The Columbus Inn has been reborn
as a contemporary American tavern that seamlessly combines the best of both the old and the new.  We serve seasonally inspired, market fresh, progressive yet playful, modern cuisine. And, we flawlessly pair that food with an amazing selection of old and new world wines, micro and macro brewed beers and traditional as well as new style spirits and cocktails.

For a more formal evening out on the town or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any other joyous occasion, meet in any of our dining rooms or private event spaces upstairs.

* LUNCH HOURS: There are some changes in store for the "INN". We are renovating in the coming weeks. We realize that during the execution of this work, the quality of the guest experience may be compromised. As a result, we will not be open for lunch until further notice. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

ABOUT COLUMBUS INN

The Columbus Inn dates back to the years just after America's Revolutionary war and opened in 1798 as Schamlz's Bakery. By 1812 the building switched to Schmalz's tavern. As early as 1849, City of Wilmington records list the inn as Columbus Inn and it operated as a tollgate stop on the main stagecoach route on Kennett Pike from Lancaster, Pa. to Wilmington's waterfront.

In the closing decades of the 19th century, nearby Wawaset Driving Park was the site of the annual Delaware State Fair and hosted fancy horse shows and matinee horse races. The racetrack attracted famous trotters such as Wert Willis, Stoeckles and other top-flight competitors from all the eastern hot beds of harness racing.

Wawaset also hosted Buffalo Bill's Wild West show on eight occasions. It was an outdoor extravaganza that dramatized a buffalo hunt with real buffalos and an Indian attack with real Indians. The show's climax featured a redo of Custer's Last Stand. Half circus and half history lesson, the show also headlined sharpshooter Annie Oakley and Chief Sitting Bull. Following the performances throngs of people marched over to the Inn to join Buffalo Bill, Oakley and Sitting Bull for three-cent pints of beer and hours of rollicking music featuring a local jug band.

In 1953 the Columbus Inn was bought by Wally W. Sezna, an area golf personality. His son Davis operated the Inn until closing it on St. Patrick's Day in 2007.

-- Terry Conway 2010

EVENTS AT THE COLUMBUS INN

UPCOMING

There are no scheduled events at this time. Please check back soon.

REGULAR EVENTS

Happy Hour

Mon-Fri 4pm til 7pm
½ price glasses of wine, $3 glasses proseco, $2.50 Lite Pints, $5 snack menu, $5 Select Martinis
DOWNLOAD PDF

Live Music

Every Wednesday Night in the Tavern 9pm til Midnight
5/1 - Lyric Drive
5/6 - Joe Daphne
5/15 - TBD
5/22 - Joe Daphne
5/29 - Jefe

Wednesday Night Special

Every Wednesday Night
½ price bottles of wine from 5pm til closing (all selections from list under $80).

PRIVATE PARTIES

We welcome groups of all sizes and strive to create the ideal experience to fit your function and budget. Whether you are joining us for lunch, or dinner, birthday or wedding rehearsal let our staff and cuisine make your event a gathering that is memorable and unique.

Since re-opening July 2010, Columbus Inn has been reborn as a contemporary American restaurant that seamlessly combines the best of both the old and the new. We serve seasonally inspired, market fresh, progressive yet playful, modern cuisine. We love to pair our food with an amazing selection of old and new world wines, micro and macro brewed beers and classic as well as traditional spirits and cocktails.

Our seasonal American fare is sure to please with customizable menu options. For our private parties, we offer the full dining experience with a range of courses and menus to satisfy all palates.

For all parties more than 10 persons, please see our Events Coordinator or a manager to book your reservation.

We look forward to working with you and appreciate the opportunity. Please feel free to call, come in or send us an email to: events@columbusinn.com.

TAVERN

 
A Wilmington tradition. Enjoy plush leather seating, dark wood interior, and a blazing fireplace while sipping some of the finest wine & spirits available.

Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4pm til 7pm
½ price glasses of wine, $3 glasses prosecco, $2.50 Lite Pints, $5 snack menu, $5 Select Martinis

New Lounge area is open! Come check it out.
 

The comfiest stools in town

Fireplace is blazing

Enclosed patio with heaters

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM?

The Columbus Inn is always looking to add enthusiastic and qualified people to our team. Please call or drop in for an application. You can always reach us by email at info@columbusinn.com.

CONTACT US

We'd love to hear from you. Please use this form to send us a message, or reach out any of the "old-fashioned" ways.
 
 
 

info@columbusinn.com

(302) 571-1492 (phone)

(302) 575-9651 (fax)

2216 Pennsylvania Ave
Wilmington, DE 19806

RESERVATIONS

Please use date format mm/dd/yyyy

HOURS

BRUNCH
Sunday 10a-2p

LUNCH
CLOSED *

DINNER
Monday-Tuesday: 5p-9p
Wednesday-Saturday: 5p-10p
Sunday: 5p-9p

TAVERN MENU
2p-Close

EMAIL

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