Delaware is full of hidden gems, and even those of us who grew up here can be caught off guard when we discover something new. For me, my ‘new’ discovery is actually a few hundred years old, and it’s hiding in plain sight. The stunning Tilton Mansion is home to the elegant University and Whist Club – a normally private dinner club that’s now open to groups of non-members looking for a historic place to enjoy a meal.

The University and Whist Club is one of the most whimsical places to dine in Delaware.
Courtesy of University and Whist Club
The Club is located in the Tilton Mansion. Dr. James Tilton was a Revolutionary War hero and served on the 1783 Continental Congress. He was a graduate of the very first University of Pennsylvania Medical Class of 1771, and the first United States Army Surgeon General, appointed in 1813. Dr. Tilton built this stunning mansion when Wilmington was considered a rural small town.

The University and Whist Club here is typically a private dinner club. However, there are a few ways you can dine here, without having to join!
If you have a group of six or more, you can schedule a History Tour, and each tour offers you the opportunity to join the University and Whist Club for lunch or dinner.
Facebook / University and Whist Club
You'll learn all about the gorgeous Tilton Mansion on your visit, and if the weather cooperates, you can enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of the tower. It was once the highest point in all of Wilmington!

Related Stories

With An Arcade And A Bowling Alley, This Incredible Restaurant In Delaware Is Perfect For Families

With An Arcade And A Bowling Alley, This Incredible Restaurant In Delaware Is Perfect For Families

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Delaware

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Delaware

 You'll Never Look At Doughnuts The Same Way After Trying Sleeping Bird Doughnuts In Delaware

You'll Never Look At Doughnuts The Same Way After Trying Sleeping Bird Doughnuts In Delaware
The Lunch Tour costs $25 per person, and the Dinner Tour is just $45 each.
Facebook / University and Whist Club
Groups between 6-10 people have their choice of fine food from the a la carte menu, and if you bring a group larger than 10, you can enjoy a prix fixe meal designed by the clubs gourmet chef.
You can count on your meal to be absolutely delicious.
Facebook /
The menu changes seasonally, and is designed to feature the freshest food around in creative, unique dishes.
The history tour is one hour long, and you will learn so much about early American history and Dr. Tilton himself.
Courtesy of University and Whist Club
Truly, there is no better way to spend the day if you are interested in history - or fine dining!

The Tilton Mansion hosts other events opening the Club to the public, like an Easter brunch, wine tasting nights, and holiday celebrations. You can also rent one of the historic dining rooms or event spaces for weddings and private events. Visit the Tilton Mansion website for more information.

If you can’t get enough of historic dining in Delaware, read These 9 Amazing Delaware Restaurants Are Loaded With Local History.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles