Raise Your Glass
Exploring The Best Local Drink Spots
BREWERIES
Brunswick Beer Xchange
910-408-1877
113 Village Rd, Leland
Brunswick Beer Xchange in Leland, NC is the town’s first taproom and bottle shop, offering a thoughtfully curated lineup of around 40 rotating draft beers alongside a solid selection of bottles, ciders, wines, and seltzers. Their space is cozy, community-focused and is perfect for casual tastings, informal events, or catching up with friends over a flight of craft beers. With knowledgeable staff on hand to guide guests through local and international brews, BBX delivers a friendly, laid‑back atmosphere ideal for both the seasoned beer enthusiast and the curious newcomer
Leland Brewing Company
910-262-4462
2115 Ale Ave, Leland
Leland Brewing Company is a modern, family- and dog-friendly craft brewery that opened its doors in 2023. They operate an 8,000 ft² brewhouse and taproom capable of producing over 5,000 barrels annually, featuring a lineup of more than 20 house-brewed beers plus rotating guest taps, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Nestled across from Town Hall and Founders Park, the bright, airy space includes both indoor seating and outdoor patios—perfect for relaxing with friends or attending one of their regular live music, community, or food-truck events. They are well-equipped with wine selections, local food pairings, and plenty of parking
Brunswick Beer and Cider
910-599-6849
1313 S Dickinson Dr, Leland
Brunswick Beer & Cider is a vibrant community-focused brewery and restaurant offering an inviting mix of house‑crafted beers and seasonal ciders. Inspired by the area’s coastal heritage and a touch of “southern grandma” hospitality, it delivers a warm, rustic atmosphere with fresh, locally driven ingredients in both libations and dishes. With a rotating menu of comfort-focused fare—think loaded nachos, pizzas, burgers, and barbecue—alongside flagship brews like Sunny Point IPA, Apple Pie cider, and award‑winning Schwarzbier, it’s a must-stop for both craft beer lovers and newcomers to the scene. Brunswick Beer & Cider combines approachable vibes, live‑music events, and family‑ and dog‑friendly charm under one roof
Carolina Crab Brewing Company
910-477-6013
4810 Long Beach Rd SE, Southport
Carolina Crab Brewing Company in Southport, NC is a charming coastal brewpub nestled on an 18-acre property just minutes from the beach and downtown. The taproom features 18 rotating house-made beers, plus a curated wine list, and welcomes families, dogs, and outside food alongside lively events like live music and food trucks. With its warm, rustic atmosphere and scenic outdoor space, it's a perfect spot to kick back with a Prosecco, Southport Oyster Stout, or a crisp lager among friends
Bars, Taprooms & Lounges
Locals Tavern
910-769-1289
1107 New Pointe Blvd #9, Leland
A welcoming neighborhood pub known for its friendly vibe, mouth-watering pub fare, and lively entertainment. They serve everything from burgers and sandwiches to seafood baskets and hand-cut steaks until 11 pm or midnight. Patrons praise the spot for its cold beer selection, all-you-can-eat wings nights, trivia, live music, and personalized service. Whether you're stopping by for a casual bite, a lively night out, or hosting an event, this Cross Creek Commons favorite has you covered.
The Scapegoat Taproom
910-399-5382
2789 Compass Pointe South Wynd NE #4, Leland
Scapegoat Taproom is a beloved local taproom and bottle shop featuring an impressive selection of around 50 craft taps, plus grab-and-go bottles, wine, and ciders. Their welcoming space offers both indoor seating and outdoor areas, ideal for settling in with a rotating lineup of regional and beyond brews. With regular community events—from trivia nights to music bingo—and friendly, service‑focused staff, Scapegoat creates a lively yet laid‑back atmosphere that appeals to seasoned beer lovers and newcomers alike
The Tiki Tavern
910-363-4453
104 E 8th St, Southport
The Tiki Tavern is a beloved local tiki-themed dive bar known for its fun, laid-back atmosphere and friendly bartenders. It boasts a full bar with cold drinks, tropical cocktails, and a variety of bar games—pool, darts, cornhole, and old-school pinball—plus weekly events like karaoke, trivia nights, and DJs . Open every day with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, it's appreciated for its clean facilities, affordable drinks, and vibrant community vibe. Most guests celebrate it as “a local spot worth visiting” for a fun night out .
