Hidden gems: 9 spots off the beaten path for great entertainment in the Wilmington area
When it comes to venues, most towns have a hidden gem or two, spots that perhaps aren't as highly touted as the bigger places but that punch above their weight when it comes to offering distinctive, quality entertainment that keeps people coming back.
And while we can argue about just how hidden some of the places on this list are, none of them are exactly on the main drag. All of them, however, contribute to the character of the Wilmington area and help make the Port City like nowhere else.
This isn't meant to be a comprehensive list of every out-of-the-way spot that offers entertainment in the Wilmington area. If it was, it'd be two or three times as long. But, if you're looking to explore some of the area's more notable off-the-radar spots, this should get you started.
The Brewer's Kettle
Unassuming Oleander Drive bottle shop has a popular comedy series hosted by Wilmington stand-up Ellie Coleman, who's finished second in the Port City's Top Comic competition for two years running. (Next Comedy at the Kettle is March 30.)
It's a great setting, with local and regional comedians often performing outside with the stately pines of Long Leaf Park as a backdrop. Live tunes are a staple as well, and so is the occasional music festival. 4718 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
Brunswick Little Theatre
Located in a former church, this absolutely adorable 100-or-so seat theater on N.C. 133 near Southport is easy to drive right by if you're not looking for it. Offerings are vibrant and well-attended, mostly comedic plays with the occasional drama or musical.
David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize winner "Proof" is coming in April, followed by the Southern-fried Hope/Jones/Wooten howler "Mama Won't Fly" in June. You'll want to get tickets well in advance. Lately, most every show has been a sell-out.
"BLT" has been around since 1983 and in its current home since 2014, and the company holds its own against larger Wilmington outfits, having scored three nominations at the 11th annual Wilmington Theater Awards coming to Thalian Hall March 20. 8068 River Road SE, Southport
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Dram Tree Tavern
Hailed as the neighborhood bar of the historic Sunset Park neighborhood, Dram Tree Tavern opened in 2022. It hosts an array of events (trivia with Wilmington comic MT Bottles on Wednesdays) and local music, from laid-back to rocked-out and everything in between. 1806 Washington St., Wilmington
Live at Ted's
Known to many as "Wilmington's listening room," this cozy venue at the foot of Castle Street in a former home is mere yards from the Cape Fear River and has drawn a loyal following hooked on every-weekend offerings of folk, blues, Americana and other mostly acoustic styles.
Started by Kelly "Ted" Jewell and Julia Jewell in 2010, it's now run by Trent and Whitney Harrison, who book a mix of local and touring acts, along with with hosting public radio WHQR's Soup to Nuts concert series and the Voice & The Pen songwriters' series. 2 Castle St., Wilmington
Reggie's 42nd Street Tavern
For more than 20 years now, beloved midtown spot tucked just off Oleander Drive has been everything a rock club should be. Reggie's is pretty much a Wilmington institution at this point.
Cheap beer? Check. Music so loud you can feel it? Check. Grit meter? 10 of 10.
Fare is a mix of local and touring bands playing every genre of rock known to man, and such iconic acts as Shannon and the Clams, Southern Culture the Skids, Sick of It All, The Toasters and Agnostic Front have graced the Reggie's stage.
Many of the bands who play here are on the harder side, although the schedule always has some indie rock, country and even Americana mixed in. 1415 S. 42nd St., Wilmington
The Rusty Nail
Authentically divey Fifth Avenue spot doesn't look like much from the outside, and no one would blame you for being hesitant to enter if you didn't know better. But we do know better, and so do TV and movie producers, who've used the Rusty Nail, founded in 1957, as a location in a dozen or more films and shows, including the country music mini-series "George and Tammy" and horror flick "Halloween Kills."
The Cape Fear Blues Association hosts weekly jams on Tuesday nights and the annual Cape Fear Blues Festival each summer, with house band The Rhythm Bones holding court every Sunday afternoon and local and touring blues and rock acts coming in on the weekends. 1310 S. Fifth Ave., Wilmington
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Shaka Taco
This fun establishment has been serving up "fresh eats" and "fresh vibes" (according to its Facebook page) since it first opened in Surf City in 2017. With more locations added in recent years, it's not as hidden anymore.
Serving tacos, wings and more, Shaka Taco is also in Hampstead at Ironclad Golf & Beer Garden at 2368 Country Club Drive. It offers outdoor dining and live music, often reggae or jam acts. 107 N. Shore Drive, Surf City
The Tipsy Goat
Located on Castle Hayne Road between Wrightsboro and downtown Wilmington's Northside, this bottle shop has a trivia night each Thursday and hosts the occasional stand-up comedy showcase. It's also in the conversation when it comes to best-named Wilmington-area establishments. 1930 Castle Hayne Road, Wilmington
Waterline Brewing
Not quite downtown, not quite in the burgeoning South Front District, this popular destination located under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge near where Surry Street dead ends offers an eclectic variety of music, comedy and events.
The Gruff Goat comedy show hits the first and third Wednesday of each month, with host Lew Morgante bringing in stand-ups from all over the region. (Bonus: It's free.) Music-wise, Waterline has one of the most varied lineups around, booking everything from hip-hop and indie rock to jazz, Americana and more. 721 Surry St., Wilmington
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: The hidden gems in Wilmington, NC for entertainment
