9 Coastal Restaurants With Great Year-Round Outdoor Seating

From outdoor games to fire pits, these spots at the Delaware beaches are perfect for gathering in the fall and winter months.

The newly-opened Thompson Island Brewing Company has a firepit, outdoor games and more./Photo by Andrew Hoffecker

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One of the best things about the beach is being able to enjoy a meal outside—even when temperatures drop. Luckily, a few coastal restaurants are embracing this year-round dining mindset and are offering cozy firepits and outdoor seating. Here are a few spots to dine or enjoy a cocktail or two al fresco, even in the cooler months.

Bethany Beach/Ocean View

99 Sea Level
Located in the Marriot Bethany Beach Ocean Suites hotel, this farm-to-table restaurant is just steps from the sand. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean as you dine at one of the firepit tables.
99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach • 539-0299

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The Den Bar & Grill
Located at Bear Trap Dunes, the restaurant is open to non-members and offers upscale pub fare with outdoor seating, wood-burning firepits and daily happy hour.
7 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean View • 537-5600

Fenwick Island

The Cove Bar & Grille at Bayside
Overlooking the 18th green, The Cove Bar & Grille is open to everyone. Enjoy lakeside views as you indulge in s’mores by the firepit.
31806 Lake View Drive, Selbyville • 436-3200

Lewes

Crooked Hammock Brewery
This Lewes-based brewery has an inviting playground for kids and grownups, complete with a firepit, lawn games and of course, hammocks.
46707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes • 644-7837

Dining Outside at The Wheelhouse in Lewes

The Wheelhouse in Lewes boasts a firepit that overlooks the canal./Photo by Andrew Hoffecker

The Wheelhouse Restaurant and Bar
The sister restaurant to Zogg’s Raw Bar and Grill is located on the Lewes Harbor. There is plenty of outdoor seating but only one firepit overlooking the Canal.
7 Anglers Road, Lewes • 291-2163

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Rehoboth Beach

Big Chill Surf Cantina
This laidback beach bar is the perfect spot to relax with a cold beer by a warm fire. Grab a bite from Taco Reho, the food truck parked out front, when your belly starts rumbling.
19406 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach • 727-5568

Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar
Bluecoast seats 250 diners and boasts a 2,200 square-foot patio complete with an acoustic stage, shuffleboard, cornhole, a firepit and an outdoor bar.
30115 Veterans Hwy., Rehoboth Beach • 278-7395

The Blue Hen's Outdoor Seating in Rehoboth Beach

The Blue Hen has plenty of space to enjoy food and drinks outdoors./Photo by Andrew Hoffecker

The Blue Hen
Located in the Avenue Inn Hotel, this sister restaurant to Henlopen City Oyster House has a firepit surrounded by a large, circular bench, which is perfect for an after-dinner cocktail.
33 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 278-7842

Thompson Island Brewing Company
Right next door to Bluecoast is SoDel’s latest creation: Thompson Island Brewing Company. The outdoor beer garden is dog-friendly and boasts a massive firepit, corn hole and even a classic Chevy truck.
30133 Veterans Hwy., Rehoboth Beach • 226-4677

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