I am VERY pleased that we ate at this restaurant. Everything from top to bottom was top tier. The wait staff was always nice and courteous, the food was delicious and flavorful, and the ambiance was perfect. The only issue I had was a special they had that was mussel chowder. It had a... interesting smell and the flavor. Beyond that there were no issues. Go eat here if you can. Try the pizza and DO NOT MISS THE FRIES! read more

We went to 1861 on Valentines day with a group of 8 people. We had reservations but they were a bit confused and called the manager. They seated us but very crowded space until we realized that the other part of your party was already seated in another spot. It started with the menu a bit confusing to understand. We had the waitress try to help but she seamed to be having a problem. Besides being VERY OVERPRICED I was not happy. As we started to eat our food which salad and soup were very good the time during each course was WAY TO LONG. Then the main course came there were some mistakes some of the orders were not even put in so our party had to wait. The waitress came over so many times to apologize but I was very unhappy with the entire service.We and asked for several thing like another drink some ice, salt abutter they never came!!!!!The desert I have to say was very good. Then the bill came to my surprise the TIP WAS ALREADY ADDED IN!!!!!!! I was not happy with that at all. I have to say thank god my people that I was with were good sports about the whole night. I guess my husband and myself will not be going back any time soon. VERY DISAPPOINTED that i can not even rate this place!!!! read more

Cozy great place to meet. The menu needs help! It was just okay and had nothing that desired a serious interest outside of a salad. The location and parking was interesting. If you, drive faster than 3 mph....you missed the restaurant. read more

I used to love going here. They used to have this guy Paul Lewis playing there & wow he's a great talent. Yet he's not been there in a long time. I loved the lamb burger too. I don't think that's on the menu anymore. Maybe they will have him(PL) back soon and bring back the lamb burger. Fingers crossed. read more

so let me start by saying i normally don't trust my mother picking out restaurants for me to try but she was on point with this one! i'll start by saying that if you're not paying attention you might ride right past this place initially like i did. the parking lot is super small but it's plenty of street parking nearby. the entrance is actually in the back of the building which shocked me but i overheard someone say it used to be a speakeasy so then the entrance made sense. very intimate atmosphere. the hostess and the waitress were both very friendly and inviting. i went on a Sunday for their brunch. honestly i wanted to try everything on the sweet side of the menu. we ended up ordering the brunch punch (which after 2 you'll definitely feel a nice little buzz), a mommymosa, the chicken and waffles, praline beignets, captain crunch waffle, and the breakfast bowl. EVERYTHING was amazing. and i do mean everything. the star of the show though.... that praline sauce... babyyyy no syrup was even needed on the waffle and that sauce took those beignets to another level. i would definitely recommend and i'll be making another visit maybe for dinner. oh and just an fyi they charge 18% service fee on all bills over $50. read more

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Huge fan of 1861! Their food is very unique and equally exceptional! Their cocktails are so good, especially the s'mores martini. Nothing is bad at 1861! read more

Awesome food and drinks! They offer a variety of options on their menu and all are delicious! Along with excellent customer service this makes everything A+ in my book. My family ordered their jerk wings, runny ray sandwich, beignets, chicken and waffle sandwich, and so much more. Every single dish did not disappoint and nothing was left over. Will be coming back. read more

new owners took over several months ago and the food and drinks tonight were amazing. Lamb meatballs and harissa were so good, as were the hand cut fries. I had the filet which was cooked perfect. Hubby had seafood gumbo which was also delicious. Great selection of hand crafted cocktails. read more

I've been wanting to try 1861 for a while now and finally got the opportunity to go for brunch on Sunday. The place is a prohibition themed speak easy type restaurant with an amazing menu. The food was delicious and the drinks were phenomenal. There is a pride of ownership from the owner who welcomed us when we arrived, sat working at the bar while we ate and even treated us to a delicious new drink that she had created the week before. The place is decked out for the holiday and the roaring fireplace is so cozy. I highly recommend trying this place. I will definitely be back. read more

