I honestly cannot say that I've ever had a bad meal or experience here, so it's always 5 stars to me. I've not been to Happy Hour in years but a friend and I went after ending our business day on Tuesday. The bar area had patrons but it was not overly crowded but was not empty. The value that you get during their happy hour for the quality of food, drinks and ambience, one of the best in the city! read more

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Columbus inn is so nicely decorated for Christmas. There was a private party there when I arrived and it was nice to see it arranged! I went to the bar area to participate in their hour happy hour. YES! One hour! 4:30-5:30 which includes a good amount of food options and discounts on drinks. All of the food was really good but the drinks left a lot to be desired which was unfortunate. read more

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I grew up nearby but somehow never visited Columbus Inn until last month! My brother had his rehearsal dinner here and the private room was a great space for an event of about 50 people. I had the caesar salad as my starter, as did my husband. My salad had almost no dressing on top but his had a normal portion. However, the rest of the meal was solid. I had the scallops for my entree, which were excellent, and everyone commented on how good the desserts were. Overall, the service was solid and I'd come back in the future for dinner. read more

Great spot. Busier than expected for a weekday dinner time. Warm and cozy atmosphere with beautiful hardwood floors and a fireplace. Started with Brussel sprouts, gnocchi (soft and delicious). Steak Deluxe was a winner with two filet medallions, crispy bacon and smattering of fries all on top of some lettuce with blue cheese read more

Had a lovely time at the outdoor patio at Columbus Inn, beautiful plants and vibe! Drinks were very strong. Gnocchi and chicken parm were delicious! Portions were excellent. Restaurant week deal was a steal. Our server was kind and attentive and helped us with some menu decisions! read more

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I love this place, especially during happy hour. Great staff, great bar, awesome building, spacious parking lot and oh yeah, the cherry ginger bourbon fizz (probably the best cocktail ever, lmao). A Wilmington staple. Came for Mother's Day brunch this year also and that was pretty good too.. just not the best layout I've ever seen for a buffet. Doesn't matter though. I'll be back again and again! read more

Columbus Inn - Asian Style Crispy Brussel Sprouts Side, shrimp Caesar salad, Filet Mignon Sandwich & jerk chicken - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Best service in Wilmington!! The fireplace created a warm inviting ambiance and the food was perfect. We shared the calamari and burnt ends , beet salad and I enjoyed the shrimp and lobster fried rice with green beans as my entree. S'mores cake was large enough for the three of us to share! read more

Columbus Inn - Shrimp and Lobster Fried Rice - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

I took my husband here for their Fathers Day brunch. It was our 1st time coming to this amazing restaurant but definitely not our last. The crab cakes were amazing. I am originally from Baltimore, MD. - we definitely know crab cakes done well. The food and drinks were so amazing my wonderful husband looked like he was having an out of this world ecstatic experience with every bite. Thank you Columbus Inn for making this a Fathers Day my husband will definitely remember forever. read more

Yum! Yum! Yum! So worth the time. The beautiful building, solid cocktails, creative food. I would go over and over if I lived closer. read more

Columbus Inn - Arrogant Cauliflout (buffalo sauce) - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Enjoyed the atmosphere and food both. Honest, the staff was also super efficient. I'll be going back. Parking is easy as they have their own lot. read more

Absolutely the worst steak I've ever had in any restaurant ever. I would rather go back in time to Ponderosa or Sizzler and have one better. First of all I ordered it medium. What i received was more rare to medium rare. I tried to eat it, but it was so tough I could barely cut it. I did tell the waiter to tell the chef, but nothing was done. I brought home half of it to see if I could cook it again to salvage it for my lunch. That did help, but when you are paying $38to 40 for steak, you shuld at least be able to cut it. It was a birthday celebration and I was with friends so I didn't want to complain too much. They gave us our ice cream for free. I feel bad for my friends whom I told that this was a good restaurant and this was their first time there. My friend who got the filet ( her meat was not cooked to medium either. I won't be going back. They had two events that night plus half price wine. I think that's all they cared about and not those of us in the dining room. read more

My husband and I attended dinner at the Columbus Inn and was highly disappointed. My husband's dish was burnt, the house wine gave me a headache. No bread was offered during our dining. This is the second time we have dined there and was disappointed. We will not go back. read more

I found the food to be quite sterile and tasteless. It tastes like someone warmed up some frozen meals and plated it nicely. I would not return. read more

