Super awesome place where you can tell that the people behind this brand are pouring their love, energy, and time into this lovely place. It is in an old movie theater. There's parking on the side, as well as on street parking. They have a terrific outdoor area where great attention was given to making it a cool environment and comfortable to sit in. There's also an indoor area with plenary of seating, and a bar. Service was absolutely fantastic. Shoutout to Shannon behind the bar where we sat. Very comfortable bar and super friendly atmosphere. Shannon was lovely and you can tell that she really likes her job. This must be a great place to work. The drink menu is amazing and very creative as far as cocktails. Think elevated drinks and they all feature their in house spirits. Super tasty drinks. We had the whiskey margarita - highly recommend, a Manhattan (delicious), a Lemon Drop Martini (fantastic), and their special drinks from Kelly who won the bartender contest with her great flavor profiles! Part of the proceeds went to Delaware Child Abuse Foundation. Not only tasty, but also for a special cause. There is a taco truck out back that you can order from. Great food there too! All around an amazing place! Well worth going out of your way! Would come again. They even sell their own spirits, as well as merch. Get here and spread the word! Super delicious and great vibes! read more

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Great little place in the middle of Smyrna. Friendly and welcoming bartenders that are also good at creating very nice cocktails. Prices are very reasonable and there is also a food truck on site that offers very good Mexican. Great place to meet up with friends or on own. Would recommend a vi read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Cocktail @ the Stave - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

Great stop after the DE Renaissance Faire only 25 min away to be transported from the medival times to prohibition times. Regardless of the era you are in you'll find great drinks locally in Smyrna. Getting a flight allowed me to enjoy their selection and with a bottle purchase its waived. My friend and I enjoy a good gin here and there so I already knew I'd take that home. The service and atmosphere is calm, chill and just bringing people together to enjoy some drinks with good conversation. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

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A nice local distillery in Smyrna, and I should have probably reviewed before. It can get very busy, but service here is always good. They can quickly reconfigure tables and seats for various sized parties. Their spirits are very good, and the various beverages are all delicious. I've enjoyed a number of the cocktails and have not been disappointed. Even the selection of nonalcoholic beverages is pretty good. read more

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Just had some amazing fall drinks at Painted Stave Distilling . The fall Menu was great. We love this place usually and come here all the time with our friends. Unfortunately the service tonight was super slow and we had to collect some of our own drinks from the bar after waiting a long time. Which is fine as things happen. The most upsetting part was that I was told before we left for the night after we paid our bill that I couldn't use their bathrooms because they were already cleaned for the night. I told the server that she needed to open them because I was still here as a customer and she reluctantly did because they had already been bleached and cleaned for thr night. I reassured her that I would not make a mess. I went to complain to the manager for the night who was blatantly unapologetic and disinterested in what I had to say. She was super dismissive of anything I had to say about the service or the batbrooms. Disappointing in one of our favorite hangout spots where we have spent a lot of money and somewhere where we have praised and recommended repeatedly to friends. Beware of having fun and hanging here at last call at 8:30pm on a Friday night and having to use the bathroom before you hit the road. read more

Grabbed an after dinner cocktail with my friend and was so pleasantly surprised. Modern, stylish, comfortable and delicious drinks! Variety of seating options -- high tops, bar, table, couch and chairs (so comfy) and outdoor seating. Parking wasn't plentiful in the attached parking lot, but street parking was relatively easy to find. There's a food truck called Jardín Tacos which has tasty bites you can bring inside! Service was prompt and polite. Would totally return and bring back other friends and family members. read more

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We came here for celebratory birthday drinks for a friend and had a wonderful time! This place is so cool with lots of art pieces adorning the walls and plenty of comfortable seating available. The drinks were delicious and we were all incredibly happy with all of them. There was also a Mexican food truck outside that had very tasty options, particularly the nachos and walking tacos. We can't wait to come back here and try a cocktail making class that they offer! read more

Great drinks, awesome staff, cool events and a really good food truck out back. They also have mocktails and a few local beers for anyone wanting something a little different. Tacos and cocktails: What more can you ask for? read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Cocktail flight - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

