In the summertime, there is nothing quite like an ice cold brewski after a spritely jog, or an energetic bike ride. And there is no place better to get one than at the newish Lewes Brewing Company that just so happens to be situated right on the Lewes to Georgetown trail. It is located where the trail crosses Savannah Road and there are plenty of bike racks.
This brew pub truly focuses on beer and not food. Due to its size, there was not enough space for a kitchen. There are rotating food trucks next door that feature a variety of selections including crab cakes, burgers, tacos, and barbecue. A schedule is posted on the brewing company’s web site and the brewery also sells snacks at the bar.
The friendly, open-air look of the brewery and its L-shaped bar area gives it a “Cheers-like” look. Dogs are welcome on the outside lower and upper patio areas. Parking can be tricky since there are only 12 spaces for cars due to the brewery’s small footprint.
Of course, the Lewes Brewing Company is not the only brew pub in the area. All have distinct personalities The big Kahuna of local brew pubs is Dog Fish Head that just celebrated its 30th anniversary. It needs no explanation. There are others.
First State Brewing Company opened in late March in the space previously occupied by TGIFridays and The Pond in the shopping center anchored by Safeway in Rehoboth. It is the second locations for the Middletown-based company. The owners have completely revamped the interior to give it a bright open look compared to the previous layout.
First State does serve food and its menu includes some quirky choices such as fried pickles, short rib poutine, and wild game sausage along with typical standards like a selection of salads, seafood, burgers, and chicken and fish entrees.
The brewery’s web site features a clever and humorous “beer bot” meant to amuse customers. First State was voted “Best New Brewery” – 2023 USA Today’s People’s Choice category.
Across the street is Fins Oyster House and Raw Bar and right next to that is the Big Oyster Brewing Company. On a recent Thursday night, the 3 – 6 pm Happy Hour was in full swing and the bar area was at capacity. Big Oyster’s other locations are in Lewes on King’s Highway and in Milford next to the Southern Delaware Golf Course. And speaking of swing, the Milford location features a Topgolf Swing Suite that includes a large screen, and a variety of exciting virtual games. The Suite can host up to 12 people – golfers or non-golfers. Reservations are required and a food and beverage service is available.
The Iron Hill Brewery in Rehoboth serves up what might be the best cream of mushroom soup in the universe. It’s named after Pennsylvania’s Kennett Square, AKA the “mushroom capital of the world”. And, yes, there is a mushroom festival. The 40th Annual event takes place September 6 and 7.
Rounding out Rehoboth’s popular brew pubs is Thompson Island Brewing Company – A SODEL property. The “backyard” beer garden features a huge fire pit with Adirondack chairs (perfect for autumn gatherings), an outdoor bar and veranda with plenty of picnic table seating, cornhole, and a stage for local bands that perform on a regular basis.
Finally, the Dewey Beer Company has a big following despite being a neighbor to the behemoth Starboard complex. Since parking is an issue in Dewey, the brew pub’s web site features a page dedicated to the topic. A better bet might be to take the Jolly Trolly that has a stop right at the restaurant.
Dewey has a Harbeson location and Fins has a Downtown Rehoboth location.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.