Apparently Sunday Brunch at Columbus Inn is a pretty big deal and when I finally made it to the buffet line starting in the bar area I could see why. The spread alone deserves five stars just for the variety. We're talking a raw bar with oysters, shrimp and crab claws, tuna, sushi, carving stations with turkey, ham and prime rib, salmon, brisket, macaroni and cheese and all of your usual breakfast options of eggs, waffles, bacon, sausage, grits, potatoes, etc. All of that and I'm positive i missed some items. Everything I sampled was delish with the exception of the prime rib and that is only because I could not get a piece at my desired temp. From one end it was too well done but from the side I got it was too red. Ham was delicious. Oysters were fresh some complained that the waffles were dry but the salmon, brisket and Mac and cheese I would come back for alone. So why three stars instead of five? Because of the atmosphere upstairs where my party was seated. Originally our table was downstairs near the buffet (perfect!) but because some people that showed up were not on our rsvp we had to move. So we left the warm, cozy, twinkling lit ambiance of the dining room for a large, sterile, lonely room upstairs.. And although it was touted as a private room frankly it just looked like a forgotten area devoid of any decor save for the table dressing and fireplace. Someone there really should invest in making it look more special especially considering that added disadvantage of having to climb stairs with plates multiple times to and from the buffet. read more

Different cheesesteak'esque sandwich #1126 in the last five years. Special Monday drinks and cheesesteaks with Amigo Dan. We got the Filet Mignon sandwich. It came on a round roll with Potato roll qualities. Amigo Dan liked the simplicity of the roll. I thought this sandwich deserved a much better roll. The meat was tender and flavorful. Onions and peppers added flavor without being distracting. Scored an 85 because it didn't have cheese. It didn't need cheese but it hurt the score. read more

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Our evening at Columbus Inn was fabulous in every way! It was beautifully decorated for the holidays, the dining area was comfortable and not overcrowded with tables, the service was great, and the food was delicious!! They have a beautiful bar with great selections, and they have a parking lot. Definitely recommend a reservation. Hoping to go back soon! read more

Columbus Inn - Cherry & Pistachio Salad - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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stopped in for a christmas cocktail and small bite while waiting to meet friends. this was our first visit but if i lived in the area i would be a regular. per our preference we sat at the bar where our order was promptly taken and delivered. we decided to have the pineapple fried rice for a light snack. it was a great choice. a large serving that could have been a meal. while service and food was great, i was most impressed with the interior of the restaurant. nice deep wood tones, appropriate lighting and tvs in the bar. it was a jackpot for all my favorite dining settings, i hope we get the chance to return soon and enjoy the full dining experience. read more

Columbus Inn - pineapple fried rice - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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My husband and I have been dining at Columbus Inn since before we were married--so, a long time. Over the years, ownership and menus have changed, but it's remained one of our favorite-ish spots. That said, our experience hasn't been without its bumps. A few years ago, we were told--just four hours before our reservation in January--that we'd have to sit in their patio due to a last-minute party booking. The immature hostess didn't tell us it whether it was heated or not but we ended up canceling because seriously? Since then, it's been a love-hate relationship. One ongoing frustration: managers never respond to emails, even when they publicly reply to Yelp reviews asking guests to reach out. That kind of follow-through matters. Now, the positives: the food and service are consistently very good. I usually order the Seafood Cobb Salad, and my husband loves the burger and the pizza--surprisingly solid for Delaware, coming from a Jersey girl. But last night's visit was disappointing. My salad, usually generous, was noticeably skimpy. Instead of the usual four shrimp and ample crab, I got three shrimp and three small bits of crab. The lobster was the only seafood portion that stayed the same. I felt like they even skimped on the vegetables. Usually there's ample avocado, tomato, and green beans and it was really mostly all lettuce. It felt like a quiet cost-cutting move--charging the same price for less food. I get that times are tough for restaurants, but Columbus Inn is always packed and far from cheap. Also, your cancellation policy is unnecessarily strict. Possibly charging $20 per person for canceling within 48 hours--is excessive. I don't know if you enforce this or not because we've never had to cancel within that short amount of time but you should be celed punishing the no-shows not the people who actually cancel. If I'm sick and contagious and try to cancel, punishing me for doing the responsible thing is absurd. I'll definitely be showing up and spreading the love that's for sure. I hope you wouldn't actually enforce that. All that said, we do still like the restaurant and visit regularly. But that salad was disappointing--and for a dish you're known for, I hope it was just an off night. read more

It was hard to choose what to get for appetizers because there was so many good choices. We decided on margarita pizza and loaded fries for the appetizer and they were great. The entrees were delicious and could barely finish the dessert but didn't skip but the options were so good! read more

