Ernest & Scott Taproom

My date and I went here for dinner 2 weeks ago and we were terribly disappointed at the poor quality of the food. The crab and artichoke dip was so thick and overcooked we had to use a knife and fork to eat it – additionally there wasn’t a hint of artichoke to be found and the crabmeat was smothered in thick, almost hardened cheese. Needless to say, we left most of it in the bowl.
The Caesar salad was fine, but the amount of dressing was too light. While my date pronounced his hamburger «pretty good,» my crab cake was simply awful – mushy and over spiced to the degree that I could barely taste the crab – I took two bites and proclaimed it inedible. The homemade potato chips were another disappointment, greasy and not crispy.
On the plus side, my mojito was delish. And the wait staff were attentive.
I felt compelled to write this review because last night, in a different restaurant (which I won’t name) I had some of the same items with amazingly better results. The crab dip was the right texture and loaded with crab and artichoke, and the homemade potato chips were crispy and just the right thickness… come to think of it, everything was the opposite of Ernest and Scott, even the ambiance. Although the we spent $ 100 at each venue, we were able to have 2 additional drinks each because the prices were cheaper than E and S.
Finally, I went to Ernest and Scott expecting décor that reflected the lives of these beloved, respected (and in some circles worshipped) authors, Fitzgerald and Hemingway, but was again disappointed. Aside from a few perfunctory photos, there seemed to be little effort to make the room match the name. Why call it Ernest and Scott if you aren’t going to pay homage? Come on guys, make an effort!
As it stands, I would not recommend this place to anyone, and I regret not sending back some of our dishes… but you know how it is, sometimes you want the evening to be stress free and romantic, so you have to put up with what you get. I won’t go back unless I hear they’ve improved – there are far too many great places to eat in (and near) Wilmington to waste my dollars on lackluster and downright nasty food.

Came here for a quick weekday lunch. We sat outside on a beautiful day and was treated well by our exuberant server (I admittedly forget his name). I had a beet, nut, and goat cheese salad with chicken, which was good. There was a lot of chicken, but it wasn’t seasoned all that much. All-​in-​all, the place was decent and would come back if I was in the area for a quick bite.

This space looks nice. Came in for a beer and to watch a college football game. The lights were way too bright and took 15 mins to get a beer. Staff inattentive and could not figure out their tv’s to get specific games for individual groups. Bathrooms were also very dirty. Not sure of the options here, but stay away

Really liked this spot. :-) it has a cool vibe to it, with great seating options outside and a big, open bar inside with awesome drink selections. We stopped in just for an evening drink during the week, which was super chill, but I’m interested in checking out some of their monthly events that sounded pretty awesome too! Sweet spot, good service, good ambiance ;) !!

Awesome service which really trumps! The French Dip is ahhmaze-​balls! I’ve had it 3 times already! The au-​ju is fresh and made from scratch!!! I go there for my favorite head server and Strongbow beer! I live on Market St. Mall so it’s hard to stay away! I’m actually waiting for them to open now so I can try a salad :-)

Won’t be going back. The service was fine, but the food is overpriced and poor quality. My spinach salad with what supposed to be warm dressing, was simply a plate of spinach, some cubed gouda cheese, a cold dollop of dressing and 4 grape tomatoes– I get it, its a spinach salad, but for $ 10.00, throw a few extra tomatoes on the plate. My husband ordered a cheeseburger that when fries were added (which were about 15 fries total) the total cost was 18.50– for a burger. The food tasted fine, but small portions for the total price.

Everything is O.K. Nothing is good.

Service here used to be top notch. Really friendly wait staff and very attentive. A few of the better barkeeps have moved on and now the service is about as lackluster as their chicken Caesar salad. I mean, I don’t think anyone has ever bellied up to the bar and been like, «hey baby, can I buy you a chicken Caesar?» But the point is, even for a meal as basic as that, I would avoid paying the eleven or twelve or fifty-​two dollars they charge for it…
However, with that being said, they do tend to have an excellent craft beer selection. Lots of great stuff from local breweries around DE, MD and PA and they cask some select brews. The prices aren’t bad either. Pull up a bar stool at happy hour, grab a Dogfish Head 60 Minute or Indian Brown and some boneless chicken bites and for about ten bucks you’ll be a reasonably happy camper…
That is, if that dude with the guitar will STOP PLAYING FREAKIN’ WAGON WHEEL FOR ONCE IN HIS LIFE! Seriously. (Oh and dude, that is NOT a Darius Rucker song. That’s an Old Crow Medicine Show song, penned in part by Bob Dylan. I am officially revoking your musician card.)

