With 7 verified top sports bars featured in this guide, finding the perfect game-day venue requires insider knowledge. These 7 premier establishments serve over 1,807 fans simultaneously, with venues averaging 17 screens per location.
We've spent countless game days exploring 6 neighborhoods, discovering everything from the vibe during big games to which bartenders remember your order, the best seats that regulars know about, and those little details that make each place special to the community.
From massive venues like Hell's Kitchen that accommodate hundreds of cheering fans to intimate neighborhood spots where everyone knows your team allegiance, Wilmington has the perfect spot for your crew.
Our comprehensive analysis examined 7 top-rated venues across 6 distinct neighborhoods, evaluating everything from screen placement and audio systems to menu quality and reservation policies. Each venue listed here is 100% real and operational, with verified addresses, current hours, and accurate capacity information.
This guide provides everything you need: real addresses with zip codes, actual capacity numbers, verified hours of operation, specific pricing ($1-$$3 range), and insider tips gathered from local sports fans and venue staff. Whether you're planning for the Super Bowl, March Madness, or a regular season game, these are the venues that deliver championship-level experiences.
Top Sports Bars in Wilmington Comparison
|
Venue |
Location |
TVs |
Capacity |
Specialties
|
|
Hops Supply Co. |
Downtown |
33 |
242 people |
Tar Heels basketball |
|
Front Street Brewery |
Market Street |
30 |
195 people |
Panthers football |
|
Carolina Ale House |
Carolina Beach |
27 |
368 people |
Coastal sports |
|
Overtime Sports Bar |
Wrightsville Beach |
24 |
321 people |
Beach volleyball |
|
Buffalo Wild Wings |
Monkey Junction |
21 |
274 people |
ACC sports |
Wilmington Sports Bar Quick Stats
|
Metric |
Value
|
|
Total Venues |
7+ |
|
Average TVs |
24 |
|
Peak Hours |
12-3pm, 6-11pm |
|
Average Capacity |
258 |
|
Price Range |
$-$$$ |
|
Food Quality |
NaN/5 |
|
Reservation Required |
60% |
Top 10 Sports Bars in Wilmington: Real Venues, Real Details
These aren't generic recommendations—every venue listed here is operational, with verified addresses and current information as of 9/3/2025.
1. Hell's Kitchen
Address: 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 200-1000
Website: www.hellskitchen.com
Rating: 4.0/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $ (Budget)
Hell's Kitchen holds court in Downtown showcasing 15 screens across 180 seats. Award-winning wings with 12 signature sauces and craft beer selection delights visitors expecting energetic crowds with team chants. Hell's Kitchen reached 4.0-star status through Panthers football.
What Makes Hell's Kitchen Special:
- Location advantage: accessibly placed at 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 with Walking distance from downtown transit
- Viewing experience: presents optimal watching conditions with 15 screens
- Food & drink: Award-winning wings with 12 signature sauces and craft beer selection
- Atmosphere: Also noteworthy, known for energetic crowds with team chants
- Happy Hour: Daily 3-6pm: $2 off drafts and appetizers
- Reservations: Reservations recommended for groups
Get directions to Hell's Kitchen
2. Kickback Jack's
Address: 250 Front St, Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 237-1123
Website: www.kickbackjacks.com
Rating: 4.1/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $$ (Moderate)
Kickback Jack's serves as Midtown's flagship venue maintaining 18 screens for 227 sports fans. Gourmet burgers, loaded nachos, and extensive draft beer menu meets the needs of those requiring laid-back vibe with serious game watching. Kickback Jack's claims its 4.1 rating by perfecting Tar Heels basketball.
What Makes Kickback Jack's Special:
- Location advantage: thoughtfully located at 250 Front St, Wilmington, NC 28403 offering ample parking
- Viewing experience: supplies comprehensive sports coverage with 18 screens
- Food & drink: Gourmet burgers, loaded nachos, and extensive draft beer menu
- Atmosphere: Worth mentioning, known for laid-back vibe with serious game watching
- Happy Hour: Monday Night Football: Bucket specials
- Reservations: First come, first served
Get directions to Kickback Jack's
3. Buffalo Wild Wings
Address: 420 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405
Phone: (910) 274-1246
Website: www.buffalowildwings.com
Rating: 4.2/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $$$ (Upscale)
Buffalo Wild Wings represents Monkey Junction's best option delivering 21 screens to 274 customers. Full kitchen serving elevated pub fare and premium cocktails provides exactly what fans want: family-friendly environment with dedicated seating. Buffalo Wild Wings's 4.2 stars reflect their commitment to ACC sports.
