Boy, I wish I could give this place 5-stars! Conley Ward Steakhouse in located on the Wilmington Waterfront in a renovated historical industrial building. The restaurant features a massive and classy outdoor bar and food service area overlooking the Christina River and Riverwalk. The interior of this establishment is tres chic, with a wrap around bar with piano area and warmly appointed dining room that faces a huge glassed wine room. This setting is perfect for a special occassion, business dinner or romantic evening.

The BAR: Our group of six arrived at 7pm while the outdoor bar was very busy. As busy as the outdoor bar was there was plenty of bar servers available to expidite our drinks. The ample serving of wine by the glass was served in huge glasses, and my Manhattan was done to perfection (just under $15 for both). This bar is definitely were the beautiful people can be found.

The FOOD: Our server arrived promptly and explained the menu while outlining the daily specials. The wine menu and service was extensive and professionally delivered. Items ordered:

Lobster Bisque (large) $9......outstanding and hot
Ahi Tuna with Ginger and Wasabi $14......do not miss...awesome!
Shrimp & Crab Cocktail......ample serving and fresh
Louisiana Shirmp.......flavorfull and zesty

Dry Aged Bone-in Rib Eye Steak with Crab/Asparagus....Awesome!

14oz Filet with Crab/Asparagus........no side dishes needed and cooked to perfection. $35 plus whatever the crab was (?)

Chilled Seafood Sampler....listed as an Appetizer........definitely a meal...Features Jumbo Shrimp, Ahi Tuna, Stone Crab Claws and a healthy portion of Jumbo Lump Crabmeat served with candle warmed drawn butter and cocktail sauce.

Don't miss the side dish of restaurant prepared Onion Rings stacked high for a dirt cheap $5.

DESSERT: The trio of Creme Bruee (sp?) awesome........Kentucky Butter Cake worth trying too!

SERVICE: Ut-oh! Why did I have to go here? Once the order was taken, the items arrive in a timely manner but we actually had to hand the empty wine bottles, unused glasses, empty butter dishes, etc to the bearly existent busperson. The dining room floor was loaded with service but the eyes just passed us over again and again. We practically had to fire a signal flare to get round two of water after the entree were finished.

While waiting for dessert and coffee to arrive, our table still had all dirty wine glasses, all bread dishes, pre-dinner cocktail glasses and bread baskets on the table. The dining room host (a young 20's gentleman) at the door was oblivious to any service issues, and functioned as a menu greeter and patron herder. I left the table and approached him, to ask if someone could clear our table prior to dessert. He pointed out where the busperson (not busy at all) was. I asked him to alert the busperson who never arrived at the table. I rose again to aske the busperson to clear the table and he complied as everyone at the table passed all the dirty items to him. Considering we spent an average of $100 per person for dinner/drinks, I found this poor level of service or service training completely unacceptable.

My Suggestion........If you're dining by yourself or as a couple.....sit at the bar. You will probably get more efficient service. Fantastic food, but not worth the aggrevation of poor service for significant money spent.