This must be the best bar downtown. The staff are really friendly and the bartenders knows how to make anything.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Colin Dolan
Great vibes. But rules are rules
Alana Gomez
This was a cool place and the drinks were pretty good, but unfortunately the experience was marred by service. The bartender the night I was there was pretty stuck up and judgmental when I tried to sub something in a drink. Just stinks because the place itself was really cool! Probably wouldn’t go back, unfortunately, based on this experience. Just not worth it when you’re trying to have a fun night and someone treats you that way.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Raider nation
Nice, cozy place to come and enjoy a beverage. Will be back next time in Wilmington.
Tony Rowell
Only had one very good reasonably priced drink. Small place, but nice vibe. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Robin R Johnson
The perfect place to philosophize with people over the plight of plants. Sorry… < Turns AI off> … super chill place with great vibe. Many rooms to find your zone, friendly people, affordable too. What’s not to like! Pretty much the opposite of any high end, $25 per drink sort of place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katherine Gordon
This place is great!! Awesome folks, Amy and the staff are super friendly!! They welcomed me in and fixed me up a perfect tequila cocktail! 10/10 will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
David Maciborski
One of the very best cocktail bars in Wilmington with the best rotation of bartenders. Here at least once per week! Always welcoming, always great conversations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benson Chiong
Spent a lovely weekend visiting an old friend in Wilmington and I visited the bar with him. I loved the young bartender lady who made our cocktails that Friday night. We had a damn good time and the service and cocktails were great. I can't wait to go back here my next visit to Wilmington!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christy Godfrey
Great atmosphere, love the different rooms and great cocktails at a good price!
This is a quaint little hangout on 2nd Street in downtown. Owners of this establishment also own the Duck and Dive located across the street. The Banter is very charming upon entry as you warm up to the beautiful polished bar. Known for creative cocktails expertly mixed and served by a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The bar flows into two rooms with ample seating and a back patio also with seating. Now, the running theme is rabbits. Subtle nuances are placed throughout the bar. In fact, the whole place was carefully thought out when the owner designed the placement of the artwork and accessories. Lots of exposed brick also adds another level of charm. Speaking of a rabbit, a small metal rabbit, the size of a monopoly piece is hidden each day by the staff in nooks and crannies somewhere in the bar. If you are lucky enough to find it you get a free drink. Trust me this can be daunting. I have never found the damn thing yet. Don't be surprised when you see patrons with flashlights combing the rooms in search of the coveted rabbit. Very fun game. The crowd is sophisticated yet laid back. I would say a 30 and over crowd. The music doesn't drown out conversations. Wrapping up this long review, if you are a local or a visitor, you need to visit this jewel in downtown Wilmington. The staff and hidden rabbit await you. The Banter, you receive my rare and well-deserved 5 star review. See you this week.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Addie Addelsons
Definitely a hidden gem. Absolutely hands down, a cozy, friendly and safe atmosphere to grab one of the best cocktails and conversation. I was really impressed by the menu, knowledge of the bartender and effort that went into the cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John
We had our engagement party at Banter last fall. The whole experience was incredible. Amy, Glenn and Bailey were amazing and so kind to us. The venue was perfect, with a gorgeous outdoor area and plenty of space for our party. They generously let us bring in catering and we could not have asked for a better time. Drinks were phenomenal, service was stellar, and we have been and will continue to go back many more times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steph H
A cozy and hidden gem in the middle of downtown Wilmington, perfect for every age. We came with a large group ranging from 20-75 and all of us enjoyed the space and atmosphere for different reasons. The bartender- Trent- was super accommodating and friendly. The drinks are strong and made with creativity and care. The space is Wilmington’s first bakery and was cozy and inviting on a cool winter’s day. Totally recommend for a pre or post dinner venue.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
j mb
First time in this gem last weekend…great, friendly service, amazing cocktails that are reasonably priced, cozy, unique seating areas. We will definitely be back! Can’t believe it took us this long to find this spot!
This must be the best bar downtown. The staff are really friendly and the bartenders knows how to make anything.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great vibes. But rules are rules
This was a cool place and the drinks were pretty good, but unfortunately the experience was marred by service. The bartender the night I was there was pretty stuck up and judgmental when I tried to sub something in a drink. Just stinks because the place itself was really cool! Probably wouldn’t go back, unfortunately, based on this experience. Just not worth it when you’re trying to have a fun night and someone treats you that way.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Nice, cozy place to come and enjoy a beverage. Will be back next time in Wilmington.
Only had one very good reasonably priced drink. Small place, but nice vibe. Will be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
The perfect place to philosophize with people over the plight of plants. Sorry… < Turns AI off> … super chill place with great vibe. Many rooms to find your zone, friendly people, affordable too. What’s not to like! Pretty much the opposite of any high end, $25 per drink sort of place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is great!! Awesome folks, Amy and the staff are super friendly!! They welcomed me in and fixed me up a perfect tequila cocktail! 10/10 will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
One of the very best cocktail bars in Wilmington with the best rotation of bartenders. Here at least once per week! Always welcoming, always great conversations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Spent a lovely weekend visiting an old friend in Wilmington and I visited the bar with him. I loved the young bartender lady who made our cocktails that Friday night. We had a damn good time and the service and cocktails were great. I can't wait to go back here my next visit to Wilmington!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere, love the different rooms and great cocktails at a good price!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a quaint little hangout on 2nd Street in downtown. Owners of this establishment also own the Duck and Dive located across the street. The Banter is very charming upon entry as you warm up to the beautiful polished bar. Known for creative cocktails expertly mixed and served by a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The bar flows into two rooms with ample seating and a back patio also with seating. Now, the running theme is rabbits. Subtle nuances are placed throughout the bar. In fact, the whole place was carefully thought out when the owner designed the placement of the artwork and accessories. Lots of exposed brick also adds another level of charm.
Speaking of a rabbit, a small metal rabbit, the size of a monopoly piece is hidden each day by the staff in nooks and crannies somewhere in the bar. If you are lucky enough to find it you get a free drink. Trust me this can be daunting. I have never found the damn thing yet. Don't be surprised when you see patrons with flashlights combing the rooms in search of the coveted rabbit. Very fun game.
The crowd is sophisticated yet laid back. I would say a 30 and over crowd. The music doesn't drown out conversations.
Wrapping up this long review, if you are a local or a visitor, you need to visit this jewel in downtown Wilmington. The staff and hidden rabbit await you.
The Banter, you receive my rare and well-deserved 5 star review. See you this week.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Definitely a hidden gem. Absolutely hands down, a cozy, friendly and safe atmosphere to grab one of the best cocktails and conversation. I was really impressed by the menu, knowledge of the bartender and effort that went into the cocktails.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had our engagement party at Banter last fall. The whole experience was incredible. Amy, Glenn and Bailey were amazing and so kind to us. The venue was perfect, with a gorgeous outdoor area and plenty of space for our party. They generously let us bring in catering and we could not have asked for a better time. Drinks were phenomenal, service was stellar, and we have been and will continue to go back many more times.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A cozy and hidden gem in the middle of downtown Wilmington, perfect for every age. We came with a large group ranging from 20-75 and all of us enjoyed the space and atmosphere for different reasons. The bartender- Trent- was super accommodating and friendly. The drinks are strong and made with creativity and care. The space is Wilmington’s first bakery and was cozy and inviting on a cool winter’s day. Totally recommend for a pre or post dinner venue.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
First time in this gem last weekend…great, friendly service, amazing cocktails that are reasonably priced, cozy, unique seating areas. We will definitely be back! Can’t believe it took us this long to find this spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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