Delaware’s only rooftop patio to open last week of August

DELAWARE — Delaware’s newest wine bar, Open Btl, promised Delaware something it has never seen before: a rooftop patio.

Open Btl opened in March after taking over the former J. Gumbos restaurant’s building at 39 E. Williams St. But it only opened with the inside area and outdoor patio available to guests.

“One of the contingencies for us buying this building, actually, was approval from the building department that they would approve a rooftop patio,” owner John Cordas previously told Delaware Source.

Now five months after the initial opening, Open Btl is making good on that promise with the rooftop patio set to open to the public in the last week of August.

Cordas said the delay was largely due to challenges in getting the rooftop area approved as the first one in the city.

“The city did not have a blueprint for approval of a rooftop patio, so we worked through it with the city to make sure any other future establishments can follow a process and plan,” Cordas said.

The building is in the historical district, so the Delaware County Historical Society also assisted in the approval process, ensuring renovations still preserve historical elements.

Cordas said wine club members will be the first to know the official date and make reservations for the space, if they choose.

Shortly thereafter, the public can check out the space, which will be outfitted with lounge furniture, short tables, tall tables and fire pits.

“It’s going to be a very relaxed space,” Cordas said.

The patio will be open all year long, weather permitting, and Cordas said the fire pits will help keep the area warm in the winter months.

Open Btl will also use the rooftop patio to host more events, including networking events, happy hours, candlelight orchestras and more.