Hidden Ships Distillery is truly a hidden gem in Surf City! I grew up in this area and now live in Virginia Beach, and I make it a point to tell everyone I know about Hidden Ships. I was never a big fan of any liquor, so I wasn't expecting to be impressed--but their gin and bourbon completely changed my mind. Both are incredibly smooth, flavorful, and unlike anything I'd had before. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you can tell the owner and staff are passionate about what they do. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or someone who normally skips liquor like I do, Hidden Ships is absolutely worth the visit. If you're anywhere near Surf City, do yourself a favor and stop by Hidden Ships Distillery. It's one of my favorite places to recommend, and everyone I've sent there has loved it. I can't wait to come back on my next trip home! read more

Love this place! Super cool atmosphere, vibes, and amazing drinks! Especially the espresso martini!

Very nice atmosphere. Staff seems to be pleasant. Drinks were good Definitely go back read more

Visit the distillery while on vacation, had a drink and took a tour. It was interesting to learn some of the history of bourbon making and dun sampling all of the alcohols they make in house. Our tour guide was fun! We also had drinks in the bar that is beautifully decorated, it has a speakeasy feel to it. All of our drinks were amazing and the service was outstanding. Definitely worth a visit if in the area! read more

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An absolute must. This place is perfect. 100%. Incredible atmosphere, dog friendly, gorgeous interior, jolly staff. Drinks are perfection (as is their logo). Do not miss this gem! read more

This place is truly a hidden gem. The decor has a cool, old-school vibe and just makes it feel fun the minute you walk in. We had the smoked old fashioned (smoked in the box - which was fun to watch) and a chocolate martini, and both were sooo good. It's really neat that you can see the distillery right there in the next room, it adds to the whole experience. The staff were super friendly, and we loved browsing the little shop with shirts, glasses, and other cute finds. Just a really fun spot we're glad we found and will definitely be back. read more

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Love when our vacation plans come to fruition-Hidden Ships Distillery did not disappoint. Upon walking in and coupled with the smooth tunes from the saxophone player, the space gave sexy speakeasy vibes. Greeted and welcomed in as soon as we walked in, we made our way to the bar where the mixologist was already at work crafting up unique cocktails. The campfire aromas filled the room telling the story of a smoked old fashioned carefully crafted and served. I ordered my go to Boulevardier and it warmed my soul. My partner craved a more refreshing French 75 and it was made just like she likes it-less sweet and more gin and prosecco forward. We chatted with the mixologist for a bit and he gave us tons of recommendations for drinks and eats in the area which we greatly appreciated. We tried to schedule a tour and tasting for the following day, but unfortunately could never get through due to an error on the website. Hopefully we can visit again and truly get to experience everything they have to offer. read more

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Awesome place to stop for crafted cocktails. Bartenders were pro's. I've paid a lot for poorly made drinks. The cocktails were excellent and fairly priced. The atmosphere of the location was enjoyable and the solid wood plank tables were a nice touch. read more

What an amazing experience! We had the espresso martini, chocolate martinis, and the strawberry-basil vodka drink -- all of them were incredible. Our bartender, Taylor, was so friendly and really made the evening even better. The drinks exceeded our expectations, the service was excellent, and the ambience was spot on. They even shared doughnuts with us. Definitely a 10/10 experience! Ps: It was the best espresso martini I've ever had. Thanks Taylor! read more

Hidden Ships Distillery - Chocolate martini - Distilleries Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Megan made the BEST lemon drop martini and the staff made it easy to order. What a great experience!! Thank you!

