C.R. Hummingbird to Mars — Restaurant in Wilmington

This was our first time visiting Hummingbird to Mars. We had heard from friends prior to going about how the place was set up. Our expectations were in line with how the restaurant runs. As a speakeasy, the focus is on the cocktails, which are made painstakingly by hand. Their preparation is true to historic standards and no detail is overlooked. The time it takes to receive your drinks might be a little longer than a traditional bar, but they are WELL WORTH IT. Regarding the ambience, the location mimics the experience one might have had 100 years ago during prohibition. Upon arrival, you ring a doorbell at an otherwise nondescript entryway where you are greeted by friendly staff who will escort you up a flight of candlelit stairs to your table. The location can accommodate a few dozen people so making reservations would be prudent. Once seated, you’ll be given an extensive drink menu from which you’ll certainly find a customized cocktail that will suit your taste. Our server was knowledgeable about the cocktails and helped us make educated choices with respect to food and drinks. Considering we went in December, an excellent Jazz trio literally drummed up the background music…jazz interpretations of Christmas classics, which everyone enjoyed. In a world of bland restaurant chains, this place stands out like a gem. You will not be...

Normally I really enjoy this place, unfortunately it has taken a step back from what I remember.

We went on a Thursday night which used to be quite busy but it was dead, which is not their fault, but definitely kills the ambiance. What I was supremely disappointed in was the vibe inside, normally the lights are dim and you feel like you're in a speakeasy, this time it was like we were under spotlights.

On to the drinks. Normally the bartenders are quite knowledgeable and willing to do something interesting for you. When we went I felt as if the bartender wished he was anywhere but there. The menu is expansive and has a lot of options but instead of having suggestions and recommendations for what we may like based off taste preferences he didn't really want to work with us. When we got the drinks they were good, but lacked that flair that I'm used to at Hummingbird.

The one hill I will die on though, is the fries here are FANTASTIC. The parmesan truffle frites, unbeatable. I will always bang that drum of excellence.

Long story short, seems like in the restaurant industry/world now everything needs to be judged Pre Covid and Post Covid. Pre Covid this place was easily a 5/5 post covid...

Awesome hang. I loved the vibe, the decor, the casual yet refined comfort of Hummingbird to Mars. The music (the two Johns) was spot on. Cocktails were fantastic, although, as I recall, the beer list was not exciting. I'm into craft beer, so this matters to me, but again: the cocktails were fantastic! We got here around 10:00 p.m. so we didn't eat, but I hope to come back and have a meal (I live in philadelphia, and I'm serious, this might be worth the drive sometime just to share with my friends). If you want to get here when the music starts, I recommend a reservation. We did not have one, but the restaurant staff exceeded expectations by taking my name and number and texting me when a table was available (you get a 15 minute window to show up and a password to use at the door -kudos for the speakeasy vibe!). Congrats to the owner(s) and staff for having a place that any...