The first time I came it was too young but today Tori was awesome!! Definitely recommend for her, go before 10 if your above college age
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Alyssa Scott
Huge shoutout to Ash – hands down the best bouncer in the game! Every time I’ve been to Varnish, he’s been the definition of professional: calm, respectful, and always in control of the door or floor. You can tell he genuinely cares about keeping everyone safe while still keeping the vibe fun and welcoming. Whether it’s handling a crowd or diffusing tension, he does it with confidence and class. Ash is a total credit to the club – can’t say enough good things. Give that man a raise! 👏💪
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan Schimpf
Sausage fest. Super small too
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Annika Ling
Varnish is the best nightclub in wilmington! The staff, atmosphere, and music is always top tier - the best nights ever! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
brooklyn green
They let people cut. They have no clear control of the line. You stand outside to stand in another hour line inside.
Service: 1
Amanda Pairrett
The bouncers are out here spraining peoples ankles and pushing people down stairs! Do not come to this establishment.
Daniela Cunha
This place needs to be shut down for the way they treat people in there. Awful.
Marley Phifer
The bouncers are horribly inappropriate and terrible at their jobs. I watched one let three of his friends in all with guns, which they later pulled on others in the nightclub! I’ve been twice over the age of 21 and purchased drinks at the bar that I got charged incorrectly for flat out, stole my money. The atmosphere is disgusting and the music is trash.
jakob mckay
Joey is the goat. Well ran. Respectful and friendly staff. What more can you ask for
Christopher Guffey
I heard this place was off the hook and Joey is awesome come check this place out and have a drink
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!
Shaw Satterfield
I go to UNCW and this is the spot to be downtown! All my friends are here on the weekends. Great music and energy. The bartenders are attentive and amazing! I love Varnsih
Ike Ezekwu
It is the perfect mix of energy.The atmosphere is electric, with great music, stylish decor (especially after the renovations) and just the right vibe. The staff is top-notch—friendly, fast, and always making sure you have a great time. Easily one of the best spots for a night
Jason Sattler
Beer selection ok downstairs but meh upstairs. Bouncers try to micromanage the crowd. Meh, I've been to a lot better.
The first time I came it was too young but today Tori was awesome!! Definitely recommend for her, go before 10 if your above college age
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Huge shoutout to Ash – hands down the best bouncer in the game! Every time I’ve been to Varnish, he’s been the definition of professional: calm, respectful, and always in control of the door or floor. You can tell he genuinely cares about keeping everyone safe while still keeping the vibe fun and welcoming. Whether it’s handling a crowd or diffusing tension, he does it with confidence and class. Ash is a total credit to the club – can’t say enough good things. Give that man a raise! 👏💪
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sausage fest. Super small too
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Varnish is the best nightclub in wilmington! The staff, atmosphere, and music is always top tier - the best nights ever! ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They let people cut. They have no clear control of the line. You stand outside to stand in another hour line inside.
Service: 1
The bouncers are out here spraining peoples ankles and pushing people down stairs! Do not come to this establishment.
This place needs to be shut down for the way they treat people in there. Awful.
The bouncers are horribly inappropriate and terrible at their jobs. I watched one let three of his friends in all with guns, which they later pulled on others in the nightclub! I’ve been twice over the age of 21 and purchased drinks at the bar that I got charged incorrectly for flat out, stole my money. The atmosphere is disgusting and the music is trash.
Joey is the goat. Well ran. Respectful and friendly staff. What more can you ask for
I heard this place was off the hook and Joey is awesome come check this place out and have a drink
Restaurantji Recommends
The best people.
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!
I go to UNCW and this is the spot to be downtown! All my friends are here on the weekends. Great music and energy. The bartenders are attentive and amazing! I love Varnsih
It is the perfect mix of energy.The atmosphere is electric, with great music, stylish decor (especially after the renovations) and just the right vibe. The staff is top-notch—friendly, fast, and always making sure you have a great time. Easily one of the best spots for a night
Beer selection ok downstairs but meh upstairs. Bouncers try to micromanage the crowd. Meh, I've been to a lot better.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 3
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