Paul Kushner
With its Historic District and boardwalk, Wilmington is one of my favorite spots in North Carolina.
During my last trip to Port City, I got to spend plenty of time at the beach and enjoyed the food scene along the Riverwalk.
I was also lucky enough to try some of the most fun and original bars the city offers.
After enjoying the nightlife and bar scene for two unforgettable weeks, I decided to put together a list of the best bars in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
111 Grace St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 769-2021
Visit Website
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is an upscale bar located a couple blocks away from the Riverwalk in the Historic District.
It’s one of the best bars in Wilmington, North Carolina, thanks to its exceptional crafted cocktails.
The house cocktails include a mix of sophisticated original creations and fresh takes on old classics.
I particularly enjoyed the sweet dessert cocktails and the selection of infused spirits, a practice that layers woody, fruity, or herbal aromas on top of timeless classics.
Tavern Law 1832
106 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 769-9340
Visit Website
Tavern Law 1832 feels like a friendly and welcoming sports bar with wooden accents and a laid-back atmosphere.
It’s one of my top recommendations if you’re wondering where to get a drink on the Riverfront.
The pub is Princess and N 2nd Street, within a couple of blocks from the Bellamy Mansion Museum.
It’s a fun spot for watching sports, enjoying a cold brew, or meeting locals at the weekly Sunday mimosa bar.
KGB ILM
16 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Visit Website
You can’t visit the Wilmington Riverfront without checking out KGB ILM on Princess Street.
This cozy bar is near the intersection with N Front Street in a stretch with no less than 12 restaurants and bars.
I loved the brick-lined walls and the cheerful atmosphere.
The outdoor patio is a plus in the summertime, and the outdoor lighting makes for some Instagram-worthy shots.
The menu includes some delicious craft cocktails you can enjoy while listening to live music or relaxing with some friends.
Satellite Bar and Lounge
120 Greenfield St #6123, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 218-0193
Visit Website
The Satellite Bar and Lounge was a unique experience with its rustic setting and excellent selection of craft beer on tap.
I also enjoyed the tacos and recommend it as one of the best bars in Wilmington, North Carolina, if you’re looking for places to go out where you can grab a bite to eat while having a few drinks.
Stop by on Sundays to check out the weekly market, where you can find creations by local artisans.
The bar also has live music every weekend.
This bar is on Greenfield and S 2nd Street, near Optimist Park, south of the Riverwalk.
Lula’s
138 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 523-5450
Visit Website
Lula’s A Pub is a local institution with its classic counter service and traditional selection of beers and cocktails.
I loved the small neighborhood bar vibe and highly recommend this bar if you’re looking for fun places to go out in the Historic District.
Lula’s is on Orange and S Front Street, only a block away from the water.
There is always something fun going on between the different events and drink specials!
Rebellion NC
15 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 399-1162
Visit Website
Rebellion NC is another iconic spot in the Historic Downtown area.
Bourbon and whiskey lovers will enjoy this spot and its incredible selection of handcrafted cocktails.
The drink selection also includes hundreds of Vodkas, Gins, Tequilas, Rums, Cognacs, and more.
Navigating such as selection would be overwhelming if it weren’t for the friendly and helpful staff and their spot-on recommendations.
Rebellion NC is on S Front Street, not far from the intersection with Market Street.
Pour Taproom Wilmington
201 N Front St g101, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 769-1980
Visit Website
The Pour Taproom is one of my favorite places to go out in Wilmington.
The self-pour model is fun and innovative, and the selection includes over 60 different craft beers and ciders.
I also enjoyed the restaurant menu with its sandwich, flatbread pizzas, and tacos.
This beer garden offers an unforgettable experience for a night out with a group of friends.
This fun spot is within two blocks from the Cape Fear Community College on N Front and Chestnut Street.
Dead Crow Comedy Room
511 N 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 399-1750
Visit Website
You can’t visit Wilmington without catching a show at the Dead Crow Comedy Room.
With its improv shows and open mic events, it’s the best spot for discovering the local comedy scene.
The club offers varied options when it comes to drinks and food.
It often welcomes food trucks, and the Lush Lounge & Garden Bar, located at the same address, offers a beer garden with a cozy outdoor seating area.
This comedy club is on N 3rd Street, within two blocks of the Wilmington Railroad Museum.
Barbary Coast
116 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 762-8996
Visit Website
If you’re looking for fun places to get drinks, don’t miss out on Barbary Coast, also known as the oldest bar in Wilmington.
This Riverwalk spot has a varied selection of domestic lagers and ales, including beers from small breweries.
You’ll also find a full liquor bar and some talented bartenders who can create innovative or classic cocktails.
This fun bar is on S Front Street and Muters Alley, within walking distance from the Museum of the Bizarre.
The Blind Elephant
21 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 833-7175
Visit Website
The Blind Elephant is one of the most original places to go out in Wilmington with its retro speakeasy feel.
From Mint Juleps to Tokyo Drifts, this bar serves unique creations inspired by traditional cocktails along with classic drinks.
It’s also a fun spot for catching some live music with the Thursday night jazz sessions!
The Blind Elephant is on the Riverwalk, on N Front Street and Smith Alley, not far from the Children’s Museum of Wilmington.
Rooftop Bar @ N Front Theatre
21 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 833-5886
Visit Website
If you’re looking for fun places to get drinks in Wilmington, you can’t go wrong with the Root Top Bar.
This Historic Downtown spot often organizes events with live music, and the attached North Front Theatre is a prime spot venue for shows, plays, and more.
This bar is in the Hallway Shops between Princess and Market Street on the Riverwalk.
The Underfront Co is good too