Over the Falls in Wake Forest, NC

If you spend any time in Downtown Wake Forest, you know the energy here is different - it’s friendly, lively, and full of small-town charm. And right in the heart of it all is Over the Falls, a restaurant that locals frequent. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch, lingering over dinner with friends, or grabbing a curbside takeout order, Over the Falls has a way of making every visit feel like the right choice.

This locally loved spot is known for its relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere and a menu so big, it could take you several visits just to scratch the surface. It’s not just about quantity here - every dish is made with care, using quality ingredients and cooking methods that put flavor first. They’ve even swapped out seed oils for beef tallow in the fryer and use butter and olive oil for cooking, sauces, and dressings - because when you care about the little details, people notice.

A Week Full of Reasons to Stop By

Over the Falls has daily specials that make it tempting to plan your week around them:

Monday: Meatball Monday — comforting, hearty, and just the thing to kick off the week.
Tuesday: $1 Off Classic Sandwiches, Wraps & Pitas — your weekday lunch just got better.
Wednesday: House-Made Lasagna — rich, cheesy, and always a midweek hit.
Thursday: $1 Off All Appetizers — from She Crab Dip to flash-fried shrimp, it’s appetizer heaven.
Friday: Famous Fish Fry Friday — crispy, golden perfection that’s earned a loyal following.
Saturday: Cajun Shrimp & Grits — bold, flavorful, and a true Southern favorite.

And if you’re not in the mood for the daily special, their regular menu could keep you happily occupied for months.

Starters That Steal the Show

The meal often starts with a choice that’s anything but boring - plain or loaded house-made chips, crispy baby portobellos, or flash-fried cauliflower tossed in sauces like chipotle, buffalo, or their fiery “Red Dragon.” Fans of seafood will love the OTF Seared Tuna or Flash-Fried Calamari with banana peppers. And then there are the dips - creamy She Crab Dip, spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip, and fresh guacamole that pairs perfectly with their house chips.

Pizza, Flatbreads & More

Over the Falls is serious about their hand-tossed stone oven pizzas and flatbreads. From the meat-lover’s Meatarita to the tropical-meets-spicy Big Kahuna (ham, pineapple, jalapeño, roasted red peppers, bacon, and mozzarella), there’s something for every craving. Their Baja Chicken pizza is a flavor-packed favorite, drizzled with cilantro lime ranch for the perfect finish. And for those who like to customize, the topping list is long enough to make your own signature pie.

Entrées That Mean Business

Seafood lovers can dig into a ½ pound Fried Shrimp Platter or try the Crab & Blackened Shrimp Linguine. The Blackened Island Salmon is another standout, while their famous OTF Stir Fry lets you choose from chicken, steak, shrimp, mahi mahi, salmon, or ahi tuna. Each dish comes with thoughtfully chosen sides like jasmine rice, lemon dill potato salad, or broccoli salad.

Salad Lovers, Rejoice

Some places treat salads like an afterthought. Not here. Over the Falls has an entire lineup of salads worth craving - from the Southwestern Classic Cobb to the Greek to the Asian Tuna. One local favorite? The Spinach & Crispy Baby Portobello Mushroom Salad, with bacon, egg, tomato, onion, and their signature roasted red pepper horseradish dressing.

Burgers, Handhelds & Quesadillas

If a burger is calling your name, the Back-Alley Breakfast Burger is a must-try - coffee-rubbed beef topped with bacon, egg, avocado, white cheddar, and chipotle mayo. Sandwich lovers have plenty to choose from, like the Downtowner (turkey, provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers, red onion, and basil pesto mayo on local herbed focaccia) or the 6-Pepper Philly. They even serve up hearty quesadillas, including the Back-Alley Steak Quesadilla with pineapple pico de gallo for a fresh twist.

The Bar: Bourbon, Beer & Beyond

Over the Falls isn’t just about the food - their bar is a draw all on its own. With 12 rotating craft draft beers, a wide bottled and canned selection, an impressive wine list, and an extensive lineup of bourbons (including infused varieties), there’s always something interesting to sip. Handcrafted cocktails, martinis, and mules round out the list, making it a great spot for a casual drink or a night out.

Why Locals Love It

It’s not just the food (though that’s reason enough). It’s the way Over the Falls balances a welcoming, casual vibe with a menu that feels like it was crafted by people who care about what they’re serving. It’s the kind of place you bring out-of-town guests to show off what Wake Forest has to offer - and the kind of place you return to again and again because it just feels right.

Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer and wings, a fresh salad and flatbread, or bourbon and shrimp & grits, Over the Falls is where good food and great company meet - right in the heart of Wake Forest.