DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON
Downtown Wilmington is filled with beautiful historic homes, new luxury condos, and classic apartments and lofts. From day to night, this city has so much to explore. Walk to your favorite restaurant, craft cocktail bar or coffee shop. Check out your local theatre, gallery, or marina. Downtown has something for everyone!
RESTAURANTS
Fork n Cork
A local Gem to Downtown Wilmington, The burgers here are out of this world, got for your classic, or kick it up a few notches with the Hay Dios Mio. With a daily special mac and cheese, an assortment of appetizers, and vegan options, everyone can enjoy something delicious.
Circa 1982
Circa is the perfect spot for date night or a birthday party celebration, owned by a local Legend for creating some of Wilmington’s best restaurants, and we know why. A true Downtown restaurant that has perfected everything from the moment you step in the door. They have tapas, sushi, charcuterie boards, locally famous croissant bread pudding, and a Saturday night pianist you can’t go wrong.
Savorez
Latin American cuisine, serving fresh local fish dishes, empanadas, fresh mojitos, and margaritas. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious desserts will make anyone feel right at home.
Tarantelli's
Serving family recipes with the finest ingredients from various regions in Italy, paired with the most celebrated Italian wines available. Whether you are joining them for a cocktail, a meal, or a special event, they hope that your experience at Tarantelli's stays with you long after your table's been cleared.
Caprice Bistro
French cuisine served in a classic brick building, including an upstairs bar that’s popular with the post-theater crowd. Caprice is perfect for romantic evenings out, or just a little something different and refreshingly elevated.
The Little Dipper
An experience you won't find at any other restaurant in Wilmington - unique, nostalgic, and fun...FONDUE! The Little Dipper menu includes premium meats, fresh seafood, vegetables, and homemade sauces for dipping. Enjoy a night out while you dip assorted breads into hot melted cheese prepared tableside by your server.
Beer Barrio
Latin American cuisine, serving fresh local fish dishes, empanadas, fresh mojitos, and margaritas. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious desserts will make anyone feel right at home.
Slice of Life
Slice offers a welcoming, casual, and fun environment with delicious food, making it a favorite hangout for locals and visitors alike. Voted best pizza and late-night eatery in Wilmington since 2005 by Encore Magazine!
BEER & WINE
Front street brewery
Come see for yourself why the Encore Restaurant Critic said “Really good food….wonderful…..we walked away happy and satisfied” and come taste for yourself why their Brewmaster, won a prestigious GOLD AWARD at the World Beer Cup. The Front Street Brewery… delicious food and locally handcrafted beer served in the comfortably casual ambiance of a beautiful historic building.
Fly Trap Brewing
Founder of Flytrap Mike Barlas is proud to share his passion with the community. While earning his MBA from UNCW, he started home-brewing in his garage and was hooked from day one. Since opening Flytrap, Mike has been dedicated to brewing the best possible beers he can - with a focus on American and Belgian ales that are well balanced and full of flavor. Now, Mike and his growing team are excited to share this journey with fellow beer lovers.
Iron Clad Brewery
Their brewers hand forge a wide range of craft beer and hard seltzers, using only the best ingredients available. Grab a pint of beer, a snifter of seltzer, or get a flight and try them all! For those that have not yet immersed themselves in the craft beer scene, they also have ciders, wine, and spirits.
Waterline Brewery
Located in a historic 1940s era warehouse beneath the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, they distribute keg beer locally, give tours, and welcome you to sit and enjoy their brews in their expansive tasting room. They're currently focused on six flagship ales: Waterline Kolsch, Pale, Red, classic IPA, Oatmeal Stout, and Tripel.
The Fortunate Glass
Nearly 400 bottles of wine and 70 wine pours over 30 craft beers! Wilmington's top-rated wine bar for both staff and service! A staple in downtown Wilmington for over 10 years! They've got food, too, including appetizers, entrees, desserts!
