The boiling temperatures in the District and Summer Fridays (if you’re lucky) usually mean one thing: beach weekends.
Whether your go-to getaway is in Delaware or OBX, we’ve got you covered with the best places to grab a bite.
Rehoboth
a(muse.)
Who says fine dining can only be found in the big cities? If you have something to celebrate during your beach trip or just want to treat yo self, a(muse.) is the place to be. James Beard-nominated chef Hari Cameron delights diners with modern Mid-Atlantic fare. Diners can choose between a tasting menu (7 or 11 courses) or dine a-la-carte. And if you really want a great deal and don’t want to skimp on your beach time, stop in after 9 p.m. for a late-night happy hour that offers $5 and $10 menu items.
Purple Parrot
Nothing says a beach trip like a low-key spot like Purple Parrot. With daily specials and karaoke Thursday-Saturday, this is the perfect place for when you are way too sunburned to put on real pants but need some food and German beer.
Salt Air
Located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth, Salt Air offers farm to table cuisine, an upscale atmosphere and great hospitality. In addition to their delicious a la carte menu, Salt Air also hosts wine, spirits and beer dinners from October to May. These dinners feature four courses, each creatively paired with hand selected wines, beers and spirits. Salt Air refers to itself as a “Delaware beach picnic.” I can’t think of a more perfect place to spend an evening than that.
Dewey
Hammerheads
Hammerheads, a true locals destination, opened in the spring of 2008 in Dewey Beach. They offer 16 curated craft beers on tap and they all pair perfectly with these unbelievable CHEESE FRIES. I mean look at those things! Heaven is a place on earth.
The Starboard
The Starboard was originally built and opened by Duke Duggan around 1960 and has gone through several changes over its years. From famous Suicide Sundays to Eggs Delmarva and wonderful breakfasts and nightly entertainment – both on stage and with long-time DJ personalities – you will always find a crowd of people enjoying themselves at The Starboard.
Bethany
Sedona
Celebrating 25 years in Bethany Beach, Sedona offers creative American cuisine prepared with the freshest seasonal ingredients. While it offers some entree selections, Sedona is popular for their tapas offering items such as House Smoked Duck with Pink Madagascar Rice and Clams Casino.
bluecoast
A staple in Bethany, bluecoast serves fresh, simple seafood that is caught daily. House specialities include fried baby lobster tails, lobster cavatappi, and their take on shrimp and grits. Run, don’t walk to this joint next time you’re at the Delaware beaches.
Off the Hook
Off the Hook is all about the water to table concept serving diners only the freshest of catches. The restaurant holds true to the belief of “if it doesn’t swim here, we won’t sell it.” This means patrons won’t find salmon or Chilean sea bass, but they will be able to feast on local favorites like bluefish, tuna, mahi-mahi, soft shells, and scallops.
Southern Shores/OBX
Red Sky Cafe
Chef Wes Stepp turns out some incredible fare, including filet mignon, crispy duck and seafood. In season Red Sky opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner, and it has a full bar with an exciting wine list. You can also order full meals to go or hire their Chefs On Call service and they’ll cook for you at your place.
The Blue Point
The Blue Point began life on July 15, 1989 with 50 seats and a 6 seat oyster bar. Nowadays it features a much larger bar and a much more comfortable dining room. With beautiful water views, live music, and sunsets to die for – Blue Point offers a lot more than just a great meal. It’s the quintasential beach destination.
Art’s Place
Colorful and fun, Art’s Place is home to one of the best hamburgers in North Carolina. Open for breakfast and lunch right on the beach, Art’s has been a locals favorite for over 30 years and a great place to start your morning before heading out to the ocean.
Tortuga’s Lie
Nestled among the dunes of the Outer Banks town of Nags Head, you’ll find Tortugas’ Lie. Founded in 1989, Tortugas’ is home to some of the beach’s finest fare. Some of our favorites include the jerk wings and the conch fritters. Get it with a side of peppery beach fries.
Mulligan’s
Mulligan’s has one of the best burgers on the beach and has been serving them up for over 20 years. In keeping with traditional Southern Coastal Cuisine and the Farm to Fork philosophy, their Green-tail Shrimp and Oysters come right from the waters of the Pamlico Sound and their produce is grown on farms in Currituck County. If you’re feeling a bit crabby, be sure to try the crab balls, crab dip topped pretzel, and wash it all down with fresh made orange crush drinks!
O’Neal’s Sea Harvest
In the mood for great seafood? Give O’Neal’s Sea Harvest a try. Located on the bustling shores of the Wanchese harbor, this family owned and operated seafood wholesaler hand selects some of the catch that crosses their docks daily to offer to the general public.
Ocean City
Cafe Mirage
Serving up modern American cuisine, Cafe Mirage opened in May 2013. With a mix of modern American dishes, and flavors inspired from the owners’ time in the Caribbean, Cafe Mirage features local ingredients, homemade recipes, and made-to-order meals.
Liquid Assets
Liquid Assets has called Ocean City home for over 10 years. Featured in Conde Nast Traveler’s selection of ‘Best Burgers in America’ in 2016, and named Wine & Beverage Program of the Year by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, LA has some some very impressive accolades. Whether you are looking for a full dining experience, a quick lunch, or an after-dinner drink, Liquid Assets has it all. Also be sure to check out their famous cheese plates and extensive wine, beer, and spirits list.
The Hobbit
Don’t’ let the name fool you. The Hobbit is a white table cloth, fine dining experience with some of the best views in all of Ocean City. Indulge in fresh seafood and classic dishes artfully presented. The Hobbit features a contemporary dining room with clean lines, warm colors, dramatic lighting and did we mention those breathtaking bay views?
