Winding River Grille

fRESH FLAVORS. BEAUTIFUL VIEWS. MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES...

Winding River Grille

Perched above the scenic fairways of Carolina National Golf Club, Winding River Grille is the perfect place to unwind after work, gather with friends, or enjoy a memorable meal with sweeping views of the course. Led by Executive Chef Presten Thompson, our culinary team creates seasonal menus that showcase fresh, locally inspired ingredients and elevated coastal flavors. Behind the bar, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of premium spirits, fine wines, local craft beers, and refreshing cocktails.

Whether you’re joining us after a round of golf, meeting friends for lunch, celebrating a special occasion, or hosting a private event, you’ll find warm hospitality, exceptional food, and one of Brunswick County’s most inviting dining destinations.

Winding River Grille serves lunch daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., along with Friday and Saturday Dinner service featuring rotating chef-inspired specials. Beyond great food, you’ll find a lively calendar of experiences throughout the year, including live music, trivia nights, karaoke, beer and wine pairing dinners, holiday celebrations, and other special events designed to bring friends and neighbors together.

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meet the chef

EXECUTIVE CHEF PRESTEN THOMPSON

With more than 20 years of culinary experience and over a decade leading professional kitchens, Executive Chef Presten Thompson brings a passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality to every plate. Before joining Winding River Grille, Chef Presten honed his craft at one of Wilmington’s well-regarded dining destinations, Origins Restaurant, where he developed a reputation for thoughtful, ingredient-driven cuisine and a commitment to culinary excellence.

At Winding River Grille, Chef Presten blends fresh, seasonal ingredients with familiar flavors to create dishes that are both approachable and thoughtfully crafted. His menus celebrate the best of coastal-inspired cuisine while embracing the comfort and hospitality that make guests feel at home.

Chef Presten believes that great dining is about more than just the meal—it’s about creating memorable experiences shared with family and friends. Whether you’re joining us for a casual lunch, Friday Pub Night, a chef-inspired dinner feature, or one of our signature events, his goal is simple: serve exceptional food, provide genuine hospitality, and create an experience that brings guests back time and time again.

Why You'll Love Winding River Grille

Clubhouse comfort: relaxed, friendly service in an Augusta-inspired setting with course views.
Consistent hours + extras: Lunch 11:00 AM–6:00 PM daily, Dinner Fri–Sat 5:00–8:00 PM, bar open through early evening.
Chef-driven variety: rotating Friday and Saturday dinner menus—always “something delicious and new.”
Easy for groups: unwind after a round or host a casual get-together—ask about larger parties.

Winding River Grille Hours

Lunch: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (daily)
Dinner: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Fri & Sat)
Bar: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sun–Thu) · 11:00 AM til you send us home! PM (Fri & Sat)

Note: hours and special menus can vary

Menu Highlights

Starters: Candied Sweet Potato Fries, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Tuna Tataki, and more..
Greens: Bacon Bleu, Herb Tomato, and more, all with “made-in-house” dressings
Handhelds & Wraps: Shrimp Roll, Cubano, Carolina Pork BBQ, and more…
Dinner: Steak Frites, Pork Ribeye, Shrimp & Grits, and more…

Winding River Grille Menus

There is always something delicious and new at Winding River Grille. Every Friday and Saturday night, Chef Presten is whipping up new and different specials for your enjoyment! Click on the links below to see our regular daily menu, as well as the special menus for this coming Friday and Saturday night!