While a lot of beach businesses stay open all year in some capacity, these establishments’ seasonal starts are met with excitement. Some have recently opened, and others will open in the near future. (Note that some keep limited hours until May.)
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
For decades, the opening of the Dairy Queen on Lewes Beach has helped area residents beat the cold-weather blues and look forward to summer. This year, the landmark at the end of Savannah Road started selling Blizzards as early as Feb. 15.
107 Savannah Rd., Lewes • 645-9284
Nalu opened for its 12th season on March 7 to bring the Polynesian party back to Dewey. A second location in Rehoboth Beach is currently hiring, so it should be tiki time on the avenue in time for Memorial Day.
1308 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach • 227-1449
MezCali, whose margaritas quenched the thirst of many beach-goers in 2018, reopened on March 14. The restaurant is known for creative takes on tacos and other Mexican specialties and, of course, mezcal.
1205 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach • 260-9017
The Starboard held its grand opening weekend March 14-18, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. The Shark Tank section of the restaurant/nightclub has been open all year, but the opening weekend celebration signals the start to special events and live music.
2009 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach • 227-4600
The Surfing Crab just outside of Lewes recently opened for its 11th season but with limited hours to start. Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for more information.
16723 Coastal Hwy., Lewes • 644-4448
The Crab House reopened last weekend with specials, including lobster night on Fridays.
19598 Coastal Hwy., Lewes • 227-2019
COMING SOON
Hammerheads Dockside in the Indian River Marina works with the state’s park system to determine the opening day. But if all goes as planned, expect this waterside restaurant to reopen in mid-April.
39415 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach • 752-8010
Big Chill Beach Club’s giant bar umbrella will unfurl the weekend of April 26-28. The outdoor restaurant overlooking the beach in Delaware Seashore State Park is one of the few eateries in the area with a classic ocean view.
27099 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach • 402-5300
The deck at The Rusty Rudder welcomes spring on April 27 for Admiral Dewey Day with three bands: Love Seed Mama Jump, Laura Lea and Tokyo.
113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach • 227-3888
northbeach reopens on May 3 for more dancing, free taco Fridays and Sunday Fundays.
125 McKinley St., Dewey Beach
Back Porch Café in Rehoboth Beach, which opened in 1974, is an elegant reminder of a time when Rehoboth was not a four-season resort. The restaurant, whose cuisine remains on the cutting edge, reopens May 3 so longtime customers can get their fix of the café’s famous coffee, which is flamed tableside and served with a shot of Kahlua and Galiano.
59 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 227-3674
The Bottle & Cork’s first concert, featuring Dylan Scott, is scheduled for May 23. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m.
1807 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach • 227-7272
