Stopped by WTF in Wilmington. Very cool place with a great vibe. Plenty of comfortable seating, TVs everywhere, 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. read more

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Cocktails and live music were awesome but music was SO loud!!! The band and singer were really exceptional 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. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Live music - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Got the classic smoked old fashioned and it was one of the best I've ever had. So fun with the live music on the weekend!!

Good Saturday afternoon bar-hopping spot. Had a nicely-made blood orange martini. (Okay, I had two if you absolutely have to know.) Lots of variety in the spirits menu in this bi-level space. There's very little actual seating at the bar; most is at small tables and sofa groupings in the main area. It's nice and dark and the bartenders are on top of everything. It's well-located in a central area about a block off the river. read more

The best Old Fashion! Love the presentation of smoking the glass by lighting the bar in fire! The ONLY reason it gets 4 stars... both times I was there, we had to wait 30 just to get served. Granted, everyone from the convention hall was there, but they should prepare for these types of crowds. Must experience. read more

I didn't know quite what to expect with this bar, but whatever I was expecting was exceeded! They're like an upscale dive bar. You go in to socialize, there's live music, it's loud, there's a pool table, but the cocktails are hand crafted with care like you would get at a fancy lounge. The bartender was super friendly, and made each drink perfectly. Definitely recommend! read more

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We had such a great time last night. The live music was exactly what we were looking for. The bar is nice and dark allowing you to chill and relax while sipping on these gorgeous cocktails. My husband and I went down the list trying to taste drinks we've never seen at other restaurants. Needless to say, we put a damper on the list and we're not disappointed at all. The later it got throughout the evening the busier the bar got but the bartenders rolled with it and there wasn't more than a 5 minute wait from bar to table regarding your drink. All in all we throughly enjoyed the atmosphere is this bar and loved the live music on this Friday night! We tried the following drinks - Hers: Black Magic - My absolute favorite! This tequila espresso drink was so smooth and delicious. It had the perfect balance of sweetness to balance the bitters. It had a lovely smokey flavor from the charred and smoked cinnamon that's paired beautifully with the mezcal. This is a great sipping drink. Bourbon Breakfast - this has a lovely balance of bourbon and espresso. This is very similar to the Black Magic but with Bourbon and not smokey. My husband who is not a bourbon drinker loved this drink and asked to switch with me so he could have it. Lady in White - I am not a gin drinker but this was so smooth and delicious. Very similar to a refresher. The white chocolate gives it the perfect level of sweetness without making it overly sweet. Lemon Meringue Martini - last drink of the night for me, and man did this hit the spot. This reminded me of my husbands grandmothers lemon pie. It was the perfect balance of tart and sweet. My husband said had I started the night with this, he would have ordered it all night long. His: White Russian - he really enjoyed this. He normally enjoys coffee drinks at the house and doesn't venture too far out of his comfort zone. He was pleased with the coffee flavor and that the alcohol flavor wasn't over powering. Spice of Life - too spicy for him so we switched drinks and he drank my breakfast bourbon drink. This has a great heat from the chili and the lime flavor balances it out well. Not a sweet drink, more similar to a spicy margarita but with rum. I am not a rum drinker but it didn't over power the drink. Barking at the Moon - I took a tiny sip of this and it was a little too sweet for my taste, however, they use one of their house infused liquors to make this drink and the husband said it didn't disappoint. read more

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Always excellent cocktails here. We stopped in after NYE dinner with the intent to have one round, never works, stayed for more. The folks running this bar are consistently 5 stars. While there's no shortage of very good crafted bourbon cocktails downtown, the folks behind the bar stand out at a higher level. The best part, we were in earlier in the week, on cash out, after a couple of old fashioned's and Manhattans, received a suggestion of another old fashioned to try next time in, one with a chai whipped top layer. Sounded interesting. Walked in last night, the recommendation was remembered by the expert behind the bar. Another perfect cocktail, not sweet, well balanced in flavor, addictive. read more

The Good The location is great and they have a patio although it is super tiny and dirty. The Bad Not a cigar bar. No cigars available for purchase - allegedly since COVID. I should of left once he said that. No smoking inside. Weak drinks. Service was poor which is surprising we are in the South. I would not recommend nor would I come back. As an Army Veteran and true patron of bars I was disappointed - stamped NO GO! read more

This is an interesting cocktail bar with a very "roadhouse" feel to it... Concrete floors, pool table, really run down and needing updating... But with a killer cocktail menu! Definitely not the "speakeasy" looks and vibe you'd expect (and hope for) with this interesting menu. The staff was friendly and helpful... Funny too! Drinks were good! If the venue looked better, was more comfy and slightly (ok, a lot) more upscale, I'd definitely return. read more

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Great drinks, had the smoked old fashioned and breakfast - espresso infused bourbon old fashioned ... live music was setting up but inside had ample sitting on relaxing couches and chairs. Great location too. read more

