It was a Sunday night and the bartender was extremely rude. Worked about as slow as he could, had no personality, and tried as hard as possible to do as little as possible. We just wanted a bottled beer. Do better bro. read more

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

Bartender was rude and not welcoming at all, despite it being a slow night. Had high hopes for it being a place with well rounded cocktails but I'm not sure the bartenders know anything aside from tequila sodas and lemon drop shots. If that's what you're looking for, thats great. Anything more, go somewhere else read more

This place had a lounge area inside and outside which were both nice. They also had two pool tables which added to the ambiance and some extra fun. We had the pretty pink drink and a few others which were all tasty. Bartenders didn't really add anything to the place. This is more of a place where you order a drink and do your own thing vs conversing at the table top with them. read more

Took the Mrs. out for a couple of cocktails & to get out of the house for a couple of hours. After parking nearby, we stopped in to experience the "Cold War Era"-themed, KGB for a drink. Being that this place screams Mother Russia, of course I'm going to order a Moscow Mule. In this case...the KGB Mule. DRINK: KGB Mule. This thing had some bite to it...I liked it. The fresh sprig of mint gave this a nice, cool sensation after each drink. I'm unfamiliar with Russian Standard Vodka, which appears to be what is used in this drink but it kicks. The ginger beer must have been something other than Goslings. It presented a strong ginger presence in the overall taste of the drink. I have had a few variations of the Moscow Mule & just prefer Goslings Ginger Beer as my top off. But still...good value & taste for a hand-crafted house drink that fits the culture & will have you feeling it shortly after consumption. SCORE: 4.3 STARS!! SERVICE: Thoroughly enjoyed the bartenders personalities, their professionalism, willingness to make you feel welcome & their overall speed. I'll be back to maybe strike up more of a conversation & ask my guy with the large beard, some questions & tips about his beardcare regiment. Lol. Nice work guys. SCORE: 5 STARS!! OVERALL: If you want to temporarily feel as if you traveled back in time to the Soviet Union in the 80's, & maybe fear you've become an enemy of the state under the Reagan administration....but still enjoy top-notch service & a kickass drink, stop by KGB. Cool spot. SCORE: 4.6 STARS read more

KGB - KGB Mule - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Wife and I stopped in Sunday afternoon, excellent craft cocktails for both of us. These cocktails aren't thrown together, but made with an artistic touch. Easy to make the call to drop in more often. read more

The cocktails were delicious and unique! Demetrius was our bartender and not only was he great at crafting cocktails but he also is awesome with customers. I never dislike a place if the bartender may be too busy to talk to a customer or even just wants to do the standard get the order , serve routine but I definitely do appreciate it when bartenders do talk to their customers. I haven't run into many that have personality and Demetrius sure did! As out of towners it made our night! Great vibe , great drinks, great service! read more

Such a fun bar! It's set up like a speakeasy and it was a great place to go for a few cocktails after dinner! The bartenders are all amazing especially the guy with the finer beard we didn't catch his name but he was amazing! I do however have a pic of him! The cocktails here are delicious, I loved the pretty petty princess and the something daddy! I also tried a melon drink made with gin and even though I don't like gin it was delicious! My friends got the bananas in pajamas drink and it was so tasty! We also got the special 5$ slutty meemaw shots and they were so good that I don't remember as much after that! The atmosphere was so fun, everyone in there seemed so happy and they played a great collection of musics from the 90s and 2000s, do yourself a favor and check this place! read more

See all

Nice place to grab seats and sit on the patio. Live music was nice but not too loud to hear each other, and both drinks were great (we tried the peach dandy special and the pretty pretty princess) read more

KGB - Pretty pretty princess - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

KGB was fun. The atmosphere was good and I liked how there were so many booths to sit in. Most bars are too crowded. I think I saw a pool table in the back, but not sure. My friends and I got Amaretto sours. They weren't the best I've but didn't stop me from drinking it. We ended up just hanging out at one of the standing tables for a while. Good place, I'd recommend. read more

There were 10 of us who entered the bar for an evening conversation and cocktails on a Thursday night. We left after only one drink because the bartender seemed overwhelmed and was speaking rudely to one of the patrons leaving her in tears. This was uncalled far and completely unacceptable. We will not be returning. read more