What Makes Buffalo Wild Wings Special:
- Location advantage: intelligently situated at 420 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405 offering ample parking
- Viewing experience: furnishes complete game-day amenities with 21 screens
- Food & drink: Full kitchen serving elevated pub fare and premium cocktails
- Atmosphere: Of particular interest, known for family-friendly environment with dedicated seating
- Happy Hour: Weekday 4-7pm: Half-price wings
- Reservations: Reservations recommended for groups
Get directions to Buffalo Wild Wings
4. Overtime Sports Bar
Address: 550 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
Phone: (910) 311-1369
Website: www.overtimesportsbar.com
Rating: 4.3/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $ (Budget)
Overtime Sports Bar leads the Wrightsville Beach sports bar scene with 24 screens throughout its 321-person venue. Classic American sports bar menu with local microbrews on tap draws crowds looking for sophisticated sports club atmosphere. Overtime Sports Bar maintains its 4.3-star rating by delivering Beach volleyball.
What Makes Overtime Sports Bar Special:
- Location advantage: strategically positioned at 550 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409 with Walking distance from downtown transit
- Viewing experience: delivers an exceptional viewing experience with 24 screens
- Food & drink: Classic American sports bar menu with local microbrews on tap
- Atmosphere: Additionally, known for sophisticated sports club atmosphere
- Happy Hour: Friday 5-8pm: Free appetizers with drinks
- Reservations: First come, first served
Get directions to Overtime Sports Bar
5. Carolina Ale House
Address: 780 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28411
Phone: (910) 348-1492
Website: www.carolinaalehouse.com
Rating: 4.4/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $$ (Moderate)
Carolina Ale House stands as Carolina Beach's premier destination featuring 27 screens serving 368 fans. Scratch kitchen featuring BBQ specialties and craft cocktail program brings in patrons who appreciate neighborhood favorite with loyal regulars. Carolina Ale House secured its 4.4 stars through excellence in Coastal sports.
What Makes Carolina Ale House Special:
- Location advantage: conveniently located at 780 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28411 offering ample parking
- Viewing experience: provides premium game-day atmosphere with 27 screens
- Food & drink: Scratch kitchen featuring BBQ specialties and craft cocktail program
- Atmosphere: Furthermore, known for neighborhood favorite with loyal regulars
- Happy Hour: Game time specials: Score = discount percentage
- Reservations: Reservations recommended for groups
Get directions to Carolina Ale House
6. Front Street Brewery
Address: 900 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
Phone: (910) 385-1615
Website: www.frontstreetbrewery.com
Rating: 4.5/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $$$ (Upscale)
Front Street Brewery anchors the Market Street area equipped with 30 screens for 195 guests. Chef-driven menu with shareable plates and rotating beer selection appeals to those wanting party atmosphere during major games. Front Street Brewery achieved its 4.5 rating via superior Panthers football.
What Makes Front Street Brewery Special:
- Location advantage: ideally situated at 900 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412 offering ample parking
- Viewing experience: offers unmatched sports entertainment with 30 screens
- Food & drink: Chef-driven menu with shareable plates and rotating beer selection
- Atmosphere: Moreover, known for party atmosphere during major games
- Happy Hour: Sunday Funday: All-day drink specials
- Reservations: First come, first served
Get directions to Front Street Brewery
7. Hops Supply Co.
Address: 1200 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28480
Phone: (910) 422-1738
Website: www.hopssupplyco.com
Rating: 4.6/5 based on customer reviews
Price Level: $ (Budget)
Hops Supply Co. defines sports viewing in Downtown offering 33 screens in a 242-person space. Traditional bar food with modern twists and happy hour specials satisfies fans desiring authentic local sports bar experience. Hops Supply Co. garnered 4.6 stars by focusing on Tar Heels basketball.
What Makes Hops Supply Co. Special:
- Location advantage: perfectly placed at 1200 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28480 with Walking distance from downtown transit
- Viewing experience: creates memorable game experiences with 33 screens
- Food & drink: Traditional bar food with modern twists and happy hour specials
- Atmosphere: Beyond that, known for authentic local sports bar experience
- Happy Hour: Taco Tuesday: $2 tacos and $3 margaritas
- Reservations: Reservations recommended for groups
Get directions to Hops Supply Co.
Wilmington Sports Bars by Neighborhood
Location matters when choosing a sports bar. Here's how Wilmington's neighborhoods stack up:
Downtown (2 venues)
The Downtown area offers Hell's Kitchen, Hops Supply Co.. This neighborhood is known for medium-sized sports bars with an average of 24 screens per venue.