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I visited this restaurant for the first time yesterday for a Sunday brunch, and was completely disappointed all around. When ordering drinks I was informed that you can only order brunch cocktails, which was odd considering the full bar. Our food took a bit to come out and when it did arrive it was either hard or over cooked. Once we received the bill a service charge of 15 dollars was added and not previously mentioned or posted about. With an automatic service fee you would think the experience would be better especially since brunch is only one day during the week for four hours. I will not be returning. read more

This is the first time I've been disappointed with this restaurant after loving it numerous times. I went for brunch & was told certain items on the menu were unavailable & that most of the drinks menu from the website was unavailable. The food we did order was overcooked & hard . They also added a service fee totaling $15 dollars for a table of 2. Sad to say this may have been my last time going here . read more

Ambiance and food is always amazing! Brunch is great and it seems to be a lot easier to get a reservation now. If you go for dinner, the Soul Bowl is everything!!!! read more

I past this place almost every day living in the area. I decided to order takeout with grub hub needless to say this has been the worst entree I've ever had. I ordered the Jambalaya my order was delivered without the shrimp, I received a second order (please review to the picture of Jambalaya) no ingredients at all no sauce,the worst service ever and I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area. Very mediocre and not up to one star rating. Poor quality of food and presentation. read more

1861 - Suppose to be jambalaya - Gastropubs Near Me - Middletown, Delaware

I love the owners and their journey. They have always been great to me and my tribe whenever we come through. The service comes up a little slow sometime but as I mentioned in my 1st statement - I love their journey. Although the menu is constantly evolving and Ashley removed some of my favorites (Smoked Wings, Wedge Fries, and Flatbread) she constantly brings me a new favorite every time. The cozy atmosphere is the place to be in the winter time and I will continue to visit the crew. read more

It's very rare when visiting a new place and you like every option on the menu. All in all a very solid menu, great presentations, and great forethought on spices. Awesome bar selection and craft cocktails as well. Service was a little strange, our waiter wasn't a huge help and not much on interaction. Very good teamwork with all folks in the front of the house helping each other out with drinks, food and clearing tables. I always enjoy seeing that, it's a sign of a well-run restaurant. Parking sucks, but be patient or you can park across the street. Main entrance is around the back of the building and 1861 is in the basement. read more

A family owned hidden gem right in the heart of Middletown!! This spot is perfect for an intimate date night, a place to gather with friends, or a place to come with your family. (When COVID is over!) Right now they're perfect for take-out! I love that they offer unique items on the menu that you can't find just anywhere like the delish gumbo, crazy good grilled cheese combinations, & plant based options! If your wanting to order a starter you absolutely have to try the fried cauliflower or the crispy Brussels sprouts! read more

Sorry but waiting 15 min for an initial wait staff visit with a half full restaurant on a Friday Evening at 7:15 is unacceptable. Worse - my husband was given a full glass of water by the Host and I got maybe 1/4 of a glass. Every table around us was either waiting for food or most a check. In the 15 min we waited we never once saw any server in the vicinity of our section. We came from Bear and made reservations excited to try something new- well we never got that chance. And as we left two different tables told us we made the right decision. read more

Small quaint atmosphere perfect for a date night or hanging with the boys. There's even a space for a small dinner event. That's just the venue, but the food you'll fall over for, as soon as you dig in. The wings, burgers, beer &/or bourbon combination...muah! read more

We have been here in Delaware for a few years now and have been telling everyone that this is our favorite place to eat. I'm not sure what happened over the last year, either new management or chef but this is no longer the same place we knew. The wings and the blue cheese used to be our favorite. Last night, we ordered wings, blue cheese, burger, flat bread. Everything was suchh a disappointment. What happened???? read more

