"It is not often that we start an evaluation with five stars and fall to three by the end. This is the main reason why we start reviewing when we first sit down and finish review when we go out the door. Island Way is a casual restaurant/bar in the beach town of Oak Island NC. Besides the historic Oak Island Pier, this place has a simple exterior, but as always, not judge a book through its cover. Prices: A bit high, but this is a resort community. We spent $120 plus tip for two. The Great: Drinks were a **** Maria (maybe the best I ever had) and my companion Mermaid Water had a rum-based drink that is incredible! She loved it and I too. Big kiss to the bartender! The good: service was sufficient. Our waiter was young and inexperienced, but tried very hard, mostly. She was tipped nicely and appropriately. We started with the crab removal, which is very good, would recommend. The average: We both had the flounder with Neptune sauce. Often the guts of the other are prepared differently. Not this time. The Neptune sauce was excellent. But the Flounder was overcooked, crusty and tough at the edges, or left under a heat lamp too long. Not good. We had the worst place in the house safely outside the door from inside to the outside terrace. The staff is constantly in and out as you would expect. It would be difficult for me to give a good overall recommendation for Island Way. I'll let you do that. When we first arrived, the hostess asked if we had reservations. Even at a week night, you might want to call first. Final class: 3 stars"
