Baxter's is, without question, one of New Bern's hidden gems. From the outside, it's easy to miss,…read morebut once you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that's unlike anything else in town. The live piano music creates the perfect backdrop, giving the space the feel of a sophisticated cocktail lounge while still being warm and inviting. The custom cocktails are outstanding. Rather than relying on a standard drink menu, the bartenders clearly know their craft and create drinks that are both creative and exceptionally well-balanced. If you appreciate a properly made cocktail, this place is a must-visit. The tapas-style menu is the perfect complement to the experience. Everything is designed for sharing or grazing while you enjoy your drinks and conversation, making it less about rushing through a meal and more about enjoying the evening. Yes, Baxter's is on the expensive side, but this is one of those places where you truly get what you pay for. Between the expertly crafted cocktails, intimate atmosphere, live piano music, and quality food, it's worth every penny. It's the kind of place where you intend to stop in for one drink and end up staying for hours because you simply don't want to leave. If you're looking for one of the best date-night spots or a relaxing evening with friends in New Bern, Baxter's should be at the top of your list. I'll absolutely be back.

I had been so looking forward to dining at Baxter's 1892 with the speak easy feel and the live…read moremusic. I tried to make reservation but the restaurant would not take a reservation for one so I went early. My options were the bar or in the dark tunnel. I chose the tunnel as I thought I was going to get a table not a high top there. Then where the menu was placed that would have me facing the back wall as the other seat was near the kitchen entrance. So I moved there but I still didn't have a view of the performers. So things didn't start well but I ordered the boba boat mocktail and the mac n cheese with short ribs. My waitress then informed me that they were out of the short rib and would brisket be ok. I hate brisket so I said no and she went and got me the menu to order something else. While I was looking at the menu with my phone flashlight (other tables had actual flashlights, they came prepared) as the tunnel was too dark to see without it, I was given mac n cheese with short rib according to the food runner. I questioned him as I had been told they were out but he went and checked and told me it was the last of the short rib. It was not short rib and someone lied. When the waitress returned, she thought it was burnt ends and checked with the kitchen and they told her brisket. Whatever the mystery meat was, it was not what I ordered. Did they think I wouldn't notice or know the meats are prepared differently. It is dark there so it is hard to know what you are eating. The mystery meat dish was taken back to the kitchen and I asked if they could prepare it with vegetables instead as mac n cheese seemed like the safest option on the menu with the mystery meats. I wish they just had what I originally ordered. The specialty made veggie dish was good but I expected more flavors with the cheese. It was kind of bland. I did try the dessert too. I got the strawberry lemonade cake. The strawberries were the best part as the cake was on the dry side. While eating this, the check was brought to the table. This is my biggest pet peeve to not wait until the guest is finished eating. The most frustrating part was that while they refused to increase the lighting when I arrived and asked as I couldn't read the menu. They immediately turned the lights up when another guest asked as I was finishing my dessert. The chef came to the table from the front dining area. It was my understanding that things were going to be made right. I didn't expect to be charged the full price for the dish without the premium meat. Then there was the service failure of bringing out a dish I hadn't ordered to begin with. The decor here is outstanding, with the copper ceilings and the speakeasy feel. The clock out front caught my attention too. They went all out with the details and elegance. So it is disappointing that the food and service is not up to the same standards.

It was a Sunday night and the bartender was extremely rude. Worked about as slow as he could, had…read moreno personality, and tried as hard as possible to do as little as possible. We just wanted a bottled beer. Do better bro.

Bartender was unfriendly and rude when I tried to order 2 bottled beers. The atmosphere of the…read moreplace was really cool but it was honestly ruined by the poor attitude of the bartender.

I am very much into cocktails, and this is my favorite spot in Wilmington. They go out of their…read moreway to make off menu curated drinks suited to your interests. Bree always has a smile as she welcomes you in and provides great service. Well worth the annual $25 fee to have access to this place. The vibe is great, prices are fair. Our new go to pre-dinner drink place.

Great place to hang and get some great cocktails , awesome service and very friendly bartendersread more

Stopped by WTF in Wilmington. Very cool place with a great vibe. Plenty of comfortable seating, TVs…read moreeverywhere, pool table, and even more space upstairs. Service was excellent and the location is perfect if you're out downtown. Drinks were a mixed bag. The smoked Old Fashioned looked good but wasn't anything special. My Kiss of Fire had a nice spicy kick at first, but it watered down really quickly, probably from the ice, so it didn't hold up the way I hoped. Overall though, it's a cool spot with great service and a fun atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Wilmington.

