7 New Businesses Opened in Downtown Wilmington DE Over the Summer!

The past few years on Market street have seen a surge of economic development with the opening of new restaurants, apartment communities, and more. The growth of businesses in Downtown Wilmington, DE has yet to slow down with 7 new establishments opening over this past summer (and 3 more just around the corner). Read up on the newest group of businesses that have chosen to call Wilmington home!

Open For Business

Girard & Faire | 216 W 9th St

Girard & Faire kicked off the summer of development in Downtown Wilmington with not one, but two new establishments. First up, Girard Craft & Cork opened in April bringing an upscale liquor store to Girard Street (hence the name) with a keen focus on domestic and imported wines. Sneak through the back of the shop, and you enter Faire Market & Cafe - a gourmet grocery store and made to order counter serving delicious breakfast and lunch options.

King Creative & Studio Nurture | 727 N Market St

Earlier this summer, co-owners of King Creative, Christopher Bruce and Dan Pierce, launched their newly formed Video Production House with a fully functioning Recording Studio at the corner of 8th and Market streets. This is the first of its kind in Wilmington with both a full-scale video production house and an audio recording studio. Above King Creative is also the brand new Studio Nurture offering yoga and meditation classes.

3 Kings Customs | 7 W 4th St

Offering fully customized products, from t-shirts and apparel to dog tags and coffee mugs, 3 Kings Customs can now be your one stop shop for promotional items just around the corner from Market!

Torbert Street Social | 305 Torbert St

Torbert Street Social, the newest venture by Big Fish Restaurant Group, brings a speakeasy-style bar and restaurant feel to Downtown Wilmington in a refurbished 19th century horse stable. Offering a nostalgic sense of class and history, Torbert Street Social brings together a fusion of elusiveness and complexity, serving only the finest spirits ans cocktails. offers a sophisticated cocktail lounge and patio. If you’re looking to disappear for a delicious bite to eat and a uniquely crafted cocktail, come in and see for yourself.

WHYY-TV | 605 N Market St

WHYY-TV has moved its newsroom from the Seventh and Orange streets location in Wilmington to Market Street! Serving the Philadelphia area, WHYY-TV covers local news and features many programs, including interviews with area politicians, shows from PBS and more, all seeking to inform and educate the community. This move puts the studio at the heart of the art and business scene in the city.

Coming Soon

Makers Alley | 804 N Orange St

Although not quite open just yet, Makers Alley is a brand new bar and restaurant coming soon to Downtown Wilmington - complete with a classic Airstream travel trailer turned food truck. Self-proclaimed as a joint for bites, sips, and outdoor vibes, discovered off the beaten path. We can’t wait to see how they have transformed the 19th-century carpenter’s shop into a 21st-century hangout space!

The Chicken Spot | 204 W 10th St

The Chicken Spot is a brand new eatery taking over the location formerly occupied by Benjamin’s On 10th. The menu will feature different varieties of - you guessed it - chicken. The owner, Venu Gaddamidi, also manages Veritas Wine & Craft Beer and Ciro Food & Drink down on the Riverfront. We are excited to see what his newest venture will bring to Downtown Wilmington!

El Diablo | 837 N Market St

The opening of this hometown favorite on Market Street has been highly anticipated even since their exterior signage went up last winter. Rumor has it that construction is nearing completion, and El Diablo will soon be opening their doors to satisfy lunch-goers with fast-casual Mexican options.

15 Places to Dine Outdoors in Downtown 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.

18 Downtown Wilmington DE Businesses Win Delaware Today's Best of Delaware Awards!

Delaware Today has released their 2019 Best of Delaware winners and a number of Downtown Wilmington DE businesses have made the list! Both readers and editors have spoken and voted for their favorite local establishments in a variety of categories, ranging from Food & Drink to Retail & Services. The following Downtown Wilmington businesses were awarded their rightful place at number one and we couldn’t agree more!

Reader’s Choice Awards

• Breakfast Place - Drip Cafe

  • Now with a location in Wilmington at 1201 N Market Street!

• Candy/Chocolate Shop - Govatos

• Coffee Shop - Brew Haha!

• Cooking Class - Delaware Technical Community College

• Food Truck - Mojo Loco

  • Also awarded best food truck in Delaware by Food Network!

• French Cuisine - The Green Room at Hotel DuPont

• Japanese Cuisine & Sushi - Mikimotos

• Live Music Venue & Gala Fundraising Festival - The Grand Opera House

• Men’s Business Attire - Wright & Simon

• Men’s Formal Attire - Collars ‘n Cuffs

• Tattoo Artist/Shop - Poppycock Tattoo

Editor’s Picks

• Happy Hour - Tonic Bar & Grille

• Mouth Watering Instagram Page, Nationally Nominated Restaurant, New Restaurant, & Spot for a Birthday Celebration - Bardea Food & Drink

• Small Plates - La Fia

• Fundraiser - Light Up The Queen Foundation’s Shine a Light

• Local Treasure - Delaware Symphony Orchestra

• Scenic Delaware Photography on Instagram - @Andrew_K__Photography

• Place to See a Drag Show - The Queen

Also, we couldn’t help but mention our neighbors along the Riverfront who deserve some recognition too!

• Reader’s Choice Desserts, Family-Friendly, Lunch Spot, & Best Restaurant in Wilmington - Big Fish Grill

• Reader’s Choice American Restaurant, Brewpub, Outdoor Dining, & Water View Dining, and Editor’s Pick Kid’s Menu - Iron Hill Brewery

• Editor’s Pick Seafood - Banks’ Seafood Kitchen

• Reader’s Choice Thai Cuisine - Ubon Thai Cuisine

• Reader’s Choice Pet Groomer & Pet Store - Riverfront Pets

An Architectual Gem Gets an Equally Impressive Coffee Shop

The I.M. Pei Building at 1105 N. Market Street has been famous for decades due to its nationally recognized architect. The Class A office building now welcomes an equally impressive high-end coffee shop with a design that compliments its surrounding sophistication.

I.M. Coffee is now open within the space and is open to the public. The shop offers craft coffee, organic smoothies and prepared foods. Complimentary Wifi is available within the space.

For the full menu, click here.

9 Awesome Moments for Downtown Wilmington, DE in 2018

It has been a great year for our city and we want to take a moment to celebrate some of the major milestones. While we are only referencing events within the Downtown Visions Business Improvement District, there have been many, many more city-wide impactful moments as well.

1. When Out & About Magazine Took Over and Enhanced the Wilmington Art Loop

2. Stitch House Brewery’s Grand Opening

3. The Launch of the It’s Time Campaign

4. The Reinvention of the Hotel du Pont

5. Margaux’s Grand Opening

6. When Wilmington Green Box Reached their $15,000 Sponsorship Milestone

7. Bardea’s Grand Opening

8. The Residences at Mid-town Park, Burton Place and Mid-town Garage Opening

9. The Grand Opening of Eat Clean Juice Bar

Thank you to the City of Wilmington’s major game changers for their immense contribution this year. Organizations such as the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, NewMarketWilm.com, DE.TV, INWilm, and many, many more are making sure Wilmington continues to grow and thrive for generations to come. To all those individuals and businesses, the Downtown Visions team is extremely grateful for you!