Located just down the street from Winterthur in a cutesy old Main Street, Buckley's Tavern is a popular stop. My mom and I stopped in after touring Winterthur's Yuletide exhibit. I asked for a table away from the door, and we were placed next to the fireplace, which was great. Sadly some sadistic folks decided they wanted to sit in the enclosed patio (whhhhhy?) so that secondary door kept opening during our meal. I can't escape the cold, I swear. A nice touch was that the chef greeted us at one point and made suggestions from their menu. It was our first visit, but other family members had recommended them, so we had dishes in mind ahead of time. However, from his recs, I switched from the short rib to the French dip sandwich - such a good choice! My mom went with the crab cake entree, and I kept stealing her champagne mustard sauce for my fries. It was THAT good. They should bottle it. Located in an old-timey tavern, the space is welcoming and service was prompt. Prices were about what you'd expect for the vibe. By the time we left, there was a large wait for a table! Definitely arrive on the earlier side to grab a seat, that's for sure. read more

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If you haven't been in a few decades it's worth another try. One can still eat in the bar like the 70s and 80s but there are two newer dining rooms that elevate your experience. I cannot recommend the soups but the French Dip, Rachael Grouper and Brussels sprouts are tops! We will keep coming back working our way around the menu. read more

Buckley's Tavern - Grouper Rachael and sweet potato fries. - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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I've driven past here so many times and was excited to finally try it out. The outside looks like it's a nicer restaurant but on the inside there is table sitting and on the other side just an older home town bar. Most people were on the older but it was pretty busy. The staff was efficient and the food and drinks came out really quickly. Everything was jus okay and the prices are a little high. read more

Buckley's Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

My server Kim was wonderful. She was upbeat and professional, polite, all rolled up into fantastic person. The atmosphere was traditional, American decor. Fried brussels sprouts in a teriyaki sauce were overly salt, however they were cooked well. Our salad was wonderful and the lasagna was very tasty, if any obtain more marinara sauce to make it above par( wink-wink), and I would have to rave about the desert, which was a Keylime tart. Not with a graham cracker crust, but with a butter cookie crust, which was wonderful. Don, the chef actually cares. came out doing lunchtime and visit every table in the dining area, including spent time talking with people at the bar. Nice old school eatery with a little DuPont family history attached to it. You can discover that on your visit. read more

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Had lunch today, very slow. Not usually like this. Bartender was standing around chatting with a couple at bar. Not making drinks for the servers. Manager came over to chat with the some couple sitting at the bar. Must be very important people to let the rest of the staff be l ft to take care of everything. Took an 45 plus minutes to get lunch. We come here when we are in town. Not impressed this time. read more

Skip the California Salmon burger. I can't figure out what went wrong but I can't get rid of the horrible aftertaste.

A very low quality restaurant, with low quality food, mediocre service and absurdly high prices considering what is being provided. Literally everyone in my dining party was disappointed in this place, and to a person no one was interested in returning. I'd been here years ago - and it was decent/adequate - but this restaurant has definitely gone downhill. The restaurants in Kennett or Greenville, DE are just much much better choices for food quality, price and service, they actually deserve zero stars but that's not an option. read more

Buckley's Tavern is one of those restaurants where you can eat your way through the menu and everything will be delicious. The party I was with thoroughly enjoyed everything (I can vouch for the chicken pot pie! Delicious!) I am especially encouraged to write a review because of the outstanding service. Our server was a man named Alex; he was jovial, kind, and made my party and I feel extremely welcomed. We will definitely be back, if nothing else, to say hi to him again! read more

Glad we found this place a few years ago. Now every time we visit Longwood, we go here for dinner. The food is awesome! And our server this time was top notch! The building is very quaint, wood, stone, fireplace...how can you not love it?!? Look forward already to next year's visit! read more

Nice spot! Visited on a springtime Friday evening-had reservations for three-I would recommend reservations, as it filled in quickly. Decent amount of parking in lot, but when busy, would fill up for sure. Waitress came to our table quickly with waters, then promptly served out drinks once ordered. We also received our apps very timely. Food was good, better than most reviews seem to communicate. Cool atmosphere, decent size bar, plenty of booths and tables. Definitely plan to return, now I see why it is so busy all the time. read more

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Great food , service and experience. Party of three for dinner and everyone enjoyed the evening.