This is a great local venue. We found this on a drive by. They distill their spirits on site. The mixologists have created some fabulous cocktails using these spirits. The ambiance is that of a beachy speak easy. Nothing like a smoked ol' fashion. read more

My wife and I stumbled upon Hidden Ships two years ago while exploring the newer retail options in Surf City. We had some cocktails and met the master distiller, Andy, who was also the bartender. He's incredibly passionate about distilling, and we had a great conversation. I ended up purchasing their rested rum and couldn't resist buying more. A few days ago, we returned with our son and his girlfriend. My son is an avid bourbon taster and collector, so we were excited to try their offerings. We walked into the bar and found Andy tending to the bar once again. We ordered cocktails from the menu, and I highly recommend the Sezerac. Before long, Andy came over with a bottle of their bourbon and new rye for us to sample. Both the bourbon and rye were fantastic. I'm not a huge fan of rye, but theirs was exceptional. I also tried their rums, both white and barrel-rested. As mentioned earlier, I've had the rested rum, which has been resting in their ex-bourbon barrels for about 8 months. However, I hadn't tried their white rum yet. It was incredible! It had a buttery and smooth flavor that was very different from any other rum I've had, even though I'm an avid rum drinker. I purchased the white rum, my son bought some too, and we also tried their rye. A portion of the proceeds from the rye benefits the Marine Raiders association, which is a great cause. The bar itself has one of the coolest vibes I've ever experienced. The cool blue tones throughout the space, leather seating, conversation areas, custom tables, and the view into the distillery create a unique and inviting atmosphere. It's a great place to unwind after a day at the beach or some heavy retail therapy. I highly recommend Hidden Ships Distillery. Thank you, Andy, for taking the time to share your knowledge and passion with my family. read more

Hidden Ships Distillery is a Hidden Gem! Great atmosphere, top notch staff, and delicious cocktails.

Hidden Ships is an absolute gem! It has a wonderful speakeasy vibe that makes every visit feel like a unique experience. The drinks are creative, fun, and incredibly tasty--you can tell a lot of thought goes into each cocktail. The bartenders and bar staff are fantastic: friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. The owners are equally welcoming and genuinely make you feel appreciated! Their liquors are all award winning and I can't pick a favorite as I love them all! If you are looking for a great place to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails with award winning liquors, Hidden Ships is a must visit. I highly recommend stopping I --you won't be disappointed!! See you there!!! read more

Everything here is fantastic. The only negative review I've saw was about spilling out of a martini glass which is actually a great thing cause it means your drink is full, so what are you complaining about? Excellent place, excellent service, and I'm so glad they're here to enjoy. read more

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The place so nice, we went there twice! And we probably would have gone more but our week came to an end. My husband and I visited Hidden Ships because he loves a smoked old-fashioned. Theirs was delicious and also beautiful to watch being made. There's definitely an art and skill to making good cocktails and this staff has it down! The intimate seating made it easy to get comfortable and just enjoy the feeling of a place made for adults that also happens to be a little family friendly, though there's really nothing here for kids. We chatted with some other groups nearby and also felt comfortable just having our own conversation without interruptions. It was helpful to know you could order food from nearby restaurants and they would deliver. We tried several cocktails the first night including Irish Maid, Strawberry Lemon Spritz, Aviation and The Last Word. All unique, well blended and delicious in their own way. The second trip we booked the distillery tour with Michael. Michael was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and willing to answer a million questions. We really enjoyed the experience and are amazed at the rapid success of this tiny distillery tucked away behind Topsail Island. Bourbon, whiskey, gin, rum or vodka, whatever mood you find yourself in, come discover Hidden Ships! read more

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As local's, Hidden Ships is our favorite place to have a drink, meet friends and celebrate life's highs and lows! Staff is always friendly and our drinks are ALWAYS amazing! read more

As a local we love the setting of Hidden Ships. The smoky smell when you entertain sets the stage for a unique experience. The drinks are delicious and the new monthly concoctions are a treat. The service is great, and always fun to watch your drink being made. read more