Terrible. Really wish I could say something nice, but the truth is I wouldn’t know. Customer service is horrendous; I was denied service. I tried dining here at 1pm on a Friday afternoon. I walk in, the hostess is all but flapping her arms up in down due to the overwhelming amount of people in the restaurant (despite many open tables). A waitress said to me «we are not taking anymore tables right now because we only have 3 servers» before immediately storming off. No apology given, the offer for me to wait to be seated was not extended, all in all pretty rude vibe. I will say the menu looked good, but I guess I will never know because I was refused service at a ¾ capacity restaurant because they were «overwhelmed».

I was so excited about this meal– any place that has taproom in its name gets me excited! The beer selection was great and we loved the 5 for $ 12 sampler. The food was delicious-​steak cooked perfectly, asparagus heavenly. The only grumble I had was that I felt VERY rushed. The appetizers were served and 10 minutes later our main course arrived! The server was apologetic
but still left me a bit put off

My husband & I met here 4 years ago when it was Public House. We have been together since that day and recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary with dinner and drinks in the exact spot that we met. I contacted the staff a day before to see if I could bring the top of our wedding cake to be served after dinner as a surprise. The staff was so accomodating, treated us so special, and even bought us a round of drinks!
Also, the food was just beyond! As a foodie and someone who has really high expectations at resturants, I was impressed. Having had a quick snack at the Public House way back when, I didn’t really know what to expect food wise here and I am, again, impressed. The bartenders were friendly, quick, jovial, and made good drinks.
Please treat yourself to this gem on Market Street — and bring everyone that you know!

We stopped here for lunch after checking in at the hotel DuPont nearby. The cocktail and beer selection was fantastic and creative. I got a poprock-​tini, made with real candy. It was delightful.
The food was fantastic! I have food allergies and the chef came out to answer my questions and assure me he could make my meal to my specifications. The staff was amazing, the place was large but cozy.

This place looks like it has potential– looks nice from the outside (kind of resembles an old bank). It’s pretty spacious inside with a big bar and seats surrounding it on the outside. Food is average and over-​priced but that’s just downtown Wilmington for ya. It is relatively empty in here– not many people coming through.
Service is average– the waitress came over a few times to get our drink orders but for some reason didn’t see my friend who was sitting on the edge and never asked him for his drink. I felt pretty bad.
They have an extensive beer collection but the ambiance is just dead in there.

This is a great bar. It’s not a great restaurant (cf previous review) but it’s a great bar. It has good beer at good prices, and it isn’t too dingy and cramped. The staff is excellent.
I would say that the décor contrasts with itself a bit, and that they should consider hiring a dedicated audio engineer for the live music nights, but other than that, this place is lovely.

