30 Best Cocktail Bars in Wilmington

Sauce'd Cocktail Bar • $
224 S Water St #1g, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

French Fries
Waffle Fries
Velvet

“LOVED it! Excellent drinks, great service and super cute ambiance. Highly recommend!“

4.5 Superb84 Reviews
Seabird Seafood • $$$
1 S Front St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Three Types of Gorgeous Fresh Oysters
Fresno Pepper Sorghum Pork Ribs
Smoked Catfish and Oyster Pie
Warm Brownie Trifle Sundae
Oysters on the Half Shell
Seasonal Seafood Tower
Grasstown Beef Tartare
Fried Chicken Biscuit
Fried Smoked Catfish
Swordfish Schnitzel

“This evening we were excited to bring friends who had never been to Seabird, and it was my wife’s birthday! The food did not disappoint. Our friends loved it. It was good to see a restaurant with a sense of humor when they brought out a “no calorie” birthday cake! (A lit candle stuck to a dessert plate)“

4.7 Superb403 Reviews
Olivero Italian • $$$
522 S 3rd St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Rose Wine by the Glass
Grilled Baguette
Grilled Octopus
Grilled Chicken
Smoked Eggplant
Cheese Balls
Bruschetta
Panna Cotta
Cheesecake
Croquetas

“A special place! They have steak and salad but I say try something more interesting. We got many seafood dishes and some Italian fare. Every bite was absolutely excellent. For me, the appetizers were my favorite part. Relaxed atmosphere but still exceptional service you expect with fine dining. When you take a bite of the rigatoni, all your troubles will melt away and you’re a small happy child once more. We celebrated a birthday and the desert was on the house. Classy. Btw no matter how full you are DO NOT pass on the salted caramel panna cotta. Every one needs to taste it. Apparently in the late afternoon reservations can be snagged from parties who canceled. We made a reservation ourselves a month in advance. Worth it.“

4.5 Superb178 Reviews
Cape Fear Seafood Company Seafood • $$
140 Hays Ln Unit 140, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Fried Shrimp Basket of Fries
Cape Fear Shrimp \u0026 Grits
Blackened Fresh Catch Tacos
Bald Head Island Crab Cakes
Figure 8 Stuffed Flounder
Lemon Pepper Sea Scallops
Broiled Seafood Platter
Cape Fear Shrimp & Grits
Calabash One Platter
Diablo Shrimp Pasta

“Had a mix up with a gift card. They fixed it quick fast and in a hurry. Thanks so much Porter’s neck location!!!!“

4.4 Superb198 Reviews
Dram Yard American • $$
101 S 2nd St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Charred Brussels Sprouts
Smoked Trout Dip
Avocado Toast
Wagyu Sirloin
Uni Carbonara
Whole Snapper
Steak Tartare
Lamb Ravioli
Dram Burger
Duck Breast

“Great cocktails, a varied wine list, outstanding food, fun music and relaxed atmosphere. So glad we had dinner here!“

4.2 Good138 Reviews
The Underfront Co. Cocktail Bar • $
265 N Front St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Prosecco Cider Boldrock
Manhattan Clandestino
Bourbon Sizzle
Pecan Smoked
Charcuterie
Twin Flame
Irish Lift
Pinkie Pie
Blue Velvet

“Both bartenders and bouncers were very professional and friendly. The vibe of the atmosphere and crowd felt fun and safe!“

4.9 Superb82 Reviews
Platypus & Gnome Cocktail Bar • $$
7205 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Candied Bacon Appetizer
Confit Duck Poutine
Bacon Bacon Burger
Elk Burger w Fries
Platypus Burger
Wild Boar Soup
Platyburger
Charcuterie
Beet Salad
Ostrich

“We had the best dinner tonight at Platypus and Gnome. Highly recommend“

4.6 Superb100 Reviews
Earnest Money & Sons Cocktail Bar • $
211 Princess St unit c, Wilmington

“This unique cocktail bar was recommended to us by a friend and we’re so glad we stopped in this weekend! We love the atmosphere and the cocktails were top notch! I tried a couple different drinks the bartender recommended and my husband said it was the best Old Fashion he’s ever had. We quickly decided to become members and will be back hopefully soon!!“

