Wilmington, North Carolina, is a uniquely multifaceted vacation city; not only is it a top golfing destination, it also has a booming film industry, a popular historic district, a major state university and a hopping nightlife scene. Once you're finished playing through top local courses such as Inland Greens and Echo Farms, make sure you spend at least one evening checking out the establishments that make Wilmington's bar district such an enduring draw for visitors.
Hell's Kitchen
Value-packed daily specials and a live music performance space make Hell's Kitchen popular with the local college crowd. The bar has a large beer list and serves several designer cocktails and shots. Food is served, too; the menu mostly consists of burgers, sandwiches, wraps and appetizers. Hell's Kitchen is just a few blocks south of the Wilmington Golf Course.
Hell's Kitchen
118 Princess Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
(910) 763-4133
hellskitchenbar.com
Goat and Compass
The Goat and Compass is a local favorite situated in the tourist district along the Cape Fear River. It has a sunny porch in front and a shady outdoor beer garden in back, with plenty of seating inside. This bar is also dog friendly, and many of the locals bring their dogs along to socialize. There are daily drink specials and occasional trivia and special events. Inland Greens Golf Course is about five miles due east of the Goat and Compass.
Goat and Compass
710 N. 4th Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
(910) 772-1400
goatandcompass.com
Sixteen Taps
As the name implies, Sixteen Taps is an excellent place to go if you're looking for a great variety of beer. The beer prices are decent, too, but because the bar is also a music venue, a cover charge may apply for bigger shows that start later at night. The concert-going crowd can also be rowdy, so plan to go early if you want to avoid that. The Pine Valley Country Club's golf courses are located about four miles to the southeast of here.
Sixteen Taps
127 Princess Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
(910) 251-1616
Tavern on 2nd
Tavern on 2nd is a simple place, but the character and atmosphere make it an ideal place to savor a drink and relax after a day of golf. The bartenders usually open the multiple french doors on three sides of the bar when the weather is nice, letting in lots of fresh air and sunlight. An extensive jukebox and personable bartenders help make this a local favorite. Tavern on 2nd is five miles north of Echo Farms Golf and Country Club.
Tavern on 2nd
106 N. 2nd Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
(910) 251-2148
Captain Bill's Backyard Grill
The sports bar at Captain Bill's Backyard Grill is a good place to grab a beer and catch the game, but there's much more to this huge bar and restaurant. The building is surrounded by 11 sand volleyball courts with outdoor lighting, and there is a full lunch and dinner restaurant attached to the bar. You can easily spend an entire evening here if you want to take in dinner, lounge in the sports bar and either play a game of volleyball or be a spectator on the patio. A Dick's Sporting Goods store with a full golf equipment and apparel department is located one and a half miles to the south.
Captain Bill's Backyard Grill
4240 Market Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
(910) 762-0173
captnbills.com
About The Author
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