Flying Machine Oyster Bar

Our dining experience was good, up until the entrees arrived. My dates, calabashket was hearty, however there was no trace of seasoning. The fish, oysters, and shrimp were well battered, but no seasoning in sight. The oysters were extremely fresh, and the crab biscuits were tasty.

We sampled the local oysters. Very good and reasonably priced. The other small plates and starters we tried were average. Most disappointing were that the tables and chairs were beyond sticky. This experience is best described as an upscale dive bar. That said, the selection of beers was very good and all the drink prices were well priced. Overall experience was Meh.

Great oysters and wonderful service! The food not so much. Shrimp tostados were covered in some sauce that was not great. The scallops were drowned in a creamy corn sauce. Very limited wine selection. But for drinks and oysters it is fun.

Very disappointed. Our second time here and our last. Totally booked a res for our anniversary based on their online menu. Got there and the menu was totally different. Asked if they could make a drink that was posted online and they said no. Several specials that were listed were also on the menu- for more money. They need to pull it together if they want to stay in business on WB. Sloppy.

Went to based on reviews so writing this to say do not go. There are so many good restaurants in Wilmington and this is not one. Oysters were small and soupy even in season and hard to find in fried oysters. Salad was just lettuce. Waste of money even though service was ok.

Our server made my partners birthday so special! I wish I remembered his name! We just moved to the area and will become regular guests because of his service! Thank you!

The hostess initially told us we would have to wait 15 minutes for a table so we went to the bar. Our table was ready before we even got our drinks.

Great Valentines Day Date Spot. Great food and service. Special cocktail for the evening a peach and berry margarita was truly wonderful. Loved the raw oysters the most of all the food we tried, and both types we tried were incredible. Will definitely be back.

Great staff and good food. Oyster special is really great. Our server was especially nice. Looking forward to our next visit.

Loved it! Music was not loud and were able to enjoy conversations. There was enough room between tables. Great!

The place was really good, but our server Josh made it great. Plus, they have One dollar oyster specials.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

All so good! A little loud and chaotic at dinner hour with families and young kids, but crowd thinned and vibe got better. Friendly servers and great menu offering. Crab cakes were great, along with the grits, fried dish/shrimp portions were generous. Bonus for Monday night 1/2 price wine and $1 oysters.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Monday Night 1 Oysters

Flying Machine just keeps getting better and better! The servers are exceptional- always super attentive and kind. Their regular menu is great. We love trying their creative specials. Our favorite regular menu items include baked or fried oysters, shrimp and grits, and any of the fish specials. Desserts are yummy, cocktails, wine, and beer are all fantastic and beautifully presented. We appreciate how the service, food, and beverages are all upscale but the vibe inside their dining room is casual and chill. Can’t wait to go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We looked forward to trying Flying Machine Oyster Bar and were disappointed.

I'll start with the positives:
The lady shucking the raw oysters, was a sweet heart.
There are multiple local oysters on the menu and they are delicious.

The neutral:
Our hostess was unable to seat us in a timely manner. The person in front of us was getting takeout. Somehow, tending to the lady waiting on takeout took over 5 minutes and there was a line building behind us. The hostess was a young lady, lots to learn, not a big deal, but I wanted to mention it.

Next, the negatives:
It took an "above average" amount of minutes for our server to greet us, even more to get some waters, and even more to take our drink order.
Additionally, when we were seated, we were not provided the oyster menu. Our server is supposed to make sure we have all menus.
Our drinks, when we got them, weren't the best. The drinks felt as if they hung out at the bar too long and the ice melt influenced the drink quality.
Crazily, as I finished my drink, I noticed my it was cracked at the rim. Fortunately I didn't get cut by this glass. Our server assured us she'd take care of the cup. (I hope she did dispose of the cup properly as I didn't feel she was genuinely concerned based on the service received up to this point)
Also, when our water was refilled, the water was murky... and against my better judgement, I took a sip: it was gross, like bad tap water mixed with old seafood.

Final bits:
Our server appeared "checked out", thus doing the bare minimum with us. I don't write many reviews but this was an exceptionally poor experience.

Excellent service and delicious food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Monday Night 1 Oysters