Business Profile: Amelia’s Backstreet Grille

Owner of Amelia’s Backstreet Grille in Ocean Isle Beach began his culinary career over 30 years ago.

Located across from Odell Williamson Airport in Ocean Isle Beach, Amelia’s Backstreet Grille bills itself as an “All-American bistro specializing in homemade dishes.”

Who is Amelia and why is she this restaurant’s namesake? Owner Steve Cuozzo says the name is a tribute to Amelia Earhart, the famed American aviator, because of the proximity of the restaurant to the airport.

Amelia’s Backstreet Grille opened its doors in 2019 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week. Cuozzo developed the unique menu, which includes Charleston Benedict or Mediterranean Omelet for breakfast, Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad or Black Bean Veggie Burger for lunch and Eggplant Rollatini or Shrimp Creole for dinner. One of the house specialties is the 16-ounce ribeye steak aged for 28-days. Amelia’s Favorite Omelet, Amelia’s Burger and Skinny Girl Shrimp are other favorite dishes, and homemade soups, gluten-free and vegan choices, traditional burgers and fresh local seafood are also on the menu. Specials are available daily, and all meals are made from scratch. The restaurant satisfies every palate from the traditional to the adventurous.

“We strive to put out high-quality food,” Cuozzo says. “We have a lot of talented people and do a lot of research. We are always searching for the best quality.”

Cuozzo says Amelia’s offers three meals a day because he wants to have something for everyone and is proud to say it is the only local restaurant that offers quiches. “Sunday Brunch is a winner,” he says.

Cuozzo understands the restaurant business, having been involved in it for 30 years. He began his career as a delicatessen clerk in New York and credits others he worked with in busy establishments for his business acumen. After moving to Brunswick County in 2010, he bought a café in Sunset Beach and named it Backstreet Grille. That restaurant didn’t serve dinner, and he thought he could offer the area more. When the space at Ocean Isle Beach Market Place became available, he took it.

Amelia’s is open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dinner menu is available from 2 to 9 p.m. The restaurant is open every day except Tuesday. Online menus are posted on the restaurant’s Facebook pages and at zmenu.com. Diners can eat indoors at tables or the full-service bar or enjoy their meal outdoors. They can also order online or have menu items catered.

Want to go?
Amelia’s Backstreet Grille
1564 Market Place Boulevard, Ocean Isle Beach
(910) 579-9200
ameliasoib.com
zmenu.com/amelias-grille-ocean-isle-beach-online-menu