Downtown Wilmington lounge and eatery Dram + Morsel is now open, and owners say the response so far has been strong.
 
The space took over the third floor of 33 S. Front St., formerly a venue for private events called Balcony on Dock.
 
“It’s been better than we could have hoped for. It’s been exciting to see people discovering us,” said co-owner Justin Smith.
 
The owners of Front and Dock, the restaurant group that operates YoSake and The Husk next door, opened Dram + Morsel’s doors in mid-December.
 
The holidays including New Year’s Eve were filled with several large groups and a party this week, Smith said.
 
Dram + Morsel’s menu focuses on small plates as well as craft beer and cocktails. The food menu, divided among Snacks, Greens, Bites and Treats, includes nods to the sister establishments, with a “Props to YoSake” tuna sashimi dish and “Props to the Husk” grilled Mexican street corn.
 
Among the more popular dishes so far, Smith said, has been the agnolotti, stuffed pasta squares with butternut squash and ricotta, composed with manchego cream, tomato fondue, manchego crisp and basil oil.
 
A braised short rib plate with spätzle, sauerkraut and beer jus – the “Achtung, Baby!” – and “Floured Flower,” of deep-fried parmesan cauliflower also have been well received, Smith said.
 
He added that as with any new spot, they are still working out kinks but that it has been manageable so far.
 
“People are getting the concept,” Smith said. “We kept it affordable, really good food at affordable prices. People are trying a little bit of everything.”