Poppy’s Bites and Barrels

For one of the most genuinely meaningful and warmly hospitable dining stops in New Bern, NC, Poppy’s Bites and Barrels is a real treasure. Set in a beautifully preserved 1800s bank building in historic downtown Craven County’s county seat — directly across from the historic Christ Episcopal Church — this beloved gastropub combines Southern comfort food with a modern twist, an exceptional bourbon and craft beer program, and one of the most thoughtful tributes to American service members of any restaurant in North Carolina. Named in honor of Corporal Ben DeFonce (“Poppy”), a U.S. Marine and double Purple Heart Awardee, Poppy’s is much more than a restaurant — it’s a living memorial to veterans, active duty service members, and their families. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for Poppy’s Bites and Barrels before you go — or to relive the visit after.

Honoring Corporal Ben DeFonce — “Poppy” Himself

The story of Poppy’s Bites and Barrels begins with a deeply meaningful tribute. Originally known as Beer Army Gastropub, the restaurant rebranded to honor Corporal Ben DeFonce — affectionately known as “Poppy” — a United States Marine and double Purple Heart Awardee whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire the broader community.

The rebranding wasn’t just a name change. Every aspect of Poppy’s reflects an authentic dedication to honoring veterans, active duty service members, and their families. From the military-themed decor that transforms the interior into a living memorial, to the regular fundraisers benefiting military veterans, police, and fire personnel, to the broader hospitality that runs through every part of the experience, Poppy’s has become one of the most genuinely community-focused gathering spaces in Craven County — fitting for a county that’s home to the historic MCAS Cherry Point military presence.

A Historic 1800s Bank Building

The building that houses Poppy’s has its own fascinating story. Constructed in the 1800s and originally serving as a bank, the building has been thoughtfully preserved to retain much of its historic character. Today, that 19th-century architectural foundation provides a warm, atmospheric backdrop for the gastropub experience.

The location adds another meaningful layer to a visit. Poppy’s sits directly across from Christ Episcopal Church — a beautiful historic NC church that adds to the scenic appeal of the downtown walking experience. A meal at Poppy’s followed by a stroll through the historic district makes for one of the most quietly rewarding ways to spend an afternoon in New Bern.

Southern Comfort with a Modern Twist

The menu at Poppy’s blends Southern comfort food classics with creative modern touches. Standout items include:

Handcrafted burgers — made from fresh, never-frozen meat, frequently described by reviewers as the best burgers in New Bern
Street tacos — including remarkable pork tacos with meat smoked using old whiskey barrel staves (an unforgettable cooking technique)
Specialty mac and cheese — a longtime customer favorite
Candied bacon — eight thick slices gently dusted with brown sugar, a beloved appetizer
Truffle fries — elevated bar food at its best
Jalapeño poppers — generously sized and stuffed with cream cheese
Irish nachos and fried pickles — Southern comfort staples done well
Mussels — for a more refined option

The menu also accommodates vegetarian and vegan options, making Poppy’s a thoughtful choice for groups with mixed dietary needs.

Bourbons, the Purple Heart Maker’s Mark, and 16 Rotating Craft Taps

The bar program at Poppy’s is genuinely one of the best in eastern North Carolina. Highlights include:

One of the rarest bourbon selections in North Carolina — drawing whiskey enthusiasts from across the region
The Maker’s Mark Private Barrel Selection: “The Purple Heart Edition” — Poppy’s latest custom Maker’s Mark release, paying tribute to Poppy’s two Purple Hearts and to every Purple Heart recipient nationwide
A custom Maker’s Mark whiskey that anchors the signature Old Fashioned cocktail
16 rotating craft beer taps — featuring local, regional, and seasonal selections
Barrel Flights — a beloved way to sample the bourbon program (and pair beautifully with the candied bacon)
Signature cocktails crafted by knowledgeable bartenders

The bourbon program in particular is a real differentiator. For visitors with even a casual interest in whiskey, asking about the latest barrel selection or the rarest bourbons is one of the most rewarding ways to start a visit.

A Living Memorial and Welcoming Atmosphere

Beyond the food and drink, Poppy’s offers an atmosphere that’s both lively and meaningful. The interior — with its military-themed decor — serves as a living memorial to veterans and active-duty service members and their families. The space is family-friendly, with a patriotic vibe that genuinely makes visitors of all backgrounds feel welcome.

Poppy’s also stands out for being one of the few downtown New Bern restaurants open on Monday, making it a particularly valuable option for visitors traveling during the slower days of the week. The restaurant offers ample indoor seating on both the main floor and upstairs, plus happy hour specials that make for an easy stop after a day of exploring downtown.

Good to Know

Address: 313 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560
Building history: A historic 1800s building that originally served as a bank
Name origin: Named in honor of Corporal Ben DeFonce (“Poppy”), a U.S. Marine and double Purple Heart Awardee
Formerly known as: Beer Army Gastropub
Location context: Directly across from the historic Christ Episcopal Church
Style: Southern comfort gastropub with a modern twist
Menu highlights: Handcrafted burgers, street tacos (including whiskey barrel stave-smoked pork tacos), specialty mac and cheese, candied bacon, truffle fries, jalapeño poppers, mussels, Irish nachos, fried pickles
Bar program: One of the rarest bourbon selections in North Carolina; the Maker’s Mark Private Barrel Selection “Purple Heart Edition”; custom Maker’s Mark whiskey old fashioneds; 16 rotating craft beer taps; barrel flights; signature cocktails
Dietary options: Vegetarian and vegan selections available
Atmosphere: Living memorial to veterans and active-duty service members; family-friendly with patriotic vibe
Seating: Indoor on both the main floor and upstairs
Happy hour: Specials available
Open Monday: One of the few downtown New Bern restaurants open seven days a week
Community focus: Regular fundraisers benefiting military veterans, police, and fire
Best for: Veterans, bourbon enthusiasts, burger lovers, families, and visitors looking for a meaningful, community-focused dining experience
Pair with: A morning at Tryon Palace, a stroll past Christ Episcopal Church, a visit to Morgan’s Tavern & Grill for another historic downtown stop, or a craft beer stop at Brewery 99
Located at 313 Pollock Street in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Poppy’s Bites and Barrels is the kind of stop that genuinely captures the essence of a great gastropub experience. The meaningful tribute to Corporal Ben DeFonce and the broader veteran community, the beautifully preserved 1800s bank building, the handcrafted Southern comfort menu with creative modern touches, the rare bourbon program anchored by the new Purple Heart Edition Maker’s Mark, the 16 rotating craft beer taps, the warm community focus that infuses every part of the experience, and the convenience of being open seven days a week all add up to one of the most consistently rewarding dining experiences in Craven County. Whether you’re settling in for a candied bacon appetizer and a barrel flight, sharing whiskey-smoked pork tacos with friends, or just stopping in for an Old Fashioned at the bar, this is one of the most meaningful and rewarding stops you can make in downtown New Bern.