Our options for places to imbibe in and around Wilmington are ever-expanding and we couldn’t be more thrilled. From craft cocktails to craft beer, tequila libraries and a classic bar remixed — we rounded up the new (and newish) bars around the area you have to try.
Here are seven new bars and lounges to check out this weekend:
Eagle’s Dare
Pour House owner and Taco Baby co-owner Joe Apkarian recently opened Eagle’s Dare downtown on Third Street. The beer garden and cocktail bar feature plenty of open-air seats and it’s a great place to bring the pup and listen to live music. Expect a rotating line-up of bands and food trucks to keep the atmosphere lively.
Ruff Draft
The Mess Hall owners are bringing a hybrid dog park and bar to Wrightsville Avenue this fall. Once dog owners show proof of (dog) vaccinations, their pups can run free in an enclosed, outdoor dog park and indoor bar. Ruff Draft is host to a dog washing station, picnic tables, and a full bar for dogs and humans to enjoy. Ruff Draft features a number of local drafts and also some “dog beer” for the pups.
The Sorrow Drowner
A new “adventure bar” awaits you at the former TheaterNow space on 10th Street. The Sorrow Drowner is a self-described tiki bar, adventure bar, and live entertainment venue. Find a heavily themed tiki area with the vibes of Trader Vics, plus signature cocktails, world libations, tiki drink classics, and “pupu platters.”
The space was designed by a former Disney Imagineer who put together the likes of Trader Sam’s in California and Orlando. On select evenings the stage will come alive with a “Vaudeville Style Revue featuring a variety of acts as well as an interactive cast of wandering comedic characters,” the website says. Read the amazing back story here.
Sauce’d
This cocktail bar opened earlier this year, but it’s still making waves with its signature drinks — all visual stunners. Sauce’d uses local North Carolina spirits and ingredients to make its beverages. Try the “Where’s the Beach” cocktail which serves two and comes in a sand pail with a shovel.
Social Casa de Tequila
This tequila bar opened in downtown Wilmington this past summer, but locals are still finding this hidden gem. Social Casa is serving a tequila-centric menu of signature drinks, specializing of course in margaritas. While the owners knew there were plenty of breweries and craft cocktail places to go around, they realized the desire for more tequila bars. The former Trolley Stop location on Front Street has a view of sunsets on the Riverwalk and a new chic look.
Craften Food Hall, Knightdale
At this point, you have probably been to a food hall, but Craften Food Hall is gaining rave reviews after opening this year in Knightdale. Have your pick of Venezuelan arepas, a taqueria, pizzeria, burgers, café and Craften Bar. The bar has plenty of signature drinks, North Carolina beers on tap, live entertainment, and more.
Averde Cocina and Tequila Library, Cary
A tequila library you say? The name alone is exciting. Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe brings his Mexican heritage to the table and bar at Averde Cocina along with an actual library of tequila. Come for the great drinks, but stay for the amazing food.
