Bella’s Bar Local

If you are from Wilmington you will remember this place as a coffee shop. I actually use to hang out here a lot while in high school. Sometime in the last two years this business got a serious upgrade and although I loved the old Bellas the new space is amazing. Simple, trendy, quaint and welcoming!
I stopped by here Monday night with some friends because they were all avoiding exes who were at our regular bars. When we arrived there was only one other person seated at the bar and musician playing guitar outside. We sat at the back table behind the bar since it was cold and the front door was open for the music. The bartender told us the specials and took our orders however I wish he had told us the drafts because I didn’t notice until we were leaving that my favorite beer was on tap.
We only stayed for a couple of drinks but the live music was wonderful and I love the outside street setup. I was starving because of my new diet but didn’t order anything. Can’t wait to go back for drinks and apps before dinner.

The first time I visited Bar Local I knew I’d be back. This is the ONLY place in Wilmington where I actually go to hang out. I feel safe and welcomed and I always enjoy myself. I love that there is live music in the evenings and that the owner holds special events like their weekly Yoga on the waterfront and painting classes.
I love to hang out on Sundays by the waterfront with a stop in for a drink here at Bella’s. Great place with great people (staff and customers alike).

Was with a friend downtown. Heard good music and walked over. There were lots of seats. The bar tender came out and asked what we wanted to drink. We told him we were good for now. He told us, «This is a bar. If you want to sit there are public benches across the street.» At first I thought it was a cool place and I might go back, but not after that rude treatment.

Amazing Salmon Taco’s for Taco Tuesday’s! They have a nice wine selection & the music was not as loud as most bars in the area. Will definitely be back!

I can’t believe I forgot to review this place! We went a few weeks ago and it was awesome: cozy, warm and inviting. Dennis, who I believe is the owner, was super nice and very knowledgeable about his menu and the history of the building.
The exposed 150 year old brick wall was a great touch to the aesthetic of the place: you could almost feel the history.
Papa Soul was playing nostalgic old timey blues guitar outside, which I loved! And when he took a break they played Robert Johnson through the speakers. Overall it jus had a nice, cozy, nostalgic feel. I can’t wait to go back!

Great place. Side walk patio. Dennis is a great dude. Small menu but good food. Great for day/​early drinking.

Adorable little, often overlooked, spot right in downtown. They seem to have taken an upswing for the better over the past few weeks-​improved beer selection and music choices, namely. I love their focus on local an regional craft beers, and the staff is great! As long as they keep up this change, I will continue to frequent and spread the word!

Great intimate bar in historic downtown Wilmington. Very relaxing with a great ambiance. Exposed brick walls and candle light added a very rustic feel to the bar. The bar staff was also very knowledgable and welcoming and able to help me select a craft beer I loved. Great combination of locals and regulars, and tourists are always stopping in because of it’s great location and atmosphere.

A great little place for drinks! The atmosphere is casual and relaxing with a great interior space and some seating out front. Joan, the bartender, is awesome. She really knows her stuff and had some great recommendations. I really enjoyed our visit.

I spent two nights in this bar. It was delightfully relaxed. The bartender was friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. Good music, good wine, good employees. I will definitely make it a point to go back if I am in the area again.

Well this is refreshing! Popped into Bar Local last night after dinner — having remembered it as a former coffee shop, my curiosity was piqued.
What we found inside was fantastic. Truly a locals bar, a neighborhood haunt sans any divey-​ness (not that we don’t love a good dive, but a change of pace, decent seating and clean bathrooms can be great, too).
Great selection of beer, both on tap and bottled (we’d just missed a sweet potato lager they’d had on tap, but I appreciate their sense of adventure!). It’s a small space, and one that would be great for bringing your group of friends, or a one-​on-​one chat over a beer or glass of wine. And (hallelujah!) there are NO televisions. Anywhere.
The bartender was friendly and knowledgable, and then there was the requisite big, burly, bearded guy in a Hawaiian shirt and hat who’s happy to chat you up about your beer selection, world travel, and philosophy (you know the one). Everything you want in a neighborhood bar — I’m pretty sure if I came here on the reg, everyone would know my name, and they’d always be glad I came. ;)