6 Best Cocktail Bars near Delaware

“🌹 Rosebuds in Delaware, Ohio – A Hidden Gem That Delighted Me Beyond My Wildest Dreams! 🌹 ⭐️ 9.2/10 If you’re looking for a dining experience that feels like a hug from your grandmother mixed with the elegance of European-style pacing and service, Rosebuds is your next stop. This charming little spot took me by surprise—from the nostalgia of vintage Pfaltzgraff dishes and familiar silverware patterns, to an eclectic menu full of global inspiration. Italian, Greek, American classics, Nashville hot chicken, fresh Maine-style lobster rolls, and a cheeseburger that could hold its own in any high-end bistro. Here’s what we tried: 🍽 Whipped Feta Dip – Creamy, dreamy , and so flavorful. We ran out of veggies before we ran out of dip, but the incredible staff noticed and brought more without us even asking. THAT is service. 🍽 Chicken Parmesan – Fresh pasta and a spicy vodka sauce that was plated beautifully with fresh basil you tear at the table (very European). A few bites of the chicken were tough and should have been trimmed, but overall the dish was still delicious. 🍽 Nashville Hot Chicken – Crispy, zingy, and on par with what you’d find in Tennessee. They even accommodated my cabbage allergy by putting the slaw on the side—love that flexibility! 🍽 Lobster Roll – Small, yes, but packed with flavor. I could have used a bit more butter and lemon, but it still brought me right back to a beach trip in Maine. 🍽 Lemon Pepper Steak – I was skeptical… now I’m a believer. Each bite had us literally oohing and aahing. So well done! 🍽 The Cheeseburger – Melted white cheese in all its ooey-gooey glory. A showstopper. Seriously, this might set a new bar for burgers. 💫 The cocktails? Expertly crafted. Whether you’re kicking off your evening or winding it down, the drink menu delivers. Most importantly—the pacing and service were flawless. It reminded me of dining in Europe, where you’re not rushed, your meal unfolds intentionally, and the experience matters just as much as the food. It’s something I’ve really missed in the local dining scene lately, and Rosebuds got it 100% right. 🚨 One heads up: the restaurant wasn’t open when I stopped by on a Thursday, so it’s best to check ahead. Also, while the food is divine, a couple of dishes felt slightly overpriced for their portion sizes—especially when listed as “big plates.” But that intimacy, that charm, and that level of service? It made it all worth it. We’ve now been three times—and I can honestly say this place is delightful and charming.“

“Came here to Delaware for a chill night with some drinks, found a fun little dive bar! Close to a OWU so watch out for college kids on the weekends, but still not a bad vibe at all.

CHEAP and Yummy drinks! (They pour decent here!) Not too much to do unless they are hosting an event like karaoke. Really just a good spot to chat and drink! They do have a touch-tunes! (Everyone can pay to queue up music!)

Bringing my friend here for her 21st ;)“

“Hands down my family’s favorite place to eat when we go out. The crust and bread is to die for and the staff can’t be beat! Moe, Syd, Des, and G make you feel like family and the vibe is always on-point. The menu is smaller, but every single item is perfection and it’s clear they don’t half-ass anything 🤙🏼“

“Stopped in on 3/15. Staff is great, everyone is friendly. The owner personally comes by and checks on you. Overall the food had good flavor, though several items were a little on the dry side. Its an easy fix if they add a little water in the smoker to prevent the food from drying out to much. Its true Texas BBQ and will return.“

“We loved it! Great food. Our service was amazing. Our waiter was Russell. He made sure we had a great experience.“

“We came to Huli Huli in Powell to celebrate my birthday, and it was everything I hoped for and more! The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale, with a tropical-chic vibe that makes you feel like you’re on a quick island getaway. We didn’t even need main dishes—our appetizers and drinks stole the show. The Bang Bang Broccoli was crispy, spicy perfection, and the Tiki Fries were so flavorful we cleaned the plate. Every bite was bold, unique, and absolutely delicious. Our server Jacob made the experience even better. He was friendly, professional, and perfectly timed with everything. He made us feel welcome and celebrated from start to finish. Whether you’re stopping in for apps and cocktails or planning a full dinner, Huli Huli is a must. Can’t wait to go back!“