Cocktail Casual

Since opening in April, Jesse’s Restaurant and Bar has been gradually becoming the place the owner envisioned. The Military Cutoff Road spot initially launched as a tapas and martini lounge while the business became established. Now, with a full menu in place, Jesse’s is settling into its next chapter — one centered on delicious food and beverages and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout.

“I saw an opportunity here to create something elevated but still welcoming and fun,” owner Jesse Davis says. “I want it to be a neighborhood Cheers, but classier.”

Davis, who operated The Penthouse private club in downtown Wilmington for 10 years before it closed in January, had been eyeing the northeast side of town for his next endeavor. When he heard about the space at 1427 Military Cutoff Road at Progress Point, he knew he’d found the perfect spot.

“It was a blank white slate, so I saw it as the perfect opportunity to design something completely my own,” Davis says. “It’s a great place to display all the local artwork I’ve collected and things I hold dear — vases, chandeliers, statues. It feels like a museum of all my favorite things, and I want to be able to share them with others.”

Davis, who has been in the hospitality business for 30 years and has worked all over the country, is a Brunswick County native. He says his first job as a teen was at Southport’s Provision Company, “slinging shrimp on paper plates.” While his recent ventures have not included food service, Davis says he yearned to get back into the restaurant side of the industry.

“The idea was always to have a full-service restaurant,” he says. “There’s just something about having great food to complement the cocktails.”

The menu at Jesse’s includes options for all tastes and appetites, including gluten-free selections. For those who want lighter fare, the bar bites menu includes the Fall River Meatball Trio, Chimichurri Beef Satay, Turkey Lettuce Wraps and Ahi Tuna Nachos. There are also salads available in half and full sizes. Diners seeking a full meal can find Build Your Own Pasta entrees, as well as signature plates such as Marcia’s Maine Lobster Roll, WB Filet Mignon, Market Fish and Lorraine’s Lasagna, an ode to Davis’ late grandmother. He strives to patronize local purveyors as much as possible, and his goal is to feature dishes influenced by both the North, where his mom is from, and the South, where he grew up.

“The menu is inspired by everything from up and down the East Coast,” Davis says. “It’s familiar food, but elevated and done with a little creativity.”

The kitchen serves until 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Jesse’s is closed Sunday and Monday. Prime Rib Thursdays, as well as lunch service, are starting soon.

While the focus at Jesse’s is on food, the beverage lineup shines in its own right; the bar stays open until 9 p.m. Tuesday, 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and midnight Friday and Saturday. In addition to wine and beer selections, expect martinis such as Jesse’s signature concoction of Tito’s shaken bone dry with blue cheese olives. There’s also the classic Rex’s Old Fashioned, named after Davis’ chocolate Lab, and signatures such as The Burning Man, with Espolòn Tequila and grapefruit juice, and The Elizabeth Taylor, which features Empress 1908 Gin, lemon juice and a splash of lavender simple syrup topped with Champagne.

The aforementioned drink is not the only nod to the late, iconic actress that you will find at Jesse’s. There is a small alcove within the restaurant that Davis has named The Elizabeth Taylor Lounge to honor his friendship with the Hollywood legend during his time in Los Angeles.

Overall, Davis seeks to create a polished and elegant vibe that turns newcomers into regulars. He encourages reservations by text or phone at 910-523-9070.

“The atmosphere is really important to me,” he says. “I want Jesse’s to feel swanky and upscale but still comfortable. Our dress code is cocktail casual. It’s about making an effort but still feeling relaxed and welcome.”

Most Friday and Saturday nights feature live music with a variety of local performers, which matters a great deal to Davis.

“It adds energy and personality and keeps the experience fresh every weekend,” he says. “I really enjoy supporting local talent and giving guests something a little different each time they come in.”

Davis says he wants Jesse’s to be more than a restaurant and bar. He envisions it as “more of a private-club experience without the membership.”

“I want people to come in, enjoy a great cocktail, have an amazing meal, listen to music, dress up a little, celebrate a special evening out and feel like they’re part of something unique,” Davis says.

Jesse’s Restaurant and Bar 

1427 Military Cutoff Rd unit 106, Wilmington, NC 28403

910-523-9070

jessesrestaurantandbar.com