Great spot! Service & staff were awesome. The chef even came over and checked on us Told us to get dessert all made in house. But We were too full. Maybe next time. read more

8 years ago we hosted a rehearsal dinner at Buckleys, and it was great. We were in the area this evening and decided to stop in for an early dinner. We were really hungry and hadn't had lunch. What a huge difference since the last time we were there! My husband's dinner was fine, and I ordered the seared tuna with vegetables and sticky rice. I have often ordered a version of the same entree at several restaurants. It's a favorite. The version that I was served at Buckley's was not good . The sesame crust was raw sesame and the "sticky rice" did not at all taste like traditional sticky rice. I did like the sautéed vegetables even though a bit under cooked. The only seasoning that I tasted was plain soy sauce. I ate less than half of the expensive entree, but only because I was very hungry. It's been years since I've been really disappointed with an entree at any restaurant to the point where I didn't finish the meal. Restaurant prices have gone up a lot in the past few years, and we should at least enjoy our meal. The server asked if everything was OK. I assume that when that question is asked our response should not be disregarded. I asked for there to be an adjustment to our bill or to speak to the manager, The young server came back to say that they had a new chef from another restaurant and that the manager would not offer any adjustment. I understand that changes happen in the restaurant business, but having a new chef ( or cook) who produced an entree that was not well made is not the customers issue. I was truly surprised that the manager would not come to the table, apologize, and offer some kind of adjustment. We were really looking forward to visiting Buckleys after so many years, but it was a huge disappointment... not just the quality of the entree, but the way that the management handled my valid complaint. read more

Amazing!! As usual!! We had a delicious Calamari and also their Mac and cheese. Pilsner Urquell tasted like I was in Praha!! Our other beers included: Aslin Beer Co. Wraparound Eyes, and a Downeast Original Hazy Cider. Everything was amazing!! Beer was cold. Food was delicious. Service was exceptional. read more

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Food was outstanding, Guinness was excellent, service was great, and prices were very reasonable. We were a party of four and very much enjoyed the experience there. I'd recommend Buckley's to everyone and we'll be back next time we're in time. read more

Excellent in all regards, ....food, service, and atmosphere! Our server was amazing and so polite to my grandsons! Bravo and great to see Chef/Owner Tom Hannum! read more

Buckley's Tavern - Sullivan Family! - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Lovely crowded brunch place and since it's my fourth time trying this restaurant and hoping for a result I enjoy...it was still a mixed bag. I enjoyed my rare tuna with sticky rice. My husband however had a burnt dry Chinese Milanese with broccoli..eh...and mashed potatoes which were not served hot. I liked the onion rings. The wagyu burger was loved by the other people we came with.. The egg specials were just ok. That's that! read more

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Very fine food, served in a historic inn setting. Staff is very accommodating of "requests" for eliminations of ingredient's. Avoid Bar seating as it is noisy and ........ read more

Food was good and so was the service. We were told to make a reservation next time or sit at the bar.