Lazy Turtle Bar & Grill
910-278-7725
601 Ocean Dr, Oak Island
Perched right on the beach they offer a relaxed coastal dining experience where you can literally dig your toes into the sand as you enjoy your meal. They’re known for their delicious seafood baskets and coastal favorites—like Mahi‑Mahi tacos, crispy fried flounder, Philly cheesesteaks, and peel‑and‑eat shrimp—paired with refreshing cocktails and beer. A dog‑friendly outdoor patio and casual, upbeat atmosphere complete with live music and weekly entertainment make it a hit with families and beachgoers alike. Whether you're stopping by for happy hour, a late-night bite, or a laid-back weekend lunch with live tunes, the Lazy Turtle delivers coastal charm, friendly service, and memorable oceanfront views.
Paul’s of Oak Island
910-477-4161
5419 E Oak Island Dr, Oak Island
A lively sports bar and casual dining spot offering a relaxed beachfront vibe perfect for locals and vacationers alike . With a full bar, 14 TVs broadcasting games, a menu featuring seafood favorites like fish and chips, homemade smash burgers, wings, sandwiches, pastas, and rotating daily specials from Chef Jason Talbott, there’s something for every appetite. The venue is split into two areas: a laid-back sports bar and a separate sit-down restaurant running, perfect for more relaxed dinners. Known for its friendly service and lively game-day atmosphere, Paul’s has become a go‑to destination for food, fun, and community on Oak Island
Lonerider Brewery
910-613-7460
57th Pl W, Oak Island
Located just across the water from Southport, this popular offshoot of Raleigh’s award-winning Lonerider Brewing Company offers a full-service taproom and restaurant with scenic views of the marina. Known for their locally‑crafted beers—like Peacemaker IPA, Kolsch for Outlaws, Shotgun Betty, and more—the venue also features a dog‑friendly beer garden, mouthwatering pub fare, spirits, and live events such as music nights and food‑truck gatherings. With a laid‑back coastal vibe, indoor and outdoor seating, and a lively community atmosphere, it’s become a favorite spot for both families and craft‑beer fans visiting the area
American Fish Company
910-457-9870
150 Yacht Basin Dr, Southport
North Carolina’s most unique waterfront pub experience, where sparkling blue waters meet sunny skies, and every hour is happy! A beloved waterfront pub perched right on Yacht Basin Drive, serving cold beer, craft cocktails, and unbeatable sunset views over the water . Housed in what was once a working fish shack dating back to the 1940s, the venue offers a laid-back, club‑style atmosphere—you can join for just a $2 membership—and features live music under the open sky. Popular with both locals and visitors, it’s praised for its friendly bartenders, occasional dolphin sightings, and a true community feel!
The Pub of Southport
910-457-6554
1513 N Howe St Suite 10, Southport
A cozy, community‑favorite Irish‐style pub nestled in downtown Southport since 2009, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere just steps from the waterfront . Known for its impressive whiskey lineup—over 90 varieties—along with craft beers and rotating food‑truck options, it strikes the perfect balance between laid‑back charm and lively spirit. Locals and visitors rave about the friendly bartenders, comfortable vibe, and regular live entertainment like music nights and trivia. Whether you're popping in for a pint, joining their "Paddy Wagon" weekly event, or just seeking a relaxed evening out, The Pub of Southport delivers genuine community hospitality.
Royal James
910-363-4783
109 E Moore St, Southport
A vibrant rum & tequila bar inspired by the pirate Stede Bonnet’s famed ship, offering a fun Caribbean‑style escape in the heart of downtown. With its open‑air design and lively atmosphere, it’s the go‑to spot for cold tropical cocktails like Painkillers, flavorful street corn, sandwiches, bowls, and shareable Caribbean‑inspired bites. Locals and visitors praise the friendly bartenders, festive community vibe, and laid‑back beachfront-style charm—making it “a great place to meet” and enjoy reasonably-priced drinks in a pirate‑themed setting
Duffer’s Pub & Grille
910-278-9299
928 Caswell Beach Rd, Oak Island
This casual American eatery serves a diverse menu—including hearty burgers, prime rib specials, wings, paninis, tacos, and seafood dishes—paired with NC craft beers, cocktails, and wine while offering stunning Atlantic Ocean and golf course views alongside a spacious, relaxed dining room and bar. Guests rave about its friendly, efficient service and the clean, comfortable atmosphere, especially praising the oceanfront patio for summer karaoke and live music nights. Open daily with a welcoming vibe for golfers, families, couples, and locals, Duffer’s is the go-to spot for laid-back meals with scenic flair on Oak Island
***Local Tip***
Becky C
Lonerider Brewery in Southport and Leland Brewing Company often host live music and food trucks. Great casual hangouts for parents and kids.