Need a vacation? Take a virtual trip to the tropics at Delaware’s top tiki bars, which deliver flavorful cocktails and tropical fare.
Zogg’s Raw Bar + Grill
The winner of Delaware Today’s Best Caribbean Restaurant award (downstate readers’ choice), Zogg’s is steps from the beach and full of island flair, from the rum bar to the raw bar to the menu, which includes Caribbean jerk chicken tacos and rum-peppercorn-seared tuna.
1 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 227-7660
The Wheelhouse at Fisherman’s Wharf
Zogg’s new sibling continues the Caribbean theme on a larger scale and with a canal-front view. Dine on the deck and watch the tour and fishing boats pull up to the dock.
7 Anglers Road, Lewes • 291-2163
Hammerheads Dockside
Swaying palm trees, mojitos and a location on the Indian River Marina make this restaurant an alfresco favorite.
39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth • 752-8010
The Tiki Bar at Big Fish Grill
There are now four Big Fish Grill locations, but only the Rehoboth site has a tiki bar, which is packed during the restaurant’s popular happy hour (Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. and
Friday-Sunday, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth • 227-FISH
Nalu
Tiki bars, which date back to Trader Vic’s in the 1940s, traditionally embrace South Pacific cultures. Nalu gets it right with its Hawaiian vibe. (Nalu is the Hawaiian word for “wave.”) The open-air surf bar’s island decor includes palm trees, totem poles, murals and an 11-foot tiger shark — suspended from the ceiling.
1308 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach • 227-1449
Big Chill Beach Club
With its sweeping view of the beach at Delaware Seashore State Park on one side and the Indian River Inlet Bridge on the other, Big Chill earns its name. You could chill here for hours sipping a Coco-Rita and noshing on Taco Reho Baja fish tacos.
27099 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach • 402-5300
Paradise Grill
This bayside location has it all: palm trees, water features, peaked roofs, “Pacific” salads—starring mandarin oranges—and pina coladas.
27344 Bay Rd., Millsboro • 945-4500
The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill
Situated at the entrance to Rehoboth Beach, The Swell is known for its fun atmosphere and entertainment roster, which has included Bettenroo, Viki Dee and the always colorful Divas of the Sea.
37385 Rehoboth Ave. Ext, Rehoboth Beach • 227-9355
