One Of Delaware's Oldest Restaurants Is Named After A Civil War General
Back in 1864, Wilmington, Delaware was a growing city. That year, a new, three-story brick resort hotel was built to welcome visitors to what would become Trolley Square. Named Logan House after John A. Logan, one of the Union's most celebrated generals, the building was adjacent to the Wilmington City Horse Railway Terminal and anchored a busy hub for travelers to the area. Logan House was purchased by John D. "Whiskers" Kelly in 1889, and the Kelly family christened the building Kelly's Logan House. Whiskers turned the building into a tavern, hotel, and living quarters, and the family has been running Kelly's Logan House ever since.
Today, Kelly's Logan House is a popular destination for live music, community events, and St. Patrick's Day fare (which doesn't traditionally include corned beef) that has been part of its celebrations for 160 years. In fact, John D. Kelly III co-founded the Wilmington St. Patrick's Day Parade in the 1930s, when he was running Kelly's Logan House. This storied pub still offers a traditional two-part pour of Guinness and Irish coffee made with aged whiskey any time of year. From the start, the hotel has hosted famous and infamous guests including Wild Bill Hickock, Buffalo Bill, and Al Capone. The pub still attracts celebrities ranging from Reese Witherspoon to Joaquin Phoenix.
What's on tap at Kelly's Logan House?
Whether seated on the expansive (and dog friendly) patio or under the historic pressed-tin ceiling of the main dining room, guests have a number of options on tap. Kelly's staff keeps things interesting by rotating seasonal craft beers and local brews alongside traditional favorites like Guinness and Stella Artois. Looking for something a little stronger? There's a full menu of Irish whiskeys, blended and single-malt scotch, rum, gin, bourbon, and even an impressive list of tequilas.
Brews and old school cocktails are served alongside pub favorites like chicken wings or tenders and a house specialty: Logan House Nachos. Piled high with pulled pork, jalapeño cheese sauce, and bourbon BBQ sauce on homemade corn tortilla chips, Logan House takes its nachos beyond standard pub fare. The John D. Burger can be made with bacon, mushrooms, or even as a veggie burger. Upstairs, DJ nights and live local bands fill the venue with music, and it has become a popular hub for music lovers on weekends.