When we arrived at the Painted Stave it was closed -- even though I'm SURE their web site said they would be open at the hour we arrived -- but it turned out for the best as we found another local establishment that we would not have otherwise had the pleasure of visiting (Note: In their defense, the Painted Stave web site does say that their hours are subject to change). After sampling the wares at the brewery we decided to check in again at the distillery. And I'm glad we did. It was open and we got to enjoy a superb cocktail and sample several of their liquors. We decided to try their Manhattans made with Painted Stave Diamond State Straight Bourbon Whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, garnished with a Luxardo cherry. It was among the best Manhattans I ever tasted. After we finished our drinks we sampled several other products. I am a gin fanatic so of course I had to try their Candy Manor Gin. I found it to be a very smooth gin yet at the same time a complex mix of herbals stimulated my tasted buds. I bought a bottle and am looking forward to some tasty martinis this summer. I am also a huge fan of Tirolian and Bavarian style schnapps (which, unfortunately, are nearly impossible to find in the USA -- but, fortunately, I have good friends in Austria who keep me supplied!). So, when I saw that the Painted Stave made Bierschnaps (a traditional German schnapps distilled from Oktoberfest style beer) I had to give it a try. One sip instantly transported me back to the old country. Though it was obviously distilled from beer (unlike Tirolian schnapps which are fruit based) it was clearly a Tirolian/Bavarian style schapps. And of course I bought a bottle of Bierschnapps to take home too. We visited other distilleries and some breweries on our journey from Wisconsin to Delaware to Maine and back to Wisconsin. The Painted Stave was one of the best and I highly recommend it. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - An excellent Manhattan! - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

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So awesome!!!! I don't know where to start. The drinks, the chips, the people - all of it was wonderful. Upon arriving there's a little parking lot next door so we didn't have to use street parking. We sat inside and the decorations are textile art from local artists! It's also for sale. I loved that there were non alcoholic beverage options. The Down in Georgia was the perfect drink to cool me off on a hot day. The taco truck was a nice touch! We got chips and guac which were average but I'm glad they had it as a gluten free option. They were out of stock on many items on their menu which made it difficult to order. It was surprising because we visited at 4 pm on a Saturday. Some of my friends got the steak and mango tacos which they loved! They have very few gluten free and pescatarian options. I asked about the tofu tacos but the tofu was dipped in a batter with gluten. I didn't come here for the food and I wasn't hungry so I wasn't that disappointed. However, next time I go I won't plan to eat here. read more

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What a great place and a fantastic conversion of the old Smyrna movie theater! The owners and staff are passionate about their spirits and they have a great menu of cocktails. Only in Delaware can you get Scrapple Vodka, which was smooth as silk straight up and supposedly wonderful when making a Bloody Mary. Highly recommended! read more

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This is the best place that's out of place. This needs to be fixed in center city Philadelphia. The atmosphere and the drinks are on point. Love the bar tenders they know their craft. The is in the middle of Delaware, Smyrna to be exact and stopping bye will not disappoint. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Drinks - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

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Loved that this distillery offered cocktails! Not all distilleries do. Very tasty. Loved the flight options. I will definitely return to try more. read more

Love this place! Bar has never been too busy to get the service you want. Their classes and matching services is excellent.

Not a great variety of drinks. Our drinks actually were made wrong. They remade them but they still didn't taste great. Small area to sit and enjoy a drink. Only ok. read more

The Painted Stave is not your typical locally sourced manufacturer (brewer, distiller) of fine spirits. It certainly meets all the highlights of the typical and goes beyond them. For just $10 each, we were able to get the full tasting, a mixed cocktail, and the tour. While the operation is small, the tour provides awesome insights into both their history and the sites history. I mean, hearing about the sites colorful history, from its beginning as a single screen movie theater to today alone is worth the investment of your time. As for everything else, Painted Stave currently has two products: Silver Screen vodka and Candy Manor gin. Honestly I am not a gin fan but still go into Candy Manor. As for Silver Screen, it made their Moscow Mule perfect. Looking for a reason to visit? Hint - this place makes a great birthday venue - everyone gets a drink (or two or three), there is space to relax and check out the Stave art, and the tour might have you leave learning a thing or two. Enjoy! read more

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We stopped by on Saturday afternoon. The one of the owners, Ron was nice enough to give us a quick tour. The space is amazing. It's an old converted movie theater. Props for preserving something so cool. It's a great spot for events-weddings etc. Cocktails were tasty and they now have beer and wine. Bartender very nice and friendly. Owners are politically active and are trying to revitalize the town. It's a great start. Best of luck. If I lived in Delaware I'd keep it on my regular rotation. read more

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We absolutely love this place!! They make the best drinks. They also have drag bingo nights and cocktail classes; worth every cent you spend here no matter what you're ordering or doing. read more

My hubby and I love visiting Painted Stave. We love the seasonal drinks they offer and enjoy a flight to try something new. They have taco jardin food truck for food offerings. That has been ok. You might want something more substantial but the food is good. We can't wait to try one of the pairings they offer. read more

Great drinks and awesome bartender. Definitely would come back again. Apple driver and Buttered Pecan Old Fashioned are ridiculously good. Coming back again on the near future. read more

This is one of my favorite places to visit in the area.....WHY you ask? This is not your typical tour!!!! One of the owners does the walking tour and he is extremely knowledgeable. He walks you through the whole process. The other owner handles the tasting portion of the tour. Again, knowledgeable and highly intellectual. He assist you in understanding your taste buds. This is the OBLY distillery in the area and I am proud that they are here in Delaware!!!! So many quality products. I highly recommend for so many reasons!!! read more

