11 Irresistible Restaurants That Define Delaware
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Nowadays, new restaurants are popping up all over the First State, and many of them serve delicious food that you really ought to try. For every new spot that opens its doors, though, there’s another restaurant that’s been serving food in Delaware for so long that it’s almost become a part of the state’s image. The classic Delaware restaurants below have really made their mark on our state, and they all really remind me of home.
Gus and Gus in Rehoboth Beach has been serving up fresh fried chicken and delicious, greasy boardwalk burgers for what feels like forever. If you've ever strolled the boards here, you've walked past this hot dog and burger stand, and you probably had to squeeze through a line of people to continue on your way.
15 S Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
15 S Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
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DiFebo's signature Veal Chop alone sets the standard for italian food in Delaware, and it's no surprise that this is one of the most highly regarded dining spots in the state. It's one of the most classic Delaware restaurants at the beach, and it is widely regarded as being absolutely delicious.
789 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE
789 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE
I rarely get reactions from readers as quickly and enthusiastically as every time I mention Striper Bites. This Lewes joint was an instant classic, and now it's a must-visit for nearly everyone stopping by the first town in the first state. The shrimp and grits are a crowd favorite.
107 Savannah Rd Lewes, DE 19958
107 Savannah Rd Lewes, DE 19958
Charcoal Pit, on the other hand, has divided my readers. Some of us realize that this classic diner is a landmark and a huge throwback to greasy burgers and shakes of our childhood - others think it's a divey diner. Whatever your opinion is, changes are you have an opinion, because you can't avoid the Charcoal Pit for long if you live in Delaware.
2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
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If you've never been to Jessop's, I don't know what you're waiting for! This colonial themed tavern serves up old-world style food like shepherd's pie to hungry crowds alld ay, while keeping in character. It's an experience, and it's delicious!
114 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE
114 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE
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The Green Room is the most awarded restaurant in Delaware, with international accolades for their incredible, gourmet dining. This Rodney Square establishment is located in the Hotel DuPont and is one of the oldest restaurants in Wilmington.
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801
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I always hear the joke that Caffe Gelato is where you took your parents when they came to visit you at UD, so they could save you from a student's life of Ramen and peanut butter. Whatever the reason, this place is busy all of the time, and they continue to serve up great meal after great meal. They're really famous for their gelato, though, and in a state that's known for amazing ice cream, this is one you cannot pass up.
90 E Main St Newark, DE 19711
90 E Main St Newark, DE 19711
JP's is located in the sleepy town of Bowers Beach, where the fishing lifestyle is still king. That means that anyone looking to grab a fresh bite of seafood knows to head east to the Wharf, where you can pick crabs and slurp oysters all night.
201 Hubbard Ave, Frederica, DE 19946
201 Hubbard Ave, Frederica, DE 19946
The Southern Grill of Ellendale is one of the few places in the state that still serves muskrat, so if you're dying to try a Delmarva tradition, head on down on Wednesday nights.
711 Main St, Ellendale, DE 19941
711 Main St, Ellendale, DE 19941
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Bethany Blues serves up incredible BBQ, and it's some of the best in the state. The restaurant has become an instant classic, and is now one that makes quite the impression on visitors to Lewes.
18385 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958
18385 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958
Chicken and Slippery Dumplings is such a classic Delmarva delicacy that I've always wondered why it's so hard to find. Well, at Jimmy's in Bridgeville, you get the full experience and some of the best dumplings I've found. Visit for a real Delaware treat.
18541 S Main St Bridgeville, DE 19933
18541 S Main St Bridgeville, DE 19933
Along with these classic Delaware restaurants, there are plenty of other things that really define the First State. Check out these iconic scenes and see if they remind you that Delaware is where your heart belongs.
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