Wilmington, NC Craft Cocktails

Speakeasy Spaces

Sip on old-school cocktails with modern twists at The Blind Elephant, a 1920s Prohibition-style speakeasy tucked away in a quiet alley. Once you’re inside, choose from a selection of bourbons and a rotating list of cocktails written on a blackboard. Lounge and hear pianists perform live jazz on select evenings.

Hidden in the heart of downtown, The Underfront Company offers a variety of craft cocktails bursting with bold flavors. The menu ranges from refreshing and fruity concoctions to robust and smoky libations, catering to all tastes, including those seeking non-alcoholic options.

Fresh Takes on Classic Cocktails

Indulge in award-winning drinks prepared by the talented mixologists at manna ave. 123. This AAA Four-Diamond restaurant curates a list of exceptional wines and spirits from around the world. In-house mixologists skillfully craft cocktails with fresh fruits and herbs for manna’s ever-changing menu.

An extension of manna ave. 123, Earnest Money & Sons is an intimate cocktail spot and private club with a minimal annual membership fee. Order a sophisticated cocktail and relax in the stylish lounge. For a night of entertainment, check out Bourgie Nights, operated by and located beside manna, for brilliant acoustics, live music and a unique bar.

Bourbon Bars

Swing by Front Street Brewery for an afternoon flight or stop in for a late-night snack and nightcap. Bourbon Review featured this spot as one of the “Best Bourbon Bars in the South,” thanks to one of the largest whiskey selections in North Carolina.

Indulge in handcrafted cocktails at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – a rustic, relaxed bar that offers fun signature drinks like the Rhubarb Reverse Manhattan and the Cotton Candy Martini. Also on the menu, you’ll find single malt whiskeys, craft beers, a rotating local snack selection and cigars.

Something for Everyone

Toast to our nation’s history at Rebellion NC with a selection of whiskeys celebrating the Whiskey Rebellion. Located in a restored historic building, take your pick from the bar’s 28-tap local craft beer selection and extensive list of whiskeys and craft cocktails that salute our history, such as the Congress Hall and The Resistance.

In Historic Downtown Wilmington, relax and unwind at Banter. This intimate bar offers a cozy setting where you can find good conversation and affordable craft cocktails, mocktails, prosecco on tap and a selection of local wine and beer.

Those who enjoy craft beverages without the alcohol will want to book a private tasting at Mocksie in downtown Wilmington. For a fun and casual activity enjoy learning how to make your own mocktails at home. Find other mocktail options at The Green House, Dram & Draught, The Blind Elephant, Panacea Brewing Company and more.

Rooftop Drinks with a View

At Cloud 9, a seasonally open rooftop bar, sip on your drink of choice as you catch the sunset over the Cape Fear River. Choose from an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and more than a dozen local brews on tap. Pair your beverage with crab dip and other locally inspired small plates – and dance to live performances by musicians and DJs on certain evenings.

Swing by aView Rooftop Bistro, located on Aloft Wilmington's seventh floor, and unwind with innovative craft cocktails while taking in stunning river views. Pair your libations with shareable plates and tapas like charcuterie plates, oysters and sliders.

Take in downtown and river views, often accompanied by live music, on the rooftop of Reel Café. Find four bars and daily drink specials at this local hotspot. Located atop the iconic Masonic Lodge in the heart of historic downtown, The Rooftop Bar at North Front Theatre provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Cape Fear River. Grab a cold brew or a refreshing cocktail to dance the night away to a DJ’s tunes or live music.

Riverfront Relaxation

While strolling along the Riverwalk, enjoy sweeping views and delicious drinks at Board & Barrel Coastal Kitchen, located in the Hotel Ballast, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Choose a wine to accompany your steak or seafood dish, or savor a barrel-aged bourbon from the spot’s private label, “Edgar’s Truth.”

At Sauce'd, enjoy colorful cocktail creations like the Lavender Moon and Pretty in Pink, two of their signature cocktail creations. The décor, drinks and patio with spectacular river views make for an Instagram-worthy vacation moment.

Watch boats float down the Cape Fear River while you unwind with cocktails, wine and beer at Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp, Pilot House and The George. All three restaurants offer outdoor seating in the perfect position for viewing the Riverwalk action and the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA as you sip on your beverage of choice.

Adventure to Smoke on the Water, a restaurant tucked away from Wilmington’s downtown in a spot just off the water. The restaurant’s deck offers large round tables perfect for large groups, cocktails and incredible sunset views. Walk along the pier over the water to snap a vacation photo to remember.

A Floating Bar(ge) and Marinaside Drinks

Step aboard the docked barge at Anne Bonny’s Bar and Grill, a floating bar named after the Irish pirate who once sailed along Wilmington’s waters. It’s an excellent place to admire a sunset and views of the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Enjoy a frozen cocktail (did someone say Sangria Slushie?), handmade cocktail (the Pirate Punch is a favorite), wine or beer.

Grab a craft beer, glass of vino or cocktail as you soak in waterfront views and seasonal live music at Marina Grill, located at Port City Marina. Those who travel by boat can dock their vessel at the marina to pop in for a quick bite and drink.

Waterfront drinks can also be found along the Intracoastal Waterway by the drawbridge heading into Wrightsville Beach. Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Bridge Tender, Dockside and Fish House Grill all offer wine, beer and signature cocktails. And all function as marinas, which means you can simply dock your boat for a well-deserved drink after a day on the water.