Maybe it’s the rise of the charcuterie board thanks to a generation raised on Lunchables. Maybe it’s the “girl dinner” trend or the human desire to explore. Whatever the reason, food and drink flights are an essential part of the modern food scene.
Some credit is likely owed to the rise of craft microbreweries (there were reportedly nearly 10,000 breweries in the U.S. in 2023). As new microbreweries popped up in every city, beer flights fascinated the public. There’s a ritual to the experience. A certain satisfaction comes from the process of choosing the perfect lineup of styles and flavors to suit your palate, then systematically sipping each unique flavor and choosing your favorites. Some brewery enthusiasts make a hobby of ranking the brews, giving rise to apps like Untappd—a platform allowing beer enthusiasts to review beers and seek brewery recommendations.
As the demand for beer flights rose, so did the craving for a similar experience outside of the beer scene. Coffee shops began serving flights of unique seasonal latte flavors. Bars offered samplers of bourbon or cocktails. Kitchens even began to put together their own “flights”—samplers of appetizers, sauces, soups, pastas and more.
As any flight enthusiast knows, it’s not just about the taste. A great flight is about presentation and an immersive experience. It’s a culinary journey to take alone or alongside friends. If you love a great flight, here are some sampler hotspots in the First State to add to your list.
Scout Cafe
Scout Cafe is a Wilmington favorite for great coffee, delicious sandwiches and calming outdoorsy vibes. The flight changes seasonally and usually includes a blend of teas, lattes and specialty items. The summer flight includes a raspberry matcha, berry-flavored Arnold Palmer and affogato along with a Strawberry Dreamsicle latte.
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La Casa Pasta
A pasta flight? Yes, please! The Tuesday night special at this Italian food hotspot is a three-pasta sampler. For $25, skip the hardest choice of the night (which pasta to try) and taste three great varieties. If you often find yourself struggling to choose from a menu full of mouthwatering pasta options, this sampler is for you!
120 Four Seasons Parkway, Newark
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Liquid Alchemy Beverages
Whether you’re not much of a beer drinker or are looking for something out-of-the-ordinary, a mead flight at Delaware’s first meadery is a must-try. Stop by any time the tasting room is open to enjoy a flight of mead or cider. Plus, enjoy special events like dessert pairings and mead cocktail flights.
28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
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Wilmington Brew Works
This repeat Best of Delaware winner is a top-notch spot to taste some brews. From dark German beers to hard ciders, imperial stouts and classic IPAs, Wilmington Brew Works brews a wide variety of award-winning beers to taste. A flight includes up to five five-ounce pours, and a pizza from neighboring La Pizzeria Metro completes the perfect drinking and dining experience.
3129 Miller Road, Wilmington
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Corner Grounds
This newcomer to Delaware’s coffee scene has quickly established itself as a must-visit in lower New Castle County. Since opening, its seasonal latte flights have flooded Instagram feeds. The appeal of a flight is as much visual as it is culinary, and Corner Grounds’ stunning flights are the perfect example. An iced latte flight inspired by popular breakfast cereals is the latest unique flight creation. Follow Corner Grounds on Instagram to see what the cafe will put together next.
102 North Fifth Street, OdessaÂ
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The Ice Cream Store
What’s better than ice cream at the beach? A flight of ice cream at the beach! This beloved Rehoboth Beach ice cream shop serves up six-scoop flights of ice cream so you can choose a variety of flavors to enjoy.
6 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
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Brick Works
With locations in both Smyrna and Long Neck and an extensive dining menu, Brick Works is a great spot for beer flights. The brewpub was founded in 2016 and continues to serve up made-from-scratch dishes and locally brewed beer. Flights include four seven-ounce pours.
230 South Dupont Boulevard, Smyrna
36932 Silicato Drive, Suite 1, Long Neck
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Agave
Pass the chips, please! Agave is known for innovative and delicious guacamole options. The guacamole sampler allows you to choose any three to taste. Choose from unique flavors like goat cheese and pine nut or pumpkin seed and aged gouda. Pick your favorites, then dig in!
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Big Oyster Brewery
In Lewes, you can’t go wrong with a beer flight at Big Oyster Brewery. From refreshing IPAs to bold stouts and fruited sours, Big Oyster Brewery has something to suit every beer lover’s tastes. Order a flight of four to wash down mouthwatering seafood. Don’t forget to grab a four-pack of your favorite on your way out.
1007 Kings Highway, Lewes
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Did we miss your favorite flight in the First State? Reach out to our digital editor, Sydney Livingston, at slivingston@delawaretoday.com to let us know!
Related: These Delaware Restaurants Focus on Spectacular Plating
