Delaware was settled by the Dutch in the 1630s, making it one of the earliest European settlements in the New World. For hundreds of years, people have been making a life in Delaware, and it did not take long for taverns, pubs and colonial restaurants to appear amongst the early Delaware residents. Delaware is home to many of the oldest things in America - from the oldest Methodist church, to the oldest church building still used as it was built, to the first DuPont home in the Country. It's no surprise, then, that Delaware is home to some incredibly old restaurants.

Deciding exactly what the oldest restaurant in Delaware is could be a little tricky, because there are three to consider. Cantwell's Tavern in Odessa first opened up in 1822 and ran as a Hotel and Tavern for the next 100 years, before closing down. It has since been restored to its colonial glory, but it did not re-open until the early 2000s. Then, there's everybody's first guess - Jessop's Tavern, in Old New Castle. The building that houses Jessop's was built in 1624, making it one of the oldest restaurant buildings in the state, but Jessop's did not begin serving food until the 1940s. However, it is still a great place to go for a full colonial experience, where waiters serve you in period clothes.

So, if it's not Jessop's, and it's not Cantwell's Tavern, then what could possibly be the oldest restaurant in Delaware?

Kelly's Logan House in Wilmington

So, the verdict is in. The oldest Irish Bar in Delaware and oldest continuous family-owned Irish bar in the country, Kelly’s Logan House, is the oldest restaurant in Delaware, too!

Even before Trolley Square was "Trolley Square," Kelly's Logan House stood tall above the trolleys in what was then known as "Forty Acres." Built in 1864, the Logan House was named after General John A. Logan, a United States Civil War General who is responsible for the celebration of Memorial Day, along with several key decisions during the Civil War. The Logan House was built first as a resort hotel, and many amenities in Trolley Square popped up at the same time, creating a haven in Forty Acres. Sylvan Lake was developed across the street and took up an entire city block for winter recreation, and the Wilmington City Horse Railway Terminal opened in 1864 adjacent to the Logan House.

Over the years, many famous travelers have spent the night at the Logan House.

The Logan House was close to the B&O Railroad, and many travelers came by for a drink and a place to rest before continuing on their way. Famous guests of the Logan House included Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, John L. Sullivan and Al Capone! What a guestbook!

The Kelly Family has owned the Logan House and Kelly's Tavern since 1889.

On September 4, 1889, John D. "Whiskers" Kelly and his wife, Hannah Golden Kelleher Kelly, purchased the Logan House and founded Kelly's Tavern on the ground floor. The Kelly Family lived on the second floor, and hosted guests on the third floor. The building is incredibly important to the Kelly Family, as John and Hannah's five children were born in the building.The Logan House was important to Irish immigrants settling in Delaware, as "Whiskers" took pride in helping them find food, shelter, and secure jobs in their New World.

Currently, Kelly's is a cornerstone of Trolley Square dining and nightlife.

Their food is delicious pub fare. You'll be happy with everything you order, whether it's a cheese plate, or soup in one of their homemade bread bowls.

And like any bar, their wings are out of this world.

Freshly made for your consumption - maybe not exactly reminiscent of late 17th century times, but delicious nonetheless.

And, much like in the past, Kelly's is alive with entertainment and events.

Live music, outdoor "yappy hours" with neighborhood pooches, and nightly specials may not have been what the original Kellys imagined when they broke ground on their historic building, but it's incredible to see a place adapt to current times and stay as successful as Kelly's has been.

This is definitely one of the most notable restaurants in Delaware. For more unique eateries, check out this list.