From rooftop speakeasies and craft brewpubs to waterfront tiki bars, intimate wine bars, and local distilleries — discover the best locally owned bars and cocktail spots across Delaware.
Delaware’s independent bar and cocktail scene has come into its own over the last decade — from nationally recognized craft cocktail bars and award-winning brewpubs in Wilmington to laid-back neighborhood taverns and beachside bars in Sussex County. Every spot on this list is locally owned, which means the bartenders are often the owners, the beer lists feature Delaware craft breweries, and the cocktail menus change with the seasons. Whether you’re looking for a low-key happy hour spot in Newark or a date night cocktail bar in downtown Wilmington, these are the independently owned bars and lounges that define Delaware’s nightlife.
