The best bars & nightlife in Leland

24 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Backspin Social - Leland is the local hang for indoor golf, sports viewing, leagues, and private celebrations. Tee it up on simulators with…

9600 Ploof Rd SE #7

Backspin Social - Leland is the local hang for indoor golf, sports viewing, leagues, and private celebrations. Tee it up on simulators with more than 1,800 courses, get instant swing data with slow-mo replays, then stick around for craft cocktails, local beer, and trivia or game day vibes...

From the Leland newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Downtown staple Cape Fear Spirits & Beer backs up its Voted Best Beer Selection brag with a sprawling beer list, thoughtful wine picks, and…

139 N Front St (Wilmington)

Downtown staple Cape Fear Spirits & Beer backs up its Voted Best Beer Selection brag with a sprawling beer list, thoughtful wine picks, and a proper cocktail menu. Slide in this week for whatever mood hits, from rare finds to easy sippers, no fuss.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 27, 2026

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From house-smoked salts and fat-washed whiskeys to a legit Cocktail Kitchen turning out gastriques, foams, and bitters, The UnderFront…

265 N Front St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Sep 11

From house-smoked salts and fat-washed whiskeys to a legit Cocktail Kitchen turning out gastriques, foams, and bitters, The UnderFront Company nails the craft. Add live music, a grand-yet-intimate room, and plenty of NC beer and wine, and your weeknight just leveled up.

From the Leland newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Perched atop the iconic Masonic Lodge, The Rooftop Bar lines up cold beers and easy cocktails with a front-row view of the Cape Fear River…

21 N Front St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Aug 5

Perched atop the iconic Masonic Lodge, The Rooftop Bar lines up cold beers and easy cocktails with a front-row view of the Cape Fear River at golden hour. Locals love it for after-work unwinding, surprise DJ nights, and the North Front Theatre vibe just downstairs.

From the Leland newsletter, August 10, 2026

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Fermental Beer & Wine is part bottle shop, part tap room, and a legit beer garden hang for Wilmington locals. Browse the beer list, snag a…

600 S 17th St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Sep 11

Fermental Beer & Wine is part bottle shop, part tap room, and a legit beer garden hang for Wilmington locals. Browse the beer list, snag a keg for that backyard thing, then settle in for Weekly Jazz Jam or the delightfully tongue-in-cheek Mediocre Mondays.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 19, 2026

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When only a stacked, gourmet burger will do, The Fork 'N' Cork delivers, with craveable sandwiches and apps in a cozy brick-walled bar. TVs…

122 Market St (Wilmington)

When only a stacked, gourmet burger will do, The Fork 'N' Cork delivers, with craveable sandwiches and apps in a cozy brick-walled bar. TVs keep the game in view, and the vibe feels like Wilmington at its most relaxed... perfect for an easy night out.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Dead Crow Comedy Room brings nationally touring and local comics to a laid-back room, with improv nights and the occasional trivia detour.…

511 N 3rd St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Sep 18

Dead Crow Comedy Room brings nationally touring and local comics to a laid-back room, with improv nights and the occasional trivia detour. Grab a cocktail at the on-site Lush Lounge & Garden Bar, stretch out in the beer garden, then chase sets with rotating food trucks and backyard vibes.

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Craving a low-key night that still feels like an outing, The Scapegoat Taproom lines up a varied tap list, regular trivia and karaoke, plus…

2789 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE

Craving a low-key night that still feels like an outing, The Scapegoat Taproom lines up a varied tap list, regular trivia and karaoke, plus visits from local food trucks, making it the kind of Leland hang where plans come together without trying too hard.

From the Leland newsletter, August 20, 2026

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The Starling

Nightlife

Whether you’re feeling peaty, pinot-y, or just mocktail-curious, The Starling is the Cargo District’s whiskey and wine bar with serious…

1612 Queen St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Aug 13

Whether you’re feeling peaty, pinot-y, or just mocktail-curious, The Starling is the Cargo District’s whiskey and wine bar with serious cocktail chops. Expect thoughtful pours, inventive house drinks, and legit zero-proof and THC sips, perfect for low-key hangs that still feel a little special.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 18, 2026

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18·21

Nightlife

18·21 is a members-only speakeasy where prohibition-era elegance meets modern mixology, with cocktails built from premium spirits and…

2789 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE #3 · ✓ checked Aug 17

18·21 is a members-only speakeasy where prohibition-era elegance meets modern mixology, with cocktails built from premium spirits and house-made ingredients.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Ironclad Brewery keeps locals happy with house-made pours and a roomy event space that actually feels fun, not fussy. Swing by for a pint…

115 N 2nd St (Wilmington)

Ironclad Brewery keeps locals happy with house-made pours and a roomy event space that actually feels fun, not fussy. Swing by for a pint with friends, check the calendar for happenings, or book your own shindig when the group text finally agrees on a date.

From the Leland newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Wilmington’s only floating bar and restaurant, Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill does Calabash-style seafood, a one-of-a-kind Crabcake Reuben, and…

106 S Water St (Wilmington)

Wilmington’s only floating bar and restaurant, Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill does Calabash-style seafood, a one-of-a-kind Crabcake Reuben, and classic burgers, plus hand-made cocktails, frozen Painkillers, and local drafts. Grab a Riverwalk table, watch the Cape Fear roll by, and call it your midweek reset.