Taste the Olive and Vine
The Olive is more than a store- they offer you an experience! They have a tasting bar where you can sample all of their oils and balsamic vinegar. And they have now opened a cozy yet elegant wine bar. Where they offer over 50 wines by the glass, select craft beer, and offer pairing suggestions with any of their delicious cheese boards and tapas plates.
The Husk
A neighborhood bar where you feel like a neighbor, even if you aren't. A casual environment, a modern-day drinking hole, a place to sit with friends and meet new ones. From bites and sips to all-nighters and ball games, you're welcome here- make yourself at home.
Mon Ame
Downtown Wilmington's premier chocolate and wine bar where exquisite wines are paired with locally made chocolate confections.
COFFEE SHOPS & SWEETS
Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods
Spend the day working in this space while enjoying delicious coffee or grab a glass of wine or beer for a laid back date night.
The Peppered Cupcake
A true, gourmet cupcake shop with 2 locations in Wilmington, NC. The Peppered Cupcake creates exciting cupcakes that are available every day for walk-ins and special occasions. Come see the unexpected in a cupcake.
Java Dog
A great spot to bring the family and your pup to enjoy a special treat. Located inside The Cotton Exchange.
Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream
A true, gourmet cupcake shop with 2 locations in Wilmington, NC. The Peppered Cupcake creates exciting cupcakes that are available every day for walk-ins and special occasions. Come see the unexpected in a cupcake.
Port City Java
Wilmington's favorite coffee shop chain has been serving up coffee in the Port City since 1995. You will find all of your coffee shop staples here.
Wake N Bake Doughnuts
Freshly baked with unique flavors you won't find at your usual donut shop. They are delicious!
SHOPPING
Aqua Fedora
A boutique specializing in affordable clothing and accessories for women.
The Cotton Exchange
A shopping complex consisting of over eight historical buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here you will find plenty of unique boutique shops and restaurants.
Lure
A women's boutique located in the heart of downtown Wilmington. They have everything from casual jeans and tees to elegant cocktail and prom dresses. Plus great accessories like trendy shoes, purses, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. They've got you covered from head to toe!
Cape Fear Spice Merchants
Local area residents, Gary and Sue Coleman have opened the first Spice Merchants in North Carolina in the fall of 2014. Tasting and smelling the aromas of products are encouraged. Come experience the flavors of locally hand-mixed blends, fresh & vibrant teas, unusual and hard to find spices, an assortment of olive oils and balsamic vinegar, and great gifts.
Camillions
A family and woman-owned business. They carry clothing, jewelry & accessories of other women-owned brands and companies that give back. Their selection offers a variety of unique items for women of all ages.
The Black Cat Shoppe
Randomly inspired fun for the whole family including cool kid stuff, pirate booty, zany & unusual nostalgic toys, humorous pop culture novelties, quirky gizmos and gadgets, One Tree Hill & Dawson's Creek souvenirs, Ghost Walk, and Haunted Pub Crawl memorabilia and more!
LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS
Outdoor Equipped
For the best in outdoor wear for sports, recreation, and all types of fun under the sun, see what Outdoor Equipped has to offer. They stock thousands of outdoor gear items year-round, so whenever you’re getting ready for a ski trip, fishing expedition, 10K or day at the shore, they've got you covered — literally.
Redix
Is an official retailer for clothing from Southern Tide, Vineyard Vines, Southern Proper, Smathers and Branson, High Cotton Ties, True Flies, OluKai, Annie Griffin, Hutch, Tommy Bahama, Ray-Ban, Leatherman belts, Sperry Top-Sider, Salt Life, Rainbow sandals, Costa Del Mar sunglasses as well accessories and beach chairs. This is Wilmington's one-stop-shop.
Pure Life
A health food shop offering: Vitamins, Minerals, Specialty Formulas, Soy Candles, Personal Hygiene, Herbs, Teas, Natural Foods, Snacks, Books, Literature. Gift Baskets and Tea Pots. Located inside The Cotton Exchange.
Native Salt Cave and wellness
Is excited to bring this incredible healing to people in need of its amazing benefits. They provide a relaxing, rejuvenating atmosphere that will leave you feeling better and healthier overall.