Hello dear
Welcome To Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant
Welcome to Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant, where history meets hearty cuisine. Nestled in the charming town of New Castle, Delaware, this eatery transports you back to the Colonial era with its enchanting decor and traditional fare. Guests rave about the inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and a remarkable selection of over 300 beers. Signature dishes like the chicken pot pie and shepherd's pie leave diners satisfied, while the decadent desserts beckon for a second round. At Jessop's, every meal promises a taste of nostalgia, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike.
About
Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant
Welcome to Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant, a culinary gem nestled in the historic town of New Castle, Delaware. Located at 114 Delaware St, this charming establishment captures the essence of colonial-era dining while offering a contemporary twist that is sure to captivate both locals and visitors alike.
As you step inside, you'll be transported back in time with the tavern's enchanting decor reminiscent of a bygone era. The ambiance is cozy, featuring candlelit tables and wooden beams that create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to romantic evenings. The old-fashioned vibe pairs seamlessly with a menu that boasts traditional fare where every dish tells a story.
One of the highlights of Jessop's is its extensive menu. Begin your culinary adventure with the signature Jessop's Tavern Crab Dip, a delightful concoction of freshly caught crab enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, beautifully served in a baked sourdough bread bowl. For those with a penchant for seafood, the Steamboat Shrimp—one pound of freshly steamed peel-and-eat shrimp—is an absolute must-try and pairs beautifully with their craft draught selection.
Speaking of drinks, Jessop's prides itself on its impressive lineup of craft drafts, including the unique Brambleberry Ale, a locally made blackberry ale that's perfect for those looking to indulge in something truly special. With options like Guinness Stout and a rotating selection of seasonal brews, beer enthusiasts will find much to love here.
As you proceed to your main course, you can't go wrong with traditional dishes like the Beef and Beer Pot Pie, rich with tender beef and vegetables enveloped in a golden, flaky crust. Meanwhile, the Fricken Chicassee offers a fun culinary experience with flavorful chicken and fresh sides that will have you savoring every bite. The portions are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied.
No meal at Jessop's would be complete without dessert. Treat yourself to the Cobblestone Cobbler, a warm peach cobbler served straight from the colonial oven and accompanied by a scoop of old-fashioned vanilla ice cream. Each bite is an indulgent experience that transports you back to simpler times.
The staff at Jessop's Tavern plays a vital role in the dining experience, as many patrons have noted their attentiveness and knowledge of the menu. The friendly bartenders are eager to recommend the perfect drink pairing or classic cocktails, further enhancing your visit.
In summary, Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination that promises an unforgettable dining journey through history. With its welcoming atmosphere, mouthwatering dishes, and exceptional service, it stands out as a beloved local treasure. Whether you're a resident or just passing through New Castle, make sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ We stopped on a whim on Valentine’s Day and sat at the bar. I didn’t get the name of the bar tender but he was so good and efficient and great service. Ordered chicken pot pie which bar tender recommended over lobster or crab, which I appreciate, and my hubby got the meatloaf. The portions were large and the book of beer was impressive 300 pages! I wanted a citrusy beer and bartender recommended a new beer that just came in, Citra Splendor 8.3%, it was great! Loved the colonial atmosphere and good food and great service! And oh the bread and the fruit flavored butter was so good too! ”
“ Jessops tavern is a great blast into a distant past. It has the decor you’d see in a fantasy movie or a tv show about America in the colonial days. It has a large beer selection that doesn’t include the usual Bud, Coors, Heineken etc but of foreign beers they would’ve drank back then. Drink specials are nice as well. The ambience and food is what makes this place truly special. Candle lit dinner, traditional English fare ( fish n chips, shepherds pie). Truly an experience. ”
