Another Dram business has opened in Wilmington; let’s pour one out for them all
The dram has a long history as a unit of measurement, especially for whiskey. But the dram also has a special meaning for those living along the Cape Fear River.
In our colonial seafaring and pirating history, there was an ancient, weathered cypress that marked the last bend on the often-treacherous waterway. When the tree came into sight, crews would relax knowing they were close to the downtown port. Often, it’s told, they poured out a dram to celebrate.
This Dram Tree lives on in local legend even though it's now gone. Local landmarks and businesses also help is along. In addition to Dram Tree Park, located at the base of Castle Street, and businesses like Dram Tree Realty and Dram Tree Law, ye olde unit of measurement lends its name to a few local food-and-drink businesses. Here’s a look at what they are and what sets them apart.
Dram Tree Tavern
The newest dram business to open is this neighborhood bar and restaurant located at 1806 Washington St. in Wilmington’s Sunset Park. It opened in early July and, in addition to adult beverages, also has a menu with a pimento cheese board (served with pepper jelly, pickled onions and pita), a Cheerwine chicken sandwich, and smash burger. You can also find a vegan corn dog and falafel pita wrap.
Dram & Draught
Also newly opened is this whiskey-focused bar at 109 Market St. in downtown Wilmington. Because it started in Raleigh in 2016 (and now has locations in Durham and Greensboro) this name has more to do with a dram of whiskey than the Dram Tree. They held a soft opening in June and a grand opening last month. Now, they're hitting their stride with a seasonal cocktail menu. Check out the Pom Diggity, for example, with Citadelle Gin, pomegranate liqueur, raspberry lemon oleo, lime and aquafaba.
More: Crafted cocktails: 3 new bars that are open (or coming) to downtown Wilmington
Dram Yard
After a lengthy pandemic closure, this restaurant reopened early this year with a new chef, Joe Wolfson. The restaurant is named for the Dram Tree House, a part of the former Wilmingtonian hotel. The current restaurant has a Southern-meets-global menu, and there's the adjacent outdoor Gazebo Bar In addition to Wolfson's dishes that include his signature beef tartare and his take chicken and dumplings, you can also order a chef's tasting menu. For the summer, it includes a red curry-and-eggplant interpretation on pork osso bucco.
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Dram & Morsel
This restaurant, on the third floor of the building that is home to YoSake and The Husk at 33 S. Front St. in downtown Wilmington, opened in late 2016 with a menu of cocktails and shared plates. Unfortunately, it hasn't remained open in the aftermath of the pandemic. It's now being used as a private event space and as a second floor for YoSake.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington has a few Dram themed bars and restaurants
