OUr favorite craft cocktail bars

 Discover a 1920s Prohibition speakeasy secreted in a smooth alley serving fantastic spirits, bourbons, moonshine and cocktails. Play some pool while silent black and white gangster movies flicker on the exposed brick wall. Just enter the clean Smith Alley, walk up a few steps, knock on the door with a peek-a-boo sliding window—no password is needed. Choose from their menu filled with Bourbon options from the sublime to the budget conscious or watch the chalk board for special Elixirs concocted by their mixologists. Join them for special events like Jazz Piano, Whiskey Tastings, Great Gatsby Party, and more. For a private, cozy atmosphere, investigate their VIP Volstead Room, named after Andrew Volstead often called the "Father of Prohibition." The bartenders can give you all the details to host your next private event. 

www.blindelephantspeakeasy.com/

 Toast a moment in our nation’s history at Rebellion NC that offers a selection of whiskeys celebrating the Whiskey Rebellion. Located in a restored historic building, visitors can select the beverage of their choice from a 28-tap local craft beer selection, extensive whiskey list and craft cocktails that salute our history, too, such as the Congress Hall and The Resistance — both made with bourbon and other liqueurs. 

www.rebellionnc.com/

 Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails at Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot—a rustic, relaxed bar that offers fun signature drinks like the Cotton Candy Martini, Margarita Boba and Adult Freezy Pops. Also on the menu, you’ll find 30 single malt whiskeys, craft beers, a rotating local snack selection and cigars.  

www.whiskeytangofoxtrotnc.com

 Step out onto the terrace bar featuring craft cocktails with views of the WWII Battleship NORTH CAROLINA at Cloud 9. Located on the rooftop of the Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel in downtown Wilmington, Cloud 9 is one of the best spots in town to catch the sunset over the Cape Fear River. The hotspot features several craft cocktails, local brews (22 on tap), specialty mules and rosé, all of which can be paired with locally inspired small plates. 

www.cloud9ilm.com/

 Swing by aView, a rooftop bistro at Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, to sip on innovative craft cocktails while taking in stunning views of the Cape Fear River. Pair your libations with shareable plates and tapas like charcuterie boards, oysters on the half shell and more. 

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ilmal-aloft-wilmington-at-coastline-center/dining/

 Watch boats float down the Cape Fear River while you savor cocktails, wine and beer at Elijah's, Pilot House and The George.  The three restaurants offer outdoor seating right on Wilmington’s Riverwalk that are the perfect spots to catch a sunset over the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and sip on your beverage of choice.