Cocktails and live music were awesome but music was SO loud!!! The band and singer were really…read moreexceptional so my friend and I were happy to sit and listen to them while we enjoyed our cocktails, but had to leave after one drink because we couldn't hear a word each other said, even in the upstairs area (as far as we could get from the music). My espresso martini was delicious but a little pricey. If I were looking to sit by myself and listen to music, this would be a great spot - just not ideal for the start to a night out with friends due to the noise level. I wish there were a more secluded area we could choose to sit in to hear each other.

Great spot to grab a day drink when visiting the Wilmington Historic District. Dude tending bar was…read morevery friendly. Great selection of spirits and beers. Bar smells awesome and the outdoor seating is great if you're bringing the doggos like we did. Love this place!!

Such a cute little spot! It has all the vibes of a speak easy with dark colorings, wood top, low…read morelevel lighting.. and a selection you will never grow tired of as well as on tap beer options. They have a rotating menu which includes seasonal drinks and staff favorites. They also have a few nibbles you can order but it's not a very big selection. The bar keep was very friendly and upbeat for a Sunday afternoon. Totally would go back when in town again and recommend it to people that visit Wilmington.

Finally! After many years, we made it back to Copper Penny! On our return trip from Southport we…read morestopped in downtown to grab a bite before heading home. We started walking around and my wonderful wife suggested Copper Penny. Absolutely! There was a short wait for a table, but we didn't mind. The inside is almost like we remember it. We did notice the menu is a lot smaller. The last time we dined here was around ten years ago. Definitely plenty of options. We went with the onion ring appetizer, Cobb salad, and the BBQ Burger. The atmosphere of Copper Penny is the same. Definitely missed this place. After a short wait our food was brought out. Everything was delicious. This is just an update, but we still love Copper Penny and will continue to return.

Good service but the food was so so. Figured we would try the Guy Fieri recommendations. Nice…read morelittle spot in an old building. Only like 9 tables so plan accordingly or you will have to wait awhile. Go during off peak hours to ensure a short wait time. Now the food...... 1. Cheese Steak Egg Rolls served w/chipotle ranch......Amazing!!!! Best we have ever had. 2. 109 Chestnut Chicken Sandwich had an amazing balance of ingredients that would make your mouth water. Very good and the fries as well. 3. Hot Roasted Pork Sandwich was very bland and had an excessive amount of spinach. Even the Au Jus couldn't rescue this sandwich. 4. The famous onion rings. Well they must of ran out of seasoning because these were more flour than flavor. Very doughy with no spices. Not worth the $9 * The alcohol mix drinks are pretty good. Definitely taste the flavor of each. Will give you a good kick.

The Underfront…read more Wilmington's destination for boutique cocktails and live music situated in the heart of downtown! Crafted from the ground up. You can tell they have a passion for mixology based on all their homemade ingredients which range from house smoked salts and spirits to fat washed whiskeys and infusions, savory gastriques, supple foams and creams, raw sugar syrups, confectionary treats and house made bitters and tinctures. *| Reposado New York Sour Casamigos Reposado, salted agave syrup. fresh lemon + lime. egg whites. red wine float. + a snow flake. *| Nouveau Carre The Clover rye whiskey. Courvoisier cognac. Cynar. Benedictine. Peychaud's bitters. flamed orange zest.

had a cute concept. but bartender was really rude. was making a video for content and she cut me…read moreshort and said she wouldn't serve me and my friends. we all had a valid id!

Thank you Amanda & Wilmington Walking Tours for introducing me to this place! A great find! And…read moreyes, I joined. I love the theme, great views of the sunsets, and the staff was extremely attentive and polite. And a good selection of wines. I look forward to attending future events when in Wilmington. I returned a few nights later to show my sister and her daughter & son in law. They were equally impressed and will be joining. Again great staff who went over the top to make my sister feel comfortable after dropping (& breaking) a full glass of wine! Natalie is very nice and I appreciated her introducing herself and explaining the concept! A spectacular Speakeasy with lots of great events I look forward to participating in on my return to Wilmington! (And did I mention some great wine???)

Loved the location on the 9th floor with great views. Quaint inside but such a vibe. Incredible…read moremixed drinks and wine!