The place is beautiful, staff is friendly & efficient, there is seating at the bar (noisy) or quieter dining rooms, and it is not overcrowded, yet full of locals. The prices are a bit high ($17 for a Buckley burger, $20 for a wild game burger, $36 for a nystrip steak). With all this info, I thought we were in for a really nice late Saturday lunch. Please consider the ONLY thing that knocks off stars is the quality of the food. In a word, it is terrible.... not so-so, not eclectic, just bad. My 13 year old boy had the Buckley burger and for the first time in his life disliked a hamburger. My wild game burger was cooked to a perfect rare, juicy and bloody, yet was the worst blend of meat I have ever tasted. My 16 year olds steak was overdone (he asked for rare, received medium) and he was not impressed at all. The couple we were with were ok with their wild game burger and chicken wings, but were shocked at the price. The total $145 ish bill for three adults and two teens (two wild game burgers, Buckley burger, NY Strip, and chicken wings, all drinking water, no alcohol, no cola) is not surprising with how the place looks, but the food received was an embarrassment. I hope for management's sake that we just hit at a wrong time, the cook was having a bad day, etc....... I would hate to think that we got old burger patties or something because we were from out of town, but thats the only thing I can think of as to why the place was hopping, considering the low quality of our meal. We would not return for free. It was that bad. I would avoid this place like the plauge! read more

Love this place! I always enjoy dining here. Nice menu of food & drinks. Great meals & service. read more

Restauranting done right! The environment was cozy. They have outside seating when it's warmer. The service was fantastic. Taylor suggested the Riesling wine as it was their sweetest wine when I asked if they had Moscato. I loved that she knew without me asking, that I was looking for a sweeter wine. And the food. Oh my goodness. I had the Cubano sandwich and fries. Asked to replace the Dijon with BBQ as I'm not a mustard person. It was absolutely delicious. Not dry at all. My friend had the Buckleys Burger and Fries and she, being a picky eater, actually cleared her plate. If you haven't already eaten here, put it on your places to eat in Delaware or even Southeastern PA as it's right over the line on 52. read more

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We spent the morning at Winterthur and our friends had made a reservation to have lunch at Buckleys Tavern at 2:00 PM. We arrived a little early for our reservation, and they very kindly found a table for us. This is a large restaurant that can accommodate bus groups which was happening when we were there. There are multiple dining areas. The restaurant has been around since 1817 and survived many uses. It became Buckleys Tavern in 1951 and is still going strong today. We were seated in the bar, which had a charming atmosphere. We were so impressed that even though it was completely full of dining patrons, we could easily converse with each other. This was a pleasant and welcome change from most restaurants where the noise is deafening. We were warmly greeted by our server, Andrea, who took excellent care of us. We started off with one of their Signature Appetizers - the Soft Pretzel Sticks, which were three German style pretzel sticks with honey mustard. They were warm and the mustard was delectable. Being in mushroom country, I started with a bowl of the Buckley's Exotic Cream of Mushroom Soup with crispy leeks. It was exotic and loaded with a variety of mushrooms with a delicate flavor. Then, I moved on the Roasted Mushroom Flatbread, which was topped with caramelized onions, fontina cheese, & balsamic drizzle. I was in heaven. My husband had the Chef Tom's New England Clam Chowder, which was thick and had bacon, potatoes and clams. He really liked his soup. He also enjoyed the large portion of Fish & Chips, which was fried Pollock and French fries with a malt vinegar aioli. He also asked for tartar sauce. Our friends ordered the Chef HB's Meatloaf dinner, which was made with beef, pork, and veal with mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, and beef gravy as well as a Turkey Club (smoked bacon, lettuce, and mayonnaise on white toast). They ordered a Coconut Cream Cake (coconut genoise and coconut cream layers iced with vanilla Chantilly cream.) It looked delicious. We were all thrilled with our meals, the service, and the setting. We look forward to coming again the next time we drive up from Baltimore. read more

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Came with my family on a Saturday night after Longwood Gardens. I don't think we where the only ones. Miraculously, we where able to get seated in the back. Unfortunately, we where seated next to a family of very loud people, and the acoustics are awful. I never got my water refilled, and I don't think the food was worth the wait. Maybe next time. read more

Buckley's Tavern - House Battered Fish And Chips - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

