by 116 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Google Map for Tequilas Waterfront

14 Harnett St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Next to Marina Grill, at the roundabout of Harnett St. &amp; Nutt St.
  • Neighborhood
    Wilmington
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Tex-Mex, Traditional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Additional Parking Information:Park on our waterfront pier, located behind Tequila's Waterfront & Marina Grill (around the roundabout and behind both restaurants) for easy access to delicious dining. Additional parking available on the second and third floors of the Metropolitan Garage, just a stone's throw away at 41 Harnett St. Public Transit Stops:Route 203 stop at Harnett St. /Pavilion: 4-minute walk.Route 101 stop at MedNorth Health Center: 8-minute walk.Padgett Station Transit: 12-minute walk.
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