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

Restaurants

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Best of Delaware 2021: Downtown Wilmington Winners!

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This was a tough year for our small businesses and we missed out on a lot but we want to celebrate those who overcame, persevered and are back and better than ever! Our Downtown winners thought outside of the box with innovative ideas and hardwork and now its time to applaud them.

Delaware Today announced this year’s Best of Delaware 2021 winners thanks to readers and editors throughout the state that nominated and voted for their favorite Delaware Businesses, and over xx establishments in our very own Downtown Wilmington community! We can’t wait to celebrate this year at the Best of Delaware party on September 30th at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.

Please join us in congratulating these well-deserving businesses by supporting their hard work by visiting their in-store location, ordering take out, or purchasing a gift card!

Best Places for Shopping & Services:
Tattoo Parlor, Editors: Poppycock Tattoo

Best Food & Drink:
After-Work Drinks, Editors: Makers Alley
Artsy Latte, Editors: Milk and Honey @ Loma
Brunch Variety, Editors: Le Cavalier
European Bistro, Editors: La Fia Bistro
Fresh Mex to Go, Editors: El Diablo
Grain Bowl, Editors: Green Box Kitchen
Innovative Plates, Editors: Bardea Food + Drink
Mocktail, Editors: Torbert Street Social
New Menu, Editors: Tonic Steak & Seafood
Workday Lunch Spot, Editors: DE.CO Food Hall
Coffee Shop, Editors: Brew HaHa!
New Restaurant, Editors: Dorcea
Sushi, Editors: Mikimotos
Weeknight Specials, Editors: Chelsea Tavern 
Japanese, Readers: Mikimotos
Best Coffee, Readers: Brew HaHa!
New Restaurant, Readers: Dorcea
Sushi, Readers: Mikimotos
Wilmington/Center City Restaurant, Readers: Chelsea Tavern 

Best Fun & Leisure Activities: 
Hotel, Editors: Hotel Du Pont
Spa Experience, Editors: Currie Hair, Skin & Nails (at Hotel DuPont)
Stage Performances, Editors: The Grand Opera House and The Playhouse on Rodney Square

 People Who Make the First State Unique:
Local Designer, Editors: Liv McClintock

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.

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Seasonal Specials for Easter & Passover

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Sugar Cookies from Spark’d

Sugar Cookies from Spark’d

Celebrate Passover & Easter with help from these Downtown Wilmington DE businesses! Hop to it & make your reservations now!

  • Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli | 1202 Washington Street | (302) 427-7477

    • Offered March 27 through April 4, enjoy a 4-course pre-fixed Passover menu available for carryout or dine-in. For $38/person, you get Passover items such as matzo, Gefilte fish, and plenty of Passover desserts for your home. Any item shown can also be ordered a la carte.

    • Click Here to Order

  • Spark’d Creative Pastry | 111 W 10th Street | (302) 300-4962

    • Take advantage of Spark’d’s Easter Bake Sale for the makings of your hoppiest Easter yet! They have Toasted Coconut Easter Bunny and Vanilla Creme Easter Lamb cakes on deck, alongside signature items from Hot Cross Buns to Chocolate Easter Bunnies. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance of pick up. 

    • Click Here to Order Easter Sweets

  • Le Cavalier at the Green Room | 42 W 11th Street | (302) 594-3154

    • Celebrate Easter with Le Cav for brunch or supper on April 4. Seasonal brunch highlights are sure to satisfy the whole family with Crab Cakes, Steak and Eggs and a decadent French Toast on deck. An over-the-top pastry basket and petit fours complete the celebratory meal. For supper, make impossible choices between crowd-pleasing Lobster Tails, Foie Gras Mousse, Steak Frites, Duck à l'Orange and Lamb Chops.

    • Make A Reservation

  • Chelsea Tavern | 821 N Market Street | 302-482-3333

    • Enjoy Easter Brunch all weekend at Chelsea Tavern and bask in the sun on their spacious outdoor patio! Beverage specials include $5 mimosas, bloody marys, and Irish coffee or $25 bottle service mimosas served with orange juice or cranberry juice.

    • Make a Reservation

  • Tonic Seafood & Steak | 111 W 11th Street | (302) 777-2040

    • Tonic is hosting Easter Sunday Brunch from 11:00am to 4:00pm on April 4th! If you want savory try the Flat Iron steak and eggs served with home fries and fresh fruit. For sweet, we’d recommend the classic French toast made with Texas toast and drizzled with warm maple syrup.

    • Make A Reservation

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Open for Business in Downtown Wilmington DE

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Downtown Wilmington DE is home to hundreds of small businesses ready to serve you! Use this directory to search what businesses are currently open for business.

As Delaware continues to safely ease restrictions and establishments return to more normal operations, please be sure to follow all City, State, and CDC guidelines, and check with businesses for additional safety precautions during your visit.

For help traveling to Downtown Wilmington DE during the ongoing I-95 construction, please visit www.restorethecorridor.com for up-to-date traffic information, an interactive map, and alternate routes. For information on parking in Downtown Wilmington DE, please click here.