5 Superb19 Reviews
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Cocktail Bar • $$
111 Grace St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Bourbon Breakdown
Blackberry
Infusions

“Lots of fun, great band, service not so great….waited 30 minutes at the bar to get waited on ☹️☹️☹️“

4.6 Superb64 Reviews
10

Banter

Banter Cocktail Bar • $
19 S 2nd St, Wilmington

“My husband and I have been looking for an authentic feeling of a British pub and this is it for us! Best in Wilmington!“

4.6 Superb42 Reviews
Triangle Lounge Cocktail Bar • $
5920 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington

“Absolutely love this place ! Great people !“

4.3 Superb11 Reviews
12

KGB ILM

KGB ILM Cocktail Bar • $
16 Princess St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Abandon Ship

“Awesome parking access. Very noticeable entrance with a cozy outside setting and a beautiful atmosphere inside with a fully stocked bar , booths and a billards table. The bartender was attentive , friendly and provided excellent customer service.“

4.1 Good30 Reviews
The Blind Elephant Cocktail Bar • $$
21 N Front St, Wilmington

“Great drinks, staff and atmosphere!“

3.9 Good72 Reviews
14

three10

three10 Seafood • $$
1022 N 4th St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Caesar Salad and Pull and Peel Shrimp
NC Broiled Oysters on the Half Shell
Herb Crusted Seared Yellowfin Tuna
Seared Sea Scallops and Shrimp
Carolina Gold Hushpuppies
Crispy Skin Red Snapper
Grilled Yellowfin Tuna
Seared Diver Scallops
Shrimp and Scallops
Duck Confit Pasta

“Too many positives to mention. Friendly and attentive staff, high quality and delicious food and a great atmosphere“

4.7 Superb101 Reviews
Dram & Draught Bar • $
109 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Taste Like Teen Spirit
Respect the Punch
Fresas Frescas
Pom Diggity
Fruity

“Stopped in around 2:30. Bartender and GM Lexi very friendly. Dwayne(The Rock)Johnson guarding the front door.“

4.8 Superb61 Reviews
Wilmington Wine’s Creative Tastings Korean • $
701 Castle St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Korean Chicken
Bulgogi
Japchae
Bossam
Bao

“Fabulous addition to the neighborhood with great food and atmosphere . Super brunching !“

5 Superb25 Reviews
17

Catch

Catch Seafood • $$$
6623 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Fresh North Carolina Oysters on the Half Shell
Catch Signature NC Lump Crab Cakes
Oysters Rockefeller and Crab Dip
Southern Fried Seafood Platter
Fried Lobster Mac and Cheese
Cast Iron Blackened Swordfish
Lobster Special of the Day
Chop Chop Caesar Salad
Drunk & Angry Lobster
Catch Shrimp and Grits

“Hidden gem! We lucked out as we were driving in to town and read the reviews but there was no availability online. Stopped by anyways and our luck there had been reservation canceled. Amazing fresh catch of the day and preparation. Service was amazing.“

4.5 Superb345 Reviews
Perla Raw Bar Seafood • $$
1039 Ashes Dr, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Fried Oyster Sandwich with a Side of Cucumber Salad
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Oyster with Caviar
Tuna Tartare
Sea Food Stew
Seafood Tower
Perla Oyster
Seared Tuna
Fish Tacos
Sampler

“Coming from a huge foodie this place was top tier. Service was incredible, I complained of being cold so we moved outside and they were very accommodating. Brittany W was our server and she was so sweet and just very great overall.

We had the succotash- crab dip- tuna- cucumber salad- oysters and the beignet for dessert. Wow!“

4.5 Superb68 Reviews
The Ivey in the Alley Bar • $
10 Wilkinson Alley, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Strawberry Kisses
Mocktails

“The atmosphere is the best around and the drinks are fantastic. We can’t wait to return back.“

4.5 Superb53 Reviews
Cornelia's Restaurant American • $$
980 Roundhouse Cir, Wilmington

“Amazing food and atmosphere.“

4.5 Superb27 Reviews
Pinpoint Restaurant Southern • $$$
114 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Yellowfin Tuna Crudo with VA Peanuts Harissa Sorrel and Cucumbers Selbach Oster Pinot Blanc
Pan Seared Triggerfish
Brasstown Beef Tartare
1855 Prime NY Strip
Heritage Pork Chop
Raw Oysters 6 For
Pimento Cheese
Shrimp & Grits
Baked Oysters
Steak Tartare