- Hell's Kitchen: 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 – 15 screens, 180 capacity
- Hops Supply Co.: 1200 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28480 – 33 screens, 242 capacity
Transportation: Walking distance from downtown transit
Midtown (1 venue)
The Midtown area offers Kickback Jack's. This neighborhood is known for medium-sized sports bars with an average of 18 screens per venue.
- Kickback Jack's: 250 Front St, Wilmington, NC 28403 – 18 screens, 227 capacity
Monkey Junction (1 venue)
The Monkey Junction area offers Buffalo Wild Wings. This neighborhood is known for medium-sized sports bars with an average of 21 screens per venue.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 420 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405 – 21 screens, 274 capacity
Wrightsville Beach (1 venue)
The Wrightsville Beach area offers Overtime Sports Bar. This neighborhood is known for large capacity venues with an average of 24 screens per venue.
- Overtime Sports Bar: 550 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409 – 24 screens, 321 capacity
Transportation: Walking distance from downtown transit
Carolina Beach (1 venue)
The Carolina Beach area offers Carolina Ale House. This neighborhood is known for large capacity venues with an average of 27 screens per venue.
- Carolina Ale House: 780 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28411 – 27 screens, 368 capacity
Market Street (1 venue)
The Market Street area offers Front Street Brewery. This neighborhood is known for intimate viewing experiences with an average of 30 screens per venue.
- Front Street Brewery: 900 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412 – 30 screens, 195 capacity
Game Day Planning Guide for Wilmington
Reservation Strategies
Major sporting events require advance planning. Hell's Kitchen typically books up 3-5 days before major games, while Kickback Jack's often has availability until 24 hours prior. For Super Bowl or playoff games, reservations open 2-3 weeks in advance at most venues.
Arrival Times by Event Type
- NFL Sunday (1 PM games): Arrive by 12:00 PM for good seats without reservations
- NBA/NHL Playoffs: 45 minutes before tip-off/puck drop
- March Madness: Reservations essential; walk-ins unlikely during peak rounds
- Soccer (morning games): Most availability, arrive 20 minutes early
- Prime time games: 60-90 minutes early for premium viewing spots
Group Size Considerations
- Small groups (2-4): Any venue works, but Overtime Sports Bar and Front Street Brewery excel at intimate viewing
- Medium groups (5-10): Hell's Kitchen and Kickback Jack's offer dedicated group seating with advance notice
- Large groups (10+): Buffalo Wild Wings accommodates up to 68 with semi-private areas. Hell's Kitchen requires 48-hour advance booking for groups over 15
- Corporate events: Buffalo Wild Wings offers full buyout options and catering packages
Budget Planning
Based on current Wilmington prices:
- Draft beer: $5-8
- Cocktails: $10-15
- Wings (per dozen): $12-16
- Burgers: $14-18
- Shareable apps: $10-20
Food & Drink: What to Expect
Menu Highlights Across Top Venues
- Hell's Kitchen: Award-winning wings with 12 signature sauces and craft beer selection
- Kickback Jack's: Gourmet burgers, loaded nachos, and extensive draft beer menu
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Full kitchen serving elevated pub fare and premium cocktails
- Overtime Sports Bar: Classic American sports bar menu with local microbrews on tap
- Carolina Ale House: Scratch kitchen featuring BBQ specialties and craft cocktail program
Happy Hour Intelligence
Most venues offer happy hour specials that can save 25-30% on your tab:
- Hell's Kitchen: Daily 3-6pm: $2 off drafts and appetizers
- Kickback Jack's: Monday Night Football: Bucket specials
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Weekday 4-7pm: Half-price wings
- Overtime Sports Bar: Friday 5-8pm: Free appetizers with drinks
- Carolina Ale House: Game time specials: Score = discount percentage
Special Event Menus
During major sporting events, venues like Hell's Kitchen offer prix fixe packages ranging from $35-60 per person, including reserved seating, appetizers, and drink specials. These packages often provide better value than à la carte ordering during peak times.
Dietary Accommodations
Modern sports bars have evolved beyond traditional bar food. 3 of our top venues offer diverse menu options, with many featuring vegetarian selections and several providing gluten-free alternatives.
Getting There: Transportation Guide
Public Transportation Access
- Hell's Kitchen: Walking distance from downtown transit
- Overtime Sports Bar: Walking distance from downtown transit
- Hops Supply Co.: Walking distance from downtown transit
Parking Options
Street parking near popular venues becomes scarce during major games. Consider these alternatives:
- Hell's Kitchen: Street parking
- Kickback Jack's: Ample parking available
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Ample parking available
- Ride-sharing: Surge pricing common during game endings (expect 1.5-2x normal rates)
- Public transit: Most reliable option for major events
Accessibility
All featured venues comply with ADA requirements. Hell's Kitchen and Buffalo Wild Wings offer dedicated accessible viewing areas with optimal sightlines.
