Native Sips: 5 Enjoyable Locations to Seize a Drink in Greenville, NC

Kelly Toppin, chief mixologist at Crush Vodka Distillery + Cocktail Bar in Greenville, NC, shares 5 of her favourite spots to lift a glass.

By Kelly Rogers on February 23, 2026

©Journal Communications/Eric Waters

The beverage scene in Greenville-Pitt County is beckoning, because of the numerous wonderful institutions offering welcoming environments and artistic cocktails. 

Kelly Toppin, the chief mixologist and beverage director at Crush Vodka Distillery + Cocktail Bar, has a pulse on native drinks, to not point out she additionally spearheads cocktail creation at Crush. 

“I always have to be on my toes creatively, changing up the menus for the occasion,” Toppin says. 

Crush is one among many native institutions that provides rotating menus stuffed with artistic choices. Ahead, Toppin suggests 5 native hangouts the place residents can chill and luxuriate in some scrumptious drinks.

©Journal Communications/Eric Waters

1) Crush Vodka Distillery + Cocktail Bar

Yes, she is perhaps biased, however Toppin’s clearly a giant fan of Crush, the place she is the chief mixologist. Many individuals come to Crush with a bunch or for celebratory functions, taking in its enjoyable and upbeat surroundings. “We can do any cocktail,” Toppin says. “We pride ourselves on being able to make a drink for every customer based on their tastes.” 

Toppin recommends something off the seasonal menu or classics like an Old-Fashioned or espresso martini. 

2) Jefferson’s Wine Shop 

If wine is extra your velocity, you’ll be able to’t go flawed with Jefferson’s. A domestically owned wine store in downtown Greenville, Jefferson’s gives wine tastings, making it straightforward for individuals to strive one thing new. “Often, they’ll have someone come out and do wine tastings from different regions,” Toppin says. 

The employees is at all times prepared to pay attention and make solutions to swimsuit tastes. The wine bar additionally doubles as a flower and reward store, so the setting is gorgeous with a heat and cozy environment. Open till 6 p.m., it’s an awesome place to seize an informal glass of wine earlier than heading to dinner downtown. 

3) Starlight Cafe and Farm 

Courtesy of Starlight Cafe and Farms

This downtown farm-to-table restaurant is all about conserving issues recent. It’s not a secret that the meals served there’s scrumptious, however it’s additionally a wonderful place to get pleasure from an awesome cocktail – and it’s the place Toppin acquired her begin.

“They source all of their ingredients locally, and they are fresh,” she says. “You’re not going to get anything that’s not made in-house, down to their syrups and juices, which are freshly squeezed. You know whatever you’re getting there will be made with fresh, real ingredients.” 

Starlight additionally adjustments up its featured cocktail menu seasonally, serving plenty of recent fruit mojitos within the spring and summer time. Toppin likes to order a raspberry yuzu gimlet, noting that Starlight shares distinctive substances that mix to make fascinating, distinctive and recent cocktails. 

4) Nino’s Cucina Italiana 

Though well-known for its savory Italian fare, Nino’s additionally has a superb cocktail choice and wine record.

One of its strengths, Toppin notes, is its skilled pairing of meals and drinks, creating an unbelievable eating expertise. “Normally when I’m there, I like to get wine,” she says, “but I also love their espresso martini as a dessert. They have a seasonal menu, as well, and in the fall, I like to get their apple cider margarita.” 

The environment is intimate and ideal for sharing a drink. The bartenders are educated and pleasant, so don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions.

Courtesy of Hilton Garden Inn

5) 1717 the Rooftop 

For drinks with a view, the go-to spot is 1717 the Rooftop, positioned atop the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Greenville. It’s the tallest constructing round and ideal for taking within the sights, whether or not you’re consuming inside or on the patio. “They have an excellent cocktail menu, a good wine selection, and they can really nail the classics,” Toppin says. 

1717’s rotating craft libations menu options aquatic-named drinks in honor of the restaurant’s historical past. The restaurant gives menu objects which are a nod to Stede Bonnet, a pirate who set sail within the yr 1717 and had connections to the Battle of Cape Fear River. Some of the enjoyable cocktail names embrace X Marks the Spot, Pirate’s Punch and Sailor’s Delight, with the latter two that includes Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, after all. 1717 additionally gives mocktails for these on the lookout for different choices.