There’s nothing like an ocean breeze and a cold drink in hand to relax the mind and body. Escape to a paradise state of mind with a craft cocktail paired with ocean views or a cold, local brew at one of Wrightsville Beach’s beloved bars, breweries and restaurants.
Sparkling Views
Relax with a drink at Oceanic, Wrightsville Beach’s only standalone restaurant on the beach, situated at the beginning of a pier with stunning views. Sit outside in the covered, al fresco dining space directly overlooking the water and choose from specialty cocktails, paired with delicious appetizers like Parmesan Crispy Oysters and Carolina Crab Dip. While you enjoy your drinks and bites, listen to live music on Fridays and Sundays from April through September.
Offering views of the Intracoastal Waterway from inside or their waterfront patio, Bluewater Waterfront Grill is an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing craft cocktail. As you sip on a Blackberry Mojito, (Not Too) Spicy Margarita or Sunset Margarita, watch the sun go down over the water and relax to the soothing sounds of sail masts flapping in the gentle breeze. While you’re there, snack on signature favorites like Blackened Mahi Tacos, Spicy Calamari or Tuna Crudo.
Also located on the Intracoastal Waterway, Dockside Restaurant has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. Sit back, relax and watch the boats cruise by as you sip on a seasonal cocktail like the Lavender Margarita or Honeysuckle Lemonade. A few blocks down, find Fish House Grill, another restaurant that has been a landmark for decades. Sit on the waterfront patio and treat yourself to a signature drink like the Money Island Shipwreck or Mother’s Mule.
Craft Cocktails
Prepare for a unique cocktail experience at Shark Bar & Kitchen. The bright and airy space is home to a craft cocktail list that excites. Sample summer cocktails like the Parrothead Sour with tequila, hibiscus, spices, lemon and egg white for frothiness, or the Pink Panther with gin, grapefruit, Campari and lime. Or, try one of their specially crafted margaritas, featuring flavors like kiwi, mango, strawberry, cucumber, watermelon, grapefruit and jalapeño. On a hot day, refresh yourself with a Frozen, Slushy, and Lushy drink, like the Funky Monkey, Pontoon Pina Colada or Blackberry Basil Lemonade.
If you’re thirsting for margaritas, there are more options at Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill. In addition to the delicious burritos and other Mexican staples, Tower 7 offers blended, on the rocks, frozen and straight-up margaritas featuring 100% Blue Agave tequilas and home-made sweet & sour mix with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime juice daily. Choose from unique flavors like prickly pear, pomegranate, sriracha, pineapple, jalapeño and more, as well as classic flavors. You can even add a pint of margarita mix to your online order to enjoy at your vacation rental. Additional specialty drinks include Blueberry Mules, Cabo Lemonades, Baja Sangria and more.
Local Brews
Quench your thirst with a cold beer at the local brewery Flying Machine Oyster Bar. Discover 10 rotating taps of Flying Machine brews at the full bar. You might find Dreamy Eyes, a tangerine cream ale; Endless Summer, a strawberry tart ale; Pixel, a hazy pale ale; or the Neapolitan Ice Cream-Inspired Imperial Stout with – you guessed it – vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Flying Machine also serves up small bites from plates of Tempura Shrimp to filling lunch and dinner options like sandwiches and steak entrees.
Waterman’s Brewing Company is just across the bridge and offers a rotating selection of craft brews and ciders. You can also indulge in lunch, weekend brunch and dinner featuring seafood selections and traditional pub favorites. Choose from craft brews like Beach Bunny, a hoppy IPA featuring a floral and citrusy aroma; the Shore Break Slammer, an easy-drinking Kolsch; the Moon Fire, a “Mexican Hot Chocolate-style” stout and many more.
Just beyond the bridge, Wrightsville Beach Brewery offers craft beer and delicious bites served up in their brewpub and beer garden, inside or outside on the seasonal patio. Looking for a hoppy pale ale? Try the Puppy Drum Pale Ale. What about something fruity? Sample the Signal Fire Session IPA. Or maybe you’re craving a dark ale? Then the Oysterman Stout is for you. Wrightsville Beach Brewery has all of this and more, in addition to delicious lunch and dinner options from pizza and burgers to tacos, ribs and sandwiches made from the freshest ingredients. Plus, the brewery donates 11% of its proceeds to a different charity each month.
No matter your drink of choice, Wrightsville Beach has something to offer with a coastal twist. Pair your craft brew or cocktail with delicious, coastal cuisine or a stunning view of the ocean, and good times on the island will be had by all.
