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    The Ivey

    4.0 (41 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Open 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Ivey Photos

    THE IVEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Hipster
    Casual
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Ivey

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    Teresa T.

    Fun, dog-friendly bar! Food isn't served so eat before you visit. There are a lot great restaurants in the area. Service is that of any bar. It receives 5stars from me because it serves its purpose.

    Jackie P.

    Like the atmosphere... neat little alley way bar/ pub . Prices were fair and drinks well made. Woman behind bar was helpful.

    Strawberry kisses
    Canden B.

    This place might be my new favorite Monday night hangout. Once you find the right alley to walk down, it's in a great location with a cute little vibe inside. It's a bit on the smaller side, so I'd be interested to see what it looks like on the weekend. The bartenders were super friendly and gave me a lot of advice on places to go since I just moved here. I ordered the Strawberry Kisses cocktail, and it was really good - on the sweeter side (which I like) and refreshing. The perfect summer cocktail. They had a lot of other cocktails to choose from, and they all looked great. Definitely recommend going for the cocktails and good convo with the bartenders! Right across from the riverwalk, too!

    The bartender chase is so yummy oh I meant my drink. Overall the atmosphere is so cozy and vibey! We LOVE the Ivey :)))

    a group of people at a bar
    Nicole N.

    Great vibes! Nicer cocktail bar with an awesome cocktail menu. Bar seating and booth seating, very eclectic decor. Super nice staff that will also make mock tails if you ask! The strawberry kiss is super yummy and so is their chocolate martini!

    Ceiling of interior
    Kelly C.

    Really cool new spot in Wilmington. The environment was a tad bit confusing but in the best engaging way. There was tons of Edison bulbs and almost a steam punk feel while also looking like a garage with bikes hanging from the ceiling. There is also a Grecian flare with busts and an Ivey wall. At every corner there is something to look at. Other than looks the place had amazing tasting drinks that had some flair while also giving a local feel. When we came there was ample seating but as it got later the place turned into more of a typical bar. (I mean I do expect that with it being beside Blue Post.) Overall would go back and bring my friends.

    Bicycle stuff on ceiling

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

    One of our favorite spots while visiting Wilmington. Great drinks and the staff was very friendly. Great spot!

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

    I love the Ivey: amazing atmosphere, incredible drinks, and great music. Hayden was a pleasure. Will definitely make this a regular stop.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Abby and Chris offered incredible service to my friends and I. Amazing bartender! Super attentive!!

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    2 years ago

    Hayden and Chase made this experience so fun! They were both so fast with out drinks. I would definitely recommend this bar to friends!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Fun atmosphere, good drinks, nice staff, and funky decor! We had a great time here, and I look forward to coming back!

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    3 years ago

    A very cool place! Creative craft cocktails, live music. In a little alley like you've discovered a secret!

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    3 years ago

    Very cool vibes at this place! Great cocktails at a good price and a fun spot all around. Definitely would recommend!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Ivey

    Review Highlights - The Ivey

    The Ivey is a newer spot here in downtown Wilmington, right across the alley from Blue Post.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Dram Yard

    Dram Yard

    4.2
    (198 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    What a fantastic evening at Dram Yard…read more We were a little concerned we might miss our 5:30 reservation after getting delayed by a seven-car accident on the bridge, but we arrived just a couple of minutes late and it wasn't an issue at all. From the moment we arrived, the experience was relaxed, welcoming, and exactly what we needed. We chose to sit in the beautiful courtyard, and with temperatures in the 70s, sunshine overhead, and a gentle breeze, it couldn't have been a more perfect setting. The outdoor gazebo bar creates a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying a cocktail before dinner, and if the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor dining space is equally inviting. A special thank you to Sarah, whose service was outstanding. She was cheerful, attentive, and genuinely seemed happy to be there. The restaurant wasn't crowded, which made for a peaceful and unhurried dining experience. For drinks, I ordered the Ghost Town, while my wife enjoyed the Venus Flytrap. Both were beautifully prepared and easy to see why they're among the restaurant's popular cocktails. The food was equally impressive. I had the Spaghetti Carbonara, and it was exceptional. The kitchen even accommodated my request for extra freshly cracked black pepper, which took an already excellent dish to another level. My wife ordered the Little Gem Salad with shrimp, and it was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. We also shared the Tuna Tartare Tostada, which was outstanding--beautiful presentation, fresh tuna, and a great balance of textures and flavors. Adding to the experience was a bottle of Albariño that paired wonderfully with the meal. What stands out most about Dram Yard is its atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, slow down, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, and forget about the stresses of the day. Whether you're looking for a date night, an evening with friends, or simply a quiet place to relax, Dram Yard delivers. Excellent service, creative cocktails, outstanding food, and one of the most relaxing outdoor dining spaces in Wilmington. We'll definitely be back.

