If you’re new to Delaware and excited about learning about our history, recreational and entertainment opportunities, I heartily encourage you to subscribe to Delaware Today magazine. Every month’s issue is a treasure trove of helpful information, with beautiful photography and compelling stories.
This one, about waterside dining options, is especially fun since we’re in the middle of summer, when locals enjoy more time outside. As a bonus – and a sign of our thriving economy – most of the restaurants profiled are also open throughout the fall and spring as well, when cooler temperatures make the vistas of rivers, bays and the ocean even more charming.
If you click on the article you’ll find details on each of the establishments. But since there are more than two dozen, here’s a thumbnail list to refer to based on where you live.
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
For obvious reasons, Wilmington and its newly developed riverfront are prime spots for waterside views and great foods and beverages.
Banks Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar has pub style and upscale seafoods at 101 South Market Street.
Docklands Riverfront at 110 West Street is known for its happy hour and afterwork specials so it’s great if you’re still on the job or want to reminisce about those wonderful career days in your retirement.
While you’re in that neighborhood, take a look at Big Fish Grill at 720 Justison Street, which is as beloved in Wilmington as it is down in Bethany.
Just down the street, at 930 Justison, is Timothy’s Riverfront Grill, a beloved sports bar also offering waterside views.
There are also two more out-of-the-way spots. Grain H20 at 3006 Summit Harbour Place in Bear offers pub style cuisine and live entertainment and Dolly Spankers at 30 Clinton Street in Delaware City will feel like dining at the beach.
IN KENT COUNTY
In Dover you’ll get views of Silver Lake at McGlynn’s Pub, located downtown at 800 North State Street and 9 East Taphouse at 9 East Loockerman Street.
In Frederica, Bowers Beach is a lovely spot for sunning and swimming without big crowds, and you can end your day at JP’s on the Wharf, offering seafood and cocktails at 201 Hubbard Avenue.
Milford’s beautiful and historic downtown has become a great place for shopping and dining, with waterside vistas at Park Place Restaurant and Lounge, located at 5 North Washington Street, and the River Lights Café at 340 Northeast Front Street, where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch. Another casual dining option is Arena’s – a longtime Delaware-centric establishment – located at 200 Northeast Front Street.
IN SUSSEX COUNTY
With establishments on the canal and alongside Delaware Bay, Lewes is another great spot for dinner and sightseeing. Harbour, at 134 West Front Street downtown offers elegant cuisine, while Irish Eyes and The Wheelhouse, both on Angler’s Road just across the canal, offer casual fare and great bars overlooking the town’s marina.
Drive or bike down to the end of Savannah Road and turn right at the Dairy Queen if you want to enjoy Delaware Bay views at Grain On the Rocks, located inside the Cape May Ferry Terminal.
Head south to Rehoboth to Above the Dunes at 101 South Boardwalk, with fabulous views of the Boardwalk and the oceanfront or Obie’s by the Sea, located at 1 Olive Avenue for more oceanside dining. Westward, with views of the Rehoboth Bay is Dockside Marina Bar & Grill, located at 39413 Inlet Road.
While they’re certainly fun for 20 and 30-somethings who like to stay up late, The Rusty Rudder and The Lighthouse at 124 Dickinson Avenue in Dewey can be just as fun for people of a certain age who love great seafood on the water with live entertainment too.
Head a little farther south to Bethany for seaside fun at the Big Chill Beach Club at 27099 Coastal Highway, where you’re bound to relax with wonderful bar food, live entertainment and more great views. It’s not too far from Mango’s, with more ocean views at 39 Garfield Parkway and Bluecoast Seafood & Raw Bar overlooking Salt Lake at 30904 Coastal Highway.
Head west to Long Neck for peaceful bay views with seasonal dining at Seaside Bar & Grill at 99 Sandpiper Road and to Millsboro for Italian and Polish food at Serendipity at 32580 River Road and a fun bar at Riverside Grill 31457 River Road.
Rounding out the waterside dining options at the bottom of our beautiful state are Catch 54 at 38931 Madison Avenue in Selbyville and Harpoon Hanna’s at 39064 Harpoon Road in Fenwick.