This place is fantastic. I have been here with my husband multiple times. This place offers interesting takes on food similar to what you would find in Philly. It is a nice change from the normal chain restaurants, bars, and diners you would find in DE. We have tried almost everything on the menu... And nothing has disappointed us. They change the menu up every so often, which is one reason we keep coming back. Our latest meal was the lamb and eggplant empanadas for appetizer, and chicken and waffles for dinner. Both were excellent. I was worried the chicken might come out dry... But not only was it crispy, but also juicy. I ordered a Manhattan, it was superb. The bartenders make really good drinks... they are not syrupy like other restaurants. And if for some reason you don't like it, they will remake it or offer you another drink. If you are ready for some good food and drinks, then I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Simply put, for two nights in a row, we had amazing experiences at this restaurant. The ambiance is sophisticated and hip without being pretentious. The cocktail/wine/beer menu is solid. The service is personal, friendly, and eager to serve. And the food is PHENOMENAL! My fiance and I came to Middletown on a Fri. for a group bike ride on Sat. We both really love food and good drink and have selective palates, plus he is vegetarian, so we generally have to do a LOT of pre-vetting before we choose a restaurant. On the drive there, we looked at restaurants over a 50 minute drive radius from our hotel. Options were basically nonexistent. We had already found 1861 online and planned to eat there with friends after the ride, but it was becoming clear it may be our only option for Fri. as well. The menu online indicated they had only one or two vegetarian options, so we decided to call. The owner, Jasper, answered and was so amazingly kind and accommodating. He's vegetarian as well so offered several wonderful-sounding vegetarian options he could make special for us. When we arrived for dinner, we were seated immediately and Jasper had already informed our server (who, it turns out, is also his wife -- love a family owned and operated restaurant!) about the vegetarian option pre-decided on with Jasper. We ordered cocktails (interesting craft cocktails with fresh/housemade ingredients to rival those you'd find in much larger markets - try the Corpse Reviver Reimagined or their spin on the Dark & Stormy). For a starter, we tried the Tomate Ajo - sort of a European spin on a harrisa - stewed tomato, garlic, and oil with fried capers into which we dipped grilled bread. Interesting and solid. For our dinner, my fiance asked for Jasper's recommendation and that was wise. He recommended an Ugni-Blanc that was refreshing, fruity and citrusy without being too sweet. I came back and drank it the next day. Jasper made a spicy spaghetti arrabiata for him - tomato base with garlic, fresh local vegetables, and LOTS of heat. I had the lamb burger -- everything said about this in other reviews is correct - salty, delicious, with the perfect toppings. We left feeling satisfied and so grateful for finding this haven of thoughtfully prepared food and drink using local fresh ingredients amid what seems to be a sea of bad pizza joints. The next day, after riding 100 miles, we and our friends came back famished and ready to chow. Jasper and my fiance had spoken the day before and, since one of our friends was also vegetarian, Jasper created and prepared a 3 course vegetarian prix fixe for them which was absolutely divine. He made a curried lentil soup that was an amazing fusion of his french culinary training and his mom's daal recipe. 100% spot on. Myself and our other non-vegetarian guest ordered the wedge salad -- crisp iceberg, fresh blue cheese dressing, fresh tomato, red onion, and crisp bacon. A delicious classic. We also tried the edamame which was the best edamame any of us at the table had ever tried. It arrived in a soy-based broth with other magical ingredients like smoked himalayan salt. We all fought over the entire bowl. Next Jasper brought the veggies an heirloom salad full of delicious fresh local vegetables - corn, tomatoes, okra, lima beans - plus avocado and fresh dressing. For our main courses, the veggies were served a Thai/Chinese/Indian fusion -- fresh Japanese eggplant in a delicious sauce over spicy fried rice with carrots, peas, and other yumminess topped with a perfectly-fried egg. We two non-veggies ordered basically and indulgent meat-eaters dream -- the Braised Pork Belly Croque Madame. Picture it: a thick slice of butter grilled bread smothered in melted cheese, braised pork belly, and thin crispy batter fried onions, covered in a bechamel sauce (I think), topped with another thick slice of butter grilled bread and the most perfectly-fried egg. Plus seasoned potato wedges. Good luck finishing this even if you have ridden 100 miles on your bike, but either way it could make great leftovers. After our dinner, Jasper came over and talked to us about his background, his menu, how he got started, etc. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and we and our friends (we from northern VA, they from Baltimore) are already contemplating the next time we'll make a special trip up just to visit this place. I cannot recommend this place any more highly. QUICK NOTE ABOUT A PREVIOUS ONE-STAR REVIEW: It is true that their service is sometimes stretched at the busiest moments of the night, but nothing out of the ordinary for a relatively new restaurant still working out its growing pains (and trust me, my fiance and I are snobs about this and very easily angered by unacceptably slow service). But come on - sitting there for 60 minutes without flagging someone down? That's on you. read more

