The food landscape in the First State continues to inspire curiosity with bold additions, big moves and fun flourishes. Market Street, in the center of Wilmington, is no exception, with burgeoning growth and more than a nod to the evolving push to shape downtown into a destination. The latest to unfold is Bryan Sikora’s expansion of his outrageously successful La Fia with the new Merchant Bar, which joins Sikora’s second spot, Cocina Lolo, over on King Street and the flour-covered Market Street Bread and Bagel.
Shoulder to shoulder with the cultural embellishments on Market Street, Merchant Bar is going after the casual and later diner with shareable plates, little and big bites. World cuisine will spread out over the 50-seat dining space, complete with smaller $5 plates, while craft cocktails are part of the design. A 10-seat bar will flank the on-tap wine tower and draft beer array. Dishes like house-made salami and short-rib egg rolls will bolster the stage for growing a visionary food push for the downtown locale.
With a bent toward a more social scene, the opening is a bit clouded at this fourth piece in the Sikora domain. Initially set for December, otherwise unpredictable delays not unusual for restaurant openings have messed with the timeline for the latest spot. For now, the glowing row of spots popping up on Market Street will hold open a door for the latest to wield a mighty hand in growing the area.
Find Merchant Bar at 426 N. Market St. in Wilmington; phone: (302) 543-5574.
- Photos: Henry Grace
One Comment