Wilmington · New Hanover County, NC

Nightlife in Wilmington

Scout analyzed 91 Wilmington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit nightlife.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$40

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Best neighborhoods for nightlife

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Riverfront

3 matching spots

Historic District

1 matching spots

Live Oak

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Historic District

Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill

Anne Bonny's is a floating barge bar & grill on the Cape Fear River, good for a casual meal with a view, live music, and regional seafood. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for a 1.5 hour visit, and parking can be moderate downtown.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Riverfront

The Fork 'N' Cork

The Fork 'N' Cork is a solid choice for a casual meal of burgers and drinks, fitting well into an evening downtown before or after other activities. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Satellite Bar and Lounge

Satellite Bar and Lounge is a casual spot for an evening drink, often featuring live music. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for drinks and light food over a couple of hours. It pairs well with a casual dinner beforehand or as a late-night stop.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern

Reggie's is a late-night stop for live music and drinks, best for adults. Expect to spend $20-$60 per person over a few hours.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$20–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Seven Mile Post

Seven Mile Post is a local pub, good for a casual evening out to grab drinks and possibly some food, especially if live music is playing. Expect to spend $10-$30 per person for an hour and a half visit.

CocktailsLive musicFood

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Riverfront

The Ivey in the Alley

This bar is good for a casual drink or two, perhaps before or after dinner at a nearby restaurant in downtown Wilmington. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for drinks.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$15–$35 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Riverfront

The Blind Elephant

This 1920s-style cocktail bar is ideal for an evening out, offering a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and sometimes live music. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-60 per person.

CocktailsLive musicRelaxed

$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Nightlife

The Palm Room

The Palm Room is a bar with live music, suitable for an evening out with friends or a date night. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $15-40 per person on drinks.

CocktailsLive musicSocial

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Live Oak

Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar

Cloud 9 is a great spot for an evening drink and appetizers, offering scenic views of the city. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person, perfect as a pre-dinner stop or a nightcap.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

The Harp

The Harp is a good spot for a casual evening out with pub food, drinks, and entertainment like karaoke or trivia. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $20-$40 per person for food and a few drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Nightlife

Barzarre - Beer, Spirits, Tacos, Hookah & Music

Visit Barzarre for a relaxed evening with tacos, drinks, and hookah, potentially including live music. Expect to spend $20-50 per person over 1.5-2 hours, best suited for adults.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$20–$50 typical45 min visitmoderate parking