1861

1861

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Authenticity, Distinction, and Creativity are the cornerstone of the 1861 philosophy. Thankful for every prayer, message, share, and donation.

Together we’re stronger 💪
Support our GoFundMe:
👉 https://gofund.me/17921e360 American Southern Cuisine

02/20/2026

Special Thank you to our friends at First State Brewery. The love and support has been overwhelming 💛💛💛

We’re hosting a Dine & Donate Wednesday, February 25th, to support our friends from 1861 after their recent fire at their restaurant here in Middletown.

Show up on Wednesday, mention the fundraiser, and 20% of net sales that day will go directly to help them rebuild, supporting their staff, and aiding in paying medical bills for their owner, who is currently battling stage 4 cancer.

If you can’t make it in next Wednesday, please consider donating directly to their GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/aec9db627

Please tag friends in the comments for awareness!

#1861

02/17/2026

This is not where we ever imagined our story would pause—but we trust that God is not finished.

For eight years, 1861 was built with blood, sweat, tears, and prayer. We were told we wouldn’t last a year—by the grace of God, we lasted eight. We were told we were changing the culture, and we did, successfully. We weren’t perfect, but we cared deeply, and we showed up every day giving everything we had.

Recently, a fire took away the physical space we worked so hard to build. We are beyond grateful that no lives were lost, but the loss has been devastating. This restaurant was more than a business—it was provision, purpose, and a place where people gathered, celebrated, and found comfort.

At the same time, our co owner and loving husband is walking through a stage 4 pancreatic cancer battle. We believe God is still present in this fight, even when the road feels heavy and uncertain. Facing a fire and a serious illness at once has brought us to our knees—but also closer to our faith.

We know the Word tells us that “the fire will test the quality of each person’s work,” and while the building is gone, what was built in love, integrity, and perseverance remains. We didn’t quit. We didn’t give up. After years of being treated as underdogs, a fire was the only thing that could take us down—but it did not take away our faith.

Funds raised will help:

* Cover medical and living expenses during treatment
* Support the family while insurance and rebuilding paths are navigated
* Support staff while restaurant is being repaired
* Provide stability and time to heal, pray, and discern what God is calling us to next

If you feel led to give, we receive it with humility and gratitude. If you can’t, we ask for your prayers, encouragement, and faith alongside us.
We trust that God will make a way—even if we cannot yet see it.
Thank you for being part of our journey, for standing with us in this season, and for believing that this is not the end of our story—just a refining chapter.

With faith and gratitude,The 1861 Family 💛

Here’s the link:
https://gofund.me/aec9db627

02/17/2026

This is one of the hardest messages we’ve ever had to write.

Our beloved restaurant, 1861, has suffered a fire. While we are profoundly thankful that no lives were lost, the damage has left us heartbroken and facing an uncertain road ahead. For now, 1861 will be closed.

At the same time, our owner is in the middle of a stage 4 cancer battle—a fight that has already demanded more strength, faith, and courage than we ever imagined. To be facing this loss alongside such a personal battle feels overwhelming in ways that are hard to put into words.

1861 was never just a restaurant. It was built on history, resilience, family, and love—love for good food, for gathering, and for community. Every meal served, every celebration held within our walls meant something to us.

Right now, we’re taking things one breath at a time. We don’t have answers yet, but we do have gratitude—for safety, for the outpouring of prayers, messages, and kindness, and for a community that continues to hold us up when we feel like we might fall.

This isn’t the end of our story. It’s a painful chapter—but with faith and support, we believe there is more to come.

Thank you for loving 1861 the way we do.
— with love and gratitude the 1861 Family 💛

https://gofund.me/f253f340f

11/05/2025

05/13/2025

WHISKEY WEDNESDAY’S 🥃 AT 1861!

12/26/2024

Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner featuring a delicious Creole prix fixe menu that will excite your taste buds. Indulge in traditional dishes crafted with a modern twist, showcasing the rich flavors of Creole cuisine.

To complement your meal, we are offering a selection of exquisite bourbon cocktails, expertly mixed to elevate your dining experience.

✨ Highlights of the Evening:

• Creole Prix Fixe Menu: Savor a multi-course meal that captures the essence of Creole cooking.
• Bourbon Cocktails: Enjoy a variety of handcrafted cocktails that perfectly pair with your dinner.
• Reservation Details: Be sure to secure your spot for this special night!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate with great food, fantastic drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Reserve your table today and let’s toast to new beginnings together! 🥂

Prix Fixe Dinner is $60 per person. Gratuity is not included. See you soon 💛

For reservations or more information, feel free to reach out!
https://www.1861restaurant.com/_files/ugd/87db2f_fb28b804279f42c5bd442f23cfc09e38.pdf

12/20/2024

Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner featuring a delicious Creole prix fixe menu that will excite your taste buds. Indulge in traditional dishes crafted with a modern twist, showcasing the rich flavors of Creole cuisine.

To complement your meal, we are offering a selection of exquisite bourbon cocktails, expertly mixed to elevate your dining experience.

✨ Highlights of the Evening:

• Creole Prix Fixe Menu: Savor a multi-course meal that captures the essence of Creole cooking.
• Bourbon Cocktails: Enjoy a variety of handcrafted cocktails that perfectly pair with your dinner.
• Reservation Details: Be sure to secure your spot for this special night!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate with great food, fantastic drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Reserve your table today and let’s toast to new beginnings together! 🥂

For reservations or more information, feel free to reach out!

www.1861restaurant.com

Book Your 1861 Restaurant Reservation Now on Resy 12/20/2024

Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner featuring a delicious Creole prix fixe menu that will excite your taste buds. Indulge in traditional dishes crafted with a modern twist, showcasing the rich flavors of Creole cuisine.

To complement your meal, we are offering a selection of exquisite bourbon cocktails, expertly mixed to elevate your dining experience.

✨ Highlights of the Evening:

• Creole Prix Fixe Menu: Savor a multi-course meal that captures the essence of Creole cooking.
• Bourbon Cocktails: Enjoy a variety of handcrafted cocktails that perfectly pair with your dinner.
• Reservation Details: Be sure to secure your spot for this special night!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate with great food, fantastic drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Reserve your table today and let’s toast to new beginnings together! 🥂

For reservations or more information, feel free to reach out!
https://www.1861restaurant.com/_files/ugd/87db2f_fb28b804279f42c5bd442f23cfc09e38.pdf

Book Your 1861 Restaurant Reservation Now on Resy With its interior brickwork, dark cherry wood trim and cozy fireplace, 1861’s ambience is a perfect match for it’s Southern Comfort cuisine that focuses on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

06/28/2024

Dark & Moody. That’s how we like it. Cheers 🥃

06/13/2024
06/08/2024

Country Fried French Toast Puffs- topped with our famous praline, thick cut bacon & cinnamon ice cream. 🍨 CHEERS 🥃

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Address


423 N Broad Street
Middletown, DE
19709

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 10pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 5pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 10pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm
5pm - 10pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm