South Jersey is home to a new hotspot for nightlife. Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music is now open in Hi-Nella and offers an exciting night out for adults; without the need to drive to New York City, Philadelphia, or even Atlantic City. In particular, this upscale lounge provides dinner service, live music, cocktails, and more.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music is a 7,800-square-foot venue that has been vacant for awhile. That is, until Co-owner Mame Wilson had an idea. “A live music lounge was needed in the area,” she says. She owns the spot along with her husband, Mark. Their goal is to bring a first-class restaurant, lounge, and entertainment venue to the South Jersey area. They also consider it a supper club for mature clientele.
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The Venue & Music
Prior to opening, Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music underwent a $2 million-plus renovation. It now seats ~250 guests, with a bar and lounge area featuring comfortable bar stools, sofas, tables, and easy chairs. The dining room is warm, elegant, and inviting, boasting fine art including paintings of Black musicians from the owners’ collection; as well as state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Likewise, hardwood floors and cobalt blue accents add to the clean and modern design. In addition, a private room can hold up to 50 guests for parties; while two large, open-air patios will be available for seating come spring.
As the name implies, Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music hosts musicians regularly. Since opening, plenty of big-name acts and entertainers have come by to sell out weekend shows. For example, patrons can expect to hear live jazz, blues, and R&B bands and musicians, as well as comedians. Their liquor license also allows Wilson’s to stay open until 5:00 am as a club; something they plan to start doing soon. For the moment, they host live music until 11:00 pm, and then a DJ plays dance music until 3:30 am. (On Fridays and Saturdays.)
The Restaurant
Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music serves New Orleans-style fusion fare with a side of true Southern hospitality. Their menu accommodates elegant or casual dining, bar snacks, late-night dining, Saturday brunch, and Sunday Jazz brunch. So far, menu favorites include lobster gumbo with grilled lobster tail, shrimp scallops, mussels, and smoked sausage; in addition to crabcake egg rolls and grilled lamb chops. Mame’s favorite dish, however, is the ribeye steak. Chef Elijah Milligan heads up the kitchen; his previous experience comes from spots like Le Bec-Fin and Vernick in Philadelphia, and Angele in Napa Valley.
As for drinks, they offer an extensive menu of beers, handcrafted cocktails, and wine. In fact, the 40-seat bar boasts options such as pineapple martinis and spicy blood orange margaritas.
Check out Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music at 709 Warwick Rd in Hi-Nella. Look for them online to learn more.
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Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations.
No, they do not serve gluten-free options.
Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music offers vegetarian options, yes.
Yes, they offer takeout.
No, they do not offer delivery.
Yes, they serve cocktails, wine, and beer.
No, there is no kids’ menu.
Music Stage & Food Photos: © Wilson’s Restaurant & Live Music
Group Photo: Gloria Esposito