We were looking for a place to enjoy brunch that was close to the Brandywine Museum. Also close by are Longwood and Winterthur. Someone recommended Buckley's Tavern and I'm glad they did. The atmosphere at the tavern is casually elegant, with a diverse menu to appeal to all. I had the mushroom soup, which was not a cream of mushroom but it almost tasted like stewed mushrooms. Delicious! I also had the crab cake sliders, which were seasoned just right. A few from our group ordered brunch special plates, and the breakfast meats were awesome. Service was perfectly understated. The game was on TV in the bar area, so a few of us lingered awhile and had a drink while watching the game. Very comfortable yet elegant place. read more

Love this tavern. Rustic charming atmosphere with the fireplace on a chilly day. The service was excellent and they have the best French dip I've ever had. Pictured is the French dip and the beef lasagna. read more

Buckley's Tavern - Beef lasagna - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Hanging out after work went to Buckley's Tavern for food and to wind down. The crab cake sandwich is great and full of crab and comes with your choice of side. Enjoyed the meal and the ambiance. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the area. read more

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Each time we go, this place gets better. We were there recently, for dinner. Nice glass of Chardonnay, water for me wife, followed by scallops and risotto for her, and fish and chips. Except mixed veggies instead of chips. And here is the thing, the veggies were really, really good. Cooked perfectly and served with butter. The fish was great--nice pieces of freshly prepared haddock. My wife was raving about the scallops--also fresh. Service was friendly and prompt, with good suggestions on the food. The tavern room is much much nicer than the back rooms. Ask for the tavern area and get seafood!! This trip was a solid 5. read more

Fantastic meal, Jennifer our server made excellent suggestions. The appetizers, entrees and desserts were perfect,quiet table in the corner for a birthday celebration! The crab cakes were the best I've had in quite a long time. We will be back! read more

Reservation policy for the tavern. They say no reservations and then people come with them and are seated. We've been told to call ahead to be placed on the list. Then we call ahead and are told they don't do that. It has happened many times. We just stopped coming. Sad .... we love the tavern and the food. read more

Once again had friends into town and was going to give Buckley's another try for Christmas celebration after Longwood. This time I went in to preview, This year they did have a wreath on the door, minimal decorations and the fireplace was on which was nice to see but no Christmas lights around the bar in the restaurant- no tree that I saw. Buckley's simply doesn't need to bother as they always get a steady crowd but the fact that they don't bother, bothers me. They certainly make the money and can hire co to decorate. Think of all their lamp posts outside in garland and lights and lights around the bar by way of example. It just begs for that at Christmas time. I haven't been out much this holiday year but Toscana is lovely decorated and Copper Dram is amazing!!! Of course Pizza by Elizabeth and Mendenhall Inn. read more

Pot pie and spare ribs are consistently good. (Didn't get veges in recent order of pot pie, but it was still delicious) service is efficient and friendly. If available, sit out on the porch. There are heaters that make it nice and toasty. You can't hear yourself think inside the restaurant. I get tired of having g to raise my voice. Prices are fair, considering inflation. read more

My husband decided to take us to Buckleys for our 16th wedding anniversary. Let's try something different since we have not explored everything in our new hometown of Wilmington. Upon arriving the service was less than exemplary. The 2 young ladies folding napkins at the hostess station did not greet us with a hello, but casually asked us if they could help us...in the manner of teenagers. Looking us up and down as if unsure how to react to current fashion and customer service. My husband informed them we had a reservation and one of the young ladies took us into a booth in the tavern. She was then informed that we had requested a table. She explained that their system does not allow them to view various reservations in the restaurant. Is this true? We are both familiar with very distinct customer service and that was a fail. She then took us into the main dining area and gave us a lovely corner table. Our server Gray came by and introduced himself and we let us know he would give us more time to select our drink order. This "time" lagged on and on. Finally he returned and took our order, but his wonderful attitude and energy/apology turned a seemingly dour experience into a pleasant anniversary dinner. I am not expecting Eleven Madison Park when arriving, but I do expect something a bit elevated when it comes to customer service with an institution like Buckley's. Sort of a quality Cheers based on what I was told by the denizens; very 1776 aka George Washington ate here vibe. The comfort food of onion rings and cauliflower bites was delicious. It immediately brought a smile to our faces. Followed by the wonderful chicken pie and meatloaf sandwich with tomato jam, it was a mouthful of warm comfort that made our rather inauspicious arrival fade away. Our server Gray truly made a difference in the evening. He was personable, prompt with getting our appetizers and entrees out to our table after we were informed that the kitchen was preparing to shut down at 9pm. FYI, our reservation was for 8:30. If you go, I suggest getting the bar menu and requesting Gray. Wonderful young man and aspiring bartender. He is a golden star!! We love a good tavern and the food is delicious. Next time, we are requesting Gray...and you should too. read more

