Chelsea Tavern is a high energy, upscale casual restaurant & bar located in the heart of Wilmington's downtown. Directly across from The Grand Opera House, one block from World LIVE Cage at The Queen Theater & 1 1/2 blocks from The Hotel DuPont, Chelsea Tavern is the perfect choice for pre & post show dining. Chef Anthony Carnevale has assembled a talented team polished enough to deliver a slow-paced romantic dinner for two or a quality meal to be briskly enjoyed on the way to your favorite show. Service at Chelsea is attentive, knowledgeable, friendly & sincere. Our menu is casual, eclectic & accessible. Our beverage selection is dramatic, featuring 31 craft beers on tap, 112 more by the bottle & 21 wines by the glass!
So, stop by for a taste, a sip & some fun!
At Chelsea Tavern, we look forward to serving you soon!
"We had limited time before a show and the waitress was amazing- We had really good food (mussels, tilapia) at a great pace within our time constraints. Our waitresses recommendations were very good. I would recommend."
Dined on 4/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Right across from opera house, so is convenient if you're going to a performance. Pub food plus better entrees and salads. HOWEVER Open Table dropped the ball on this one. I made the reservation over 3 wks ago and after sending me a "thank you" e:mail (so I know it registered) they dropped the reservation. Thank goodness I checked on the day of. Then, according to O.T., they only had availability 1/2 hr before or after my desired time. So I called the restaurant and got my full party right in, at my original time. And plus, when we got there, the place was EMPTY so no telling why O T had such scarce reservations.
I think I"ll be getting reservations directly with the restaurants from now on. Lindabee"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"For our 10th Anniversary we went to Chelsea Tavern. It was fun. The waitress was less than pleasant, but she was serviceable. It seemed as if she didn't want to be there and that type of mood can really bring down your dining experience. The food was good, I have had better, but for the price it was decent. And a good serving size for the price as well."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"On business, went here based on online reviews and hotel manager recommendation - did not disappoint. Mussels were excellent per server's suggestion. Draft beer selection was great. Service outstanding."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Dinner was better than usual...my husband had the mussels, DIVINE; I had the mahi-mahi, excellent; the sides of grilled asparagus and couscous "salad" were fantastic!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Perfect venue for dinner before a night at the grand. Also good downtown location for lunch or dinner. Dinner menu a little sparse, but understandable. The specials did have several nice offerings."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Excellent food with many selections. Service just O.K. - - waitstaff very nice & professional but too busy for follow-up (drink refills, next course, timely check). Also, very noisy. All that said, will go back because of food."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Across from The Grand in Wilmington, offering a terrific menu from bar food to prime entrees. The food is excellent, with gourmet twists on traditional foods, and perfect portions for the diner. Service is first-rate, with our server checking back on us several times throughout the meal without being intrusive. The noise level is a little high for a quiet dining experience, but does not get rowdy. If you are going to dinner and a show, this is the place to go for the beginning of your evening."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Overall, food was good; had salmon BLT, which had smoked salmon and was very good, salt from pretzel roll wa a nice add. Crab cake Caesar salad was mixed-crab cake was tasty, rest of salad just ok at best. Service was not good. Server wasn't rude, but was relatively disinterested. Examples: Had a pretty good wait when we sat before anyone came to the table (had just agreed to give another minute or two before leaving when she arrived). Also, after food was dropped off, server never returned to the table until we flagged her down to get the check. Definitely be wary if you're going to a show or something-you will have to be the one that keeps service moving."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I have walked past Chelsea Tavern on all my trips to Wilmington but never stopped. This time I went and took 2 co-workers and was delighted. My co-workers are from Wilmington and work a couple blocks away but had never experienced it. We had such a good time and good food that I am betting more from the office will be going to Chelsea Tavern in the future."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Likes: The food was good with a reasonable price. The service was fast. Dislikes: the tables were only 6 inches apart. I heard more of what was said at the next table than I did from my date. The noise level was way too loud. Maybe I should have asked for a table outside."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It was noisy inside so elected to eat outside and Market St. was pleasant on this evening. I had mussels which is a standard and always good. Salad was also nice. My guest was able to find food that fit her dietary needs."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Nice atmosphere, friendly staff and the most delicious calamari ever. I will definitely go back and try something else. A must try is the blondie brownie with the bacon ice cream. I don't usually get dessert, but we ate all of this!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food was very good, arrived in a timely manner. Service was prompt and courteous, very helpful, knowledgeable server. Great menu variety. Facility was very well kept and made for a very pleasureable dining expirience."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The cajun flair in the menu is something I like and the extensive beer list is amazing! The bar scene after work started to build quickly, but never got too loud or rowdy."