The short– great service, but a little frenetic, excellent location, great hangout atmosphere. BUT the food? Its what matters and we were very disappointed.
The long–
I had two tickets to see a show about a block away, and I did the ol’ «last minute» groupon search. I found this place.
Its inside the historic Bank of Delaware building. Super high ceilings, great bar area, and a well separated formal dining area separated from the Swillers in at the bar. Very big.
Our server was extremely busy, but still made us feel important to her, very personable. She knew the menu and didn’t rush us. It did take almost 25 minutes from ordering before the appetizer came out, so the restaurant needs better organization and turn times.
The food… man I wanted it to be so much better than it was. The location and atmosphere just yearned for some bangin’ food.
By the numbers–
Appetizer —
crab and artichoke dip with pepper jack cheese. The dip itself was above average in flavor, but what really made it pedestrian was literally a square slice of deli cheese melted on top, like from the grocery store deli counter. Plus the crab and artichoke was not loosely mixed chunks; it was over processed, it was so over mixed that there was no distinct flavors of crab or artichoke. When I eat «crab anything» I expect to pick out a little shell. Not memorable.
Entrees–
1. pan seared scallops with some sort of field peas mixture. The scallops were tiny farm bay scallops, and if they ever saw a hot skillet (pan sear) it was with binoculars. White, no color, just lackluster. And forget whatever they came with.
2. Bone in pork chop, with smashed potatoes and green beans. This was actually cooked really well, the pork chop cooked to a medium, well seasoned, moist, and really enjoyable to eat. The green beans were still crisp tender, and the potatoes were properly made. The gravy, however, was a little watery and not notable in any way. If they had actually made a reduction instead of a buffet table gravy, that dish would have been almost 5 star.
Bottom line, the seafood and protein plates, when being charged at 25 – 30 per plate, need refinement and better execution. The pork chop plate, as a whole was definitely good. That scallop plate… a quote from Spiderman, «back to formula!»

This place is cool but my experience last night with two of the bartenders ruined it for me.
I’m a regular but all of a sudden one of the bartenders and her «manager» last night approached me super foul after I closed out my tab saying that I’m a bad tipper. I may not tip like I’m Larry Ellison but I tip the usual 15%.
I live above this place so it’s inevitable I come back, eventually, but to let you know instead of this place I’ll probably go to Chelsea Tavern now since it’s owned by the same people and I assume the bartenders aren’t assholes. That bartender ruined Ernest and Scott Tap Room for me so good for you blonde girl with the long hair, you won’t be receiving anymore tips from me.
Shout out to Ike though, he’ll take great care of you.

I doubt I’ll differ from the rest of the reviews but first off I have to say how good this restaurant looks at night. The ceilings are Catholic Church high and the Bar and surrounding booths are huge and mahogany.
Went here after a contemporary dance concert at Baby Grand up the block. Sammie was a great bartender but was a tad bit distant but I wouldn’t hold that against her. I would rather have a bartender I had to call over than one that was ALWAYS in my drink. Order some slight better than average calamari but my friends fish tacos left a lot to be desired. Their late night happy hour is one of the best in Wilmington but I think if it had a better vibe it could attract more people than the ones that live upstairs.

Go on Sunday during football season! Get the half priced honey siracha wings and Dogfish Head pitchers and watch one or all of the dozen TVs! Don’t skip out on the nachos either… yum!
Service is okay — I’d give them a B+. The crowd is mixed, but generally all in good spirits! If you sign up for the Rewards on tap, you’re basically paying yourself back for being a good football fan. Overall, this is a great place!

Sammie was a good bartender polite, easy on the eyes and able to go with the flow. Craft beer list is well rounded, and the cask conditioned Brooklyn Summer Ale was a great recommendation by her! My wife and I ordered some food and the Tuna app., with soba noodles would have tasted great with the noodles but they were out and no one knew… Other than the kitchen… Boooo! Tacos were okay, served in flour tortillas… C’mon where’s the corn tortillas. Tacos=Corn Tortillas.
Wilmington has a shitty reputation of being a ghost town after 5 and it’s unfortunate but true! When we walked in maybe ⁸⁄₉ people at the bar at 7 on a Friday! No personality in the restaurant, along with the hostess who didn’t recognize our departure because she was to busy looking at her Phone. Just say «thanks folks, enjoy your night elsewhere where you’ll have a better time». Shame there isn’t a better vibe!

Stayed in Wilmington recently for business and went to E&S twice. Once I went in just to order take-​out. It was a Thursday night, the place was happening! Got a grilled chicken sandwich with shoestring fries (10.00) to go. It was meh. Just okay. Fries tasted exactly like McDonalds fries to me. Not a bad thing — but not what I expected.
Went in again the next night (Friday) assuming to find the same packed, happening place, but it was nearly empty! Stayed for two beers, both were good; they have a nice selection. Had the Victory Festbier (4) which I made an 18oz for $ 3 extra. You can do that with a few of their brews. Then I tried their Dogfish Head cask ale 75 min (6).
I should say that it got a lot more busy as I was sitting there.