Amy Felker, who opened Lewes Bake Shoppe in 1990, remembers when customers just asked for “regular” or “decaf” coffee. They never considered ordering a latte, espresso or even a type of bean. The next year, she put a roastery in the shop.
Felker was on the cutting-edge. Today, coffee culture has taken root along the coast. For proof, drive around the circle in Rehoboth. The old 7/11—once the go-to for a regular cup of joe—has become Rise Up Coffee Roasters.
Rise Up Coffee Roasters
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The hip Rise Up was founded by Tim Cureton, who was exposed to coffee-growing operations while in the Peace Corps. He started the business in 2005 with a drive-through coffee trailer in St. Michaels, Maryland. By 2012, Rise Up was roasting its own coffee.
The business crept closer to the Delaware coast with locations in Salisbury and Ocean City. The Rehoboth site was Rise Up’s first foray across state lines. Now, it’s a local favorite in Rehoboth.
502 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 567-2588
Drifting Grounds Coffee House
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Located in cozy Ocean View, this coffee shop is always whipping up a fun seasonal special. Enjoy espresso, flavored lattes, spiced chai lattes, flavored matcha, cold brew and more. Owned by a Maryland native who vacationed in Bethany Beach as a child, Drifting Grounds ensures that trips here are always a pleasant experience.
117 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View | 406-3726
Kaisy’s Delights
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Owner and Frenchman Thierry Langer is proud that his restaurants only serve La Colombe. While the pancake-like Kaiserschmarrn pastry—the Austrian word for “imperial mess”—is the hook, breakfast sandwiches are bestselling items. There are locations in Rehoboth, Milford and Lewes, and the Lewes site has a drive-through.
1548 Savannah Rd., Lewes | 313-424
303 Main Street, Millsboro | 297-5310
Somewhere Rehoboth
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Somewhere Rehoboth was formerly Mug & Spoon, a trendy coffee shop that served coffee from Wilmington-based Brandywine Coffee Roasters and ice cream from Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin. Somewhere is now a full tropical beach bar that serves a twist on Caribbean comfort food. With delicious brunch and dinner options and a patio with amazing vibes, this shop still offers the delicious coffee we all came to know and love from Mug & Spoon. Now, you can also sip on an espresso martini and enjoy a full brunch menu.
52 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 858-6280
Notting Hill Coffee Roastery
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Nestled inside Lewes Bake Shoppe, Notting Hill sells more than 125 kinds of coffee. You can sit beside the roaster, which has a place of honor in the center of the shop.
124 Second Street, Lewes | 645-0733
Surf Bagel
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Surf Bagel’s owners, Dave and Tom, serve Swell Joe Coffee Co.—a coffee roastery that Dave opened with his friend Drew just two doors down from the Lewes location in 2014. In 2021, Surf Bagel became part of the SoDel Concepts family, and it still serves up the same delicious coffee.
17382 Coastal Highway, Lewes | 644-1822
18675 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach | 644-4822
204 NE Front Street, Milford | 503-3629
36908 Silicato Drive, Millsboro | 990-3747
The Point Coffee House and Bake Shoppe
The shop at the entrance to Rehoboth Beach brews six to eight different kinds of coffee each day, and you can buy more than 20 types of beans by the bag. All the coffee is specially made for the shop by a roastery.
37140 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach | 260-9734
Related: Boba Shops in Delaware to Visit for Sweet Bubble Tea