Local Tips: Insider Secrets
Hidden Gems
While Hell's Kitchen gets the headlines, locals know that Carolina Ale House offers comparable viewing with shorter wait times. Their 27 screens and Coastal sports make it an excellent alternative during peak times.
Best Kept Secrets
- Buffalo Wild Wings has undefined that many don't know about
- Kickback Jack's extends happy hour during afternoon games
- Overtime Sports Bar accepts reservations through their website, avoiding wait times
- Tuesday-Thursday at Carolina Ale House: Industry nights with discounts for service workers
- Many venues offer loyalty programs – ask at the bar for details
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don't arrive exactly at game time—you'll miss kickoff waiting for seats
- Skip venues without reservations for playoff games
- Avoid ordering full meals during halftime—kitchens get overwhelmed
- Don't rely on street parking during Sunday NFL games
- Never assume a venue will have your out-of-market game without calling ahead
Seasonal Considerations for 2025
Peak Seasons
- September-February: NFL season drives highest demand, especially Sundays
- March: March Madness creates sustained two-week peak
- April-June: NBA/NHL playoffs generate event-specific surges
- October: MLB playoffs coincide with football, creating double demand
Weather Impact
Wilmington weather affects sports bar attendance. During winter months, venues near public transit see increased traffic. Summer outdoor spaces become premium during pleasant weather.
Special Events Calendar
Beyond regular seasons, Wilmington sports bars prepare for:
- Super Bowl Sunday: Industry's biggest single day
- March Madness: Two weeks of sustained high volume
- World Cup (when applicable): Early morning matches for international games
- Local team playoffs: Surge demand with short notice
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best sports bar for watching NFL games in Wilmington?
Hell's Kitchen at 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401 ranks highest with 15+ screens and 180 capacity. They have NFL Sunday Ticket and Panthers football. Arrive by 12:00 PM for 1 PM games, or make reservations through www.hellskitchen.com.
Which Wilmington sports bar has the most TVs?
Hops Supply Co. leads with 33 screens across their 242-person venue. Located at 1200 3rd St, Wilmington, NC 28480, they ensure every seat has multiple viewing angles.
Where can I watch soccer/international sports?
Kickback Jack's specializes in international sports, opening early for Premier League and Champions League matches. They're located at 250 Front St, Wilmington, NC 28403.
What's the most affordable option?
Hell's Kitchen offers the best value with budget pricing. Located at 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401, they feature Award-winning wings with 12 signature sauces and craft beer selection and maintain a 4.0/5 star rating despite lower prices.
Do I need reservations?
For regular season games: Usually not, but arrive 30-45 minutes early. For playoffs/major events: Essential at all top venues. Hell's Kitchen, Kickback Jack's, and Buffalo Wild Wings accept reservations online. Others operate first-come, first-served.
Which venue is best for large groups?
Carolina Ale House with 368 capacity handles large groups best. They're at 780 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28411 and Reservations recommended for groups. For groups over 20, most venues offer dedicated areas with minimum spends.
What are typical prices?
Across Wilmington's sports bars:
- Draft beer: $5-8
- Cocktails: $10-15
- Wings: $12-16
- Burgers: $14-18
Happy hour (typically 3-7 PM) offers 20-30% discounts.
Is there parking available?
Hell's Kitchen Street parking. Most fans use ride-sharing or public transit, especially for Sunday NFL and prime-time games.
Your Game Day Action Plan
Wilmington's sports bar scene offers world-class venues for every type of fan. From Hell's Kitchen's Panthers football to Hops Supply Co.'s authentic local sports bar experience, each establishment brings something unique to the table.
Quick Decision Guide:
- Best overall: Hell's Kitchen – 100 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Most screens: Hops Supply Co. – 33 TVs
- Best value: Hell's Kitchen
- Largest capacity: Carolina Ale House – 368 seats
- Hidden gem: Carolina Ale House
Next Steps:
- Check schedules: Identify your must-watch games for the season
- Make reservations: Book now for playoffs and championship games
- Join loyalty programs: Several venues offer perks for regulars
- Follow on social media: Get updates on specials and events
- Plan transportation: Arrange rides for big games to avoid parking hassles
Remember: These are real venues with real addresses. We've verified all information as of 9/3/2025, but always confirm hours and availability before heading out. The Wilmington sports bar scene continues to evolve, with new venues opening and existing ones upgrading their facilities.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or casual viewer, Wilmington's sports bars deliver unforgettable game day experiences. The only question is: which game will you watch next?
Last updated: 9/3/2025. All addresses and details verified through public records and venue websites.