Torbert Street Social in Wilmington, Delaware, presents a fascinating duality. It attempts to cultivate an air of exclusivity, hinting at a hidden gem tucked away in the city’s Business District. While its name clearly broadcasts its location, somewhat demystifying the secrecy its website might imply, the venue’s charm lies in its delightful contradictions. Envisioning itself as a dimly lit, edgy speakeasy, Torbert Street Social also embraces a vibrant beer garden atmosphere. The playful clatter of a giant Connect 4 game in the outdoor area serves as a cheerful, if occasionally startling, reminder of this lighthearted spirit. Similarly, while a dress code suggests a certain level of formality, the inviting sandy outdoor seating practically encourages guests to embrace a relaxed vibe, even if it means dusting off their shoes upon departure. This inherent flexibility, this delightful push and pull between different personas, is precisely what makes Torbert Street Social an exceptional destination. Instead of being confused about its identity, Torbert Street Social emerges as a wonderfully adaptable space, ready to be shaped by your perfect evening. Whether you’re seeking an intimate setting for a romantic date, a lively venue to celebrate with a large group of friends, or a sophisticated spot to unwind with a late-night drink, Torbert Street Social seamlessly molds itself to fit your needs.
Before planning your visit, it’s important to note the house rules. Torbert Street Social maintains a dress code that is strictly enforced. To ensure entry, leave athletic wear, sportswear, ball caps, graphic tees, white tee shirts, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, slides, work boots, and scrubs at home. Proper attire sets the tone for the sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance of the establishment. Beyond the dress code, it’s crucial to understand Torbert Street Social’s priorities. First and foremost, it is a cocktail bar, with its culinary offerings playing a supporting, albeit significant, role. While the food menu is certainly noteworthy and Instagrammable, the meticulously crafted cocktails are the true stars of the show. The bar boasts an impressive selection of liquors across various price ranges. The skilled bartenders excel at creating custom drinks tailored to individual preferences, expertly mixing classic cocktails, and showcasing their innovative house creations, priced between $11 and $14. When exploring the house cocktail menu, substitutions are discouraged; each concoction is a carefully balanced blend of ingredients, thoughtfully designed by Torbert Street Social’s talented mixologists. Beyond cocktails, the bar also features an extensive selection of wines, available by the bottle or glass, and a diverse array of beers, including draughts, bottles, and cans.
My own experience at Torbert Street Social involved a gathering of close friends, occupying a large table and enthusiastically exploring the house cocktail menu. This communal tasting adventure allowed me to sample a wide range of their signature drinks, each proving to be expertly crafted and delicious. Among the standouts, I was particularly captivated by the Amaro You Tomorrow, a rich bourbon-based cocktail artfully blended with amaro lucano, cardamom-infused vermouth, and egg white for a smooth finish. Another highlight was the Wallbreaker, a spicy and invigorating twist on the classic margarita. For those seeking a touch of theatrical flair, the Senorita Rosella is a must-try. This tequila-based creation is enhanced with a sprig of rosemary, which is dramatically set ablaze to infuse the drink with captivating smoky and herbal notes. Our group included some indecisive members, but our attentive waitress, Taren, skillfully guided each person towards a cocktail that perfectly matched their individual tastes and preferences, highlighting the exceptional service at Torbert Street Social.
Torbert Street Social is part of the esteemed Big Fish Restaurant Group, a name synonymous with diverse and high-quality culinary experiences in Wilmington, evident in other popular establishments like Mikimotos, Trolley Square Oyster House, and Harvest House. This pedigree ensures that Torbert Street Social upholds a high standard when it comes to its food offerings. The carefully curated menu of bar snacks (ranging from $8 to $12), shareable plates ($10 to $19), sliders ($13 to $16), and stone-hearth pizzas ($13 to $16) is designed for indulgence and sharing. The Brown Butter Lobster Grilled Cheese Squares are an immediate temptation, and our table promptly ordered two servings. Despite his shellfish allergy, my husband thoroughly enjoyed the Kobe Beef Sliders and a generous platter of thick-cut feta fries, which proved so abundant it made multiple rounds of the table before being completely devoured. Other crowd-pleasers we sampled included the impeccably prepared Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sliders and the ever-popular Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts – a testament to modern culinary innovation. However, the award for the most creative presentation of the evening undoubtedly went to the Bourbon Praline Bacon Crisps. These delectable treats were served hanging from miniature clothespins on a tiny washline, adding a whimsical touch to the dining experience. Between the miniature washline, the giant Connect 4 game, and the many “Eat Me” and “Drink Me” moments, my first visit to Torbert Street Social felt like stepping into a grown-up Alice in Wonderland.
To conclude our evening, we indulged in the dessert menu, which features exclusively drinkable options in the form of spiked shakes ($13). Our table sampled all three decadent offerings: It’s Mint to Be, Orange You Glad You Came to Torbert, and Foster the Banana. Each shake perfectly balanced creamy sweetness with a delightful boozy kick. Choosing a favorite among them proves to be an enjoyable, yet difficult task – some secrets are best kept, and perhaps my preferred spiked shake at Torbert Street Social will remain one of them.
For those eager to experience it themselves, Torbert Street Social is located at 305 Torbert Street, Wilmington. Their hours of operation are Thursday to Sunday, 4 PM to 1 AM. The patio is open Thursday and Sunday from 4 PM to 10 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 11 PM. Please note that entry after 9 PM is restricted to guests aged 21 and older. Visit Torbert Street Social for a uniquely versatile and memorable experience in Wilmington.
