When Marine Corps veteran and former Special Operations officer Joe Apkarian moved to Wilmington, he didn’t know he would someday run three local favorites.
Joe did know that he loved hosting parties, throwing events, and putting together a theme. During his service in the Marines, Joe and his friends frequented The Pour House. Joe says it quickly became “a place to call home,” and was made more so by the bonds he forged.
Joe Apkarian’s ‘Slip and Fall’
As Joe looked towards what life would be like after his service, he couldn’t help but wonder, What now?
When The Pour House’s owner was ready to sell to him, Joe Apkarian took the offer. With it began what Joe describes as his “slip and fall into the hospitality business.”
The Pour House, located in Wilmington’s Central Business District, is the lively dive bar that steered Joe’s transition from life in the Marines. Joe landed at the bottom of that staircase and never looked back. ‘What now’ turned out to be momentum for Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit. It would quickly lead to two more: Tacobaby, also in the CB District, and The Eagle’s Dare in the Brooklyn Arts District.
Three Local Spots in ILM
Each spot is unique. At The Pour House, guests can expect healthy banter and familiar fun. Stepping into Tacobaby is like stepping into your hip granny’s kitchen. And The Eagle’s Dare? That’s your go-to for a drink and a party. (Odds are high they’re hosting an event you wanna check out!)
As anyone can imagine, running three businesses in the food and beverage industry keeps Joe busy. He says that due to the playful nature of his establishments, it’s easy to overlook the fact that running a bar also means being an accountant. In his day-to-day operations, Joe is up early in the morning and working the numbers, placing orders—doing what needs to be done, in other words, to welcome folks in.
Which is, at the end of the day, what Joe hopes to achieve in all three locations. While each has its own personality, the thread connecting The Pour House, Tacobaby, and The Eagle’s Dare is warm, genuine hospitality.
So, as Joe asked himself during his big transition from the Corps to the service industry, what now?
Keeping Tabs with What’s to Come
The Pour House is starting renovations—exciting stuff. Even more exciting is that they’re still open beneath all that scaffolding. It’s like stepping into a New York City speakeasy, which makes it all the more fun.
Tacobaby just graduated from nearby renovations, with the Project Grace library opening and road closures finally ending. He’s excited for folks to check it out. He’s also welcoming this influx of people over to Tacobaby for some really great, local food.
The Eagle’s Dare always has something going on, like this weekend’s Nightmare Before Halloween Silent Disco (10/17) and Freedom Bridge Dog Adoption (10/18). There are parties, honky tonks, charity events, networking opportunities, and more! With community members venturing into Brooklyn Arts, Joe looks forward to filling those lovely bar seats Tuesday – Sunday. We love that they have their own parking lot (no parallel parking or pay-to-park!) and delicious pours, even on days without events.
Free Concert Friday at The Eagle’s Dare
The fourth year of Free Concert Fridays is coming, and we know you’re excited! When The Eagle’s Dare opened, Joe revived downtown Wilmington’s beloved Friday night concerts—so expect great bevies, live music, and fun in the community from May through July, 2026!
Sponsorship makes our beloved Free Concert Fridays possible, and Joe is accepting sponsors for the 2026 season! If you’re interested in being a sponsor (or know someone who might be), reach out at joe@theeaglesdare.com. Find more details below:
Joe, we really can’t begin to express our gratitude. From your years in serving our country, to now serving our community—Wilmington is glad to have you!
Which of these great spots is your go-to?