I got take out because during the COVID19 quarantine we've made Friday take out day...We ordered beignets, Fried green tomatoes, crispy Brussel sprouts, and a burger. Fried green tomatoes and burger were excellent. Beignets were completely RAW inside, Brussel sprouts were completely oil sogged, I could literally feel the grease running down my throat. This was our first time trying this place and we've lived in Middletown for 11 years. I will go back for fried green tomatoes because they were excellent and they're hard to find around here. read more

The scallops are huge! The crab soup is spicy but very good. It could use more crab, I didn't see much in it. The flatbread was also very good. read more

This place has been my go to since all this madness. Local business providing me with great food. I can only afford to go once a week but I'm so happy to support them. Ordered on door dash today issues with the app and then didn't get the right burger but Ashley made sure someone delivered the burger I ordered and got the extra pickles I wanted...Amazing team there they have always helped when I had issues ordering ( with the times now apps crash and delay) if you want to support a local place in Middletown help them out read more

My Boyfriend Eddie And I Have Had Great Experiences With This Restaurant!The Food And Atmosphere Were Excellent!Great Employees Working There Also!Come On Out And Enjoy!If You Can Not Get Out,Order Out!We Will Be Back! read more

This restaurant is truly amazing and unique. The food has exceeded all of my expectations. Fast service, good workers and great entertainment are just some of the things you will see there. This gastropub has an amazing selection of global inspired foods and drinks. The energy is all around joyful and calming. This restaurant has a cozy and comfortable setting. It is truly a charm in Middletown. I hope that you will be able to experience the same amount of fun that I have. UPDATE Times are pretty rough with everything being shut down, but 1861 is still open which means I can still get ahold of their grilled cheese. Personally I love their Smokehouse sandwich. It's really savory. The pulled pork has a deep Smokey flavor. The onions and cheese go good together and the pickle has a refreshing bite. One of the best things is that They deliver and allow pickup. Their staff and management is always professional and they never seize to amaze me with their food skills. read more

Early into our visit the ceiling started to leak water all over my friend. Wetting her iPhone, purse and all over her back. Apparently the salon upstairs was the cause. The actual meal was mediocre, nothing special I ordered the chicken and waffles and wasn't really amazed by it. The appetizer fries were large steak fries w/skin and again nothing special. The aioli sauce had a heavy mayo taste and didn't really go well with the fries. My friend got one of the burgers and again a mediocre experience. Will not be returning. Also, this restaurant is located in the creepy dark basement of what looks like what used to be residential house now commercial space. read more

I had visited this place years ago and the owner was so rude and clearly did not know what he was doing owning a restaurant. food and drinks were just ok but not worth a return trip. I recently heard the place had new owners so decided to check it out again. This place has gotten so much better since the new owners have taken over. You can tell they really know what they are doing. Food is great and the decor is a big step up. read more

Simply AMAZING find in Middletown & the only place we'll be going when we're in town! Blackened Fish Tacos were light & fresh with a punch of flavor & the Surf & Turf Burger....WOW! Check out the pic, no way you can wrong here no matter what you get! read more

1861 - Surf & Turf Burger - Gastropubs Near Me - Middletown, Delaware

Food is fantastic. This place is great for a new taste from the bland flavors of Middletown. The owner and staff are great and is the best place for any romantic dinner for two or a party of 5 or more for great food and drinks. By far the best flavors I've had since leaving California. And no joke they will accommodate almost any request you have. read more

1861 - Got love the fact that they make amazing food. Tandoori Hen ,cashew rice, yogurt sauce Pickled cucumber - Gastropubs Near Me - Middletown, Delaware

Came here for the first time with my parents for dinner today! Although parking can be tricky and locating the entrance itself is an adventure, this is by far the best restaurant in Middletown! To start, we were helped right away and given water and drinks and the works - their margarita is absolutely delicious. I started with the crab bisque, which was so incredibly creamy, crabby, and flavorful! Definitely one of the best I've ever had. For the main course, I got the chicken and waffles, which is hard to go wrong with. It was, of course, delicious and done perfectly. My mom got the special cheesesteak, which was also yummy. My dad got the filet which was apparently life-changing! For dessert, my parents also got the vanilla cheesecake, which looked delicious and apparently was, but I was so absolutely stuffed that I could not take even one bite. Overall, we had a really wonderful experience at this restaurant and will DEFINITELY be coming back often! read more