My dad has been here many many times and last night I finally had the chance to try Columbus Inn. We had a reservation for the outside patio, but when we arrived it was raining. The hostesses were very kind gave us the option to move inside, but we decided to stay outside, as the rain was stopping soon. The patio is covered and is very cute and has a nice feel to it. I ordered the summer chopped salad with a crab cake. The salad was filled with all super fresh vegetables and the crab cake was delicious! Everyone at the table also enjoyed their meal as well. I would love to come back to try more items on the menu, their pizza in particular. For dessert my brother and I split the peanut butter cup. The ice cream that came with the dessert lacked flavor, but we both enjoyed the peanut butter cup itself. Overall, we had a nice meal and I would recommend giving the Columbus Inn a try! read more

Columbus Inn - Summer Chopped Salad w/ crab cake - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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We arrived early and were seated on the porch which allowed us access to the bar menu ( portions of main menu ) the prices on the bar menu are 60-70 % of the full menu. The bar was absolutely filled as this menu is a bargain. In fact when we arrived at 4:30, there were twenty people ahead of us headed to the bar stools. The service was s bit sketchy as our waiter seemed to want to be somewhere else. The food was great, and one item was charred and sent back to be replaced. Prices are not for the Micky D crowd, more aligned to the Greenville set. read more

Have been coming here for years; however, last night was our last night. As the hostess took us to our table on the covered area outside, my wife missed the step down and fell and rolled her ankle. After being seated, we told our server what happened. We did not want to make a big deal about it and ask for the manager. However, it would have been nice if the hostess or server would have told the manager given that the hostess witnessed the fall and the server was told. If one of them did tell the manager and they still didn't come to the table to check, that's even worse. read more

An excellent restaurant to dine in. It has a wonderful ambience and the food is excellent. The servers and staff are well dressed in uniforms and provide first class service. I dine there on special occasions. read more

I've been a few times now and have always loved my entrees. Highly recommend the short rib and the crab cake scampi! The bread appetizer and the cookie dessert are also top notch. read more

Columbus Inn - Crab Cake Scampi - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

(4) ~ very good dinner overall food & service...although they should offer bread in the beginning;) Note: They do have a parking lot and Street parking is free for (2) hours. DRINKS: ** Water (tap) = (4) very good, must be filtered;) ** Double Espresso = (4) very offering FOOD: ** Seafood Cobb = (4) very good ** Kennett Pizza = (4) very tasty & shareable ** Ode to Charcoal Pit Hot Fudge Sundae = (3.5) good idea, but didn't deliver...ice cream was too hard, the Fudge was not "hot / heated" which would have helped the hard ice cream, and the description said caramel sauce, but none was found... read more

We've gone to Columbus Inn for special occasion dining in the past, but this weekend we finally got around to supporting their COVID-friendly curbside service, which is what this review will focus on. Columbus Inn does offer indoor dining, but I cannot comment on what that looks like as their takeout service is exclusively via curbside pick-up, which is both convenient and brilliant in terms of limiting foot traffic/exposures for the in-person guests. They are also offering delivery through DoorDash. We perused the menu via their "Order Online" button, only to find that their online ordering was not available. We were able to order by phone, which is not a big deal, but a bit misleading. We pulled into our curbside parking spot at 6:20, approx 5 min after the 6:15 time we'd been told. They have a phone number posted (that's different from the main restaurant number!) that you call on arrival and let them know which labeled parking spot you're in. Our food was finally handed to us around 6:30. Our $12 cocktails to-go were both decent pours that had no ice, so there was no risk of being watered down on the journey home. BF got the Autumn Smash, a delightful apple bourbon and apple cider mixture that is distinctly fall-in-a-glass but delicious in January nonetheless. My Tequila Sunset was excellent, and similarly fall themed: tequila, honey simple syrup, apple cider, and lemon. For our meal, we opted to split a pizza, a salad, and some vegetable sides between the two of us. We wound up finishing the salads and sides and saving 1/2 the pizza for the next day's lunch. - The Cherry Pistachio Salad featured dried cherries (soaked in red wine) and fresh burrata over gem lettuce. The salad was yummy, but I don't remember finding any pistachios, and I was a little sad that the burrata was pre-cut --- how much of that creamy deliciousness was left behind on a cutting board? BF loved it, but I'd probably try a different salad next time. - The Kennett Pie is a white pizza that celebrates local Kennett mushrooms, herbed cheese, and goat cheese, accentuated with the sweetness of caramelized onions and the peppery freshness of arugula. A good flavor combo that we enjoyed. - The crispy brussels sprouts are fried and dressed with Caesar dressing, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese --- would order these again and again. - The roasted cauliflower was a little underseasoned on its own, but I enjoyed the added crunch of almonds, sweetness of raisins, and the saltiness of occasional capers. Finally, we finished our night with the PB Cup dessert --- a peanut butter tart with chocolate ganache. It was actually quite sizable and definitely delicious. All in all, this was a great (though pricey) meal that was a nice change-up from the usual takeout staples. read more