The bartender was an absolute asshole. Super sexist and very very rude to the girl waiting for drinks next to me. Don't complain about having to make drinks to the customer who is paying for it. If it's too stressful of a job for you on a Thursday you might want to try a different career. If I wanted to drink sugar water I would just steal a hummingbird feeder and drink that. I'm not a avid review writer so you know this was serious. read more

KGB - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This past Saturday my friends and I stopped here to enjoy a few drinks. I have walked by here several times and never stopped in... Don't know why! Though it was really cold outside I found myself wanting to hang out in the patio outside. If it was warmer, that would be the place for me! It is spacious and had a waterfall for added character. Upon entering the lighting is dim and the decor is a throw back to a different time. Interesting gone all around and look at. We each ordered drinks- I was sticking with cider that night! I indulged in a habanero mango cider and a blood orange cider. Let me tell you, that habanero mango is no joke. It pack some heat! The blood orange cider is delicious and reminds me of my Talenti Blood Orange Sorbetto (future drink combo, anyone?) Each of my friends tried a mixed drink. One of the ones I tried was called a "pretty pretty princess". It was fruity, but not overwhelmingly sweet. Delicious! If I'd have branched out from cider that night I would have drink one in a heartbeat Other high points about this establishment are the Foosball table and darts :-) overall, great atmosphere and I am excited to go back when it is warmer! read more

KGB - Mango habanero cider and blood orange cider - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

A fun local spot to enjoy a drink. Love the beer garden area with the lights, so pretty at night! Walked by here dozens of times, glad we finally popped in to check it out. 4 stars though because the bar did not appear to be fully stocked. Service was good. read more

The best place for cocktails in ILM. They always have amazing specials on the board. Plenty of room on the patios outside. Loads of lounge style seating. Great space for playing pool. The patios have a wonderful copper fountain. This place will get packed so be prepared to dress sharp and be seen. The bartenders are the stars in this joint. Beautiful well thought out cocktails that will make you happy to have wondered through their gates! Fresh local fruits and herbs muddled right in front of you. Every time I think about grabbing a great drink this is my go to spot! read more

See all

My friends and I love coming here and enjoying their fun, fresh cocktails. There are a few pool tables to enjoy and they have a cute outdoor patio area. On busy nights it does take a long time to get a drink just because they are all hand crafted. We try to go early before it gets too crazy. read more

Awesome drinks great ambiance. One of the better "social clubs" in Wilmington. I love taking my friends here when we want a mellow atmosphere. read more

First time visit. Bartender was friendly and provided good service, but too many other non-employees with access to bar area led to our credit card being skimmed. Will not return. read more

Mother Russia with the win!!! This is the spot to visit in willington. Manny's USSR Mojitos will leave you incoherent or beggging for more. Tip him in $2 bills and watch the magic unfold!!!!! read more

KGB - Manny's Mojito tips! - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This place is great. Sat outside in the garden after getting a great drink recommendation from the bartender on duty.

Deborahs service = AmAzInG. We had a lot of fun and will probably come back since they served me Fritos in a drinking glass. Mike will put too much sauce on your subway sandwich read more

KGB - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This place is put together VERY WELL. Most "basement bars" have a dingy/dirty feel, but not this one! It is VERY clean. It smells good. It is well-appointed with a nice, custom-tiled bar, wood-paneled walls, and a very consistent Soviet-Cold War theme throughout (I.e. Dr. Strangelove playing on a large TV while I was there; an authentic lie detector on display!). Service was excellent. Outdoor seating on multiple terraced levels was very nice with a lighted water feature. Definitely worth a stop in. read more

KGB - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Just went there last night the place was great. The outside area looks completely different from the bar inside. They have really good mixed drinks that are served with freshly cut fruits and herbs. I was pleasantly surprised by the smell of fresh cut herbs and fruit when they opened the area where they were kept. The best drink I'd have to say was the pretty pretty princess which my husband ordered first it's very lemony with hints or strawberry and mint also the don ho margarita was good as well. We stayed here a long time and got lots of drinks but it was worth it for great mixed drinks and a fun atmosphere. The outside area when first looking seems nice and quiet but once you go inside it's a completely different atmosphere with music pumping, so the bar is good for all types of people and outings. We will be back again! read more

