Brown’s Wyoming Tavern
Brown’s, as it’s known to local, is a hidden dive bar gem in the small state of Delaware. You’ll find this place well off the beaten path in the residential area of Wyoming, tucked into a side street by the old railroad station and across the street from the local police department.
You read that right: it’s right across the street from the police station.This might be the safest dive you’ll ever go to.
Brown’s has it all: good drinks, good food, and an adjacent package store. Step into the dimly-lit bar where the jukebox plays anything from Lizzo to classic country, and take a seat at the old, scuffed bar top. There are plenty of stools, but they fill up fast with patrons (most of whom seem to live in walking distance) hollering drink orders to the take-no-shit bartenders, Nettie, Donna, Stephanie, Sue, and Judy.
The bathrooms are clean, and if the ladies’ room is occupied and you have to go, it’s likely that someone will offer to guard the men’s room door for you. It’s the kind of camaraderie you always hope to find in a good dive.
Locals come here to relax, catch up with friends, and have a decent drink at a decent price. You won’t find the makings of an espresso martini here, but you’ll find all the bar basics and rotating craft drafts.
Quieter booth seating is available in the back of the bar, along with a 1950s shuffleboard and darts, which are free to use. Between those and the cheap pool tables located in another room, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your stay.
The building was originally built in the 1890s as a hotel for rail travelers. It then became a barber’s shop and an ice cream parlor before William and Goldie King turned it into a tavern in the 1940s. It’s one of the few places in Delaware that has been grandfathered in so it can continue to act as both a package store and a bar.
While you’re visiting Brown’s, a stop by Remedy Deli & Catering is a must! The ordering window is located down a small hall in the adjoining store, which is accessible from the bar. You can get the usual snacks like wings and cheese fries, but Remedy’s is run by a Culinary Institute graduate who knows how to make a good bruschetta, too.
Try a fun sandwich combo, like the “Pepe le Pew” or the “Jimi Hendrix”.
The bar accepts credit and debit, and as of recently, so does Remedy’s! Order your grub for takeout or tell them you’re dining in the bar to have it brought out to you. If you need an ATM, there’s one in-house.
Brown’s is in a quiet neighborhood (unless a train rolls by) with an abundance of friendly locals—police included! After imbibing a little too much at this dive and having to deal with a no-show cab (pre-Uber), one of the officers was kind enough to give the Dive Bar Tourist a ride. Customers who do the responsible thing and leave their car for the night, and get a ride home, will always find it safe the next morning, though possibly for sale on the bar’s Facebook page!
Be sure to check out Brown’s the next time you’re passing through the First State!
Location: Wyoming, Delaware
Be sure to try: domestic mini pitchers for $3.75 during happy hour, M-F
