The Beaches Are the Place to Be for Discounted Mid-Winter Dining
Over the past several years, as the Sussex County population has grown, “foodies” have relished the offerings of scores of restaurants serving local, home-grown, and international cuisine coupled with wonderful wines and craft cocktails. Night after night during the warm months these restaurants are packed with vacationers joining the regulars, with many requiring reservations days or even weeks in advance.
During the winter things are different. While virtually off of the top restaurants stay open, the crowds are smaller and the vibe tends to be quieter. You might still want to make a reservation if you’re going out to dinner during the busiest hours and on weekends when more people dine out, but it’s typically a lot easier to get a nice table.
But there’s another benefit as well – one that’s become a well-loved tradition: Well over half of the restaurants from Milton down to Fenwick have off-season dinner specials. This might mean popular menu items that are discounted, or nights when a hefty percentage will be reduced from your overall check, or nights when the kitchen prepares unique winter fare that’s usually likewise offered a very agreeable prices.
Thanks to lots of friends who responded to a recent social media post asking for their favorite winter I can share comprehensive lists of what you can enjoy almost every night of the week. Here are some highlights:
IN REHOBOTH
On Mondays, Chesapeake and Maine, locally renowned for its wonderful seafood, craft beers and fun atmosphere, will take 25 percent off your total tab.
On Tuesdays, Blue Moon is the place for fancy fare at an agreeable price thanks to half-price Happy Hour cocktails and gourmet three-course dinner options for $49.
On Wednesdays, Blackwall Hitch celebrates its upscale atmosphere by offering second entrees at 50 percent off.
Thursdays, Atlantic Social is the place for tasty pub fare with $18 burgers, fries and wings and $5 draft beers.
Fridays are a great time for epicurean pizzas at Crust & Craft accompanied by great wines at 50 percent off.
On Saturdays you can dig in to basic but yummy local fare with 2 crab cakes and side dishes at Rigby’s.
On Sundays you’ll want to return to Chesapeake and Maine for $16 lobsters ($20 if you want the kitchen to crack the shells for easier eating), the Blue Moon for 8 ounce filet mignon dinners at $29 accompanied by $29 bottles of wine or try the $45 fixed price 4-course dinner at Drift.
IN LEWES
On Mondays, the Lewes Bethany Blues location serves a variety of burgers for just $16.
On Tuesdays, Kindle serves it much loved Moules and frites (mussels in a rich butter and wine sauce accompanied by the most amazing French fries) for just $17.
On Wednesdays, Arenas at 5 points offers scrumptious oversized sandwiches for half price, and Touch of Italy on Second Street downtown offers almost all of its wonderful pasta dishes at half price (the portions are huge and easily feed two people for an extra-plate charge or one person twice if you take home the leftovers).
On Thursdays, Harvest Tide (renowned for its steaks and chops) offers prime rib dinners for $25 or $35.
On Sundays you might want to visit Touch of Italy again for a substantial Sunday supper that feeds two for $40 and 4 for $75.
BETHANY, DEWEY, FENWICK
On Monday night enjoy football and $8 burgers and Bethany Blues in Bethany Beach or indulge in a $60 crab feast at the Starboard Claw in Dewey.
On Tuesday, get half price dinner entrees at Off the Hook in Bethany.
On Wednesday, build your own burger starting at $9 at Woody’s in Dewey.
On Thursday, Di Febos in Bethany is the place for comfort food with enough meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies and bread to feed a family of 4 to 6 for $55.
On Friday, get bottles of wine at 50 percent off at Catch 54.
On Saturday, get $5 off your seafood entrees at House of Sauce in Fenwick.
On Sunday, go back to Catch 54 for $25 suppers.
NOTE: These are just a few of the offerings. Click here for a full list of Reho specials https://www.visitrehoboth.com/images/Seasonal_Specials_2024-2025-10.17.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawH7ev1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXy8Snw6ZPJkWqX4rWT5ldZiM6CMDl3xXSzkvVPaTVEUJjXetq15jNniPA_aem_Y2ID563iIZNBuUqiRJwsUw
And here for a more comprehensive list of all of the specials at beach-area restaurants.