You know the old saying, "Appearances can be deceiving?" Well, when it comes to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware, that's the truth! These hidden gem restaurants are worth tracking down, and you'll be talking about these mouthwatering meals for a long time. Though they may not be much to look at, or sometimes hard to find, you'll want to come back again and again for the food.
1. Helen's Sausage House, Smyrna
Pretty much any local you talk to will tell you that Helen's serves some of the best food in Delaware. A Delaware landmark, this roadside pit stop is a favorite with everyone, thanks to the secret seasoning recipe and housemade sausage.
2. El Pique, Wilmington
El Pique serves up authentic street-style tacos in Wilmington. For years, people have been praising this as one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware. Choose from more than 10 different meats for your tacos, or burritos, and don't leave without ordering some of the famous Consommé.
3. Angelo's Luncheonette, Wilmington
Stepping into Angelo's is stepping back in time to a place where the waitresses know your order and the cook knows how you like your eggs. This little gem is a favorite for breakfast, and the pancakes are some of the best you'll ever try.
4. Crystal Restaurant, Rehoboth Beach
The faded facade of Crystal has been the same for years, and beach-goers fuel up for a long day on the breakfast and brunch classics. Fill up on cream chip beef, Belgian waffles, scrapple, or a crab omelet. There's a reason that people come back to Crystal again and again - this kitchen serves up some of the best food in Delaware.
5. Sambo's Tavern, Leipsic
Be sure to bring your ID; Sambo's Tavern is a no-go for those under 21. Crab cakes and steamed crabs draw people from all over the globe, and you can check out where on the bulletin board map hung on the wood paneling. This lively crab shack offers waterfront views and a lively crowd that's sure to give you the true crab-picking experience that defines dining in our state and makes this one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware.
6. Fat Daddy's BBQ, Georgetown
Like so many great barbeque places, Fat Daddy's is a stop along the side of the road on the outskirts of town. It has all the classics; the brisket is to die for. The homemade sides like mac and cheese and collards make this a one-stop shop for anyone craving a homestyle, slow-smoked meal. Most of the food is here until it sells out, so if you're looking for ribs, brisket, or chicken on a busy weekend, you might be out of luck if you don't get there early.
7. Po' Boys Creole and Fresh Catch, Milton
We swear, some of the best food in Delaware is served at places in little strip malls and this is no different. Yes, po' boys are on the menu but so are a slew of other Cajun and Creole dishes. This tiny hole in the wall is a great place for an unforgettable meal, and you'll always be impressed with how well it makes these flavorful dishes.
8. 301 Plaza Restaurant, Middletown
Hidden in a truck stop along a busy highway, the 301 Plaza Restaurant is one that you might zoom right by without a second glance. It had a facelift in 2015. Breakfast is served all day, but other homestyle dishes are served later in the day.
9. Louie's Pizza, Rehoboth
Louie's is often overlooked in this beach town by people eating at Delaware classics like Grotto's and Nicola's. The locals swear by this center-of-town pizzeria, and if you're a fan of sandwiches, you'll find the best grinder in town being made right here.
Are you willing to share what you believe to be the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Delaware? We'd love to hear about them in the comments.
And if you love tracking down the best hidden gem restaurants in Delaware, be sure to take a look at our list of 9 more amazing spots and plan a road trip to see them:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/delaware/hidden-delaware-restaurants-de/
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