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
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FREE Parking in Downtown Wilmington DE

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There are plenty of free parking options to accommodate residents and visitors, and with extended Curbside valet options taking a trip Downtown has never been easier!

You can continue to take advantage of FREE valet parking during Curbside Wilmington on Friday and Saturday nights through May 2021. The valet station is centrally located at the corner of 7th & Market Streets.

Downtown residents may park in any of the following Colonial Parking lots for a discounted rate as well! Starting May 1, 2021, they are offering a resident rate of $50.00/month on the surface lots located at 5th & Orange Street, 6th & Orange Street, and 7th & Orange Street, plus a $25/month rate at the 8th & West Street Lot. Contact Colonial directly at 302.651.3600 to take advantage of this offer!

Additionally, the Wilmington Parking Authority lot at 8th & Orange Streets is free and open to the public if you enter after 6 pm during the week and all day on the weekends. Del-Tech is also providing free parking to support Lower Market Street businesses in Lot 4 on the Southwest Corner of 2nd & Shipley Streets through June 30, 2021. Please be advised that overnight parking in the Del-Tech lot is not permitted.

Parking inn Downtown Wilmington DE

This public parking map is complete with maximum daily rates*, garage, and open lot locations as well as information on metered parking so your next trip into Wilmington, DE is easy breezy. Special thanks to Colonial Parking, Wilmington Parking Authority, SP+, Downtown Visions, and The City of Wilmington, DE for compiling this information.

*Rates are subject to change without notice.

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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Music is Back on Market Street

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The Crown Room at The Queen

The Crown Room at The Queen

Live music has returned to Downtown Wilmington! Check out the upcoming shows at your favorite venues!

  • Theater N | 1007 N Orange Street | (302) 571 4075

  • The Queen | 500 N Market Street | 302-400-7020

    • The Knight's Bar has reopened with FREE live shows Wednesday to Saturday from 5-11pm. They will also be introducing ticketed performances in The Crown Room beginning April 3rd.

    • Click here to purchase Crown tickets!

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

    • Tonic is offering FREE live music every Friday & Saturday night from 8:00-11:00pm and special ticketed performances at Juniper, their private event space.

    • Click here to view upcoming events!

  • Stitch House Brewery | 829 N Market Street | (302) 250-4280

    • Stitch House is hosting more local music in April! All shows begin at 7:00pm.

      • April 9 - Skinner & Spadola

      • April 10 - Lower Case Blues

      • April 30 - Richie D. & Kris V

  • The Grand Opera House | 818 N Market Street | 302.652.5577

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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.

Restaurants & Bars
Shops & Retail
Attractions & Fitness Centers
Salons, Barber & Tattoo Shops
Professional Services
Art Galleries & Event Spaces

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.