Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

Jessop’s Tavern in Old New Castle, DE is such a cool, historic spot. The whole place feels like you stepped back in time, with colonial vibes, cozy rooms, and tons of character. The food is hearty and comforting, and they’ve got a great beer selection, especially if you’re into Belgian and European styles. It’s the kind of place you can settle into for a long dinner and a couple drinks. Service is always friendly and the atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual night out or when you’ve got people visiting and want to show them something uniquely Delaware. Classic, cozy, and full of charm. Definitely a go-to in Old New Castle.

November 2025 I can’t believe how much we enjoyed our meals here. I loved the Colonial ambience and the food was absolutely incredible with prices that don’t break the bank. The steak and ale pot pie was a delightful surprise, and the pot roast was just as wonderful. The meat was juicy and tender and everything was fresh and bursting with flavor. The beer selection is impressive and the whiskey sour was prepared perfectly. We’ll definitely be back to try another dish and save room for the bread pudding.

Was impressed by the good. Very good sized portions & time-period inspired fare. The history was apparent however the space was cramped, tight. The purest in me appreciates that in colonial times this was as it would be… Drafty, tight, a little dim. Would have loved if staff was wearing historically accurate garb. Service was OK, however at times seemed rushed.

Linda and I enjoyed an early dinner after our 20+ mile bike ride around New Castle. We shared the Shepherd's pie and lobster Mac&cheese. Both were delicious but more filling than expected. We resorted to taking home half of both entrees to share the Dutch apple cakes for dessert - yum 😋 Highly recommend and suggest booking a reservation on their website even though we only had a 15 minute wait for a table on a Sunday.

This place is absolutely worth the stop. You feel the historical significance immediately upon entering, almost as if you, yourself are stepping back in time. The furniture, the bar, the decor, the structure itself, all exude that colonial allure that is so inherent to the original towns of the first 13 colonies. Very fun, if you love the colonial era of American history. Service is polite and efficient. If you like a little more warmth from the staff when you dine, you might consider it a bit lacking, but other than that, there’s nothing to complain about. The food, on the other hand was a bit of a disappointment. The menu adheres to the colonial tavern theme, and there are some nods to the Swedes who floated through New Castle in the mid-1600’s, making an early cultural impression in the