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We finally got around to trying the Columbus Inn since it's another place we've seen on multiple Delaware restaurant recommendations, and we probably don't need to go back. At least not on a weekend. It wasn't quite the horrific sensory overload of Bardea, but it was up there. We were seated pretty close to the front and right near the kitchen, and I couldn't hear my bf from across the table. The highlight of the meal was definitely the "dirty" peel and eat shrimp. They were good, I will give them that. The flavor was perfect and the shrimp were not overcooked. I could have eaten two orders of these and been perfectly happy. If we ever do go back I would just go for those. The rest of the food was kind of just meh. We also ordered the brisket fries, margherita pizza, cherry and pistachio salad, and a crab cake sandwich. The fries initially were decent, but when you get down to the middle it was just kind of a sweet mush with bbq sauce and the soggy sweet potato fries. On their own, the fries were good though. The pizza was fine, it had some pesto instead of fresh basil. The dough was interesting, almost tasted fried. It did heat up well for the leftovers. Not bad or anything, just probably wouldn't get it again. Bf had the salad and he finished it, but said it wasn't something he would get again. I think he was expecting more of a crunch from the pistachios, but there wasn't much of one. The real disappointment was definitely with the crab cake sandwich. The crab cake was definitely on the smaller side (especially compared to the huge bun) and bf said it had basically no flavor and when he asked for garlic butter they said they didn't have any and brought out a butter the waiter said they serve with steaks. Bf said it had a relish flavor and he did not use it. Also, the chips that came with the sandwich tasted like they were probably made earlier and tossed back into the oil to heat them up. They had a stale taste and were hard to eat. We did try two of the seasonal drinks and I was a fan of the rum punch since it had a nice tart apple flavor and wasn't overly sweet. The apple spiced margarita was also good. If we were to go back it would be for drinks and the shrimp. read more

We came here on New Year's Eve for a special fixed price menu. The restaurant is in a free standing building along the side of Kennet Pike, very accessible for the whole Wilmington area. The interior is attractive, with a gentile patina of refined aging. There is a large bar on the front side and a dining room toward the back. Feels very clubby and warm. The food was very good. We each chose different items for each course: seafood salad and seared tuna for starters; gnocchi and oysters rockefellar for seconds; and scallops and lamb chops for the main courses. All were very very good. Drinks were also good--rye on the rocks for me and a pink strawberry countreau concoction for my wife. It is traditional, straightforward American cuisine. No ethnic this or fusion that. Next time you want just a simple good meal--go here. I look forward to returning! read more

The food here was DELICIOUS - I couldn't even pick what to get and everything I did get was amazing. The service was great - our waiter was very attentive throughout our entire meal with a large group. It was very cozy in the restaurant and was a truly intimate setting. I love that it's in an old house, it just adds to the feel of it. Highly reccomend. read more

Columbus Inn - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Great happy hour menu, cute ambience on the patio, and attentive service. I'll be back again!

Love this place, the happy hour is short but excellent, and we've loved every bite and drink we've tried! The shrimp cocktail is a standout, as was the steakhouse classic and the short rib. read more

Sorely disappointed in this years' Thanksgiving dinner. Despite asking for downstairs seating and asking for that again when the reservation was confirmed, we were seated upstairs. The tables were like cafeteria seating with folding wooden chairs. The overhead lights were on much too brightly. All food items were bussed from downstairs and many arrived cold and had to be asked for again. The waiters were a bit harried and, thus, inattentive. We were able to get a manager to turn down the lights and to comp a few of our drinks....but, there was none of the warmth nor ambiance that we experienced last year! The food was just okay; whereas, last year it was fabulous. So sad for this experience. read more

Had a birthday dinner here and it was amazing! The event coordinator was very attentive and nice from the start. All members of my party enjoyed their meals, and our waiter was so nice and accommodating. The waiter made sure to listen to each guest. Along with allergies and dietary restrictions, we were all accommodated properly. The menu had a wide variety of options which allowed my guests to feel as though they had multiple choices. They even allowed us to use one of their sparklers in my cake. Overall, the whole experience was great & the room was beautiful. read more

