This North Carolina Restaurant Is Quietly Celebrated For Its Onion Rings
Walking into The Copper Penny feels like discovering a secret treasure hiding in plain sight. Everyone talks about their onion rings, but nobody quite captures what makes them legendary until you taste one yourself.
Located at 109 Chestnut St, Wilmington, this energetic saloon has built a cult following that extends far beyond the Cape Fear region. North Carolina knows how to keep its best culinary secrets tucked away in unassuming downtown corners.
The moment you step through the door, the buzz of happy diners and the aroma of beer batter frying tells you everything you need to know. This place earned its spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Guy Fieri’s reaction to those onion rings became instant television gold.
The wooden booths, the friendly staff, and the massive beer selection create an atmosphere that feels both welcoming and exciting. Whether you’re a local or just passing through Wilmington, The Copper Penny delivers an experience that sticks with you long after your last bite.
1. Beer-Battered Onion Rings That Stop Conversations
The onion rings at The Copper Penny arrive at your table like edible sculptures. Each ring measures several inches across, coated in a Guinness beer batter that achieves a golden crispiness most kitchens only dream about.
The double-dip, double-batter process creates layers of texture that crunch audibly with every bite.
What sets these apart is the thoughtful preparation that happens long before they hit the fryer. The buttermilk-beer wash tenderizes the onion while the seasoned flour coating adds complexity beyond simple salt.
They freeze the rings after battering, which helps that coating stay intact when you bite down.
Guy Fieri famously told them to keep the onion rings away from him on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, a backhanded compliment that spoke volumes. The restaurant sells up to 150 pounds daily, often running out before closing time.
Fresh fryer oil changed once or twice daily ensures every batch tastes as clean and crisp as the first. These rings have become the restaurant’s calling card, the dish that brings people back repeatedly and converts skeptics into believers with a single taste.
2. The 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich Everyone Orders
Named after the restaurant’s street address, this sandwich represents everything The Copper Penny does right. Thinly sliced chicken breast gets layered with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a proprietary sauce that ties everything together.
The bread arrives soft and slightly toasted, sturdy enough to hold the generous filling without falling apart.
Customers rave about the customization options, swapping mushrooms for jalapeños to add a spicy kick that transforms the flavor profile completely. The chicken stays moist and tender, never dry or overcooked, which speaks to the kitchen’s attention to timing.
Each component tastes fresh, from the crisp lettuce to the ripe tomato slices.
Reviews consistently mention this sandwich as a must-order item, with visitors claiming it’s the best chicken sandwich they’ve experienced in years. The portion size justifies the price, leaving diners satisfied without feeling uncomfortably stuffed.
It earned its spot on the DDD feature alongside the onion rings, proving The Copper Penny excels beyond their famous appetizer. The 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich has become synonymous with the restaurant itself, a signature dish that defines their approach to elevated pub food.
3. Hot Roasted Pork Sandwich With Au Jus
Slow-roasted pork becomes the star of this sandwich that Guy Fieri also highlighted during his visit. The meat arrives tender and juicy, shredded just enough to create texture while maintaining substantial bite-sized pieces.
Sharp provolone cheese melts over the warm pork, adding a tangy richness that complements the meat’s natural sweetness.
The au jus dipping sauce elevates this from good to exceptional, providing moisture and concentrated flavor with every dunk. Customers mention how the bread holds up remarkably well despite the juicy nature of both the pork and the dipping sauce.
The sandwich comes together as a complete experience rather than just assembled ingredients.
Many reviews specifically call out this sandwich as a reason to return, with some claiming they drove hours just to taste it again. The preparation method ensures the pork stays moist without becoming mushy, a balance that requires skill and attention.
Unlike many pork sandwiches that rely heavily on barbecue sauce, this version lets the quality of the meat shine through. The Hot Roasted Pork Sandwich represents comfort food executed at a high level, proving The Copper Penny takes every menu item seriously.
4. Cheesesteak Egg Rolls That Bend Reality
Taking two beloved foods and merging them sounds risky, but The Copper Penny pulls it off brilliantly. These egg rolls arrive golden and crispy, filled with seasoned steak, melted cheese, and peppers that capture the essence of a Philadelphia cheesesteak.
The wrapper provides a satisfying crunch that gives way to the savory, gooey interior.
You get six egg rolls per order, making them perfect for sharing or keeping entirely to yourself if you’re feeling greedy. The filling stays hot without burning your mouth, a testament to proper cooking technique and timing.