    This was the 3rd time we've been here. The first two times we did not make it to the table because…read moreof the service. They generally do not care about the customer at all. The star of the show is definitely the food. The chef is super proud of his food, and he should be. The only reason I'm giving this a 4 on food instead of a 5 is because there was no iced tea (in the summer in the carolinas - not really forgivable) the water was nasty and the biscuits on my Benedict were towards the burnt side on the bottom. Honestly, everything otherwise was amazing. What was really great: The restaurant itself is AMAZING! It's like being transported to a Parisian cafe. I love that when you walk in, you immediately see the fully in view kitchen. I'm assuming a chef owns the restaurant and designed the layout. The patio is quaint and delightful and surprisingly private for a downtown sidewalk restaurant. The eggs on my Eggs Benedict could not have been more perfect. I'm not a fried potato person; however, the pan fried potatoes here are mostly whole and they are out of this world. They were exceedingly crispy on the outside and completely soft on the inside. My son ordered the dutch baby. It was delicious. The accompanied fruit was perfect and truly ripe. I feel like they would have to toss a lot of fruit to get the ones that were truly that perfect. What did not work: The water - it was about 85 degrees out and humid. There is nothing here refreshing. Water is served European style meaning no ice and out of the tap. Warm tap water on a hot day in South Carolina is just nasty. It's ironic that while Europeans visiting the US for the World Cup are posting social media reels raving about ice in drinks in the United States, meanwhile The Dram Yard is insisting on pulling all of the worst parts of eating out in Europe into their restaurant. I truly dislike restaurants that serve canned and bottled beverages. It screams, "nickel and dime". If you bought your cans of soda at Costco and charged $4.00 for a can, I'd have to drink 9 cans before you're losing money. There is literally no reason to limit beverages other than driving higher profits. I hate price gouging. At the very least get a fountain and serve iced tea. SERVICE - the service staff simply makes you feel like they're doing you a favor by being open. Don't expect anything after that. When we arrived, the restaurant was at about 25% capacity with 2 food servers, who also double as the hostess. After waiting 10 minutes to be seated (yes...even at 25% capacity), service truly went downhill from there. It wasn't that the staff was rude. They were just not present and extremely slow. It honestly seemed like they were doing everything they could to not be seen. We needed salt, a refill of the water carafe and our check. That was it. The staff would come to our part of the dining room but then not even glance around or come by to see if we needed anything. I'm giving them a 2 because they were exceedingly slow and not present. When we did chase them down, I felt rude asking for help. The chef delivered our food. He was very proud and should be. However, here's the rub. The chef needs to learn that being in the restaurant business is not only about creating great food. It also requires front of house service and an overall dining experience that people are happy with. Right now, I'm walking away feeling: 1. great food and great atmosphere 2. terrible service 3. nickle and dimed me on drinks 4. doesn't have the sense to serve iced tea in the Caronlinas So - as much as I loved the food - there are too many restaurants in Wilmington that are good enough to overcome 2, 3 and 4 above. The Dram could be fixed so easily: 1. hire servers who want to be there and smile a little 2. put ice in your water 3. serve iced tea - at least in the summer months 4. get a soda fountain - it's 2026 Unfortunately, we won't be back because there are simply other options that, at the very least, hit 1, 2 and 3 with good food.

    Photos
    Awesome bar
    Awesome bar
    After (Shrimp and Grits)
    After (Shrimp and Grits)
    Outside

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    Outside

    The Ivey - cocktailbars - Updated July 2026

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