Henry's — Restaurant in Wilmington

Oh lets talk about Henry’s and it’s treatment of Foundational Black American Veterans on Veterans Day.

I am a 100% Disabled Veteran that does UberEats on the side because Congress doesn’t feel we deserve enough to live on without needing a side gig.

So I had an order to pick up from Henry’s and normally upon pickup from there they will place the orders a designated counter for delivery drivers. Except today there’s a note on the counter that expresses some technical difficulties between Uber Support and themselves. The note went on to explain that UberEats Drivers should inform the bartender that we have arrived.

After following the instructions that the note so clearly lays out for us, I informed the bartender that I was with UberEats. She then looks me over like Jesus did the world in disappointment and tells me that if the order was ready it would be over on the counter. I then told her what the note on the counter said and needed clarification on which is right, the note or the Karen’s in training at the bar.

This is when the (not sure or care who she was) jumps in and “white womanplains” to me exactly what I ready on the note. I then with my military bearing in tack just looked at her. This is when she tells me “don’t get mad”….for those that don’t understand, allow me to explain.

Black men are seen as the manifestation of anger in this country and here I am a 50 year old decorated, 100% Service Connected Combat Veteran being accused by some young white woman of being something that

1. Is absolutely not happening …just because I am not shinning and grinning doesn’t mean that I’m angry

2. Time and time again is shown to be a subtle racially charged tactic to control what they see as a threat.

So now I’m being accused of being something that I’m not. I haven’t spoken a word (yet) because now I’m really at a loss for words and that’s hard to come by with me.

I then told this…person, to just go get the order so I can be on my way. And here comes racist behavior #2…or maybe this is 3…Anyhow, she then starts asking me “what’s your name” as if I’m in High School or something. She better ask my HS about me. AGAIN…50 year old man…never mind what achievements that I have had made.

Who is this lady to ask me my name in a very chastised way as if she’s my supervisor?…because my name, face, car, plate number and much more is clearly on the UberEats order.

Clearly I love to write but sadly I actually have more pertinent things to undertake at the moment so I will cut my review...

My next door neighbor mentioned this place several times to me stating it's one of her favorite places.

My husband and I decided to try it out, as we were in the area.

It was an early dinner and we sat at the bar. I liked the ambiance of the place, casual and comfortable looking.

He ordered the fish and chip with coleslaw. I order the jumbo lump crab cakes (I think it was their special of the night menu). Being from Maryland, I'm always on the lookout for some good crab cakes.

Unfortunately, this was a big miss. There was absolutely no lump crab in the cake.

It looked nothing like the crab cake in the photo that Lisa B. reviewed back on on September 25, 2017: or in the photo that Delia V. reviewed on Feb 16, 2020.

I was so disappointed, but more importantly, the menu stated LUMP and there was NONE. They were two small hockey pucks filled with white crab meat and a lot of filler. And it was pricey for what I got. Other items on the menu were reasonably priced.

My husband had the fish and chips, but opted for the coleslaw instead of the chips, along with dirty rice. I had a taste of all and they were very good. Nice batter on the fish and thick/big portions.

There were other items on the menu that sounded interesting, so we'll be back. I just will skip any crab cake there.

Lastly, service was very good by Kat.

UPDATE: Four of us had dinner last night (14 November 2023). Dan, the general manager, invited my husband and me to try this place again to make up for my disappointment of crab cakes I had on my first visit.

I ordered the salmon Florentine risotto special of the evening which included tomatoes, spinach and onions. The salmon was so tender and light, definitely not overcooked. The risotto didn't have a heavy cream sauce, which I appreciated. And just enough parmesan cheese to not overwhelm the salmon.

My husband had the Hank's Mom's meatloaf, along with mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts with bacon. He loved it all. The meatloaf, three slices, came with a side of gravy.

My friends meals were very good also (Henry's amazing noodles; and a salad with blackened shrimp).

Dan really stepped up to the plate to make up for our first visit. Thank you Dan! Even the Chef came out and asked how we liked our meals. Everything was great.

Our waitress was Nancy who provided great service.

On our next visit, I want to try the shrimp and grits or the parmesan-crusted chicken or the grilled flank...

We absolutely love eating here and getting take out for when we want to stay home, the best comfort food ever. I have always driven by and seen the sign and instantly attracted but just never went. We moved right down the road and it took us about 4-5 years before trying. Now it’s in my top ten favorite places for meatloaf or pot roast, ooh and the seasonal veggies to add with your dish. Sautéed green beans or asparagus or (if your plain Jane) just your average mixed veggies (broccoli carrots squash etc). Not entirely slow service, but just enough time to relax order an app and a drink, talk enjoy reading the menu or looking around admiring the atmosphere. Given time to eat without constantly being asked if we need something, not ignored but given space and time to enjoy eating even at a slow or a quick pace. I’ve never had a bad server, honestly they hire a decent crowd of servers. My personal opinion is they hire a crowd of all kinds. I enjoy seeing an older waitress being provided a good job, some restaurants in town are all about image, especially when comes to servers. They want young, good looking, conversational servers. Now I don’t mind that, let the young get experienced by all means, but give your seasoned waitress/waiters a chance like Henry’s has provided. They have good short stories, can relate to the guests seated. Professional and personable. Great at memory when orders happen, some don’t have to write down anything except possible special orders, but great at the service they provide we always tip well, and I try to write little positive notes on the bills. Very warming and comforting as soon as you walk in. Can make a casual lunch or dinner or can have a dressed up date or celebration. Really nice bar to sit at, and delicious drinks. I highly recommend the Riesling it’s my favorite. If you see it, stop. Or call ahead for a...