Throughout Delaware, beer gardens have become synonymous with spring and summer. Making the most of the state’s rich craft brewing culture and gorgeous landscapes, local lounges lean into al fresco spaces and breezy patios galore. With outdoor games, food trucks or on-site kitchens and a wide variety of beverage options, beer gardens make for a fun place to gather with co-workers, friends, family and even pets.
From charming outdoor spaces at local breweries to rooftop hangouts and riverfront venues, here are some of our favorite local spots to enjoy a drink outside in the sunshine.
Constitution Yards
@delawaretodaymagazine Cheers! 🍻 #beer #brewfest #bucketlist #fyp #delaware ♬ All I Want Is You – Disco Lines
The Wilmington Riverfront’s beer garden is a staple for Delaware summers. Patrons can enjoy bar fare, craft beer, local brew festivals and weekends filled with live music, axe throwing and yard games like cornhole and giant Jenga. Constitution Yards is open Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours during the weekend.
308 Justison Street, Wilmington | 407-5192
Rail Haus
View this post on Instagram
This German-inspired beer garden is a new addition to downtown Dover’s burgeoning dining scene. The indoor/outdoor beer garden focuses on German beer styles and German-inspired fare. Grab a bite and a beer, then stay for outdoor games with friends or catch an event like trivia, book clubs and more.
92 N West St, Dover | 450-3525
Liquid Alchemy Beverages
View this post on Instagram
Delaware’s first craft meadery is an amazing place to soak up the sun and savor a few drinks. Taste a variety of award-winning meads and hard ciders, all of which are brewed onsite. The charming outdoor area is filled with mismatched garden furniture, quirky collectibles and plenty of covered or uncovered outdoor seating.
28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington | 438-0252
Makers Alley
View this post on Instagram
This indoor-outdoor beer garden is an off-the-beaten-path hangout in Wilmington. With over 20 beers on tap and games for all ages, Makers Alley is a great place for groups of friends, coworkers or families. Perhaps the biggest appeal of this urban oasis is the iconic 1964 Airstream converted into a working kitchen in which cooks serve up mouthwatering bites like shoestring fries, chicken wings, nachos and burgers.
804 North Orange Street, Wilmington | 482-1299
The Quoin Rooftop
View this post on Instagram
This may not be a “beer garden” in the traditional sense, but for an upscale outdoor experience with craft cocktails and small bites, it’s a hard spot to beat. If you’re celebrating an occasion or want to treat someone in your life to a special evening, a night at the rooftop lounge is a great option. With light fireside fare, expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of craft beers, it’s perfect for a celebration or low-key evening.
519 North Market Street, Wilmington | 446-5601
The Garden at Bardea
View this post on Instagram
While we’re taking a look at upscale garden experiences, The Garden nestled between Bardea and Bardea Steak is perfect. Enjoy upscale light bites alongside steak and seafood entrees and Italian fare. The garden perfectly fuses the two concepts with a laid-back feel. Grab a bottle of wine to share with a friend or sip on impressive cocktails or craft beer.
612 North Market Street, Wilmington | 216-5800
Beer Garden at Whitehall
View this post on Instagram
This seasonal beer garden offers a rotating list of craft beers, seasonal cocktails and wine. Plus, it has live music on weekends, frequent food truck collaborations, corn hole, outdoor yoga events and much more. This is a family- and dog-friendly hangout with plenty of fun for all ages.
735 Mapleton Avenue, Middletown | 932-2478
Crooked Hammock Brewery
View this post on Instagram
With locations in Lewes and Middletown, this outdoor drinking and dining hotspot is an ideal place to bring the whole family. Crooked Hammock boasts a full menu of delightful light bites, entrees, sandwiches and desserts along with an impressive lineup of brews. Plus, if you have little ones in your party, they can enjoy a playground, lawn games and the company of plenty of other kids.
316 Auto Park Drive, Middletown | 601-7837
36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes | 644-7837
Revelation Beer Garden
View this post on Instagram
This popular Rehoboth Beach brewery pours high-quality brews with a one-of-a-kind experience. Between the brewery in Rehoboth, the Hudson Fields Beer Garden in Milton and the coming Georgetown location, there are plenty of options to enjoy a delicious Revelation beer across Delaware.
19841 Central Street, Rehoboth Beach | 212–5674
29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton | 212-5674
Thompson Island Brewing
View this post on Instagram
Celebrate the coastal Delaware lifestyle through Thompson Island Brewing’s craft beers. Experience a vacation atmosphere at this outdoor beer garden featuring ping-pong, bocce ball and delicious food.
30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach | 226-4677
Related: Your Guide to Delaware Restaurants With Great Outdoor Seating