Cute and cozy bar that was surprisingly very spacious on the inside. Fresh, handmade cocktails by the super friendly bartenders really completed the vibe. There is an upstairs area with a pool table and a little balcony where you can get a good view of the floor and stage. There wasn't live music when we went but we'll definitely be back for a gig! read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This gem was located across the street from our hotel so we thought we would check it out! Walked in and ALL the bartenders were super nice and were ready to serve! We ordered drinks and started a tab. We were here on a Friday night, so there was live entertainment. He was really good and sung songs from different genres! They also have a pool tab with 2nd floor seating. On the 2nd floor you can still look down and see what's going on, on the first floor. The great thing about this place, is they ONLY serve drinks so you can bring food in if your like - that was great! Were here for a few more days, and we will definitely be back! read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Live entertainment - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I love going to WTF- the drinks are always delicious and unique (they infuse many of the liquors themselves along with having super creative bartenders). They have great live music and pool tables upstairs. There are couches and tables and bar stools downstairs. Always a good crowd. And the women's restroom is darling! read more

Freakin crazy Love 3000. drinks are freakin amazeballs come here around 9 love 3000. come one come all read more

Came for a drink after dinner. They have a nice extensive cocktail list so I decided to try something new and ordered the That's My Jam - super tasty! My husband ordered something with grapefruit and rum - totally blanking on the name but it was also great. The first floor was starting to fill up so we wandered out to the patio and had it to ourselves for a while. Overall, great drinks. Very eclectic crowd. I'd return. read more

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One of my favorite bars in Wilmington because of their craft cocktails and cozy environment. They're reasonably priced for the Wilmington market, especially for the quality of beverages provided. They have live music nights, karaoke nights and occasional private tickets events like comedy shows. Check their social media pages for info on those. If you're like me, you have a go-to drink but you're open to trying new options to see if the bartender can wow you with a nifty new flavor combo. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF) has a vast amount of curated cocktails on their menu and I've tried a good handful of them by now, but the one that surprised me the most was the Fired Agave made with habanero infused tequila. Take lemon sorbet on a hot day and add a few dashes of cayenne pepper. It's confusingly refreshing with a dash of "my throats on fire." I wouldn't pound them down all night but definitely worth a try. Another new thing I've been into is egg in cocktails and coffee. WTF has a seasonal drink right now called Honey I'm Home which has tequila and egg whites in it, amongst other things. I could not believe the texture; It was so fluffy and went down so easily. I had to ask the bartender twice if it was really egg and tequila I was drinking... two things I never thought I'd combine on purpose. They also have vodka based dessert shots/drinks here that make you question why you've ever had any other form of post meal sweets. WTF is currently partners with RumCow, a restaurant and rum bar next door which also has great craft cocktails. It's located on a side street in the heart of downtown. It's two story with the bar and lounge downstairs, patio out back and pool upstairs. They have restrooms and close street parking. It's a little classier than I'd say your average neighborhood bar but still jeans and sandals accepting. Would recommend for groups, dates, bachelorette parties, etc. Definitely a Wilmington cocktail gem. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Honey I'm Home - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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If I could drink a "Barkin At The Moon" every night, I would. This drink is PHENOMENAL!! And Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is one of the chillest, while still being fun and upbeat, spots downtown. The drinks are a work of art. That being said, the drinks do take some time to make, so you may be waiting at the bar for a few before you can order. The bartenders are super friendly and attentive, and they get to you as soon as they can. The wait is never ridiculous or excessive, but if you are impatient or time conscious, this may not be the spot for you. There's an upstairs area with additional seating that overlooks the main floor and stage, which also has a pool table. There is also a small outdoor area guests can explore. Music is kept to a respectable decibel; however, live bands do perform, though I don't know the schedule, I'll get back to y'all with that, and those nights can be a little loud. But going back to the start -- if you like a semi-sweet drink with a hint of bitterness (like your mother-in-law), order a "Barkin At The Moon". read more

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Delicious drinks, friendly bartenders, good prices for how well the drinks are made. Loved that there were several options of tequila drinks, berry with tequila was a favorite. Highly recommend. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Cedar smoked old fashioned and berry me with tequila - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Great drinks! Get the smoked old fashioned. The bartender will make anything you like. Thursday nights are great for karaoke. Right up the street from the hotel ballast. read more

Awesome bar to go to!! Really cool atmosphere with good drinks and plenty of options. The music there is solid, and the apps are pretty epic!! I cannot say that I have been there for straight up dinner, but I can say the, appetizer wise, they give you the perfect selection of bar foods to compliment those drinking munchies. The bar tenders are cool, and know how to make tons of different drinks, which is rare nowadays...you don't have to walk them through what a rob Roy is...they just know it (yes I drink like a 60 year old man from 1940s, both style and quantity haha). Check this place out if u get a chance read more

Awesome Anejo Old Fashioned...highly recommend! Thanks for the great drinks and fun night!

Great drinks, amazing talent and fun atmosphere! We loved our visit and can't wait to go again next trip!

