The O’Neil

Kinston Amenities

Kinston, North Carolina has had a long and storied past. Now Kinston is undergoing a modern day renaissance. There are historical sites all over town, reminding you over the more than 250 years of history in the area. Down the street from The O’Neil you can visit the CSS Neuse, a replica of the Civil War era steam-powered ironclad ship of the same name. The Neuse is the only full-scale replica of a Confederate Ironclad in the world.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the vibrant history of our small town, you can see our rebirth first-hand at some of Kinston’s restaurants.

Kinston is home to a dynamic brewing and distilling scene. Mother Earth Brewing was founded in Kinston in 2008 by Stephen Hill and Trent Mooring. Their energy efficient brewery is one of the most progressive in the world. In addition to their mindful stewardship of the environment, Mother Earth Brewing brews fine beer, from the mellow and easy-drinking Weeping Willow Wit all the way to the other end of the spectrum with their rich bourbon barrel-aged Silent Night Imperial Stout.

Also owned by Stephen Hill is Mother Earth Spirits. Making small-batch Gin, Whiskey, and Rum, Mother Earth Spirits focuses on quality over quantity. Each batch of whiskey is crafted by hand, and aged in Charred White American Oak barrels long enough to evoke notes of caramel, fresh leather and toasted oak. Their Gin balances juniper with other botanicals like coriander, anise, and cardamom, with a resulting smoothness perfect for sipping or in your favorite cocktail. Like their brewery cousins at Mother Earth Brewing, the distillery is located in a LEED certified building. The distillers harness the energy from the sun to heat their water and use environmentally-conscious materials to insulate their space.

More restaurants, bars, and cultural spots are opening in Kinston all the time. We’re sure that as you return to our small town in Lenoir County, you’ll find new establishments to explore during your time here.

While you’re in Kinston, take a look around our quaint town full of Southern charm:

Restaurants We Enjoy:

Queen Street Deli
117 S Queen St,
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-1900 

King’s Restaurant
Hwy 70 – (252) 527-2101
Vernon Avenue – (252) 527-1661

The Laughing Owl
108A W North St.
(252) 208-2663

Jay’s 108
108 W North St. Ste B
(252) 999-8228

Lovick’s Cafe
320 N Herritage St.
(252) 523-6854

Harp & Dills
212 W North St
(252) 351-5847

Irie Eats
203 E Caswell St
(252) 686-6824

Whiskey Pig
214 N Herritage St
(252) 686-5248

Sugar Hill Pizzeria
211 N Herriage St
(252) 686-8800

Ziggy Dogs
401 S Queen St
(252) 643-6401

Beary Smokey Smokehouse
222 N Herritage St.
(252) 643-2176

Wengzz & Thengzz
605 N McLewean Street
(252) 643-2054

Cultural Sites to Explore:

Neuseway Nature Park
401 W Caswell St
(252) 939-3367 

Ellis Planetarium, Health & Science Museum
403 W Caswell St
(252) 939-3302

Pearson Park
300 W North St
(252) 939-3332

Kinston Music Park
S Queen St & Springhill St
(252) 527-2517

CSS Neuse Museum
100 N Queen St
(252) 526-9600

Community Council for the Arts
400 N Queen St
(252)527-2517

Art 105
105 W Blount St
(252) 522-8001

smART Kinston Art Gallery
210 N Queen St
(252) 933-9072

CSS Neuse II
118 N Herritage St
(252) 560-2150

Lions Water Adventure
2602 W Vernon Ave.
(252) 699-3009

First Battle of Kinston, Civil War Battlefield Park
1400 Harriette Dr.

Walk of Honor Memorial
101 S Herritage St
(252) 560-0590

Ironclad Axe Throwing
115 W North St
(252) 643-0757

Caswell Number 1 Fire Station Museum
118 S Queen St
(252) 527-1566

Mitchelltown Historic District
406 W. Washington Ave
(252) 643-0571

Historic Grainger Stadium
400 E Grainger Ave