The Travelers’ Field Guide toDelaware
Discover Delaware’s Hidden Gems and Unique Attractions
Explore Delaware’s small-but-mighty charm with cool, hidden, and unusual experiences. From quiet bayside trails and quirky historic sites to offbeat adventures along the coast, there’s plenty waiting to be uncovered in the First State.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
Places to Eat and Drink In Delaware
Delaware’s food and drink scene is full of easy pleasures. Think crab shacks and boardwalk treats, family-run farms with roadside stands, and breweries pouring fresh local pints. Along the coast you’ll find seafood spots serving the day’s catch, while inland towns offer cozy cafés, bakeries, and farm-to-table dining that makes you want to linger. Whether it’s a quick bite on the way to the beach or a night out with friends, you’ll find plenty of flavors to bring along. Want to go a little deeper? Start with Delaware Grown for farm-fresh picks, follow the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail, or browse Visit Delaware’s guides for even more local tastes.
Family-Friendly Favorites
From beachside ice cream shops to pizza places with plenty of space, Delaware has spots where kids can be kids and parents can relax. Think casual menus, friendly service, and a laid-back vibe that makes dining out easy and fun for the whole family.
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Fifer’s Farm Store – Camden-Wyoming, DE
A family-run farm market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal favorites. Fifer’s Farm Store captures the flavor of Delaware’s countryside and the warmth of four generations working the same land.
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Helen’s Sausage House – Smyrna, DE
A Delaware breakfast icon serving spicy sausage sandwiches from a humble roadside stand. Helen’s Sausage House is loud, local, and downright legendary.
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Charcoal Pit – Wilmington, DE
A classic 1950s diner serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1956. Charcoal Pit captures the golden age of roadside dining in every bite.
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The Backyard – Milton, DE
A Milton favorite blending local ingredients and home-style cooking. The Backyard feels like brunch at a friend’s house—with better coffee.
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Meding’s Seafood – Milford, DE
A Milford seafood staple offering market-fresh meals and local flavor. Meding’s Seafood is Delaware dining the way it used to be—simple and delicious.
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Boondocks Restaurant – Smyrna, DE
A lively crab house tucked off the highway near Smyrna. Boondocks Restaurant serves seafood, cold beer, and plenty of summer attitude.
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Grotto Pizza – Rehoboth Beach, DE
A Delaware beach tradition since 1960, Grotto Pizza is the family favorite for hand-tossed pies and a swirl of nostalgia.
Roadside Classics
Pull off the highway or pause along the coast for Delaware’s tried-and-true roadside eats. From crab shacks and clam stands to vintage diners and boardwalk snack bars, these casual spots mix a little nostalgia with plenty of good food—always worth the stop.
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Sambo’s Tavern – Leipsic, DE
A no-frills crab house on the Leipsic River, Sambo’s Tavern serves steamed blue crabs, cold beer, and old-school Delaware charm.
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Charcoal Pit – Wilmington, DE
A classic 1950s diner serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes since 1956. Charcoal Pit captures the golden age of roadside dining in every bite.
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Helen’s Sausage House – Smyrna, DE
A Delaware breakfast icon serving spicy sausage sandwiches from a humble roadside stand. Helen’s Sausage House is loud, local, and downright legendary.
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The Backyard – Milton, DE
A Milton favorite blending local ingredients and home-style cooking. The Backyard feels like brunch at a friend’s house—with better coffee.
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Dewey Beer Co. – Dewey Beach, DE
A beachside brewpub serving craft beer and comfort food steps from the ocean. Dewey Beer Co. captures the easygoing spirit of Delaware’s coast.
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Meding’s Seafood – Milford, DE
A Milford seafood staple offering market-fresh meals and local flavor. Meding’s Seafood is Delaware dining the way it used to be—simple and delicious.
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Boondocks Restaurant – Smyrna, DE
A lively crab house tucked off the highway near Smyrna. Boondocks Restaurant serves seafood, cold beer, and plenty of summer attitude.
Date-Worthy & Romantic
From cozy dining rooms tucked into historic towns to waterfront tables with sunset views, Delaware has plenty of spots made for two. Think fresh seafood, creative menus, and wine lists that set the tone for a night you’ll remember.
Wineries & Breweries
Sip your way through Delaware’s growing collection of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. From vineyard patios and rustic taprooms to coastal brewpubs with live music, these spots are perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a weekend outing with friends. Many also host food trucks, seasonal events, and tastings that make it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
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Dewey Beer Co. – Dewey Beach, DE
A beachside brewpub serving craft beer and comfort food steps from the ocean. Dewey Beer Co. captures the easygoing spirit of Delaware’s coast.
Sweet Spots
Got a sweet tooth? Delaware’s got you covered with boardwalk favorites, old-fashioned ice cream stands, retro candy shops, and small-town bakeries. From fudge by the beach to hand-crafted chocolates, these are the places to treat yourself.
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Edie Bees Confection Shop – Lewes, DE
A cheerful downtown candy shop filled with jars of sweets, chocolates, and old-fashioned charm. Edie Bees is a must-stop for anyone strolling through historic Lewes.