We rely on our small business community to create thriving neighborhoods for our residents and visitors every day. During this time of uncertainty, we need to do all we can to support these businesses, and their staff, by: dining in, ordering takeout, purchasing gift cards, following them on social media, spreading the word about their offers, or posting a positive review.

Please consider helping our small business owners and #ShopSmall during this crisis and always!

If you are looking for additional ways to support these businesses and help them bounce back from COVID-19, please consider donating to the Wilmington Strong Fund, which offers grants to small businesses within the City of Wilmington to ensure they remain open for business for years to come.

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Valentine's Day Gifts & Date Ideas in Downtown Wilmington

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If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to cherish our loved ones. This Valentine’s Day celebrate the special someone(s) in your life, friends and family included, with help from your favorite Downtown Wilmington small businesses. Whether your planning to stay in or head out on the town, Downtown Wilmington has got you covered!

Don’t forget to take advantage of free valet parking and the Dine Downtown Deal when planning date night!

Gifts They’ll Love

Al’s Sporting Goods has the gear needed to share the warmth this Valentine’s Day. From UGG to Columbia, you’ll find brand-name gifts for a cozy winter! Get rewarded with FREE shipping when you shop online.

A.R. Morris Jewelers has gifts that make a statement! Jewelry is never a bad idea and it’s the perfect way to mark a Valentine’s Day spent with a loved one: it’s personal, it’s memorable and it can be truly romantic. Shop online & you’ll even receive FREE shipping across the country.

Brew HaHa! just released a limited edition Romance Blend Coffee for all the Hopeless Coffee Romantics out there. Try their new limited release coffee. This three-component blend creates a chocolate-pineapple-brown-sugar sweetness with the perfect subtle floral finish. Order a bag for yourself or for the coffee lover in your life while you can!

LaFate Gallery has a number of love-themed paintings and gifts for the art-lover in your life from the award-winning folk artist Eunice LaFate. Shop online and ship your gift for FREE to anywhere in the US!

Morgan’s of Delaware is the perfect place to treat the fashionista in your life. Take advantage of their Winter Sale and save up to 50% storewide. Morgan’s creates chic everyday casual outfits that fit in fabrics that flatter. Click here to shop online or visit the store today. Online purchases also qualify for FREE shipping to anywhere in the US!

Spaceboy Clothing’s vintage collection is great for truly unique gifts. Utilize their custom screen printing services for an even more one-of-a-kind piece!

Spark’d Creative Pastry in DECO food hall is having a Valentine’s Day Bake Sale complete with festive sweet treats available for pre-order/pick-up with 48 hours notice. Click here to view the menu & order online!

Perfect for Date Night

Bardea will be opening its doors on a Sunday evening for the first time ever in honor of Valentine’s Day so don’t wait to make your reservations! Bardea.home will also be offering a 6-course surf & turf meal for two for those that want to spend the holiday in the comfort of their own home. Simple warming instructions are provided with every meal. Wine & cocktail pairings are also available! Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 12th, at 5 pm.

Cavanaugh’s offers filling takeout to fit any budget! Every Tuesday and Thursday night, you can take advantage of their $10 takeout dinner entrees and pick them up between 4-7 pm. Simply place your order online and stop by on your way home from work for a delicious and easy dinner. No cooking or cleaning involved!

Chelsea Tavern is offering its Sweetheart Package for two Friday, February 11th, through Sunday, the 14th. Enjoy a 3-course pre-fixe menu and a glass of sparkling wine for $75/couple. All lovers are welcome, so make your reservation today!

Currie Hair, Skin, & Nails’ new location opened at the Hotel Dupont just in time to pamper your loved one for Valentine’s Day! With a full spa, hair, nail, and makeup services, it’s the perfect place to relax and renew. During the month of February, the salon is even featuring a chocolate-covered berry facial meant to maximize hydration and reduce inflammation.

HOTEL DU PONT is the perfect place for a staycation! Enjoy chef-curated and French-inspired in-suite dining packages from Le Cavalier in a private hotel room for an overnight stay or just for dinner. Groups of 2-10 can book the offering for a three-hour dinner block or dinner and an overnight stay. Maison x Le Cav offers an equally decadent take-home option for those who might prefer an intimate night in this V-Day. 

La Fia has the perfect atmosphere for an intimate date night! Offering a 4-course Valentine’s Day Pre-Fixe menu, including lobster bisque and New York strip steak, these reservations are sure to be filled quickly,

Terra Café now offers Greek Dinner to-go meals on Friday nights in February perfect for staying in! The meals change weekly, so there is sure to be something to satisfy your cravings. To reserve an order, simply call the restaurant by Wednesday at 2:00 pm to ensure availability.


The Sold Firm is opening a brand new exhibit in February perfect for a thoughtful date night. STORM by Sakana Walls opens in Black History Month with a powerful story that digs into the dark areas of a less desirable world. Sakana has used his artistic gift and limited resources to pull himself out of that dark place and create freedom from behind bars. Each art piece expresses hope, redemption, and peace. Sakana Walls, a Philadelphia painter, will be presenting his first art exhibit at The Sold Firm Art Gallery while incarcerated in a local prison. This is the first time a Delaware art gallery is presenting a solo exhibit by an incarcerated artist.