The smoked old fashioned is the best I've ever had. Service isn't fast but the drinks are complicated so that's to be expected. The presentation is really cool. The bartender Derek is a great entertainer. read more

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My favorite bar downtown! The bartenders are super cool guys. The drinks are very unique. I love watching them make the smoked cocktails. I absolutely love their lemon meringue and creme brûlée drinks. It tastes like you're actually drinking the real dessert. They have pool tables, live music , and a chill vibe. read more

Currently at WTF. My first time in Wilmington. It's a Thur night and Karaoke is in full force. Am at a bar hopping after Christmas party fun time. Would highly recommend. The atmosphere is electric for karaoke. All of the patrons are friendly. It has been a pleasure to visit WTF. Sara read more

Great place serving craft cocktails! One of the only bars in the area I know making drinks like this. Highly recommend!

This place is awesome - a hidden gem that is a must visit when visiting Wilmington. When you first walk by or walk in it seems like it is going to be a typical cheap cocktail, beer joint, but do not let it fool you! The eclectic menu and crafty vibe is what makes this cocktail bar stand out! Cocktails are delicious, atmosphere is so chill and inviting and the bartenders are excellent entertainment even with live music! It was a great experience and this bar will permanently be on our list of "must-do's" when we come back to visit! Great job guys!! read more

Had two of the best dessert martinis here Wednesday night! It was the lemon meringue and the creme brûlée. You could tell the bartender is an excellent craftsmen's and takes pride it what he does. The music was amazing as well and I just loved the whole overall vibe and experience! Definitely recommend read more

I never leave lengthy yelp reviews, but I'd be doing everyone a disservice if I didn't, I'd give this place 100 stars if I could. Stayed a block away from WTF on a work trip and stopped in for a quick drink on a Tuesday night. Ended up sitting there for hours talking to the owner and others sitting at the bar, and went back the next two nights for drinks. The owner Joseph made us feel at home, told us about all the cocktails on their menu and others they were experimenting with. This guy is a mad scientist behind the bar, they have some real creative and PHENOMENAL drinks at this place (at a great price). They just rolled out a new cocktail menu, seriously close your eyes, point at one and repeat until you've tried them all. Will definitely be back the next time I am in Wilmington. Can't imagine there are any better cocktail bars in town! Thanks again. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - "The Missing Link" Been telling anyone that will listen about this drink. Topped with a torch caramelized plantain. Worth every penny! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Don't miss this place for a drink or 2 before dinner!! Great atmosphere and fun staff! read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Lots to choose from, lots of fun. Don't miss this place for a drink or 2 before dinner! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Second night here. The missing link is amazing amazing amazing. The whole reason I came back to back nights. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Missing link - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Chill bar with an extensive list of cocktails. I love the name too. We stopped in to kill time while out in Wilmington and were able to sample a few from the seasonal menu. We tried the flight club, midsummers gimlet and hello beautiful. I didn't care for the gimlet much but other two were tasty. The flight club has a honey ginger foam, it was interesting but I liked it. In the end, WTF is a great place to grab a few drinks at. read more

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Very chill vibe, definitely not a college kid crowd. Inventive cocktails that are served with a smile. These guys know what they're doing. Atmosphere is casual and laid back with a baby grand piano on the raised stage. My husband just said this place is indicative of a more upscale movement that's coming to downtown. The atmosphere is laid back and casual and not at all gimmicky like some other cocktail bars in the vicinity. The menu is extensive in terms of cocktail, beer, and wine selection with prices comparable to other establishments. You can order house cocktails, classics, boiler makers, deconstructions (diy drinks), infusions, and dessert cocktails. I ordered the ""Call me an Uber" - a Titos infusion with honey ginger syrup, pineapple juice, and soda water. It's going down way too fast it's that smooth. With specials throughout the week this will be on my circuit for sure. read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Wine and beer menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Cute place for a drink downtown. We went here for the beginning of our Wilmington Food and Wine Festival. Very eclectic furnishing, sadly most of them need to be replaced, they are falling apart.Upside they were comfortable. WTF has multiple places to sit, wether you are a single, couple or group, and they have an upstairs. The bar is long and beautiful, multiple beers on tap, at least 7. The bartenders were fun to watch, they had great rhythm and the drinks looked amazing! Downfall , it does get loud in WTF, between the music, and everyones conversations. read more

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Great bar, great staff! Karaoke Thursdays are a must! Drinks are made with a flourish and are fragrant, they have great aromatics. read more

You're going to get a darn good cocktail in this place. Go get a drink here you can't go wrong. They know there craft and execute it with care and finesse which is hard to find in many establishments. read more

Just stood in line to get in the bar. 15 people left.we so asked bouncer why we can't go in and replace those who left his response was "There's 50 other bars" So we left. ..went to Growlers tavern instead. They were much more welcoming for our party of 10. Wtf why did we walk 4 Blocks for that hassle?? read more

Place is OK. Dirty overall and very small selection of drinks. Having that said, giving it 3 stars because staff was friendly AND they have a tiny hidden patio in the back with great atmosphere. We were looking for a place with outdoor seating to smoke cigars and this was it! read more

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot - Outdoor patio - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Best smoked old fashions and bartenders in town. Nice place to hang out after work. It gets even better as the night goes on.