Hate leaving a one star because we've been coming here for 8 years plus. Fiancé and I always go and have one drink because it's one of the better cocktail bars in wilmington. Staff has always been great. My fiancé got up to use the bathroom halfway through a drink we had just ordered and was bombarded in the bathroom by a drunk staff member. Told he was urinating all over the floor and had to leave immediately, being sober this was not the case at all. Like I said, shocked by this because we have been coming here for close to a decade and to be treated like this is the reason we will never come back again. read more

I've walked past this place several time, but never went in before. Perhaps a hold over from my days in submarines when the KGB was a very real threat that we had pounded into us. Anyway, as part of the Yelp Elite Event: Pedals and Pints we went there and had a BLAST. Bartenders are artists; I asked for a mule and can understand why it is called that. Sure am glad I used Lyft to get home! Neat décor inside; you'd almost expect Humphrey Bogart to step out of the shadows. read more

KGB - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I had a great time at this bar last weekend! It is a bit off the beaten path but has a wonderful outdoor area to sit in or some very comfortable chairs inside. The bartenders have always been friendly and I was impressed with the service last visit. My girlfriends and I spied the cocktail menu on the bar and proceeded to order some complicated cocktails with fresh muddled fruit and the bartender was able to keep up with our requests. The drinks were delicious and the vibe was very relaxed. I will definitely return next time I am in town. read more

My favorite, and admittedly only, Communist Russia themed bar. Situated right on the river walk, this place is a gem. The red walls and propaganda decor combined with excellent craft cocktails make this a favorite spot for us. Pool and darts are on hand and the outsider seating next to the copper waterfall make for great ambiance. The bartenders are some of the best and wittiest in the area by far. There's no food or cocktail service when I've visited. Just trudge on down to the main bar and sit outside while you watch the rest of Wilmington go by. Definitely an eclectic spot to take in with local beers on tap. We're a comrade. read more

Cool bar hidden in Wilmington. It is located near the Hilton and river view suites which was convenient. This bar has such a neat vibe. It's dimly lite with sweet band music. There is s pool table and dart bar. You do have to pay for each. The drinks were poured nice and strong that night. We came on a Thursday night so it wasn't packed at all. I enjoyed my time at KGBs. read more

One of the first bars I was ever in 5 years ago when I was just visiting Wilmington before moving here. Still one of my favorites. Wide drink selection, always open, always friendly bartenders, and nice atmosphere. Feels like you're in another land inside these doors. Great outdoor terrace with nice seating. read more

Maybe 15 people (being generous here) sitting at the bar and it took about 5-7 minutes to receive service. As an experienced bartender, this is absurd. Don't recommend it if you want good service. read more

KGB - 5 dollar well half shots... Guess no one taught them how to count a proper pour - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Wow what fun Thursday night was. They had music trivia this was some of the most fun I've had on a Thursday night in a long time. The bartenders make awesome drinks with great prices. . I'm looking forward to the next Thursday I get to go out. read more

Fun place and great mixed drinks! I absolutely love the decor though out this place! The bartenders are great. Oh, and did I mention how much I love the mixed drinks? read more

LOVED THIS BAR. Absolutely must go to this bar, especially if you're from out of town. Amazing. Amazing service, great atmosphere, absolutely loved the drinks. The strawberry mint muddled drink was out of this world. LOVED. read more

KGB - DELICIOUS. - Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The bartenders here know their stuff!! Incredibly friendly and helpful, and the best cocktails I've had in Wilmington. The Country Boy is just the right amount of fire, if you're looking to get a little spicy (and a little pricy), but they also have drinks of the night listed on a chalkboard by the bar, if you're pinching pennies. LOVE the atmosphere - feels very underground and dark without being dingy, and they have games, pool, and booths to hang out in. Will definitely be going back! read more

The pretty pretty princess was a great cocktail. Great outdoor seating. Music was a little loud but Im just an old lady.

would give a half star if I could. atmosphere was lit. bartender was extremely rude to us and the bouncer followed suit. there's a way to talk to customers and then there's a way to make every single person in the group angry and uncomfortable. not a good first impression read more