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Went with my S.O. and friend before a show. My entree was delicious (scallops), and the other food I tried was good. My friend ordered the bacon wrapped meatloaf, and it came out burned, however it was replaced quickly, and she was "compensated" appropriately. The beer menu is impressive, and the tasting flight was fun. The waitress was knowledgeable and the prices were fair. All and all I would give it 4.5 stars, and would return again to try some of the other food (and beer)."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Restaurant was chosen based on a previous dining experience there and its location to the Dupont Theater for a show. We were time constrained due to the show, but had excellent and timely service and the food was delicious. Had a great meal, did not feel rushed, and made it to the show. The restaurant offers some daily vegetarian dishes to balance the other menu offerings. I had the toasted quinoa dish and it was very tasty!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Joe's got the place running like a top! As good as I remembered. Great gastro-pub fare in a warm and inviting setting right at the hip spot on Market Street in the center of Wilmo. Definitely try the Mac & Cheese of the day, but be sure you don't have any afternoon appointments - cause it's an overly generous portion of cheesy goodness that will stick to your ribs and warm you up! My lunch mate got the burger, which was spot on cooked the way she ordered and served with a great big pile of their home-cut fries. Was glad we popped in for lunch, can't wait to go back for dinner soon."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Pleasant surprise! Food was excellent. Service was o.k., though we waited a little longer than usual for it. All in all, an enjoyable experience. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Awesome appetizers, the food is good but the appetizers are the best. If you go to Chelsea Tavern I would recommend just getting appetizers and a drink with a group of friends, it's a lot of fun."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food is always consistent. Service is great. Try going to flight club on Tuesday nights at 5:30pm in the downstairs bar. It's just $10.00. I also enjoy the bacon wrapped meat loaf w/mashed potatoes. Excellent beer selection."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I like to go to this restaurant before a show. It's across from The Grand. Most of the time the food is really good and different from the norm. This time we had shrimp in our appatizer and I chose a shrimp dish for my entree. The shrimp had a strong taste and smell of chlorine. I couldn't eat it. I got the chicken instead and it was very good. The drinks are very expensive!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Chelsea Tavern's location across the street from the Grand makes it the perfect place to eat before a performance. Staff very attuned to serving patrons in time for performances, etc. Save room for dessert and drinks after the performance."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had a great time and they were very accomdating especially with my 2.5 year old son. My husband enjoyed there huge selection for beer to choose from. Try the bacon ice cream if you want to be daring."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We went for dinner before seeing Gaelic Storm at The Grand and were glad we made reservations as the restaurant and bar were very busy. Our dinners were very good and will definitely be returning."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Definatly a beer snob place. Super rich variety and great presentation with both draught and 22oz bottles. Perfect for craft beer exploration, wide variety and arrangement into categories on the beer menu. The only regret I have is that I let the beer menu go back when the waitress took our order. I could have been looking at that and sampling some other beers and talking about beer at the table if I had thought to keep it. Great compliment to the Grnd Opera House accross the street."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I ate here just before a show at The Grand. If you are coming from out of town on a Friday and really unsure of what you may hit from a traffic perspective, this is a perfect spot. For what we ordered, it was not overpriced and it allowed us to relax knowing that we just had to cross the street to attend the event. I did not find it to be too crowded and if you make a reservation....through Open Table of course....they get you right in. We were in and out in 45 minutes! Very nice experience at the Chelsea Tavern!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2002
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Chelsea is very good at getting their patrons served quickly so they can get to their seats at the The Grand before the show starts. Do make a reservation on Open Table at least an hour before show time if this is your plan and they will do everything to accomodate you :)"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The place to go before heading across the street to the Grand Opera House! On the night we visited, the restaurant was packed with devotees of Ina Garten. Nevertheless, our group enjoyed delicious salads and efficient service."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2004
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great for brunch before a matinee at The Grand!!! Food was great, service was great, and oh so convenient if you're catching a show. They discount $3 to cover your parking, too."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Really like the warm atmosphere. I had the bacon wrapped meatloaf, which was very good. My date had the mac and cheese special. It was just okay. It wasnt creamy..kind of dry. For a specialty item, it really didnt seem special at all, especiallybfornthe price. Staff was very friendly, including the host. I do plan to go back to try other menu items. Good spot before a show at The Grand."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Well done entrees and good service led to a good dining experience. Were met immediately outside the front door by a homeless woman after dinner who begged for money. We ended up giving her our leftovers. That, along with a lengthy walk back to the car with some suspicious characters out on the streets, slightly took away from the experience, but overall I was pleased."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.