Bourbon bars and whiskey restaurants: 12 places to check out in the Wilmington area

Allison Ballard, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·3 min read

The so-called brown spirits – the bourbons, the ryes, the whiskeys – have a global following. And the Wilmington area, too, has grown its own whiskey scene with some bars and restaurants boasting an impressive selection of them.

Restaurants like manna (which is a part of the ILM Downtown Brown Coalition), Port Land Grille and the new GPrime have a portion of their cocktail menu devoted to whiskey. And there are clubs, like the now-full Bell Tower Bourbon Club at the Brooklyn Arts Center.

But if you're looking for more spots to enjoy a sturdy drink, especially on International Whiskey Day on March 27, here are a few that have several bottles and regular specials. Let us know if we missed your favorite places for brown spirit sipping by emailing aballard@gannett.com.

The Blind Elephant

This 1920s inspired speakeasy is tucked away in a downtown alley at 21 N. Front St. They carry more than 100 whiskeys and bourbon, is an award-winning craft cocktail spot, and always have a special cocktail featuring a brown spirit. Plus, they just celebrated 10 years in business.

Brunswick Beer and Cider

Although lower alcohol beverages are the focus here, there's more to enjoy at this cidery at 1313 Dickinson Drive in Leland's Brunswick Forest community. Last year, for example, this spot hosted its popular series of Beer, Bourbon and Cigars samplings.

The Butter Me Up is a cocktail made with butter-soaked bourbon, available at The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge at 104 Grace St., Wilmington, N.C.
The Butter Me Up is a cocktail made with butter-soaked bourbon, available at The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge at 104 Grace St., Wilmington, N.C.

The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge

This new luxury barbershop/ bar 104 Grace St. In downtown Wilmington offers a menu of premium and non-premium bourbons and whiskeys, as well as cocktails that use them. They also host live music and  Whiskey Wednesday specials.

Some of the bourbons and whiskeys available at Front Street Brewery in downtown Wilmington, N.C. STARNEWS FILE PHOTO
Some of the bourbons and whiskeys available at Front Street Brewery in downtown Wilmington, N.C. STARNEWS FILE PHOTO

Front Street Brewery

At last count, this longtime favorite in downtown Wilmington offered a selection of around 500 whiskeys, bourbons and ryes -- making it one of the best in the eastern part of the state. Look for special whiskey flights and frequent events featuring brown spirits. 9 N. Front St.

Greenfield Lake Yacht Club

One of Wilmington's favorite bar people is now an owner at this bar at 1756 Carolina Beach Road. In addition to having an excellent bourbon selection, Fred Flynn teaches you how to use them if you sign up for the four-week Cocktail College 101.

Jack Mackerels Island Grill

This restaurant has been serving up island-inspired food for more than 17 years in Kure Beach. Plus, they boast one of the best selections of bourbons and whiskeys on Pleasure Island. Look for them at 113 K Ave., Kure Beach.

Some of the spirits available at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill, 113 K Ave., Kure Beach, N.C.
Some of the spirits available at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill, 113 K Ave., Kure Beach, N.C.

The Pub of Southport

This restaurant/bar located in the heart of this Brunswick County community at 1513 N. Howe St. has been going strong for more than a decade. Their extensive selection of adult beverages includes 90 different whiskeys.

Rebellion

You could say that this pub in downtown Wilmington is always celebrating the brown spirits. It's named for America's Whiskey Rebellion and each week you can find something interesting on special on Whiskey Wednesdays.

The Starling

Whiskey and wine bar are kind of the think at this spot in the Cargo District at 612 Queen St. Look for Breakeven Bottle nights with a special price on great pours and nights devoted to signature bourbon cocktails.

True Blue Butcher and Barrel

At 10 Greenfield St. in the South Front District, this spot has more than 200 bourbons and whiskeys. On Saturday night, they now offer a $10 bourbon on the rocks special -- which might include North Carolina made selections, as well as those from around the country.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

The cocktail list appropriately starts with a selection of whiskey cocktails here, at 111 Grace St. in downtown Wilmington. The Bourbon Breakdown, prepared in a cedar-smoked glass, chicory and espresso liqueurs, is a favorite.

Whiskey Trail

As you might guess from the name, this neighborhood pub (with two locations) also has a wide selection of bourbons and whiskeys. Look for more than 70 options at 3525 Lancelot Lane and 4039 Masonboro Loop Road.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Bourbon bars and whiskey restaurants in Wilmington, NC