Horrible service. Not busy and waited 20+ minutes for a beer. Watched bad bartending behaviors such as getting ice from the well with a glass (can shatter and leave glass in the well). Underage patrons were served. Would never go back. Received a reply (below) from my July review 7 months later as follows. No, I don't remember what the bartender looked like- it's been 7 months. I do remember the underage patrons were bragging as they walked away from the bar with their drink. I'm sure the establishment had no ill intent nor did I by writing a review - just expressing my own experience. Dustin C. Dustin C. Owner Subject: Your Review "Hi Ashley, my name is Dustin I am the owner of KGB. We are a strict 21 and up establishment so I'm very concerned that you think you saw someone underage getting served? No one under the age of 21 should ever be in our bar. What did the bartender look like on the day you were in? It is unlike KGB to provide such bad service and violate alcohol laws and I take this very seriously. We strive to offer great service amazing craft cocktails and a fun welcoming environment for our patrons. If you could remove your negative review and give us another chance we would like to exceed your expectations. Thank you for your time." read more

My husband and I have been going here since they've opened. It was very chill,never crowded,had a juke box, pool table & (very pricey) but tastey drinks.I'm not much for the club scene, so it was a happy medium. We would frequent this place every time we'd go downtown, we would also make it out there pretty consistently on Wednesdays during the summer for date night or ladies night. Simply put- we were there frequent enough to be on a first name basis with the usual bartenders. We were one of this places biggest advocates.I myself, work with people every day that are all mostly new to the area and looking to get out and about. KGB used to be on the top of the list. On the daily,I would refer countless clients here. Not to mention all of our friends,that had never even heard of this place because of the location. So, without question when my husbands brothers 30th birthday came up last weekend.KGB was our destination for the night. There were a couple more faces than usual,behind the bar that night. One was the owner, that I had met briefly at my bachelorette party there years ago.There was a ton of people surrounding and sitting at the bar. We all ordered a round as soon as we all walked in.My husband paid for our 2 liquor drinks(totaling MAYBE $15-$16) in cash & as he always does right off the bat,he tossed $20 in their tip jar. We both have been in the shoes of living off of tips earned, due to working in the food&drink service industry.So now that we are at a place where we are able, we make sure that we go above and beyond in taking care of our wait staff , this is ESPECIALLY true in one of our "go to" places. A little while later, my husband goes up to get another round for him and I. After he orders,pays and places an additional dollar or so in the tip jar, he stands at the bar waiting for the bartender to make our drinks,while placing the remaining cash he had in his wallet. *When the owner walks up behind the bar staring at him. My husband notices and asks him what was up. The owner begins to yell and talk down to him, because he did not SEE my husband when he visited the tip jar.* How insulting and ungrateful. Are you kidding me!? WOW! For one, not even taking in account all that we had already tipped -how disrespectful & rude regardless. Especially when this came from the owner? This is someone who is supposed to be a professional, & respectful for their business to thrive. A business which is in customer SERVICE. How is that any way to treat any customer with these illiterate accusations , but especially ones that have always gone above and beyond with great generosity, remained consistent customers ,and constantly referred and brought in new customers. Silly enough, I am heartbroken from this interaction.However, I refuse to support a place that is ran by such ignorance and moronic behavior. read more

KGB is a great way to start the night. Grab a Moscow Mule and you will not be disappointed. The bar tenders take great pride in making each mixed drink with care, so you are safe ordering from there. The music is great, plenty of lounging room, and excellent decoration throughout. It's awesome drinking a Moscow Mule with James Bond on a TV in the background. In the summer, the patio outside is a wonderful place to hangout. read more

This place was instantly a favorite of mine and my boyfriends as soon as we walked in on our first trip to downtown Wilmington. It's right behind one of our other favorite bars to go to; Bourbon St. and I am pleased to say, not only are the drinks fantastic here, the overall feeling you get is amazing. People are very kind, the bartenders really know their drinks and offer up tasty new things to try whenever we've asked and who cannot love the gorgeous ceiling? This bar is a place you MUST visit while in Wilmington; you really won't be disappointed! read more