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This place is everything and more for an alcohol connoisseur like myself. The only reason i'm giving 4 stars is because they didn't have their own appetizers/food. if you're wondering if i had the taco truck in their courtyard the answer is yes. The issue is that with the alcohol they were serving, did not pair well with the taco truck provided on-sight. I mean all of this in the best way possible as I love painted stave and will keep supporting them without a doubt. If they can bring appetizers to the table this place is 5 stars without a question. read more

RJ brought me here for the tasting and tour. This place is a vodka lovers dream, it's like being in vodka heaven. RJ said we should get married here, and that is saying something!! The tour starts with a delicious cocktail that you can bring with you. Mike the owner took us around the stills and explained the entire process. He said it's not rocket science, they make moonshine in the woods. The process is fascinating, but it does seem like rocket science to me. It is just mind blowing to me how those funky machines end up with vodka, or whatever it is they are brewing that day. He has the best job on the planet. I definitely want to sign up for the bottling gig. After the tour, we did a tasting. As much as I love vodka, I don't drink it straight. So the tasting was a little difficult, but he explained how to smell it and swish it to get the full flavor. Painted Stave's flavors are so unique. I am not a fan of whisky but I told him it was better than Jack Daniels and he said he'll take that, and that I just don't know I am a fan of whisky yet. The scrapple vodka and candy manor gin were phenomenal. At the end of the tour you get a bottle of vodka, and we purchased another $120 worth of liquor and honey. This was a super fun event. read more

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Our experience was very pleasant! Our tour guides were great and very informative! We taste tested a few after the knowledge they informed us with and enjoyed them. Have bought Hoof after our tour! I would highly recommend Painted Stave!! read more

I've been to painted stave multiple times and it's a great and fun environment overall ! It's a great late night hang out spot and it's very cozy and homey inside. The waitresses and bartenders are very kind and love what they do. Highly recommend this place ! read more

Great distillery with a wide variety. The two year old bourbon was acceptable. I did not do the tour, we ran out of time. But the 'old fashion' I had was good. They also have gin, three vodkas, and something I am forgetting! The bar and social areas are very spacious and we were welcomed and given explanations of the offerings. We were also lucky that a food truck was parked outside in the parking lot. The do events here as well, way cool. I want to go back for the official tastings! read more

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Love this place! I've been a few times and will continue to come back. The drinks are delicious and the service is great. I highly recommend this place if you are in Delaware for a get together, date night or fun event. read more

I've been to this place several times, and it always gets better! The tour and tasting is a fantastic deal (you get a cocktail to take on the tour, and after you can taste several of their products), and you can learn a lot about the history of the distillery and the entire process. I've done the tour several times, and I've learned something new every time. Very informative, and the booze is fantastic as well! They have vodka, gin, and several whiskeys. It's also awesome how they work with other local businesses. The owners and bartenders are fantastic as well - it's nice to see that they genuinely want to make your experience memorable. I look forward to future visits! read more

Painted Stave Distilling - I can't remember what this drink was, but it was on their summer menu...and all I know is that it was delicious! - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

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Made reservations during Covid, socially distanced seating. Awesome taco truck for a quick meal and even better drinks!

Drinks? Amazing. Bartenders? Spot on. Venue? Full of cool stuff to check out. Atmosphere? (Screeching tires...) If you are looking for a place to go in the evening to enjoy an adult beverage with fellow adults on a weekend evening, this may not be the place to go. To say I was surprised to find children running around a distillery is an understatement. Please keep in mind there were no tours happening, nor was there an "event" taking place where one would expect to see families. (And to add to it, these kids were running all over the place unchecked by staff or parents.) This is a venue that offers alcohol, and NOTHING else. When I asked for a non alcoholic beverage I was offered water, club soda, or Sprite (which I was informed was all they had as they used these for mixers.) Food was a food truck (kudos to them for the amazing pizza!) For a place that essentially serves as a bar for their own product, friendly, not "family friendly" (as one staff member put it) is what I'm looking for. read more

Congrats on Gold Medal for Silver Screen Vodka!! Wonderful tasting room with swag and collectable whiskey sniffing glasses. I'm partial to the Old Cooch Corn Whiskey. Appreciate the nod to 18th century Delaware history. The South River (white) gin has strong juniper notes and lasting finish and blended well with bitters. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