Each bite delivers that perfect ratio of crispy exterior to flavorful filling.
Customers frequently mention these as a must-try appetizer, with some claiming they think about them long after leaving Wilmington. The kitchen manages to keep the wrapper crispy even when the cheese inside melts completely, avoiding the sogginess that plagues lesser versions.
These egg rolls represent the kind of creative menu development that keeps The Copper Penny feeling fresh and exciting. They’ve become almost as famous as the onion rings, earning their own dedicated following among regulars who order them every single visit without fail.
5. Wings That Rewrite Your Expectations
The wings at The Copper Penny arrive impressively large, meaty, and cooked to crispy perfection. You can choose two sauces per order, with options like Fire Dry Rub and Honey Chipotle bringing different heat levels and flavor profiles.
The kitchen doesn’t skimp on the meat, giving you substantial bites rather than mostly bone and skin.
Multiple reviews describe these as the best wings people have had in years, which says something in a market saturated with wing joints. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy meat that pulls cleanly from the bone.
The sauces coat evenly without making the wings soggy, maintaining that crucial texture contrast.
The Fire Dry Rub delivers bold spice without overwhelming the chicken’s natural flavor, while the Honey Chipotle balances sweetness with smoky heat. Customers appreciate the generous portion sizes that actually satisfy hunger rather than serving as mere appetizers.
The wings demonstrate The Copper Penny’s commitment to quality across their entire menu, not just their famous dishes. Whether you prefer dry rubs or saucy coatings, these wings deliver satisfaction that keeps people coming back specifically for them.
6. Sweet Potato Fries That Convert Skeptics
Sweet potato fries often disappoint, arriving limp and overly sweet without the satisfying crunch regular fries provide. The Copper Penny changes that narrative completely with their version that achieves the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.
They cut them by hand, which creates irregular shapes that crisp up beautifully in the fryer.
The fries arrive hot and golden, seasoned just enough to enhance their natural sweetness without overwhelming it. They pair them with a spicy ketchup that adds a kick regular ketchup can’t match.
The texture stays consistent throughout the serving, avoiding the common problem where bottom fries turn soggy.
Reviews specifically call out these fries as a revelation, with customers claiming they didn’t disappoint in the slightest. The hand-cut approach means each fry offers a slightly different eating experience, keeping things interesting from first bite to last.
These fries work equally well as a side dish or a snack to share while waiting for entrees. The Copper Penny proves that attention to detail matters even with something as simple as sweet potato fries, elevating a common side into something memorable and worth ordering again.
7. Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich With Attitude
Hot honey has become trendy, but The Copper Penny was serving this flavor combination before it exploded nationwide. Their version features hand-breaded chicken breast fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.
The heat builds gradually, warming your palate without overwhelming the sweetness.
Pickles provide acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken and honey, creating balance that makes this sandwich surprisingly easy to finish. The brioche bun stays soft yet sturdy, absorbing just enough sauce without disintegrating.
Each component plays its role perfectly, from the crispy coating to the tender chicken inside.
Multiple reviews declare this the tastiest hot honey chicken sandwich they’ve ever experienced, which speaks volumes given how many restaurants now offer similar items. The kitchen nails the chicken preparation, ensuring it stays juicy inside while maintaining that crucial crispy exterior.
The hot honey glaze adds complexity without masking the quality of the chicken itself. This sandwich represents The Copper Penny’s ability to take current food trends and execute them at a level that exceeds expectations, proving they’re not just riding waves but setting standards others struggle to match.
8. The Atmosphere That Feels Like Home
The Copper Penny occupies a space in historic downtown Wilmington that feels both timeless and welcoming. Wooden booths line the walls, offering comfortable seating that encourages lingering over meals and conversations.
TVs scattered throughout provide entertainment without dominating the space, creating a true pub atmosphere where sports fans and food lovers coexist happily.
The slightly worn interior adds authentic charm rather than feeling neglected, giving the place character that sterile chain restaurants can never replicate. Large tables accommodate groups easily, making it perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings.
The bar area buzzes with energy, staffed by bartenders who know their craft and their regulars.
Customers consistently mention the welcoming vibe, with the owner often stopping by tables to chat and ensure satisfaction. This personal touch creates a sense of community that transforms first-time visitors into regulars.
