Kathy Orr of Fox 29 enjoys Curbside Wilmington

Meteorologist Kathy Orr of Fox 29 Philly not only gave the weather this week but she also filmed a live segment in Downtown Wilmington highlighting a few of our amazing Curbside Wilmington businesses.

She started her Curbside Wilmington experience at Stitch House Brewery where she was able to sample a flight of local brewed beers.

Then she headed next-door to Chelsea Tavern to meet owner Joe Van Horn while trying out his signature habanero tavern wings and andouille sausage and sautéed gulf shrimp skewers. Joe talks to Kathy about all the great live music happening Downtown including Curbside Wilmington Happy Hours every Thursday night and the return of the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Rodney Square. Kathy Orr knows that for those that live out of town visiting Downtown Wilmington is easy, “it’s a great day trip” she says.

She then strolls down Market Street to Bardea Food & Drink where she enjoys a happy hour cocktail known as Blissful Summer, made with infused raspberry gin. She is excited to meet chef/owner Antimo DiMeo who enlightens her with his unique culinary cuisines including grilled cheese flourless gnocchi in tomato soup and grilled beefsteak tomatoes with bergamou sauvignon sauce over focaccia. Kathy raves that it’s the “best grilled cheese ever”.

We were thrilled to host Kathy Orr for the evening in Downtown Wilmington sampling delicious food and drinks along the way. She plans on coming back on her day off to enjoy our restaurants with her family and friends and we suggest you do the same.

Happy Downtown Dining!

Best of Delaware 2021: Downtown Wilmington Winners!

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

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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.

Seasonal Specials for Easter & Passover

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

Open for Business in Downtown Wilmington DE

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.

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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.