+1 910-928-8028
Situated right on the tranquil waters of Surf City, JM’s On The Water is a coastal gem that delivers an exceptional dining experience infused with Southern charm and fresh seafood delights. Renowned for its vibrant menu featuring classic Lowcountry flavors, this restaurant invites you to savor everything from crisp, golden Fried Pickles and decadent Hot Crab Dip to succulent Snow Crab Clusters and expertly grilled Salmon. The signature Crab Cake Sandwich – a crowd favorite – offers a perfect balance of flaky, tender crab meat with a crispy exterior that melts in your mouth.
Every visit to JM’s is a sensory journey. Imagine starting with the creamy, rich Crab Dip accompanied by soft pita bread that beckons a perfect scoop. The boardwalk breeze mingles with the sizzling aroma of Fried Calamari and the irresistible zest of the Fried Green Tomatoes, creating an atmosphere that stimulates both appetite and spirit. For those seeking hearty indulgence, the Surf and Turf and JM’s Beef Tenderloin Hoagie stand out as satisfying options that blend robust flavors with perfect seasoning.
The ambiance is just as sumptuous as the food. Dine on the expansive back porch overlooking the glistening intercoastal waterway, where gentle waves and live, soulful music set the tone for a relaxed yet refined outing. Whether you’re settling in for an early lunch or unwinding over a sunset dinner, the attentive and warm service elevates the experience, making every guest feel genuinely welcomed. The thoughtfully curated drink selections complement the menu beautifully—from the zingy Peach Wheat Beer and refreshing Mimosas to an impressive roster of local and international beers on tap, including Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA and Wicked Weed Pernicious IPA, alongside a well-chosen selection of crisp white wines like Caposaldo Pinot Grigio and La Crema Chardonnay.
But what truly distinguishes JM’s On The Water is its undeniable vibe: a lively yet intimate destination where friends and family gather to celebrate good food, stunning views, and memorable moments. Customers consistently share their admiration for the crab dip's authenticity and the generous portions that ensure no one leaves hungry. Many highlight the soothing canal-side atmosphere paired with impeccable service, creating an ideal sanctuary amid Surf City’s scenic charm.
From casual gatherings to special occasions—JM’s proved to be the perfect backdrop for romantic dinners, celebratory elopements, and vibrant social outings alike. Every detail, from attentive staff to delicious, fresh-caught seafood, reflects the passion behind this beloved waterfront restaurant. If you find yourself in Topsail Island, missing out on JM’s On The Water simply isn’t an option.
Don’t pass up the CRAB DIP for starters! It’s the real deal. Excellent, attentive service, incredible food, great menu and a beautiful view! Live music and an outside bar adds to the excellence. JM’s is a whole vibe. What a dynamite place on the water!
We were told of this place from a local and we are so glad that we went. The food was absolutely amazing. We did a early lunch- which I recommend- and everything was so good. For appetizers we got bang bang shrimp and the crab dip. The bang bang shrimp let alone could be a meal- they were out of this world. The crab dip was very good and the pita bread was so soft. Our group got shrimp, grouper, fried green beans, fried zucchini, crab cakes, fried shrimp sand-which, burger and a kids grilled cheese. While all of the food was amazing, we really spoke high of the grouper, crab cakes and fried zucchini. The service was absolutely incredible as well. Our waitress(who I totally forgot her name, but had dinosaur tattoos) was one of the best, if not the best we have ever had. There was a mix up of our sweet tea and unsweetened tea and it turned out to be a huge joke with our table. We were so thankful for her awesome spirit we absolutely will return here this week or next year when we come back. Love, “Karen”
Nice, relaxing view of the inter-coastal waterway while dining on the back porch. Our waitress was friendly and attentive, however, she did struggle with the beverages available. Even if you do not drink them, it is good to familiarize yourself on what your establishment has available. Our crab dip was good, pita bread could have been more toasted for my liking~ to be able to dip them and scoop up the dip. My meal was good, the blackened scallops were plentiful and tender and rice pilaf was good.
My husband and I Eloped and had dinner with our 6 guests at JM’s, and it was everything we had hoped for. The manager worked with me beforehand to ensure everything we needed was taken care of. The staff was so helpful and attentive to our needs. We unfortunately have forgotten our waitresses name, but she was so quick in getting us what we needed, and very friendly!! They allowed me to surprise my dad with a father daughter dance on the dock. We could not have asked for a better experience!!! The food as always was great! My husband and I shared the steam pot for 2! The appetizers were amazing and shouting out the crab dip and crab stuffed mushrooms! We are so thankful for our experience there!
We came in during the dinner rush and were seated right away. The staff was friendly and the food was amazing and the portions were large. We sat outside by the canal and the weather was perfect. We will definitely return when we come back to Topsail again!
Great food, great service. And the atmosphere, right on the water, can’t be beat. This really was an overall great experience but the food was pricy. Shrimp and a chicken sandwich shouldn’t cost $50, which is why I only gave four stars. ( full disclosure, I did have two Red Stripe, still seemed pricy)