My husband and I ate at Buckley's a couple of weeks ago before going to Wilmington to see a show. It was packed as usual for a Saturday evening but thankfully they were able to seat us . My husband got the seafood roll which was quite tasty. I got the filet - it was perfectly cooked and very tasty but the portion was tiny , definitely not the six ounce that was on the menu. It was an ok meal- Buckley's really doesn't have to try that hard - they're an institution- you go more for the ambiance than the food. read more

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Buckleys is always been a consistent go-to in my stable of cool places to go around Kennett square. Honestly I almost didn't write this review because of fear of others finding out about this place and making it longer to wait on a table. Waitstaff very friendly and kind, food is high quality, consistent and fairly priced. The mood/vibe is relaxed preppy, like a place that would be on Nantucket if that makes any sense. Very clean, beautifully designed, timeless. read more

Historic tavern in the Greenville section of Wilmington. Plenty of seating in the bar area, dining room and lovely covered porch in the rear. We always enjoy returning, for their good food, excellent service and an overall good value. Never disappointed! read more

Lunch at Buckleys is always delicious. Their menu offers a variety of choices. Our server was excellent and patient! She made sure we had everything we needed. Always enjoyable. read more

Had a wonderful experience there today. Claire was so sweet and attentive. The chef came by twice to check on us before and after lunch which was wonderful. You don't see that much anymore. I was thoroughly impressed. Pot pie was amazing. I would love to return to try the menu. Definitely recommend:) read more

Buckley's Tavern - Chicken pot pie - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

We popped in for a mid afternoon snack and also ordered some food. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent but because this was a "mid afternoon snack" around 3pm, there wasn't a ton of competition for their attention. I have spent the last three years residing in the great state of Massachusetts so I was pleasantly surprised to see a seasonal Downeast cider on their tap list and snacked on that. My companions ordered a Lagunitas, bloody mary, and I believe sparkling wine if memory serves. I am a tough critic when it comes to bloody marys because in this case, it is my way or the highway and restaurants tend to swerve towards the highway. This bloody mary was an exception. It was absolutely EXCELLENT. It's for the best that I did not order one because I would have probably ordered 10 more. We ordered the pretzel sticks and fried brussels sprouts to accompany our beverages. I tend to prefer a twisted pretzel rather than sticks but as my Dad always says, relevant or not, "it all ends up in the same place". Quite possibly more important than the pretzel itself are the dips. Here, they serve a honey mustard. The first issue I take with this is that, you really should be serving at least two dipping sauces. The other issue I don't take with the honey mustard itself but that some people might be seeking a more savory profile when they order the pretzel and, given the fact that honey mustard was the only condiment provided, that would not be achieved. The brussels sprouts are drenched in a soy sesame sauce with a few squirts of a sriracha aioli. Very good but when I say drench, I mean it. It was slightly over dressed but the flavors were tasty. This is a solid spot but I don't expect a feature in Zagat. read more

Buckley's Tavern - Pretzel sticks - Pubs Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Our friends came in from Florida and we couldn't decide where to take them.We also invited another family to go with us.There was 10 of us! So we finally decided to do something different and go to Buckleys Tavern. It was a beautiful experience. The food was scrumptious. I would highly recommend anybody to go there for a relaxing afternoon. We will be returning when they come back from Florida and we're going to set up a bigger party and invite more friends to join us. read more