27 Best Cocktail Bars in Wilmington

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

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

“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!!“

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

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

“Absolutely love this place ! Great people !“

“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)“

“Great drinks, staff and atmosphere!“

“Olivero is easily our new favorite spot. The homemade pasta was unlike anything we’ve had before—fresh, perfectly cooked, and paired with flavors that were unexpected but worked together beautifully. Every dish was impressive. The service was just as outstanding. The team worked seamlessly, bringing fresh plates and silverware after every course and keeping the table spotless. No awkward moments of figuring out where to put your utensils—just smooth, attentive service that made the whole experience feel effortless. Incredible food, impeccable service—Olivero sets the bar high. We’ll definitely be back often!“

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

“Incredible food, very flavorful and perfect. oysters on half shell the best I had ever eaten. 10 out of 10 on service and experience. It was worth it!!!“

“Great place for live Jazz and good drinks.“

“10/10 recommend! We had the best Valentine’s Day dinner here. The space is beautiful and airy, and the food was incredible. The Oysters Millionaire (that salmon mousse!!) and the Seacuterie board were the perfect start. I treated myself to the Surf N’ Turf with lobster thermidor and it was so decadent and delicious. It was exactly the high-end but laid-back night out I needed. Can’t wait for brunch!“

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

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

“Watching the Super Bowl 2026 at The Rift in Wilmington was an awesome experience. The crowd brought nonstop energy, the drinks were solid, and it felt like the perfect mix of local bar vibe and big-game excitement. Great spot to watch football with friends — I’d absolutely go back for another big game.“

“Our service was flawless and our dinner was amazing we had the scallops and chicken saltimbanco. Would highly recommend.“

“Great music and awesome stout“

“Coffee shop in the morning, bar at night. This place is on another level. Quiet, chill, moody. Great morning coffee menu. Staff was friendly and facility was clean. Lots of different seating, couches, bar, tables. Indoor and outdoor seating available on the patio Lots of parking. Can’t say I would bring kids here even in the morning. Looking forward to bringing my husband here and experiencing it as a cocktail bar at night sometime soon!“

“Amazing drinks, food & service 💕“

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

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

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great service and food!“

“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.“

“Amanda was excellent to start! The Little Gem salad was amazing! The Beef Tartar wonderful! A staple is the Chicken and Dumplings. Every variation of the cheesecake is amazing. Paired perfectly with a Tequila Rep Espresso Martini. We already look forward to coming back. Thank you for the great meal and hospitality.“

“Wonderful service from Tyler! Made our night!“

“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!“