Lani Schweiger
The Downtown Wilmington App

Downtown Visions released the Downtown Wilmington App, a one stop shop for all the happenings in Downtown Wilmington, DE.

The Downtown Wilmington App
Lani Schweiger
Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts ...

In this month’s blog, we are highlighting the Christina Cultural Arts Center Inc. Executive Director, James “Ray” Rhodes discusses the history of the Christina Cultural Arts Center and its importance to our community.

Community Highlight: Christina Cultural Arts Center

outdoor seating wilmington de

18 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown Wilmington DE

The sun is shining. The temperatures are rising. What better way to enjoy springtime in Downtown Wilmington DE than by dining outdoors at your favorite restaurant? Check out our list of all Downtown restaurants that offer outdoor seating so you know exactly where you can enjoy your meal with a side of sunshine!

  1. Cafe Mezzanote - 1007 N Orange St

    Tucked away within Nemours Plaza, the patio at Cafe Mezzanote is the perfect place to dine al fresco if you’re looking for a quiet and intimate dining experience.

  2. Tonic Seafood & Steak - 111 W 11th St

    The covered patio at Tonic is perfect for enjoying the warm weather without the risk of getting a sunburn.

  3. Torbert Street Social - 305 Torbert St

    Off the beaten path, this speakeasy has a spacious patio with fire pits and large outdoor games ready for happy hour. Torbert Street Social reopens to the public on April 14th.

  4. Le Cavalier at the Green Room - 42 W 11th Street

    Enjoy a delicious meal from Le Cavalier with an unobstructed view of Rodney Square.

  5. I.M. Coffee - 1105 N Market St

    First, stop in the I.M. Pei building for freshly brewed beverages, delicious pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. Then, head outdoors to enjoy them in the plaza space.

  6. DECO Food Hall - 111 W 10th St

    This food hall offers traditional outdoor seating as well as a cool breeze indoors with retractable windows that are opened when the weather is nice.

  7. Stitch House Brewery - 829 N Market St

    Experience all that Market Street has to offer while enjoying your favorite brews from the patio at Stitch House. This brewery even has retractable windows for fresh air dining even while inside.

  8. Tasties 302 - 825 N Market St

    Downtown’s soul food destination has cafe tables on Market Street for outdoor dining. Tasties is temporarily closed for renovations.

  9. Jimmy Johns - 824 N Market St

    Jimmy Johns is one of the only fast-casual places on Market that provides tables outdoors for people to enjoy their grab-and-go sandwiches.

  10. Chelsea Tavern - 821 N Market St

    Chelsea Tavern has long been a go-to place for those wanting to dine outside on Market Street, but the recently renovated Chelsea Plaza now offers even more shaded outdoor seating for restaurant-goers.

  11. Makers Alley - 804 Orange Street

    Snack on bar bites under the stars at this outdoor beer garden tucked away off Shipley St.

  12. Cavanaugh’s - 703 N Market St

    You know it’s springtime on Market once Cavanaugh’s starts to set up their lunchtime outdoor seating in front of the restaurant.

  13. Bardea - 620 N Market St

    The outdoor cafe tables, enclosed by beautiful planters, provide the same upscale dining experience you’d expect at Bardea simply with a side of fresh air.

  14. Knight’s Bar at The Queen - 500 N Market St

    Try out the new royally-inspired menu at the Knight’s Bar accompanied by flavorful cocktails and FREE live music.

  15. La Fia - 421 N Market St

    Surrounded by gorgeous overflowing flower pots, the outdoor dining at La Fia provides a mini-retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Wilmington.

  16. Farmer & The Cow - 413 N Market Street

    Bask in the sun while dining on extravagant burgers and boozy milkshakes at Farmer & The Cow.

  17. Green Box Kitchen - 400 N Market Street

    Feed your soul what’s been craving from Green Box Kitchen: vitamin D and plant-based goodness.

  18. Milk & Honey - 239 N Market Street

    Milk & Honey has just what you need to start your day: flavorful coffee, balanced breakfast options, and comfy patio furniture.

, ,

Winter Ready Grants Offer Comfortable Outdoor Dining in Downtown Wilmington DE

, ,
Image Credit: Local_boy_photography

Image Credit: Local_boy_photography

Earlier this fall, New Castle County announced its Winter Ready Restaurant Grant program in an effort to support local Delaware restaurants as they prepared their outdoor spaces for colder climates. These grants have allowed several of our Downtown Wilmington DE restaurants to keep outdoor dining a viable and comfortable option for restaurant goers with additional heaters, lighting, and furniture,

Stitch House Brewery

Restaurants, such as Bardea, have used these grants to expand their outdoor seating for comfortable open-air dining. Bardea co-owner Scott Stein wants the restaurant to be a safe space for customers to feel good knowing protocol is being taken seriously and they can step away from the current struggles and enjoy a good meal.

“I just want people to feel comfortable,” he says.

The Bardea Winter Garden is open for reservation along with many other Downtown Wilmington DE restaurants that have benefited from the Winter Ready Grants. Please visit them today and continue to support small during this difficult time.

Chelsea Tavern Wilmington DE
, , ,

Introducing Curbside Wilmington & Free Valet Parking

, , ,

Downtown Visions together with Mayor Purzycki, the City of Wilmington, and The Committee of 100 is happy to announce that “Curbside Wilmington” will begin this Friday, June 12th in Downtown Wilmington DE. It is a new initiative designed to support local businesses and encourage patrons to return to the rejuvenated Downtown District this summer. “Curbside Wilmington” will enable Downtown restaurants to expand their outdoor dining into former parking spaces directly in front of their businesses, thereby allowing more seating at safely spaced distances in accordance with Governor Carney’s guidelines. Also, curbside pull-in spots have been designated throughout the Downtown area for all businesses, both retail and restaurants, to use for pick-up and curbside delivery. 

