29 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!“

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

“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!!“

“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 !“

“Great drinks, staff and atmosphere!“

“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)“

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

“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.“

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

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

“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!!!!“

“The building is open aired and bright colored and very welcoming. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. We had plenty of space for our seating. The menu is primarily seafood, but they still had a wonderful burger to choose from. Children’s menu attached. All oysters were delicious. We will be back!“

“Great music and awesome stout“

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

“My wife and I love this place as John is perhaps the best bartender we’ve ever had! Anything you like and he will hand craft it for you fast and fresh. Christina is also one of the best bartenders we’ve had as she’s friendly, attentive and holds a great conversation! We will definitely keep coming back for years to come. Thank you John and Christina you two represent yourselves and Gazebo Bar exceptionally!“

“Really love the aesthetic design and the drinks were phenomenal. The bartender was so knowledgeable and really took time to educate us and steer us in the direction. We went on a Friday night after dinner around 7:30. They were setting up for a house music DJ which we couldn't stay for. The music while we were there was a little too sleepy and there were only 2 other patrons, which was surprising considering how great the place and drinks were. Not a high energy place, next time we'll bring a chill group of friends with us and come a little later. Maybe we just hit it up at the wrong time.“

“One of our favorite spots to eat in Wilmington , their seasonal seafood stew is one of my all time favorites , we also really enjoy their “Baked” oysters and cornbread as a starter before diving into one of their main courses. My only continuous complaint is the noise. I feel like I’m back in middle school in the cafeteria. Some sound absorbing walls, carpets etc would be welcomed to help cut down on all the noise. Outdoor seating is our preferred option but weather is not always cooperative.“

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

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Great service and food!“

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

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

“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.“

“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!“

“very good.i love it so much“