From the Leland newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Bourgie Nights is that intimate, lounge-like spot locals call when they want live music up close and, yes, a burlesque show. It’s cozy…

125 Princess St (Wilmington)

Bourgie Nights is that intimate, lounge-like spot locals call when they want live music up close and, yes, a burlesque show. It’s cozy without being sleepy, the kind of hideout where weeknights accidentally turn into stories you text friends about.

From the Leland newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Anchored in Wilmington since 1995, Front Street Brewery pours house-made beers alongside upgraded pub grub that actually hits the spot.…

9 N Front St (Wilmington)

Anchored in Wilmington since 1995, Front Street Brewery pours house-made beers alongside upgraded pub grub that actually hits the spot. It’s a historic downtown staple with an easy online order setup when couch mode wins, and a fun scene when you rally friends.

From the Leland newsletter, August 29, 2026

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With over 400 bottles, 70 wine pours, and 30-plus craft beers, The Fortunate Glass is the kind of downtown staple you end up calling your…

29 S Front St (Wilmington)

With over 400 bottles, 70 wine pours, and 30-plus craft beers, The Fortunate Glass is the kind of downtown staple you end up calling your second living room. Tapas pull in flavors from around the world, and the weekly specials keep regulars happily experimenting.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Whether you're in the mood for an IPA science experiment or something crisp and clean, Flying Machine Brewing Company in Wilmington keeps…

3130 Randall Pkwy (Wilmington)

Whether you're in the mood for an IPA science experiment or something crisp and clean, Flying Machine Brewing Company in Wilmington keeps the taps adventurous and the vibe lively this week.

From the Leland newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Leland Brewing Company keeps 20+ handcrafted beers flowing, with rotating guest taps, wines, and N/A options, all built around a taproom…

2115 Ale Ave

Leland Brewing Company keeps 20+ handcrafted beers flowing, with rotating guest taps, wines, and N/A options, all built around a taproom vibe that’s about bringing people together. There’s always something on the calendar, so grab a friend and make a casual weeknight feel like a little celebration.

From the Leland newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Wine Knot Sky Bar and Cocktail Lounge is a members-only perch in downtown Wilmington with front-row views of the Cape Fear and the…

201 N Front St Ste 909 (Wilmington)

Wine Knot Sky Bar and Cocktail Lounge is a members-only perch in downtown Wilmington with front-row views of the Cape Fear and the battleship, pouring curated wines, local beers, and rotating handcrafted cocktails with charcuterie and small plates.

From the Leland newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Hell's Kitchen nails the Wilmington trifecta: pub-grub favorites that hit the spot, microbrews and cocktails, and daily specials that keep…

118 Princess St (Wilmington)

Hell's Kitchen nails the Wilmington trifecta: pub-grub favorites that hit the spot, microbrews and cocktails, and daily specials that keep weekdays interesting, plus weekend bands and the occasional TV-fueled roar when the game’s on... Consider it your reliable meet-up for easy eats, cold pints, and neighborly noise.

From the Leland newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Live music, line dancing, and game-day energy come standard at The Eagle's Dare, a laid-back beer garden with craft cocktails, food trucks,…

420 N 3rd St (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Sep 18

Live music, line dancing, and game-day energy come standard at The Eagle's Dare, a laid-back beer garden with craft cocktails, food trucks, and a knack for community. When you want a casual night that might turn into a singalong, this spot keeps the fun local.

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Brunswick Beer and Cider keeps the taps interesting with house brews alongside crisp ciders, and the kitchen turns out beer-infused-crust…

1313 S Dickinson Dr · ✓ checked Aug 17

Brunswick Beer and Cider keeps the taps interesting with house brews alongside crisp ciders, and the kitchen turns out beer-infused-crust pizzas, smash burgers, and solid salads. Swing by this week, try the Lavender Lemonade Cider, then tell your group you’ve heroically handled dinner.

From the Brunswick County newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Craving a stress reset without leaving the Cape Fear bubble? Rally Point Bar & Arcade delivers cold drinks, button-mashing arcade fun, and…

214 Walnut St (Wilmington)

Craving a stress reset without leaving the Cape Fear bubble? Rally Point Bar & Arcade delivers cold drinks, button-mashing arcade fun, and an upstairs country-club vibe with three private golf simulator bays for playing Pebble in the morning, St. Andrews at night.

From the Leland newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Skip the fuss and slip into The Ivey in the Alley for affordable, well-made cocktails that don’t take themselves too seriously. Think Madam…

10 Wilkinson Alley (Wilmington) · ✓ checked Sep 11

Skip the fuss and slip into The Ivey in the Alley for affordable, well-made cocktails that don’t take themselves too seriously. Think Madam Ivey and Salty Dude, plus beer, wine, and legit mocktails when you’re pacing yourself... or just feeling responsible.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Banter

Nightlife

Cozy, conversation-friendly bar serving cocktails for a range of budgets in 3 rooms, plus outdoor seating.

19 S 2nd St (Wilmington)

Cozy, conversation-friendly bar serving cocktails for a range of budgets in 3 rooms, plus outdoor seating.

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