Meet at Grain on the Rocks for Their Signature Brews and Talented Musicians: Retired and looking for something new to try? In our ‘Things to Do in Delaware” series, we pass on great activities to bulk up your (growing) treasure chest of local options.
Right next to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal is a trendy and popular hangout spot for travelers and locals alike. Grain on the Rocks boasts waterfront views and a deck for outdoor seating, while inside, its comfy and modern decor creates an atmosphere perfect for joining with friends. High tops, booths and tables – take your pick.
The flagship Grain was established in Newark 2015 by the O’Donoghue and Mickles families, and has quickly grown into a presence in Delaware with four locations and a new café serving their own signature coffee. Grain on the Rocks is a nod to the ferry terminal surroundings – massive boulders separating the Delaware Bay from the decks and walkways between the terminal and the restaurant.
Traveling by boat or were out fishing all day and need to unwind? Pull up to the docks and stay a while, or rent a boat for the day joining Freedom Boat Club, which has a dock right in front of Grain!
Outside on the generously sized waterfront deck, diners can rest assured that dogs are welcome, just as they are on the ferry!
Catching the morning ferry to Cape May? Visit Lewes Coffee Company to kickstart your trip. This little coffee shop inside and adjacent to the restaurant serves its own signature blends of java and a variety of smoothies. They use ethically farmed Brazilian coffee beans and roast them locally in small batches. The distinct flavor will impress, so why not take a bag of whole or ground beans home as well for yourself or as a gift to someone special?
Grain on the Rocks merchandise is also sold in the coffee shop. Tee shirts sell like hotcakes, according to coffee shop manager Diane.
Grain’s success is rooted in Delaware pride. While contemplating what to name the first restaurant, O’Donoghue and Mickles chanced upon Oliver Evans, a charismatic 18th century inventor from Delaware who invented the first patented automated flour mill, which revolutionized mills henceforth, and was even adopted by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson on their own properties.
Today, Grain on the Rocks offers an enormous menu of beer choices, many which are brewed right here in Delaware: Dogfish Head, Big Oyster, etc.
Committed to local philanthropy, Grain generously hosts several fundraisers for local nonprofits and other benefit events. Whether it’s giving 20 per cent of revenue to the organization on a given day (their “Fork Support” program), or hosting celebrity bartender nights, Grain embraces the concept of benefitting Delaware’s charitable causes.
Their parent company, coined OMG Hospitality (which stands for O’Donoghue, Mickles = Great Times) itself is committed to Delaware causes, particularly supporting local first responders and the annual Buddy Walk, a fundraiser for persons with Down Syndrome.
And live music? There’s plenty of that at Grain on the Rocks. Now entering its third year, Grain presents Rockin’ the Docks, an outdoor concert series in the summer, complete with a large stage and full food and beverage service – without leaving your seats! Come watch the sun set over the bay and enjoy the arrival and departure of the ferry boats while listening to the diverse talent they present. There’s no better venue around that offers all of this.
Grain on the Rocks also features indoor live music during the cooler months in its restaurant area.
Weddings, private parties and catering are also on the menu of Grain in Lewes. Imagine renting the entire field they own – bayside with spectacular views – with plenty of FREE parking for your guests in the terminal’s lot, a rarity anywhere near the beaches!
Bring your pooch, your love of coffee, your musical ear and your appetite to Grain on the Rocks. A great option for enjoying great food, music and atmostphere in Delaware. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it’s a great way to spend a few hours sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away. Otis Redding would agree.
