Good Brews
So you want to spend a whole weekend tasting your way through the microbreweries and taprooms of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley? Hey, we won’t judge. And there’s certainly plenty of choices to keep you happily occupied.
Delaware’s craft beer scene traces its origins to the renowned Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Southern Delaware, but you don’t have to venture that far for a taste of delicious First State brews.
We suggest you start your day with a trip to Historic New Castle, where Jessop’s Tavern draws visitors not just with its colonial atmosphere and satisfying English and Swedish cuisine, but also with the state’s most extensive lineup of Belgian beers.
In this Itinerary
Jessop's Tavern and Colonial Restaurant
- 114 Delaware St.
Serving American, English and Swedish fare in a cozy 1724 pub in the…
Constitution Yards Beer Garden
- 308 Justison St.
A seasonal beer garden featuring 30,000 sq. ft of outdoor space at…
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Wilmington Riverfront
- 710 Justison St.
Award-winning brewpub featuring New American cuisine in a casual, fun…
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Newark
- 147 E. Main St.
You'll find fresh handcrafted beers, creative yet informal New American…
Autumn Arch Beer Project
- 810 Pencader Dr
Autumn Arch Beer Project is a local small-batch, experimental brewery…
Wilmington Brew Works
- 3129 Miller Rd.
Wilmington Brew Works is the only production brewery in Delaware’s…
Bellefonte Brewing Company
- 3605 Old Capitol Trail
Nano brewery and tap room offering over 14 local brews. From Belgian…
Dew Point Brewing Company
- 2878 Creek Rd.
Our tasting room is located on the second floor of our brew house, come…
During the summer months, spend a happy hour (or two, or three) at the Wilmington Riverfront, where the Constitution Yards Beer Garden serves up not just an ever-changing rotation of craft beers, but a fun lineup of backyard games like corn hole, bocce and oversized Jenga.
Constitution Yards serves plenty of satisfying food options, but if you’re ready for a change of scenery, head on down the street to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, an award-winning brewpub known for its delicious, filling cuisine. (If you want to complete the set, stop by Iron Hill’s original Newark location as well. And, while you’re in Newark, make time to visit Autumn Arch Beer Project. This small-batch brewery specializes in the deep flavor profiles and edgy bitterness associated with IPAs and stouts.)
More to Explore
Historic New Castle
- GPS Coordinates: 50 Market Street
This charming Colonial town is steeped in history. Enjoy fine restaurants, fabulous museums and quaint shops. Stroll along the Delaware River.
Riverfront Wilmington
- 815 Justison St.
Riverfront Wilmington combines a rich history with a host of attractions that bring great food, entertainment and shopping to the city. Our Riverwalk stretches from…
There are plenty of options in around Wilmington to fill a second day of exploration too: The city’s only production brewery, Wilmington Brew Works, is located in a former laboratory building and keeps the building’s origins alive with innovative flavor profiles.
Bellefonte Brewing Company, with two locations around Greater Wilmington, appeals with its locally inspired brews (like the Orange St. Ale) and fun labels. (Google “Claymonster Ale” and you’ll see what we mean.)
Finally, head north to Dew Point Brewing Company, located in an old snuff mill in Yorklyn, Delaware. Dew Point’s Belgian-inspired beer and family-friendly atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind, catch up with friends and close out an amazing weekend spent in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley.
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