In addition, the 800 block of Market Street will be closed every Friday starting this week, June 12th for a block party with entertainment. The event will take place from 5pm-9pm but the block will be closed to traffic from 8am-10pm.

“Downtown Visions is proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office and The Committee of 100 to help restart our dynamic Downtown restaurant scene,” said Martin Hageman, Executive Director of Downtown Visions. “The diverse eateries that run the length of Market Street and surrounding streets are critical to the economic health of our City.”

The Mayor said he hopes to see this new business re-opening model applied to other restaurant districts in the City in the weeks ahead. “We are bringing back the vibrant, exciting heart of the Downtown Restaurant District, which the COVID-19 pandemic virtually shut down overnight a few months ago,” said Mayor Purzycki.  “While businesses small and large across Wilmington are struggling to adapt to the new environment, we are happy to partner with our friends at Downtown Visions and The Committee of 100 to lend support to businesses trying to meet new challenges.”
 
Jennifer Kmiec said The Committee of 100 is also pleased to support “Curbside Wilmington” to provide enhanced outdoor dining experiences and convenient pick-up/delivery zones to help downtown restaurants and retailers.
 
Downtown Visions will provide additional tables and chairs to restaurants as needed, and custom-made railings created by the Challenge Program will be used for both safety and esthetical purposes.

FREE valet service through Gala Valet will be available starting this week to allow customers to safely park Downtown to dine and/or shop. The service will be available Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at three locations: the intersections of 5th and Market, 7th and Market, and 9th and Market streets.

Meanwhile, Downtown residents will be allowed to park in Colonial Parking lots for FREE by calling Colonial directly at 302.651.3600. The City and its partners today also thanked JP Morgan Chase for its support of the new “Curbside Wilmington” efforts and The Grand for providing outdoor space at its theater for music and entertainment.

For a list of restaurants that are open & ready to serve you, please click here!

,

15 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown Wilmington DE

,
Chelsea Tavern Outdoor Dining Wilmington DE

The sun is shining. The temperatures have risen. What better way to enjoy summer in Downtown Wilmington DE than by dining outdoors at your favorite restaurant? Check out our list of all Downtown restaurants that offer outdoor seating so you know exactly where you can enjoy your meal with a side of sunshine!

  1. Cafe Mezzanote - 1007 N Orange St

    Tucked away within Nemours Plaza, the patio at Cafe Mezzanote is the perfect place to dine al fresco if you’re looking for a more quite and intimate dining experience.

  2. Tonic Bar & Grille - 111 W 11th St

    The covered patio at Tonic is perfect for enjoying the warm summer weather without the risk of getting a sunburn.

  3. I.M. Coffee - 1105 N Market St

    First, stop in the I.M. Pei building for freshly brewed beverages, delicious pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches. Then, head outdoors to enjoy them in the plaza space. There is even live music in the plaza on Fridays during lunchtime!

  4. DECO Food Hall - 111 W 10th St

    The newest addition to the downtown dining scene offers traditional outdoor seating as well as a cool breeze indoors with retractable windows that are opened when the weather is nice.

  5. Ernest & Scott Taproom - 902 N Market St

    The patio at Ernest & Scott draws downtown diners for casual outdoor dining as well as the occasional event like cigar nights or beer pairing dinners.

  6. Stitch House Brewery - 829 N Market St

    Experience all the Market Street has to offer while enjoying your favorite brews from the patio at Stitch House.

  7. Chelsea Tavern - 821 N Market St

    Chelsea Tavern has long been a go to place for those wanting to dine outside on Market Street, but the recently renovated Chelsea Plaza now offers even more shaded outdoor seating for restaurant goers.

  8. Jimmy Johns - 824 N Market St

    Jimmy Johns is one of the only fast casual places on Market that provides tables outdoors for people to enjoy their grab and go sandwiches.

  9. Terra Cafe & Grille - 721 King St

    Just off King Street, Terra has a handful of outdoor tables in the back of the restaurant that allow you to enjoy your favorite Greek food without the noise and interruption from street traffic.

  10. Cavanaugh’s - 703 N Market St

    You know it’s summertime on Market once Cavanaugh’s starts to set up their lunchtime outdoor seating in front on the restaurant.

  11. Bardea - 620 N Market St

    The outdoor cafe tables, enclosed by beautiful planters, provide the same upscale dining experience you’d expect at Bardea simply with a side of fresh air.

  12. La Fia - 421 N Market St

    Surrounded by gorgeous overflowing flower pots, the outdoor dining at La Fia provides a mini retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown Wilmington.

  13. Chicky’s Pizza Pub - 201 N Market St

    What could be better than a hot slice of pizza, a cold beverage, and a cool breeze? You can enjoy all three (and more) from Chicky’s Pizza Pub!

  14. Downtown Farmer’s Market - 10th & Market St

    Although it’s a slightly different set up this year than in the past, you can still eat lunch from your favorite food truck at any of the several picnic and cafe tables on Wednesdays at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

  15. Wilingtown Square - 505 N Market St

    Even if you prefer to pack you lunch, you can enjoy it outdoors at one of the cafe tables, provided by Downtown Visions, in Willingtown Square across from the Delaware Historical Society.