“ We had a wonderful evening at Jessop's. All of the staff was super friendly. The atmosphere was a perfect blend of old timey and updated. The beer list was out of this world, and the food was so delicious I could barely walk to my car after stuffing myself. Save room for dessert!!! We will be back! I tasted 6 different beer selections but the Gouden Carolus Imperial Dark Quad blew my socks off. It had a subtle under note of sour similar to a Flemish red, a sweet taste similar to a 20 year tawny port wine, and a thick body similar to Guinness. If I lived closer this place would become a regular spot, maybe in a dangerous way. We started with bread, crab dip, and fried pickles. It disappeared so fast I didn't get photos. The bread was tasty and chewy with dried dill mixed in. Crab dip was a hot creamy dip with plenty of crab and served in a bread bowl. Again the bread was fantastic! The fried pickle special came with a lightly spicy sauce which reminded me of a chipotle aioli. The breading on the pickles was thick and crunchy. Unlike any other fried pickles I've had. The crunch really was perfect. For the main courses we all took our servers recommendations and wow was it good. The fish and chips were made with exceptionally fresh, high quality cod. It was flakey and moist. It had a thick well seasoned breading on it which everyone else loved. I found it to be a little too much. The chips were thick cut potatoes spears with a sprinkle of sea salt and herbs. I went with the Beef and Beer pot pie. It came out piping hot with a flakey golden crust. When I broke it open the inside had a rich beefy gravy with chunks of beef and vegetables. This isn't something I would normally order, but I'm sure glad I did. My daughter ordered the open faced grilled cheese sandwich with fries. It was made with three cheeses on big slices of bread. My wife got the Fricken Chicassee which was fun to say and even more fun to steal bites of. It came with fresh cooked green beans and wild rice. Usually things like this aren't something to get at a restaurant and I was pleasantly surprised with them both. The chicken was moist and savory. I'm not a fan of mushrooms, but I could have licked the plate clean. Each bite was filled with an almost overwhelming experience. The sauce was well developed and had such a depth of flavor that it really stole the show. Desserts were peach cobbler and a few bowls of ice cream. The ice cream is top notch, very thick and creamy. It's exactly what you want with I've cream. The flavor selection was also quite unique with limgon berry and peach lambic being my two choices, and the vanilla was pure and stood on its own. If I hadn't been so full I could have eaten the cobbler by myself. It came out hot with the ice cream just starting to melt. The breading was sweet and spongey; covered with sweet sticky peaches. ”
“ Stepping into here, it felt like we were stepping back through time. Colonial Era tavern complete with appropriate Colonial Era tavern fare, atmosphere, and ambiance. And it's located in a small historic town. The menu has so many tempting choices, but we eventually went with the Shepherd's pie and fricken chicassee for our main courses, and the "Smorgas-Bord" and seafarer's chowder as starters. Everything was excellent. The drink menu is huge, but mostly beers, ciders, and wine, not many cocktails (although the well-stocked bar looks like they could handle making just about anything). The old-fashioned is one of the best I've ever had. We had the cobblestone cobbler for dessert and left happy, full, and wanting to come back again soon. For a Thursday night, this place was packed. I would recommend reservations. ”
“ Wonderful tavern with an incredible selection of beers from Belgium and around the world. I sampled a fair amount of incredible tasting beers you won’t find anywhere else. The staff members, dining room, location, food menu, everything is 10/10. I went for lunch two days in a row and If your traveling to the area or a local who wants to feel like they are not at the same traditional place check out Jessop’s. ”
“ My fiance and I stopped here to grab some drinks, and we were so enthralled by the menu selections and atmosphere that we had to try out something food-related as well. We ended up getting the smorgasboard (spelled differently on the menu), and it was delicious (I attached a photo to this review of it). We even got to try lingonberries for the first time! It's basically a Swedish sweet cranberry, and I had never heard of them before. I'm bummed that we didn't order any other food, but we had eaten an hour prior to arriving in New Castle; we definitely would have saved our appetites to try out a meal at Jessop's. The drinks were top notch (my fiance and I ordered mixed drinks). Plus, they have a vast beer menu, and packs to-go! The interior was also so cool and unique. I love a good ole pub or tavern, but Jessop's is by far the most authentic tavern I've ever had the pleasure of dining in; this is definitely because of the history of the building and town that Jessop's is in. If you're in the area, absolutely check this place out. Clearly, there's a reason they've been in business for a long time. ”
“ Easily my favorite restaurant in Delaware. Food is amazing, beer list is expansive and unique. Definitely make a reservation as it does fill up even at off hours. ”
“ Food is always excellent, never have gone away hungry, waitress Sarah is awesome!Photos are Shepards Pie, Spinach Salad with bacon shallots dressing and Sweet Potatoes Fries. ”