1861 Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar

As a local I typically LOVE 1861, and decided to pick here for monthly date night with my boyfriend, who was a first timer. The restaurant called to change our reservation because they accidentally booked over a catered event, we were promised a free round of drinks for the inconvenience, but this promise was not fulfilled. The atmosphere is typically perfect and romantic, but that was ruined by the catered event. The staff had no idea what drinks or what food belonged to which table, which was very chaotic. People with reservations were all packed together in the bar area like sardines. I’m not sure why reservations were taken if they couldn’t accommodate. The food is great, but the dining experience was subpar compared to how it typically is at 1861.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Wonderful experience, from the time you walk into the elegant speakeasy, to the excellent food, and friendly service. We had a great time and will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This restaurant in Middletown was one of our favorites, which is saying a lot considering the town’s abundance of dining options. While the prices were a bit steep, the food was fresh and made with high-quality ingredients. The creative menu offered a delightful dining experience, but some dishes fell flat. For instance, the fried chicken Benedict was a disappointment. Instead of bone-in chicken pieces, it came with tender chicken atop two extremely dry biscuits. Additionally, the fried deviled eggs we had last time were rubbery and lacked flavor.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Favorite restaurant ever

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We recently had dinner here. The food was excellent but the service was slow and we missed our usual server Murphy who was off. Murphy is awesome and her customer service is impeccable. The owner was gracious enough to reach out to me personally to explain that the oven was not working properly that evening. That was the reason for the long wait time for food. Everyone here generally cares about the customer and goes to great lengths to make sure you’re taken care of. Despite the oven setback the food was still good and the drinks as well.

Visited for the first time food was delicious and hot, drinks were amazing. Atmosphere is very intimate.. music was at an appropriate level and appropriate

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was date night for me and my wife. First time at 1861, the food was excellent and service was as well. We will definitely go back soon

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place used to be great but now i know why they no longer show the menu on their website. I guess its great if you like the worst types of fish. Aka catfish. I walked out.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Really cute place to hang out with friends. The staff are nice and the food and drinks were great. Go early the parking is very limited. Add 1861 to your must go to spot list in Delaware.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was very tasty! But despite having high chairs and booster seats this isn’t a very kid friendly place. So if you are bringing children be mindful there are no changing tables and bring your kids sippy cups. The atmosphere was definitely chill though. This place goes down some stairs not wheelchair accessible. And the parking lot is small so come a few minutes early. Very accommodating with choosing our seating but the booth we had had a ripped and stained couch.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Great service and food

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

My brother had our party catered by you guys and the food was amazing. From the shrimp and grits to the jerk short ribs. Can't wait to bring my family here to experience the food at the restaurant. Top tier

Food: 5

Celebrated our 25th year in Sigma this homecoming. Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar ‘s catering was spectacular. The shrimp and grits was the truth!!!!!! Great food and thank you!!!!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bourbon Peach Cobbler Waffle, Shrimp \u0026 Grits, Jerk Short Ribs \u0026 Grits

1861 is incredible. They were the food selection of choice this past weekend for my HBCU homecoming and I was impressed.