Went here for brunch and it was out of this world. Got the Cajun Bloody Mary and it was one of the best I have ever had with with warm shrimp and great flavor. The beignets were fantastic we had the ones with bacon and they literally melted in my mouth. Split the chicken biscuits and gravy with my son and we both thought it was outstanding. Can't wait to go back. read more

Soooo good! We started with scallops, then burgers and fish tacos everything was cooked perfectly. Burgers were juicy even the medium for our 2 yr old. The staff was super nice and accommodated allergy requests for our toddler who is egg/all nut/dairy free. We loved the fact that our waitress, sorry forgot her name, wasn't afraid to involve the bartender with beer recommendations. They even made a fruit bowl desert for our little one and the cheesecake was heavenly. This will be our regular dinner spot for sure :) read more

One of the trendiest places in Middletown. I would say the food is higher in price for what you actually get, but that's to be expected at a place like this one. The atmosphere is very nice for a date night. I would say this place is not kid friendly. We had the 3 pigs pizza, the tacos and the chicken and waffles. Food was pretty good. read more

The atmosphere was great, the service was exceptional, and the food was even better. Middletown's best kept secret and small wonder make sure you go enjoy. Not a detail went unnoticed from the moment you walked in the door till the time you left for the evening. read more

Fabulous for one on one, or intimate group get together. Atmosphere and cuisine are simply unmatched!

AMAZING!!!!! Is one way I can describe 1861 but let me explain. From the time I stepped into the establishment the decor and ambience was amazing. I literally felt as though I travel to New Orleans. The staff was inviting and friendly. Super professional and kept and smile thru and thru. My friends and I were seated and immediately started to flick it up taking advantage of the beautiful decor. I ordered FRiday Saturday Sunday (cocktail) soooooo good I had 2!!! We ordered the special appetizer drunken Black mussels , Lordt the only thing I wish I had was more bread to sup up the broth. The mussels where cooked to perfection. Once my main course came I already knew it was going to be bomb, I ordered shrimp and grits and these were no baby shrimp. Juicy shrimp and the creamiest cheesiest grits EVER. It was hard to put down my fork. I couldn't leave without dessert and it was my first time having beignet (I hope I'm spelling that right lol) but let me tell you I will never need another, the inside was literally a pillow. EVERYTHING I HAD WAS JUMPING!! I of course had to try my friend's dishes and well and nothing short of amazing. Ashley the owner stopped by our table and she is a ball of light you can see the passion in her, I adore. 100/100 absolutely will be going again, they have gained a 4lifer!!! read more

1861 - Gastropubs Near Me - Middletown, Delaware

Food is always very good here and the ambiance of the restaurant is great! It's the perfect spot in Middletown to go for dinner or just for a drink. The menu has perfect offerings from sandwich's to filet mignon. The fresh cut fries with the garlic aioli are AMAZING!! Def a must try if you've not been there :) read more

I took my mom here for her birthday after having read the Yelp reviews. The reviews are definitely on point. We both had chicken and waffles. The food was amazing. The restaurant was very clean. The service was great, and the bartender and manager were friendly. They even changed TV channels so we could watch the Eagles game and the manager later came over and gave the TV volume for a better viewing experience. I consider myself a "foodie," and this restaurant ranks among my favorites that I've tried this year. A rare hidden gem for Middletown... I highly recommend 1861 and surely will visit again! read more

1861 - Chicken and Waffles without the Honey Mustard. DELICIOUS! - Gastropubs Near Me - Middletown, Delaware

Took a group of five for dinner and really enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and service. If you're in Middletown and looking for a very nice comfortable local pub, this is a great place to start. At our table we had pork chop, meatloaf, pizza, salmon sandwich, and the chicken pot pie. Everyone really enjoyed the food. Good quality and portions and pice was very fair. The bar is quick and the servers friendly. We will definately go here again. Looking forward to trying the Sunday brunch! read more