Downtown Wilmingtonās Cargo District is home to a smash burger specialistĀ that grinds fresh meat daily and creates made-to-order patties with crispy edges and juicy centers.
Mess HallĀ transformed the local burger scene by keeping things refreshingly simpleāa streamlined menu focused entirely on perfecting a few signature items rather than overwhelming diners with endless options. šÆ
Every burger arrives on a softĀ potato rollĀ accompanied by crunchy tots, and theĀ house-made vegan pattiesĀ prove that plant-based options can satisfy even the most devoted carnivores.
How Mess Hall won Wilmingtonās hearts
Sam Steger opened Mess Hall in 2020 with a clear vision: create aĀ relaxed gathering spotĀ where friends and family could enjoy exceptional burgers without pretension.
The restaurantās commitment toĀ grinding meat in-houseĀ and making everything fresh from scratch immediately set them apart in Wilmingtonās competitive burger landscape. š„©
The intentionallyĀ limited menuĀ became a strength rather than a weakness, allowing the kitchen to achieve absolute perfection on every item.
The signatureĀ āmess sauceā that appears across multiple menu items has developed a loyal following among regulars who canāt get enough of the tangy, creamy flavor. šÆ
The restaurantās location in Wilmingtonās trendyĀ Cargo DistrictĀ creates a casual, outdoor-friendly vibe perfect for bringing dogs, meeting friends, or grabbing a quick lunch.
The addition of breakfast options, served until 11 am, transformed the Mess Hall from a lunch-and-dinner destination into an all-day burger haven that keeps customers coming back throughout the day. š
Food Highlights
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Samburger: TheĀ signature creation stacks two fresh-ground patties with cheddar, bacon, crispy onion straws, sweet caramelized onions, and signature mess sauce on a potato roll.
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Vegan Smashburger:Ā House-made plant-based patty with Kind Cultures vegan cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, and vegan secret sauce.
- Single Burger: AĀ kid-friendly option featuring one fresh-ground patty on a potato roll with tots provides the perfect portion size for younger diners or lighter appetites.
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Old Fashioned: AĀ classic combination featuring smash burger patties topped with cheddar, fresh lettuce, tomato, crunchy onion straws, and secret sauce delivers timeless burger satisfaction with an optional bacon upgrade. š„
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McWhat? AnĀ ingenious mashup inspired by McDonaldās secret menu combines a single beef patty with fried chicken tenders, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and secret sauce.
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Breakfast Burger: TheĀ morning favorite featuring a single patty topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, a fried egg, and mess sauce on a potato roll transforms breakfast into burger form perfectly. š³
- Carolina Burger: ThisĀ regional specialty loads two patties with cheddar cheese, Cheerwine chili, house slaw, and mustard to capture authentic North Carolina flavors in every messy bite.
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The Samdawg: ThisĀ hot dog creation featuring mess sauce, caramelized onions, bacon, and crispy onion straws delivers an unexpected flavor combination that surprises and delights. š
Atmosphere
TheĀ Cargo District locationĀ creates an industrial-chic vibe that feels perfectly suited to messy, delicious burgers enjoyed outdoors. š³
TheĀ relaxed, casual environmentĀ welcomes everyone from families with kids to groups of friends to solo diners grabbing a quick bite.
The outdoor seating area connects to neighboring businesses and Ruff Draft dog park, making it an ideal spot for bringing four-legged companions along.
The counter-service format keeps things moving efficiently while maintaining a friendly, approachable atmosphere that embodies downtown Wilmingtonās laid-back coastal charm.
Bottom Line
Visit forĀ fresh-ground smash burgers made in-house daily, the legendary Samburger with caramelized onions and mess sauce, house-made vegan options, breakfast served until 11 am, and casual Cargo District vibes. ā
Address:
2136 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401
š (910) 604-4927
š Open Mon-Sat, 7 AMā9 PM (closed Sun)