The location puts you steps from the Riverwalk, perfect for burning time during busy periods when tables fill quickly. The Copper Penny has cultivated an environment where everyone feels comfortable, whether you’re dressed up or casual, dining alone or with a crowd.
That inclusive atmosphere enhances every meal, making good food taste even better.
9. Service That Actually Cares
Servers at The Copper Penny strike the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, checking in without hovering or rushing you through your meal. Servers appear repeatedly in reviews, with customers praising their friendliness, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm.
They remember faces, make recommendations based on preferences, and handle busy shifts without losing their composure.
The owner’s hands-on approach sets the tone for the entire staff, creating a culture where customer satisfaction matters deeply. When mistakes happen, they address them promptly and professionally rather than making excuses.
The team works together seamlessly, with food arriving quickly even during peak hours.
Reviews mention servers going above and beyond, from accommodating substitutions to ensuring drinks stay filled throughout meals. The bartenders demonstrate equal skill and friendliness, managing multiple orders while maintaining conversation with patrons.
This level of service doesn’t happen accidentally but results from careful hiring and training. The Copper Penny proves that great food needs great service to create memorable dining experiences.
Their staff transforms good meals into occasions worth celebrating, treating every customer like a valued regular, regardless of whether it’s their first or fiftieth visit to the restaurant.
10. The Beer Selection That Impresses Enthusiasts
The Copper Penny lives up to its pub identity with an extensive beer selection that satisfies both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts. Microbrews dominate the tap list, featuring local North Carolina breweries alongside respected national craft options.
Bottles and cans expand the choices further, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
The staff demonstrates genuine knowledge about their offerings, making recommendations based on taste preferences and food pairings. They rotate selections regularly, keeping the menu fresh and giving regulars reasons to try something new.
The beer list complements the food menu perfectly, with options ranging from light lagers to heavy stouts.
Nightly drink specials make exploring the selection affordable, encouraging customers to venture beyond their usual choices. The bar maintains their draft lines meticulously, ensuring every pour tastes as the brewer intended.
This attention to detail extends beyond just stocking popular brands to curating a thoughtful selection. The Copper Penny understands that beer matters to their customers, treating it with the same respect they give their food.
Whether you’re a beer geek seeking rare finds or someone who just wants a cold one with dinner, their selection delivers satisfaction without pretension or intimidation.
11. Quality Standards That Never Slip
Behind every great meal at The Copper Penny lies a commitment to quality that guests might not see but definitely taste. The kitchen changes fryer oil daily, sometimes twice during busy periods, ensuring nothing tastes stale or carries off-flavors from previous batches.
They prepare their famous onion rings fresh every morning, never cutting corners despite the labor-intensive process.
The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients over frozen shortcuts, making items like hand-breaded chicken tenders and hand-cut fries that showcase the difference quality makes. They maintain consistent portions and preparation methods, so your favorite dish tastes the same whether you visit on a Monday afternoon or a Saturday night.
This reliability builds trust with customers who know exactly what to expect.
Even during challenging times like the pandemic, when they temporarily removed labor-intensive items like onion rings to streamline operations, they maintained standards on everything else. When those items returned, they came back at the same quality level that made them famous.
The Copper Penny proves that maintaining high standards requires constant vigilance and commitment, not just good intentions. Their refusal to compromise on quality explains why they’ve built such a loyal following in a competitive restaurant market.
12. The Wait That Proves Popularity
On most days, especially weekends, you’ll wait at least thirty minutes for a table at The Copper Penny, located at 109 Chestnut St, Wilmington. Rather than viewing this as a problem, it serves as proof of the restaurant’s popularity and quality.
The hostess system works efficiently, texting you when your table is ready so you can explore the nearby Riverwalk instead of crowding the entrance.
The limited number of tables creates an intimate atmosphere that larger restaurants can’t replicate, though it means planning ahead during peak times. Bar seating offers a first-come, first-served alternative for those who don’t want to wait or prefer the energy of sitting near the action.
The wait time remains consistent, suggesting they’re not rushing tables to increase turnover at the expense of customer experience.
Once seated, food arrives surprisingly quickly despite the crowds, indicating a well-organized kitchen that handles volume without sacrificing quality. Many customers report the wait feeling worthwhile once they taste the food, with some claiming they’d wait even longer.
The Copper Penny has earned its lines through years of consistent excellence rather than trendy hype that fades quickly. That wait time validates every positive review and recommendation, serving as tangible evidence that something special happens inside those walls, worth experiencing yourself.
