As president of Specialty Wine & Liquors, Laura Lamprecht visits many Delaware bars. But she isn’t just there to review beverages. She regularly dines at the bars. “I feel comfortable going solo and love the love afforded me when I roll in any time,” says Lamprecht, who has a house in Rehoboth Beach. “It’s all about the care and hospitality, the quiet and the calm, or the hilarity and insane fun.”
Rebecca Northrop agrees. She enjoys sitting at the bar, especially in a fine-dining establishment. “The bartender always has the best insight on the food, you don’t have to eat in tandem with your companion, and you can feel free to drink great cocktails and sample appetizers if you want,” explains the Newark foodie, who handles Flying Plow Farm’s direct-to-consumer food distribution.
What makes a good bar? It might be the atmosphere, the location, or a convivial bartender.
Buckley’s Tavern
This Centreville restaurant’s dining room is elegantly attired, but many patrons bypass it for the U-shaped wood-trimmed bar. The informal area also offers booths and tables near a cozy fireplace. There is one degree of separation at Buckley’s; you’ll likely see someone you know. 5812 Kennett Pike, Centreville; 656-9776.
Stanley’s Tavern
The Brandywine Hundred restaurant has been the place where everybody knows your name since 1935 when it was Bill’s Place. Stanley Minakowski purchased the business in 1947, but more recently, Steve Torpey—not Stanley—was the face behind the brand. Torpey worked for then-owner Bill Brooks from 1974 to 1977 and returned as a partner in 1982. He became the sole owner. In July, Torpey sold Stanley’s to Ashby Hospitality Group. Not much has changed, including the menu and the sports emphasis. Why mess with success? There is an 18-seat main bar and a saloon bar—no kids permitted—with 15 seats. 2038 Foulk Road, Wilmington; 475-1887.
Harry’s Savoy Grill
When it opened in 1988, Harry’s Savoy Grill unveiled a masculine, clubby ambience. Consider the 18-seat wood bar with the curved “Chicago” rail capable of accommodating the meatiest elbows. The Parisian gas lamps once adorned the famed Maxwell’s Paris restaurant in New York. Harry’s owner, Xavier Teixido, purchased four at auction. (The remainder reportedly went to Donald Trump’s casino.) The bar is in the Grill, which has a dedicated menu; the main menu is also available. 2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington; 475-3000.
Bar Reverie
The Greenville restaurant has a more upscale vibe than its sibling, BBC Tavern, but the 10-seat bar is both posh and comfortable. “We have several people that come in daily,” says Lauren Golt, creative director for the restaurant. Credit mixologists Jack Richman and Susan Hallak, the couple behind the bar and the scenes. “They handmake all the mixes and specialty blends,” Golt says. “We receive many positive Google reviews and comment cards mentioning them.” The restaurant has more than 200 wines and a 24-bottle Cruvinet system. There’s also an impressive whiskey and tequila selection. 4017 Kennett Pike, Greenville; 315-3663.
Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
The 24-seat bar at the Trolley Square Kid’s location is the stuff of legends; people who hobnobbed here as young adults now bring children—and grandchildren—to the dining room. Many bartenders have worked at Kid’s for 10-plus years, and guests consider them family. The new Kid’s in north Wilmington is on track to follow its big brother’s footsteps. 1801 W. 14th St., Wilmington; 658-4600.
Le Cavalier
The old guard was shocked when a 13-seat bar emerged in the former Green Room in the Hotel du Pont. However, the grand addition is the pleasing focal point of Le Cavalier in the Green Room’s previous space. The 13-seat marble bar emits the same luxury as the age-old appointments, including baroque sconces with orb bulbs and rich wainscoting. Mussels, oysters, and “Le Cheeseburger” highlight the dedicated bar menu. 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 594-3154.
Tonic Seafood & Steak
Given Tonic’s location in Wilmington’s business district, it’s unsurprising that the bar would attract the after-work crowd. But it’s also a hit with city residents, especially in nice weather when open windows connect the lounge with the outdoors. The 18-seat bar has 16 beer taps, up to 25 bottled and canned beers, and specialty cocktails made with infused liquors. 111 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 777-2040.
Bardea Food & Drink
Bardea co-owner Scott Stein was surprised when guests at the 20-seat square bar ordered whole fish and rib-eyes that would satiate Fred Flintstone. “I never envisioned that people would do that at the bar,” he acknowledges. They come for the food, the drink, and the service; Samantha Costa oversees the beverage program. Diners also like sitting at neighboring Bardea Steak’s sleek, clubby bar. 620 N. Market St., Wilmington; 426-2069.
Banks’ Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar
This Riverside restaurant’s oval 24-seat granite bar offers a view of the Christina River and a lively place to mix and mingle. Pat Paski, Ken O’Hanlon, Aimee Muriyami, and Caitlin Maloney are busy pouring and pulling—there are 12 tap handles and more than 50 wines by the glass. The full menu and a late-night dining menu are available. 101 S. Market St., Wilmington; 777-1500.
Deer Park Tavern
This Newark landmark has been the go-to bar for generations of students and residents. The structure was built in 1851 on the site of St. Patrick’s Inn, where Edgar Allan Poe reportedly stayed after a lecture. There are three bar areas, but the most famous—and infamous—is the 28-seat Townie Bar. 108 W. Main St., Newark; 369-9414.
Rail Haus
Dover’s new restaurant is winning fans for its friendly bar scene. That’s fitting, given it’s a beer garden. Donny and Kim Legans cleverly transformed a former tire outlet into a space with 2,500 square feet of indoor seating and a 20,000-square-foot outdoor area. There are bars inside and out. 92 N. West St., Dover; 450-3525.
Lewes Oyster House
Built in the 1930s, the Walsh Building was previously home to the original Rose & Crown, which had a pub-like atmosphere. The 10 taps and a 20-seat Old English-style bar have remained, as have the stained glass and exposed brick wall. Don’t expect to watch the game. “We debated whether to have TVs but wanted guests to enjoy each other and talk to bartenders,” says co-owner Tom Little. Some guests prefer the nine-seat oyster bar, which fronts Second Street, so you can see and be seen. 108 Second St., Lewes; 644-7258.
The Blue Hen
Crispy calamari, mini lobster rolls, and popcorn with ranch dressing deliver the fun factor at the Blue Hen’s happy hour. The generous bar space, which includes communal tables, opens to Avenue Inn’s lobby so tourists can start conversations with locals. 33 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 278-7842.
Café Azafran
Visit this downtown Rehoboth Beach restaurant on Thursday nights when singer Holly Lane and her accompanist perform. The engaging Lane mixes cocktails while belting out the tunes, which makes for a lyrical take on multitasking. 18 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-8100.
La Fable
The bar in this lower-level Rehoboth restaurant has 10 seats and standing room, all filled when John Flynn performs. The musician takes advantage of an antique upright piano built into the bar. Typically, Flynn plays on Saturdays, but don’t be surprised if he’s playing on Fridays and holidays. The menu is the same as in the adjacent dining room, but—psst—owner Megan Kee is considering adding a special bar burger. 26 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-8510.
Chesapeake & Maine
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery’s seafood restaurant redid the bar area, and now customers can move their seats. As for the cocktails, C&M received a James Beard Award nomination for its bar program, and lead mixologist Ryan Warwick has increased the offerings, which feature Dogfish Head spirits and locally sourced ingredients. Consequently, there’s a story behind each sip. 316 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-3600.
Related: 5 Holiday Pop-up Bars Spreading Christmas Cheer in Delaware
