Inasmuch as Rx Chicken and Oysters is housed in a drugstore building, one might say it is just the medicine Wilmington, North Carolina needs to eat hyper local. After owning and operating Rx Restaurant & Bar since 2012, executive chef James Doss and his wife Sarah put a twist on their reopening with, as they describe it, “a more casual and accessible menu.” Located in the Castle Street District near downtown, this spot offers Carolina cooking done right.
While plenty of restaurants inland serve seafood that has traveled a few hours before it gets to your plate, and fresh-caught seafood is common at the coast, the team at Rx has their own commercial fishing and dealers licenses allowing them to sell their catches, as well as taking care of your meal every step of the way. They are, notes Chef Doss, “spearing their own fish, focusing mainly on the invasive yet delicious lionfish” close to 40 miles off the coast, as well as farming their own oysters near Topsail Sound, which can be eaten raw right off the shell or with a mignonette and house hot sauce with a squirt of fresh lemon juice, which is a popular style around town.
The Rx menu is driven by location, with most ingredients sourced within 100 miles. Sustainability is on their menu, too. “Wilmington Compost Company enables us to divert all of our food waste from the landfill. In addition, we are proud to be named a River-Friendly Business by Cape Fear River Watch, as well as a certified 5-Star Establishment by Ocean Friendly Establishments,” says Doss. With the waterways being such an important part of not only the Wilmington economy, but also the culture, locals love to know businesses are keeping the environment and river in mind when operating by the coast.
The Rx menu not only boasts seafood, but pork, chicken, burgers and unique desserts, too. Doss is proud to be sourcing local, pasture-raised and naturally fed chicken from Changin’ Ways Farm for delicious, crispy fried chicken. “Guests can also enjoy creative cocktails or mocktails, slushies like the Rx White Slussian, local beers, and a thoughtfully curated wine list,” says Doss.
Rx Chicken and Oysters dinner is offered Tuesday through Saturday, making for a perfect way to end a beach day, diving into all that North Carolina agriculture has to offer locals and visitors alike. What’s more, no waiting in line, with reservations available by phone or the Resy app.
AUTHOR
Restaurant and bar hopper in Raleigh NC. Love supporting local and small businesses and trying new things.
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