Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington
Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington Insiders' Guide to North Carolina's Southern Coast and Wilmington

Nightspots

Southport

Though the Southport-Oak Island area is very much a family-oriented/fishing area, the growing population has engendered more venues for evening entertainment. Most of these are new restaurants that sometimes have live music, especially on weekends. Be sure to check out our Restaurants chapter, consult the local newspaper calendars and call the restaurants that interest you. We have listed some places and activities here that are specifically geared to nighttime fun.

Bella Cucina
5177 Southport-Supply Rd., Southport
(910) 454-4540

At Bella Cucina you will find Tuscan-style food made with recipes handed down in the family and using only the freshest ingredients. For your evening entertainment, live music is offered, which includes American standards from 6 until 9 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as reggae, funk or bluegrass starting at 9 PM on Thursdays. A big-screen TV is available for viewing your favorite sporting events. For great NY–style pizza, calzones, stromboli and hot and cold subs, visit their Pizzeria next door. It is open late on Fridays; call (910) 454-4357.

Concerts On The Coast
Franklin Square Park
corner of Howe and E. West Sts., Southport
(910) 253-2672, (800) 222-4790

Supported by a grant from the Brunswick Arts Council and sponsored by the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation Department, the Southport Parks and Recreation Department and Security Savings Bank, this outdoor summer concert series features a variety of live bands playing in Franklin Square Park in the heart of historic Southport. This popular event is held June through September on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 until 8 PM. Call for dates and the schedule.

Southport Film Nights
Garrison Lawn
on the Waterfront, Southport
(910) 457-7927, (800) 388-9635

This outdoor film series takes place the second Friday of each month beginning in June and extending through October with a special screening in December. Moviegoers are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, family and friends to enjoy these free screenings. Call the Southport Visitors Center at the number above for details, times and movie titles.

Spectator's Sports Lounge and Grill
8039 River Rd., Southport
(910) 457-9994

Spectator's caters to locals and families. It's definitely a great place for the sports enthusiast with its wide-screen TVs and a seating capacity of 55 at two-tops and four-tops, as well as at the full bar. In addition to drinks, Spectator's serves daily specials and light casual fare, such as mozzarella sticks, fried mushrooms, bloomin' onions, Philly cheese steaks, Reubens, Angus burgers, quesadillas, chicken Parmesan and their specialty, Spectator's Fried House Salad. They also have occasional live entertainment; call for schedule.

Oak Island

49th Street Game Room and Bar
4901 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
(910) 278-9811

If you are looking for a neighborhood bar where you can relax with a drink after work or socialize and play a game or two of pool, the Station is the one. Being a nicely refurbished former gas station, it is small, but large enough to hold the enthusiastic crowd that gathers for karaoke. The Station is also known for spearheading fund drives for persons suffering as as result of catastrophes or loss of income. Be it a cookout, a float in the Christmas Parade or a Poker Run, they help those less fortunate. Hours of operation are 11 AM until 2 AM Monday through Saturday and noon until 2 AM on Sunday.

Chasers Sports Bar & Grill
8520 E. Oak Island Dr., Oak Island
(910) 278-1500

Open seven days a week year round, Chasers remains a favorite place for locals to gather. Here they can share an after-work drink, discuss their golf games and compare scores, socialize and get a good meal and drinks at affordable prices. The house specialty is wings in a variety of flavors. Don't miss the sporting events, which you can watch on any of the seven TVs from seating at the bar or any table in the room.

Duffer’s Pub & Grille
928 Caswell Beach Rd., Oak Island
(910) 278-9299

Located on the second floor at the Oak Island Golf Club (see our Golf chapter), Duffer's Pub & Grille offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the golf greens on the other. White linens on the tables in the dining/banquet room along with the flickering of candles set into the fireplace give an understated elegance to your dining experience. Duffer's offers a fully stocked bar featuring premium liquors and cordials, bottled and draft beer and an excellent wine list. You will find entertainment on Tuesday nights and, in warmer months, Deck Parties on the spacious deck overlooking the golf course. A banquet room is available for private parties. The bar is open every day from 11:30 until. Lunch and dinner are served daily.