Nestled in the heart of the Kings Grant Neighborhood in Wilmington, North Carolina, Milner’s Cafe & Catering is a culinary treasure waiting to be uncovered. Amidst bustling car lots and the traffic of Market Street, this unassuming yet remarkable eatery might escape your notice if you are not in the know.
I first crossed paths with Milner’s about a year and a half ago when I inherited Tara Speth, the visionary behind Milner’s, as a client at my digital marketing agency, Outer Banks Media. Tara is a loyal client since 2009, a testament to the enduring charm of Milner’s.
Known far and wide in the Wilmington area, Milner’s Cafe & Catering has left its delectable mark on countless occasions, from weddings to corporate gatherings. It is the go-to destination for those seeking custom-crafted menus that delight the palate.
Fair warning, this place does have illusive hours, Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 3 PM. There have been several times that I have been in Wilmington on the weekends and have missed out on this craving, so you might need to plan accordingly!
Use this as your guide to eating at Milner’s Cafe and Catering in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Eating at Milner’s Cafe & Catering
Taylor and I had our first Milner’s experience back in October 2022 when his unit in the Marine Core was stationed in Jacksonville. We took the journey to Market Street together and were totally surprised at what was in store for us at this charming cafe!
Upon arrival, the location might initially confound you. The bistro is nestled within a business park, on a side street off a bustling six-lane thoroughfare, surrounded by car dealerships, crane rentals, and commercial enterprises.
But fear not! You will soon be swiftly greeted by a vibrant neon sign that practically begs you to enter.
Food Ordering and Dining Options
As you approach to park at Milner’s, you will notice bistro seating along the sidewalk, beckoning you to enjoy some fresh air, and to the side of the cafe, a spacious, rocked patio, with picnic tables and umbrellas. There is plenty of parking spaces typically available close to the door.
While Taylor and I opted for a dine-in experience on that particular day, it’s worth noting that Milner’s Cafe & Catering also offers convenient online delivery and ordering options.
Menus are conveniently placed within arm’s reach as you cross the threshold. Ordering is a breeze thanks to the friendly counter service!
Bistro atmosphere
Every detail, from the floor tiles to the decor, is impeccably coordinated. A soothing shade of green pervades Milner’s space (and their entire branding) complemented by an abundance of natural light.
Scattered at different tables are regulars. They chat about local happenings and are comfortable.
The addition of house plants further enhances the calming atmosphere. Don’t get me started about the bathroom, by the way! I had to make myself leave there – it was gorgeous, clean, and well-stocked with supplies!
Some may refer to Milner’s as a “hole in the wall,” but in truth, it’s more akin to a bustling hive of activity. The open kitchen concept invites customers to glimpse into the culinary magic happening back in the back.
Personally, I often gravitate toward the corner booth for the perfect vantage point to witness the culinary team in action.
It is food as it should be, with a well-managed front and back-of-the-house staff.
Milner’s Cafe & Catering Food Recommendations
We recommend not being afraid to order off the menu at Milner’s! Almost any sandwich, wrap, or flatbread can be personalized to your liking.
You can load up any dish down to the cheese, add-ons, and house-made sauces and dressings. Even for breakfast, you can create your own breakfast wrap, build on to an already existing omelet, or make a grits bowl full of meat or veggies.
If you are trying to stick to the menu, here are some of my favorite recommendations from Milner’s Cafe & Catering.
Weekly Breakfast and Lunch Specials
Check out the mounted TV that showcases the weekly breakfast and lunch specials before you order, You might be intrigued to try one of their coveted featured breakfast wraps or soup of the day, available from Tuesdays through Fridays.
Be sure to check out their social media to see what the featured meals of the week are. Sometimes meals are named after those regular customers we mentioned early.
Milner’s Tomato Basil soup
Milner’s Tomato Basil Soup is nothing short of spectacular. If you’ve been one to claim you’re not a fan of tomato soup, I implore you to reconsider, for you’ve likely never had the pleasure of savoring this culinary masterpiece.
Tara, the creative genius behind Milner’s, once graciously shared with me the secret recipe for her legendary soup. However, I quickly realized that her generosity was a bit of a tease because recreating this masterpiece at home remains an elusive goal. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about the tomatoes themselves.
Milner’s Tomato Basil Soup owes its signature flavor to a carefully selected type of tomato that only Tara and her team are privy to. They go the extra mile by sourcing these tomatoes from a special supplier, ensuring that each batch of soup maintains its unparalleled taste.
Now, here’s a little insider tip for you soup enthusiasts! Whenever I visit Milner’s, I make sure to leave with a mason jar of this liquid gold. Initially, there’s a $20 buy-in, but the beauty of it is that subsequent refills are a steal at just $15 each. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, providing you with a taste of Milner’s soup from the comfort of home.
However, there is a minor catch when opting for the mason jar: You’ll miss out on the delightful baguette that accompanies each cup or bowl of soup when enjoyed in the cafe. It’s a small sacrifice for the privilege of taking a piece of Milner’s culinary excellence home with you.
Ahi tuna salad
If you’re in search of the perfect beach companion, look no further than Milner’s Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad.
Crisp red onions add a hint of sharpness, while English cucumbers bring a refreshing crunch. Julienne carrots add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying bite, as grape tomatoes burst with juicy goodness.
The heart of this dish, the ahi tuna, exemplifies Milner’s dedication to sourcing only the finest ingredients. Milner’s commitment to sourcing locally when possible ensures that these vegetables and proteins are at the peak of freshness, infusing the salad with a burst of farm-fresh goodness.
Black bean quinoa burger with housemade chips
Vegetarians will rejoice at the selections available at Milner’s. My personal favorite veggie dish is the Black Bean Quinoa Burger.
The Black Bean Quinoa Burger strikes a harmonious balance between being light and incredibly satisfying. The patty, crafted from black beans and quinoa, provides a filling yet not overly heavy meal.
Each patty is made from scratch and garnished perfectly with garlic aioli.
I like to pair this burger with Milner’s housemade chips. There is even a sweet potato option!
About Milner’s Cafe & Catering
- Cuisine: American
- Location: 311 Judges Road, Suite 1A
- Phone Number: (910) 350-8899
- Website: http://www.milnerscafeandcatering.com/
- Hours: 7 AM. to 3 PM, Monday-Friday
- Price range: $6 to $15
- Atmosphere: Milner’s offers an intimate, laid-back atmosphere that is both welcoming and casual.
- We say: Try the soup even if it is summertime and keep your eye out for the regularly updated weekly specials.