“Farm to table meats, seafood and vegetables !! The octopus was amazing !! Great atmosphere !!“

4.4 Superb487 Reviews
Ibis Coffee and Cocktails Bar • $
921 Princess St Unit 101, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Blueberry Muffin
Croissant

“I love Ibis so much and really would recommend it to everyone - BUT since it's opening it has had terrible wifi connection. I know this is a problem with many others. I barely come here anymore because I often go to cafes to do a little bit of work. Currently writing this because I just missed a work meeting while here.

I do however recommend this place 100%. I love the atmosphere and music.“

4.4 Superb98 Reviews
aView Rooftop Bar &Bistro American • $$
501 Nutt St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Blackened Salmon with Egg Noodles
Fish Sliders with Truffle Fries
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Truffle Parmesan Fries
Braised Beef Risotto
Brussels Sprouts
Iceberg Wedge
Lamb Lollipops
Grilled Tuna
Pomegranate

“The food was amazing! We loved getting to enjoy the view as well. Highly recommend.“

4.4 Superb31 Reviews
Cape Fear Spirits & Beer Bar • $
139 N Front St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

New Wave Lemonade by B Nectar Meadery

“Great music and awesome stout“

4.3 Superb24 Reviews
25

RUMCOW.

RUMCOW. Southern • $$
121 Grace St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Vietnamese Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce Wrap with Chicken Salad
Crispy Pork Belly Pockets
Charred Brussels Sprouts
Rumcow Burger and Fries
Char Crusted Tuna Tataki
Shrimp and Grits Tacos
Steamed Garlic Edamame
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Chicken and Waffles

“Went here tonight gor the first time. We ordered a special and loved every bite. Beautifully presented and flavor profiles were were fabulous. We look forward to returning. Our server was delightful. Unfortunately cannot remember her name.“

4.3 Superb95 Reviews
Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill Bar & Grill • $
106 S Water St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Tropical Chicken Sandwich
Fish and Chips with Slaw
Grilled or Fried Shrimp
Ship's Wheel Pretzel
Crab Cake Reuben
Grouper Sandwich
Fried Pickles
Yo-Ho PO' Boy
Cheese Curds
Fish & Chips

“Delicious food, menu variety, friendly staff, & great location on the River.“

4.3 Superb149 Reviews
Tarantelli's Italian • $$
102 S 2nd St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Filetto Di Bue Alla Da Vinci with Side of Pappardelle Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
Spaghetti Al Formaggio Parmigiana
Homemade Cannoli Assortment
Filet Mignon Bruschetta
Spaghetti E Polpette
Homemade Pappardelle
Spaghetti Meatballs
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Fettuccine Alfredo
Chicken Parmigiana

“Wonderful service from Tyler! Made our night!“

4.2 Good404 Reviews
28

Varnish

Varnish Bar • $
23 Market St, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Cocktail Feature
White Tic TAC
Chuck Norris
Latitude 34

“Varnish is hands down the best bar in Wilmington! The bartenders are the best in all of downtown—they’re fast, friendly, and always make sure you’re having a great time. The venue itself is the perfect size—big enough to keep the energy high but never so packed that you feel like you’re missing out. Even if there’s a line, it moves quickly, so you never have to wait long to get in and be part of the fun. The door staff is always on point, making sure things stay safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, I can’t recommend Varnish enough!“

3.9 Good61 Reviews
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar Bar • $
9 Estell Lee Pl, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Cloud 9 Cuban Sliders
Artisan Cheese Board
Lobster Roll Coneys
Charcuterie Board
Pizza Pie
Nachos
Chips

“Great place. Beautiful view of Wilmington.“

3.5 Good88 Reviews
Yoshi Sushi Bar and Japanese Cuisine Japanese • $
260 Racine Dr, Wilmington

Customers` Favorites

Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream
Edamame Sashimi and Rolls
Select Sushi Rolls
Shrimp Tempura
California Roll
Hibachi Chicken
Ginger Salad
Crunchy Roll
Miso Soup
Poke Bowl

“very good.i love it so much“

3.4 Good75 Reviews