More than a wine bar: How Avenue B is becoming Wilmington’s newest cultural gathering place
Photo Credit: Megan Deitz
Editor's Note: This story is based on reporting originally published by Greater Wilmington Business Journal and has been reformatted for readability.
Music. Wine. Art. Conversation.
That's the vision behind Avenue B, a new gathering space in Wilmington's Brooklyn Arts District that blends hospitality with creativity.
Located at 724 N. Fourth St., the wine, cocktail, music and food destination opened in March and is the vision of husband-and-wife team Christopher and Tabrina Watson.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Avenue B combines wine, cocktails, live music and art in a space designed to foster community.
- The details: The Brooklyn Arts District venue features indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, live performances and plans to expand its culinary offerings.
- Why this matters: The owners hope Avenue B becomes more than a bar by creating a welcoming place for residents, visitors and local artists to connect.
- The more you know: Upcoming additions include a gourmet cheese counter, curated small plates and community events that benefit local nonprofits.
A vision built on shared passions
For the Watsons, Avenue B represents the intersection of their personal and professional backgrounds.
Christopher brings experience in music and design, while Tabrina's background is rooted in pastry, wine and cheese.
“Avenue B is really a reflection of the overlap between my husband and myself,” Tabrina Watson said. “When those worlds intersect, they naturally create something larger than their individual parts.”
Why the Brooklyn Arts District?
Choosing the neighborhood wasn't accidental.
The Watsons said they were drawn to the Brooklyn Arts District because of its creativity, strong sense of community and growing arts scene.
They envisioned a place where:
- Music and visual art coexist
- Hospitality encourages connection
- Conversations happen naturally
- The business becomes part of the neighborhood, not just another storefront. Rather than simply opening another wine bar, the couple wanted to create a space that reflected the culture already taking shape around them.
More than wine and cocktails
While Avenue B serves wine, cocktails and food, the owners hope guests leave remembering something more.
Their goal is to create a place where people can:
- Discover local and touring musicians
- Attend art exhibitions
- Meet new people
- Relax over a drink
- Spend time in a welcoming environment
Whether visitors stop in for Friday jazz, a songwriter performance or a quiet evening in the courtyard, the Watsons hope every visit feels memorable.
The courtyard becomes the centerpiece
As warmer weather arrives, the outdoor courtyard has become one of Avenue B's biggest attractions. The space includes outdoor seating and a bar surrounded by greenery, a natural extension of Tabrina Watson's appreciation for plant-filled environments.
Rather than designing every detail in advance, the owners say they've allowed the space to evolve naturally as guests have made it their own.
What's next for Avenue B?
The Watsons are already looking ahead to the next phase of the business.
Planned additions by the end of 2026 include:
- Curated small plates
- A gourmet cheese counter
- Expanded culinary offerings
The menu is intended to introduce guests to new flavors in a way that feels approachable without being intimidating.
Live music and community events
Live entertainment remains a cornerstone of the Avenue B experience. The venue is currently open Thursday through Saturday, with regular programming that includes:
- Friday jazz performances
- Thursday songwriter series
- Independent and touring artists
Performance schedules are available on Avenue B's website.
A creative way to give back
This summer, Avenue B launched Pup & Paint, a free Sunday event that combines creativity with a charitable cause.
Guests can bring their dogs to create two “paw-casso” paintings: One artwork goes home with the owner. The second will be featured in a year-end dog art exhibition and silent auction.
According to Tabrina Watson, 100% of the proceeds will benefit local animal rescue organizations.
The venue also plans to continue hosting special events such as pop-up experiences, workshops, pasta-making classes and its popular raw bar Thursdays.
Building community through creativity
At its core, Avenue B isn't simply about food or drinks. The Watsons believe the people who gather inside the space are what truly define it.
By bringing together music, food, design and hospitality, they hope Avenue B continues to grow as a place where creativity and community naturally intersect in Wilmington's Brooklyn Arts District.
Plan your visit
Whether you're stopping in for live jazz, enjoying a quiet glass of wine in the courtyard or discovering a new local artist, Avenue B is quickly becoming one of Wilmington's newest places to gather, connect and experience the city's growing arts scene.
- Address: 723 N. Fourth St., Wilmington
- Hours: 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-1 a.m. Sunday
- Phone: (910) 523-5039
