The speakeasy is far from a Prohibition-era relic; in fact, speakeasy-themed bars are a trend that’s on the rise. It’s not just about the craft cocktails and the dim lighting — it’s about the thrill of being in on a secret. After all, we firmly believe that descending down an out-of-the-way staircase into, say, a former bank vault is much more fun than walking into an ordinary bar. Hidden beneath The Quoin Hotel in Wilmington, you’ll find a beautifully decorated establishment just waiting for you to arrive. Let’s take a look at this elegant speakeasy in Delaware, perfect for your next date night.
Over 140 years ago, this gorgeous Wilmington building was a bank opened by the Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company. A four-story Victorian Romanesque brownstone, the building was designed by well-known architect Frank Furness in the 1800s. Today, it’s home to a boutique hotel with 24 rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar and cafe.
But that’s not all you’ll find at The Quoin Hotel. Descend below the main floors, and you’ll discover a hidden treasure: Simmer Down, a cocktail lounge tucked away in what was once called “The Money Room.” In the building’s days as a bank, this once was a vault where gold bars, furs, and silks, and coins were stored.
Now it’s an opulent, subterranean space where you can enjoy a memorable night out with your special person. With 53 seats, artful design elements, and a menu brimming with delicious craft cocktails, Simmer Down is quite the luxurious Delaware speakeasy.
Candles and antique lamps light the space in a soft glow, inviting you to settle in and stay for a time, while the original exposed brick ceiling reminds you of the room’s history. Behind the gleaming bar is a colorful arrangement of spirits waiting their turn to be poured.
Take a look around, and you’ll find an original mural by the artist Reverend Michael Alan that tells a detailed and eclectic story. A mixture of pop culture, local landmarks, and classical mythology is hand-painted across the walls, spanning the entire room. In this underground space, it brings to mind cave paintings with a modern, colorful twist…