I am completely disgusted by the toxic environment and total lack of professionalism I witnessed at Hidden Ships Distillery. While I have visited on multiple occasions and always look forward to being served by Cooper, who is a fantastic, friendly, and professional worker...what happened during my last visit ensures I will never be back. While sitting at a nearly full bar, I witnessed a female staff member completely ambush and verbally attack Cooper. She was standing at the register on one end of the bar, and Cooper was clear at the other end by the coffee machine. Instead of walking over to speak to him like an adult, she literally screamed across the entire length of the room. The other patrons and I were in complete awe of the disrespect; she deliberately chose to make a massive, public scene for everyone to hear. The entire tantrum was over a parking space. She refused to clock out until Cooper moved his car out of an unofficial Buffalo Bills fans only spot, which is just the owner's preferred space, not an actual designated zone. Despite being publicly yelled at, Cooper handled it with total class. He stayed completely calm and professional, stepping away from customers to move his vehicle to a standard spot just to keep the peace. To make matters worse, she then paraded back inside and loudly demanded that he move his car again into a handicap space because he has handicap tags. Since when does a placard legally obligate someone to park in a specific spot, and since when is it an employee's job to loudly police that in front of a crowd??? Cooper is an excellent bartender who navigated a completely unhinged situation with grace. Management is clearly non-existent if they let staff create this kind of hostile environment in front of a full house. It was embarrassing, highly unprofessional, and completely ruined the atmosphere. Cooper deserves to work somewhere better, and I won't be spending my money here again. read more

The Staff is very welcoming. The cocktails are fabulous! The Bourbon is very good. Bought a few bottles to bring back home. Atmosphere is very conducive to the vibe created by Hidden Ships. Definitely worth a trip and followed by a dinner at one of the neighboring establishments. Great Bourbon!!! read more

Thank you Hidden Ships Distillery! Exactly what we needed in Surf City! The locals have breweries or bars or restaurants, but NOW we have a DISTILLERY!!! Everyone I know has been anxiously waiting for this place to come to fruition! And now it's here, perfectly timed for our coastal fall weather! I did not stay today for a cocktail or spirits, however, I did have a taste of their bourbon that was extremely smooth and mild. If you're looking for bargain bourbon, head to the ABC. This was the best I've had in a very long time. I also did a taste of their vodka, as the gin won't be ready until later in the month. The vodka was also excellent and smooth. I did buy a bottle of each to take home and I couldn't be happier to share them with my company this weekend! Enough about the booze, this venue reminds me of a cross between a speakeasy and ship! Super cozy seating and a huge bar are. Not to mention a great patio area where you can enjoy the weather here in southeast NC! Bring your pet, bring the kids, come for a tour or a tasting, they will accommodate your needs! They are open Wednesday through Sunday! read more

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One of my favorite places to be because of the drinks AND the people that work here. Genuinely want to provide an amazing product and service to everyone who walks through their doors. The vibes are amazing and drinks are amazing. You can also get some of the restaurants in the plaza to bring you food! 10/10 read more

Hidden Ships Distillery - If you're interested, they do different tours and tastings! Check their website! - Distilleries Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Such a cute little speakeasy! It was much busier than I expected but they have a decent amount of seating and also a large bar. Downfall was only one bartender but he did great! No food, just chips and snacks but a bunch of local options nearby to have food delivered! The drinks were outstanding! I tried the Irish Maid- delish and the Sazurac, wow these drinks were next level! They have some seating outside as well... read more

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Elegant yet approachable, this distillery is a fantastic place to spend an hour or two enjoying high quality craft cocktails. The Strawberry Basil Smash and Blue Hawaiian are excellent. The bartenders are always friendly and willing to make recommendations. For an intimate experience, aim to visit on a weekday early to late afternoon. For a more lively experience, evenings and weekends are best. Well behaved canine family members on leash can visit too. read more

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Had the opportunity to visit on my drive from NY to Myrtle Beach. Definitely worth the stop. Had their Gold Rush cocktail (bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice). The only liquor I typically drink is vodka, but the cocktail was outstanding. I also had the opportunity to get a tour and tasting. Tried the gin, rum and barrel rested rum. All were excellent, even for a non-gin/rum drinker. Would have enjoyed more cocktails if I didn't have a 2 hour drive ahead of me. Also picked up some merch, including a tshirt, mug and bottle of vodka and barrel rested rum. They have a great selection, including some great hats. Bonus points- they are a Bills Backers bar. I have a soft spot for local businesses whose owners are passionate about what they do and love sharing that with their customers. Owners Amy and Andy are exactly that. Thank you both for the hospitality and I will be back any time I have the opportunity. read more

