Drinks & Brews
in Wrightsville Beach, NC
Drink in Views and Sip on Craft Brews and Cocktails
Wrightsville Beach is the perfect destination for travelers in search of a unique “twist” to their getaway that’s as refreshing as the crystal blue waters. Whether you’re seeking craft coffee beverages, beachside brews or cocktails with sunset views, Wrightsville Beach delivers a diverse array of drinks and picturesque settings that will quench your thirst and raise your vacation satisfaction.
Waterfront Libations
In Wrightsville Beach, drinks are often served with breathtaking waterfront views, elevating the experience beyond that of a beach town bar. EAST Oceanfront Dining, located within the Blockade Runner, features a refined selection of wines, spirits and local beers to enjoy on the outdoor canopied garden deck or in the dining room, adorned with murals from talented local artists. Both settings offer lush garden scenery with peek-a-boo ocean views. Delight in panoramic vistas at Oceanic Restaurant, situated on the Crystal Pier, as well as “Flip Flop” cocktails, cold beer and wine – not to mention live music on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons from April through September. For another stellar setting, visit Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + Cocktails within the Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort – and choose from an impressive selection of mixed drinks, beers and wine. Take your drink outside to the deck and relax in rocking chairs overlooking the pool and ocean.
On the other side of the island, Bluewater Waterfront Grill offers spectacular panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, alongside signature cocktails like the Strawberry Mint Mule and Sunset Sipper Red Sangria. Make a reservation at The Bridge Tender, also perched along the Intracoastal Waterway, to indulge in a glass of wine or beer as you watch the sun go down. Nearby Dockside Restaurant is a true North Carolina institution and a popular filming location you might recognize from famous movies and TV shows, such as the ‘90s hit “Dawson’s Creek.” Unwind on Dockside’s outdoor deck as you sip on seasonal cocktails and watch boats meander down the Intracoastal.
Treat yourself to cocktails and classic frozen drinks on waterfront Fish House Grill’s dog-friendly outdoor patio. At South Beach Grill, snag a seat outside and savor specialty cocktails and sights of the scenic Banks Channel on their pet-friendly patio.
Curated Craft Brews
Wrightsville Beach welcomes craft beer enthusiasts to enjoy a cold one (or two) at a number of hotspots. Lighthouse Beer & Wine is a one-stop shop offering sought-after wines and craft beers from around the world with hundreds of selections. Take a load off and sample your selections in the shop’s dog-friendly beer garden. Another popular haunt known for craft beer and gourmet burgers is Poe’s Tavern, which features Edgar Allen Poe-themed décor and a regularly rotating draft beer selection.
Flying Machine Oyster Bar offers distinctly local coastal cuisine as well as a full bar, including taps of locally brewed Flying Machine beers. Just across the drawbridge, you’ll find Waterman’s Brewing Company, where craft brew connoisseurs can revel in a regularly rotating selection of craft beers and ciders.
Wrightsville Beach Brewery is another must-visit, known for curated craft beer options like the Airlie Amber Ale, Oysterman Stout, Wilmywood Wit and Waterway IPA. The brewery frequently hosts tastings and live music events in its beer garden. In addition to serving delicious beers and eats, such as Shrimp and Grits, Fried Oyster Bites and Crab Cake Pizza, the brewpub also contributes to local charities through its “Beer of the Month” program, in which a different nonprofit organization receives proceeds from the featured beer.
Flying Machine Oyster Bar offers distinctly local coastal cuisine as well as a full bar including 10 rotating taps of locally brewed Flying Machine beers. Located just over the drawbridge, Waterman’s Brewing Company also offers a rotating selection of craft brews and ciders for the beer aficionado. The brewery features a dozen seasonal beers on tap at a time. Known for its 11 different craft beer options like the seasonal Airlie Amber Ale, Oysterman Stout, Wilmywood Wit and Waterway IPA, Wrightsville Beach Brewery frequently features live music events in its beer garden and tastings. The brewpub not only serves delicious beers and great food like Shrimp & Grits and Fried Oyster Bites and Crab Cake Pizza, but it also aims to educate customers about good environmental stewardship and contribute to the sustainability of local charities through its “Beer of the Month” program where a different nonprofit receives proceeds from the featured beer.
Craft Cocktails
Want to kick off your Wrightsville Beach vacation at a beach-side spot? Then Shark Bar & Kitchen is the place for you. From house cocktails like the Yacht Rocks to frozen margaritas like the Great White or Spicy Texas, there is a drink waiting to be raised in a “cheers” at this spot. Or, head upstairs to the second story Admirals Deck for oysters on the half-shell with a Citrus Jalapeno or Jalisco Disco.
For a taste of Tex-Mex on the coast, visit Tower 7 Baja Mexican Grill. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for having more than 35 tequila options that go into popular margaritas such as the Wannabe, Pomerita and Prickly Pear. Tower 7 also features “bebidas especiales” like the Cabo Lemonade, Baja Crush and Dawn Patrol – all of which are made with fresh fruit juices.
Coffee Shops
Pick up a latte just steps from the shore, find French-inspired beverages and fuel up for your afternoon adventure with cold brew created from locally roasted beans.
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