I was traveling to Delaware to visit a friend for her birthday and I was looking for some activities in the area. I turned to groupon and found a tour and tasting for 2 with a bottle to take home for only $24! Perfect!! Tours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at already set times just check the website. It was just two of us so we didn't have to make an appointment, we just went for the 6pm Friday tour. There were four other people there for the 6pm tour as well so it ended up being a group of 6. We first ordered a cocktail each from the menu and then began the tour. I ordered the Lemon Drop with the orange flower water...Amazing! The tour began with history of the building and how they ended up picking that location. After that, we went into the distillery where they actually make the spirits from the grain to the liquid that goes into the bottles we drink. Very extensive and interesting process, and very interesting machinery. They make their own vodka, gin, and whiskey. There are two owners. The one that presented the tour is a great speaker and answered any questions that we had. He is very informative of the whole process from scratch and it was such a great a learning experience. We headed back to the bar because the tour ends with a tasting of every single spirit they make. Ooooo yeeeeaaaa. He even shared an experiment with us...Gin that was aged in a red wine barrel, and a white wine barrel. Before we left, we chose our take home bottle. We had a great time and I highly recommend their tour and tasting. I also think it's great that they have bottling parties. You can volunteer to bottle and label their spirits while they provide drinks and food. If I lived near the area, I would definitely attend. read more

What an awesome place. The co owner was knowledgable beyond expectation and his spirits were very unique. I tried- The scrapple vodka was really good and would make a good bloody mary. The gins were all unique and strayed slightly far from the traditional. Very good. The vodkas were tolerable and didnt remind you of isopropyl like most do. The espresso vodka was very good in that it did not take the typical flavored vodka route and add a ton of sugar to make it appealing. They kept it simple, making it very versatile in its applications. The barley whisky was my favorite, hands down. It was an Irish type whisky without the heavy earthy taste. They're introducing a bourbon soon and we'll be back to try it. read more

We stopped on our way to rehoboth beach to do a spurits tasting. $5 to try 5 of their spirits. The staff was very knowledgeable. They give you the run down of all their spirits (including any test run bottles they have around) and then let you pick what you want to try. He then arranged them in the best tasting order and walked you through the tasting. I'm not normally a gin fan but their Candy Manor features lavender over juniper and it was excellent. The espresso vodka also had a very smooyh flavor and strong coffee aroma. The scrapple vodka is worth a try ;) read more

Located in downtown Smyrna, DE this building used to be an old movie theatre. Inside is a beautiful bar, art gallery, and the distillery. The owners are so nice and the tour I took is very informative! Definitely go on a tour! Only 10 dollars plus you get a free cocktail and get to taste all the alcohol they distill! read more

Painted Stave Distilling - The first legal aged whiskey released in delaware in over 100 years! - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

I came here with a groupon deal and it was awesome. The owners are really personable and when you go on the tour, really add humor to their knowledge and explain the process. I love the idea that they have local artists paint staves from barrels and auction them off to raise money for charity. When you come for the tour, you get a delicious cocktail to relax with and then go for a tour and finally a tasting. They have really nice event space, and I love that they kept the heritage of the building. Apparently, the building was once a movie theater, and the owners found the old wall sconces and have them mounted up and working. The ceiling is also the original painted ceiling. It's an awesome building filled with a history that you get a taste of during your tour. The tasting is great too, they know what they are doing when it comes to their booze. I also like how they have a focus on certain things. Sometimes, less is more and I often find that a place that has a focus and then a few other items to play with are much better than a place with 20+ options that are only okay. The painted Stave is a spot with a few things that they do really well with and then experiment! They do really well with their mainstays. They have their regular items (such as espresso vodka, gin, scrapple vodka, vodka, whiskey and some other items) but they also experiment with things that they don't normally sell to see how they turn out, and allow those experiments for tasting and sell them as well. My parents and I both ended up going home with the Espresso Vodka. If you happen to be in the area, check these guys out! It is a fun activity and certainly worth coming here for a few hours to learn and taste! read more

Love the atmosphere! Great tour, Great tasting, and GREAT cocktails! Really enjoyed knowing the history of the building and it seems like the owners are really excited about their product, which makes the customers excited! Easy to get to, ample parking, and friendly staff. All the cocktails that I tried (The BS and Blood Orange Screwdriver were awesome) were great. Reasonable prices also! Great place for a happy hour. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - The different types of vodka! - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

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Took the tour there. We walked in and got a cocktail which was absolutely delightful. Gin and tonic was delicious. They make their own tonic. The tour is very informative. And the tasting was a blast, he definitely knew his stuff. We are already planning our next trip down there. read more

I've been here for a couple of their bottling parties and always had a great time. Their drink creations are absolutely amazing. I love the Candy Manor Gin. Plus the owners are super friendly. Very cool place. read more

Painted Stave Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - Smyrna, Delaware

Great cocktails! This was worth the drive from Newark. They get both the classic cocktails (great old fashioned) and the fun seasonal offerings right. Very cool decor and welcoming staff as well. We will be back! read more