Columbus Inn - Pan Roasted Jail Island Salmon - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

I would like to preface this review by saying that I have NEVER had a bad meal at Columbus Inn and that Columbus is my favorite restaurant! This past Saturday my husband and I went to Columbus Inn around 5:30 in hopes to grab dinner before the rush. We were told by the host that the restaurant was booked with reservations all night. Additionally, all of the high tops at the bar were booked. I am just floored that the restaurant leaves no room for walk-ins of any kind. As someone who has worked in the industry I have never heard of a restaurant that was too busy to allow room for walk ins. (We would have happily waited for a table to become available). I am hopeful that this review will prompt Columbus Inn to save a few slots for walk-in customers. We were sad to be turned away as we were really looking forward to a good dinner. read more

First time at this establishment last week. Came in for dinner. The ambiance in the bar area was nice; wasn't too loud. The food came out in a timely fashion. Everything was tasty. Some of the entrees were a bit pricey but there were other buffet friendly options on the menu. Would come back here again. read more

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I went to the Columbus Inn on Sunday with my family for brunch, and we had a great experience! The food was excellent and the atmosphere was inviting and cozy. Make sure you come hungry because the portions are HUGE! It's like dinner entrees, but for brunch, but luckily I have a big appetite. I want to highlight the french toast because it was my favorite dish (and my dish lol)! Typically, french toast is a little on the heavier side, but this french toast was surprisingly light and the actual bread was very fluffy. The cranberries and strawberries gave it the perfect amount of sweetness, and they were fresh which I love! Overall, it is a little pricey, but the food was great, and I would definitely go again! read more

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Decided to do Sunday brunch and it was a solid okay. There was lots to choose from in the brunch buffet, but nothing blew us away. Everything could have been warmer. We didn't have any cocktails, but the coffee was good. Patio seating was comfortable, and our server was courteous. Prolly won't rush to go back given the price point, enjoyable once. read more

The food at this restaurant was amazing. Very well prepared and very tasty. Everything was prepared with great detail and amazing taste. It was so good. I can't understand why there are any reviews with less than five stars. The interior of the restaurant is very inviting and friendly. It was well decorated for the holidays. Staff was friendly. Our waitress was amazing. we sat out on the patio in a corner space which had a little bit of track, but it was not uncomfortable. They kept the heat up pretty well. Call take this trash to the trashcan. Please take the trash to the trashcan. I'm gonna get to the trashcan and call read more

Food was amazing But due to freezing conditions the food got cold very fast. unfortunately everything else got worse and worse. We got seated 15mins after our reservation. Got appetizer 1 hour after our reservation. Service took soooo long. We tried to be patient but the heater kept turning off- we froze the last 2 hours. It was a painful Thanksgiving meal. Next year we need to kind a new place. Our waitress was very nice. She just needed lots of help. Also they took 25 to bring my husband a seat. if my 80 year old father in law gets sick due to the freezing conditions we know who to blame! read more

Columbus Inn - Yummy food Freezing conditions! - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

My wife and I went here because it's my wife's favorite restaurant. We drove from NJ to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Food was good. The place was somewhat bare due to COVID, so the atmosphere was a tad stale. But, what reduced the experience to mediocre and disappointing was she bar service. I ordered an old fashioned - one of their "signature" drinks - but what I received resembled and tasted like a diluted Shirley Temple. The glass was filled with ice and there was merely a hint of bourbon. It was awful - worst "old fashioned" ever made. I kindly asked the server to have the bartender make a new one. He returned minutes late with two glasses - one with my previous diluted drink strained without ice, and another full of ice with remnants of the first drink - they didn't even bother to make me a fresh drink! If that wasn't bad enough, I left both glasses untouched during our entire meal - and our server didn't bother to ask me how the "new" drink was, or notice I hadn't drank it. At the end of our meal, I asked the server to remove the drink from our bill, which he obliged. The kicker? When I reviewed the charges, I saw they had charged me for TWO drinks with a description of the second charge being "bar waste." Um, maybe this place should change the name of the drink to this instead. Needless to say, I won't be coming back. It's a real shame to write a review like this given the state of things today and limitations on dining capacity. You'd think these places would strive to provide premium service.Short Ribs read more

Columbus Inn - Charged for "bar waste" after politely informing server the drink was watered down and was not what I ordered. - New American Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware