Field Research Packet

The Five Oldest in Downtown Wilmington

The overall purpose of this map is to locate the five oldest pubs in downtown

Wilmington. Wilmington is the hub for an abundance of pubs, or bars, but it appears as though the city is constantly opening new ones or renaming the old ones due to new ownership. It’s hard to find a solid establishment that has been around for years and still holds a supportive reputation amongst the locals. This map is meant to bring new recognition to the historic pubs of

Wilmington, which still hold the history and life that the city embodies. Not only will the map

provide the location of each , but it will also provide a photo and brief description that will

cover the pubs’ business hours, contact information, lists of beverages that are offered daily, and

a brief detail of the menu options (if there is food offered at the establishment). It’s important to keep historic businesses up and running, so that the history of Wilmington remains sacred.

Wilmington’s Five Oldest Pubs: (in no particular order)

1. Orton’s

2. Barbary Coast

3. Rusty Nail

4. Lula’s

5. Winnie’s Orton’s

Orton’s is known as the oldest pool hall in America and as one of Wilmington’s finest bars and live music venues. It was first established back in 1888 and has since continued to prosper. It embodies coin-operated high class pool tables, dart games, and 17 televisions for provided entertainment. The hours of operations are Monday through Friday from 4 pm – 2 am and

Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm- 2 am. Orton's Facebook Page, this link will provide further information regarding upcoming events and photos of the establishment.

Barbary Coast

Barbary Coast, first opened in 1946, is historic downtown Wilmington’s oldest dive . The establishment provides over 100 different flavors of and a full selection. Some attractions are the pool tables, foosball tables, darts, jukebox, and the outdoor patio that overlooks the Cape Fear River. Its hours of operations are as follows: Monday from 2 pm - 2 am,

Tuesday through Friday from 1 pm - 2 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm - 2 am.

Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail was first established back in 1957, as a small located in the Southside

District of Wilmington. It claims to be a by day and a club by night. The establishment provides live shows, weeknight open mics, jams, and weekend shows. It is known as being a musician's club, and a valuable place for networking. Its hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Saturday from 1 pm- 2 am and Sunday noon – 2 am. This blues club is known for being a private establishment, but non-members are able to sign in as guests and can become members for a reasonable fee.

“We ARE Wilmington's Home for Blues, and this town's best kept dirty little secret!”

Lula’s

Lula’s is a downtown Wilmington pub, known for its slogan “If you can’t find us, there’s a reason.” It was first established back in December of 1992 by Lori Freshwater of Jacksonville,

NC and John Butler of Dublin, Ireland, and has since been a favorite downtown hideaway. Their craft are offered along with daily drink specials, and every Sunday night starting at 8 pm they have Pub Trivia. Their trivia is the longest running trivia in Wilmington. The hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Sunday 7 pm- 2 am. Lula's Facebook Page, provides further information about upcoming events and provided photos.

Winnie’s Tavern

Winnie’s Tavern was first established back in 1962 by Winnie Swanson. It is known for creating its “Winnie Burger,” which has been pronounced the best burger in Wilmington. Unlike the previous bars listed, this one’s focus is more on the food rather than the night life. Its hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Saturday 11 am- 11 pm. It is located along the docks downtown so it welcomes those working on the incoming trains, trucks, and cargo ships. The original owner’s daughter, Jeannie Johnson has been running the tavern for the past 22 years, keeping up with her mother’s traditions and welcoming all customers new and old. Winnie's

Tavern Facebook Page, provides further information regarding menu options and photos.