Two North Carolina bars with devoted followings made USA TODAY’s list of Bars of the Year for 2025.
One of Wilmington’s original craft cocktail bars — The Blind Elephant — has been described as home to spirits and secrets. Now, though, the secret is out. In Asheville, Little Jumbo, a laid-back yet high-spirited cocktail bar where locals go to relax and play, made the list.
On July 30, USA TODAY named The Blind Elephant and Little Jumbo two of the 29 Bars of the Year for 2025. Food writers across the country nominated bars that excited them, bars they would recommend to friends and family, bars they’d return to again and again.Here’s a look at North Carolina’s two bars on the list and what makes them stand out…