We have a vacation home in Surf City and have been coming to Hidden Ships since it opened. Ambiance and decor are nice. Use of softer recessed lighting could help the vibe. The cocktails are handcrafted and most of the time very good. However, on our most recent visit, we were somewhat dismayed by the price hike from $12 to $15 for most of the cocktails. We live outside of DC, and $14-$17 is consistent for a cocktail price. $15 in Surf City seems a *bit* steep. read more

Hidden Ships Distillery hello! Walking in I was taken back into what seemed like The Great Gatsby just amazing feeling and ambiance! The service was top notch and sitting at the bar was like watching a show! The mixologist (bartenders) were really putting out some gorgeous cocktails! If you want food there are places around that you can order and pick up or they'll deliver. We ordered a pizza from a spot in next. It's a great date night spot to dress up or down. I can't wait to visit again! read more

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Great atmosphere & cocktails. Wait staff was friendly. Loved the music selection. Good place to meet up with friends for cocktails or a cozy date night. read more

Hidden Ships Distillery - Espresso martini - Distilleries Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

What a great addition to the area!! And cool location because there's lots to do.. close to ice cream place a pizza place and salty turtle brewery. They make their own vodka gin rum and bourbon. All very good I might add. The staff was very friendly and inviting. We also took tour with owner for $5 after tour you taste everything they make in house. Then get a shot glass too! The drinks I had were very good. All syrups and stuff for drink are made made in house. Very pretty decor and comfortable. They also have seating outside and nice night would be great! I will definitely be back! read more

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The cocktails were so very tasty and the ambiance was delightful. The game was on in the background. Great visiting atmosphere.

This place is so elegant and feels so gatsby-era. I love the window behind the bar to show where all the spirits are made. Their menu is very diverse, with non-alcoholic options, wine, beer, and cocktails categorized by spirit. Their drinks are well made and the staff are friendly. read more

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Who doesn't have drink flights? Apparently they only do tasting during a tour? Lady at the front desk was not welcoming at all. I wanted to taste and buy some bourbon but after the cold interaction we left as fast as we could. I would go lower on the rating but hopefully that lady does not represent the majority of the business. read more

Buckle up everyone, Hidden Ships is going to be your new favorite place in Surf City. Walked by last Saturday with my boyfriend and stopped by for a drink. That one drink turned into four, a tour of the distillery, and samplings of all their amazing vodka, rum, gin, and bourbon. Needless to say, we had a blast and will be returning...today and tomorrow! I wish it were a joke; it's not. read more

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On a recent trip to the North Carolina coast with family, we happened upon Hidden Ships Distillery and loved the enchanting ambiance of the bar area and chill music vibe. Not in your face loud which let our convo with fam continue. The staff were awesome and each cocktail felt like it was personally made for me. Had a great time without having to take out a mortgage to settle our tab. Thanks, Y'all! We'll be back. read more

Hidden Ships Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Very impressive distillery and drinking establishment. Gorgeous and classy decor! But the most impressive element of Surf City's Hidden Ships - the BEST tasting mixed drinks I've ever had!!! Top notch liquor and ingredients in each artful mixture! The staff are super friendly as well! read more

Hidden Ships Distillery - Distilleries Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Some friends and us went here on recommendations from SEVERAL friends. We all ordered different drinks and LOVED them. My husband says its the best whiskey he has ever had - was googling if they sell it on the way home. I loved my Strawberry Basil Smash - basically chugged it down. The vibe of the place is so chill and speakeasy like - perfect for a casual drink with friends. They were understaffed (which is was VERY busy for a Tuesday night, but it is high season) and clearly a little stressed. Hopefully, they are able to hire another bartender because again the drinks were AMAZING. read more

Absolutely love this place! Great service, ambience, and an asset to our community! The extra dirty martini here is the best one I ever had the owners prioritized quality in ever way and it shows read more

This place is very cute, and the staff was nice. However the cocktails were actually horrible, the whole table was shocked. Mine was the worst espresso martini of my life, they definitely don't use real or even instant espresso so be ware. I'll give it another try because it really has a good vibe and their glassware is gorgeous, maybe the bartenders were having an off night. read more

Drinks were fantastic. Atmosphere is top notch. Bartenders were excellent. Can't wait to return! read more

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Great alcohol awesome service and the patrons really know there business would highly recommend it