Sweet Nel's — Restaurant in Wilmington

I’ve been a loyal customer since Sweet Nel’s first opened, and I truly enjoyed the experience in the beginning. Unfortunately, my recent visits have been disappointing and far from what I once looked forward to. I’m not sure if there’s been a change in management, but the quality and consistency have noticeably declined.

Each time I visited, I ordered the same dish, waffles and ice cream, which used to be a favorite. However, on my last three visits, the waffles had a sour, undercooked taste that suggested they may have been on the verge of spoiling. As someone who works in the food industry and has cooked in several restaurants, I understand how important proper food handling and safety are.

It’s not just the waffles, it’s the entire experience. On each of my last visits, I wasn’t greeted upon entering. There was no “Welcome,” no introduction, no “ HI! Or HELLO My name is _ How can I help you today?” which are simple gestures that make a big difference. At one point, I even saw an employee sitting on the one of countertop, which raised serious concerns about sanitation and professionalism.

It also appeared that much of the staff lacked experience, which may be contributing to the inconsistency. Despite my disappointment, I gave it a few chances, hoping to relive the great first experience, but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.

Regretfully, I won’t be returning. I do, however, wish this Wilmington, Delaware location all the best moving forward and hope improvements are made for future customers.

July 21, 2025 roughly around 4 pm was...

I've been wanting to visit this shop for ages and finally made it by with my family in tow to complete our wonderful day. Atmosphere is nice and they appear to have A LOT of options. The first employee was very kind and helpful and gave us samples and while she was getting part of our order together another employee came to assist. She was not warm or friendly and did not care to take the time to help me understand the choices, sizes, etc. So, while the ice cream is delicious, I did not get what I was looking to order because instead of informing me that what is written on their menu boards is not what they have, she had already started making my order. If I had known most of what I wanted wasn't available, I would have ordered something​ different.

As a first time customer (which I told her I was), I would have appreciated a walkthrough of the menu and an understanding of their sizes, scoops, and options (or at the very least some patience). I was turned off by the older womans lack of customer service and help.

On the bright side, delicious quality of ice cream! Perhaps they should update their menu to show what's in stock as well. I'll certainly give them another try in the future and am hopeful of a...

Was really excited to come here today for the first time, recommended by a friend. We came in and we went to the line where you order ice cream and waited. (The other line was long and about 3/4 people manning that area understandably) so we patiently waited. One customer and her children ordered from that line, paid, and then decided they wanted ice cream where they moved from that line down to the ice cream line.

The gentleman followed her down and order the ice cream for them (even though we were waiting there first in line I figured I’ll just be patient). The worker didn’t even look at us, greet us, acknowledge us, or anything of that nature. I assumed when he was done with their ice cream order that he would then address us...nope.

Literally gave them ice cream and walked back to the other side of the kitchen. I was in complete shock that it was like we were invisible. My friend confronted the gentleman asking why not only he skipped over us but never even came back to help us to begin with and he blew us off insisting she was first. He explained that she already purchased a transaction and was not completing a second transaction of ice cream. The worker said “yea what can I get you then”... needless to...