We really enjoyed our visit here. We came in on a Wednesday afternoon when I had visitors in town…read more They are behind a car wash and had a smaller parking lot. Jake was an amazing bartender/host. He gave us the run down and was super nice. They have 4 kinds of rum. My favorite was the Over Proof or the Queen's Share since its doubled distilled. I got the drink flight so I could try 3 different drinks. All of them were tasty and refreshing. Definitely check this place out. There is plenty of room inside and out. It was comfy and clean! Loved that they let guest email in photos for their Wall of Hounds too!

Located at the next entrance over from Flaming Amy's burritos, behind the car wash, this small, new…read morerum-only distillery has a pleasant bar and tasting room. Check the hours beforehand, as they are not open every day. They currently offer four rums, available as a flight for $22. They also have many cocktails that utilize their rums, ranging from some tiki classics to house recipes and rums mixed with four flavors of a vinegar based shrub made locally. Our host was a merry extravert who offered a warm welcome and seemed genuinely disappointed we were flying home later in the day, making it difficult to return soon.

We stopped by here to get a drink for my daughter and son-in-law. When you walk in to the left is a…read moreplace to buy merch. There is a dining area to relax and have a drink. To the right is the bar where you can order your drinks and leave or sit at the tables. They ordered their drinks to leave and walk around Barefoot Landing. Service was quick and friendly, and they enjoyed their drinks.

Eh, it was ok. The bourbon lacked flavor and toast. I wasn't happy with their moonshine either but…read moreit wasn't horrible. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the offerings.

This place is a fantastic example of how to take history, character, and craftsmanship and blend…read morethem into a genuinely memorable experience. The building alone is worth the visit. Housed inside a restored 1947 Quonset hut -- those curved steel structures originally designed for WWII -- the space manages to feel both industrial and welcoming at the same time. Inside, the high arched ceiling, natural light, plants, and comfortable leather seating create a relaxed lounge atmosphere that feels intentional rather than trendy. Outside, the patio area with string lights and open-air seating gives you a second completely different vibe, perfect for enjoying North Carolina sunshine. The cocktails absolutely delivered. The Brown Butter Old Fashioned is a standout. Brown butter-washed bourbon adds a subtle nutty richness that rounds off the edges of the whiskey beautifully, while the cinnamon bitters and maple bring warmth without turning the drink into dessert. It's creative but still respects the classic Old Fashioned structure -- which is exactly how a riff on a traditional cocktail should be done. The Limoncello Tonic was bright, refreshing, and crisp -- a perfect counterpoint. House-made limoncello with tonic and citrus notes makes for an easy-drinking, sunny cocktail that feels light but still flavorful. Ideal patio drink. Service and presentation appear polished, and the fact that they distill many of their own spirits in-house adds authenticity you don't always get at cocktail lounges. There's also something admirable about adaptive reuse like this. Taking a mid-century industrial structure and turning it into a modern social space is a reminder that good design doesn't have to erase history -- it can build on it. Overall: Excellent atmosphere, thoughtfully crafted drinks, unique historic setting, and a relaxed but upscale vibe. A place that feels both local and special at the same time. A special shout-out to Abigail, the bar back, who had a fantastic system for handling the crowd. Instead of everyone clustering around the bar trying to figure out where the line started or ended, she encouraged us to grab a seat and brought the drinks out when they were ready. It made the whole experience feel relaxed and organized, and it's the kind of thoughtful service detail that really stands out. Kudos Abigail!

Come here for craft cocktails!! This is a gorgeous, new, cozy space for cocktails. They have…read morerotating food outside and make it a mission to showcase local Wilmington artists' work inside the building. They have free distillery tours during the week which gives insight into the building and distilling process. At the end you are able to try their liquors and canned cocktails. This is a must do! They have space inside to site snd a large patio outside. The parking lot is easy to park in with parking on the street if needed. Their gift shop is filled with candles, tshirts, bar tools, and their liquors to buy. Everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable!

Hidden Ships Distillery is truly a hidden gem in Surf City! I grew up in this area and now live in…read moreVirginia 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!

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

Featuring live music on a Sunday afternoon during football, Wilmington Distillery was a nice spot…read moreto enjoy some drinks made with local spirits. It clearly stated that you are supposed to order from the bar, so first sat down to look at the menu. The one bartender working was kind enough to stop by the table to let us know she was ready to help us. They allow simple complementary tastings so got a thimbleful of their whiskey and limoncello. Ordered a Von Moscow Mule ($10) and a Regulator Whiskey ($12). Good pour. My team wasn't playing, so wasn't really interested in what was on the TV (unlike most others in the bar). Instead, enjoyed the live music while sipping on our cocktails, and left once done. It was a good stay.

So the honey cornbread moonshine on the menu got our attention and brought us in. Honestly can't…read moresay it was my favorite but everything else I tried did NOT disappoint. Smoked Old Fashioned was on point. Met both owners (characters!) on their way out as we came in on an early Tuesday afternoon. Bar was just what it needed to be, small and historic feeling with an excellent bartender (Ashley?) and excellent offerings. They have music most evenings but we didn't stay that late. Took home two bottles of their originals to enjoy. Want a place to just sit, drink and enjoy time off? This is the place!

Had a tasting and left with only 2 bottles. Everything I tasted was good. It was difficult to…read morelimit myself 2 2 bottles. The cinnamon whiskey was my favorite. I recommend stopping by and let them show you some good stuff. I'm going back.

Don't drive away before going inside. The distillery is not in the best part of town and the…read moreoutside needs a little work, but it is worth the stop. We were in town and wanting to visit a distillery, it was a bonus that they made moonshine and whiskey. They are only open in Saturday's so I submitted a message on their website, within two minutes one of the owners, Steve, text me to set up a visit on the only day we were available. He was incredibly accommodating, he even text me the day of to verify our tasting. We later found out that he drove directly from his primary job in another town to meet us there. The tour and Tasting was free! The Distillery was small, but clean and well decorated. We started with a quick tour and explanation of their process. He was very patient with my silly questions and more than happy to explain everything to us. After the tour we moved on to the tasting. He offered for us to try any and all of what they make there. We didn't not need that but tried many of them. We ended up purchasing the whiskey, lemon drop, and blackberry moonshine, although there were several others we enjoyed. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good way to spend an hour and learn a little about the distilling process.

Delicious food (chicken sandwich) and cool little place. Outside seating was full, but we could…read morestill watch the sunset over the bay inside. Our server was super nice too!

Food is GREAT!!! Service outstanding!! Scenery AWESOME!!!…read moreCaden are server was EXCELLENT!!! We plan to come back with our family!