Few restaurants survive five years, let alone a decade. However, Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon in Wilmington’s Trolley Square turned a remarkable 40 last year—and it’s not the only Delaware restaurant marking a milestone. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these iconic spots—all founded before 1990—are worth a visit.
1776 Steakhouse
The Midway Shopping Center restaurant opened in 1989 with a $17.76 prix-fixe meal served by staff in colonial garb. Three years later, 1776 became a steakhouse, but the atmosphere remained. Tom Holmes, who purchased the establishment in 2007, kept the name and the theme but upped the quality. Interestingly, lobster-filled black ravioli is a leading entrée. 18585 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach; 645-9355.
Back Burner
In the 1970s, Dan Lickle turned a Hockessin hardware and coal-supply company into boutiques. Shoppers needed a place to eat, so the Back Burner debuted in 1980. The open kitchen and mirrored ceiling—designed for cooking classes—was unique at the time. Later, the restaurant moved to a location in the same shopping center. The pumpkin-mushroom soup and shrimp Lejon are favorites. (Dan and Missy Lickle later opened Krazy Kat’s in Montchanin.) 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin; 239-2314.
The Back Porch Café
In 1974, Victor Pisapia, Libby Fisher—now Libby York—and her then-husband, Ted Fisher, opened The Back Porch in the old Hotel Marvel. The menu promoted fresh, healthy food—a concept that was new to Delaware at the time. York left to pursue her singing career, Pisapia left to open Blue Moon, and Marilyn Spitz joined when Ted, her boyfriend, died. Meanwhile, Keith Fitzgerald, who had helped his friends open the restaurant, became the owner. The late Leo Medisch’s imprint remains on the menu. Consider crisp veal sweetbreads, pepper-cured tuna loin, and rabbit Bolognese. In 2020, longtime employees Dimitri Shubich and his wife, Aksana Varanova, purchased the restaurant. 59 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-3674.
Blue Moon
In 1981, Victor Pisapia and Joyce Felton opened Blue Moon in a 1907 house built from a Sears kit. When it changed hands, it was lovingly passed to those familiar with its history and split personality. One side is all about fine dining in a sophisticated but cozy atmosphere; the other is a popular bar with entertainment. Save room for Blue Moon’s famous take on baked Alaska. 35 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-6515.
Buckley’s Tavern
The white building hugging Kennett Pike has been a private residence, a stagecoach stop, a taproom, and an ice cream store. The name honors Dennis Buckley, who purchased the site in 1951. Bob Bolling and Bob Applegate—the “Bobs”—became owners in 1970 and leased the building to restaurateurs. Current operators improved the infrastructure without dimming its spirit; the comfortable restaurant in Chateau Country appeals to all ages and incomes. Try the pot pie, crab cake, mushroom soup, and open-faced crab-and-cheese sandwich. 5812 Kennett Pike, Centreville; 656-9776.
Charcoal Pit
The façade of the “Pit” has changed little since 1956, when brothers Sam, Marty, Lou, and Aaron Sloan opened it. From the start, guests could watch the cooks place burgers on the grill and “soda jerks” make droolworthy ice cream sundaes. The Pit Special with fries and house-made relish can’t be beat, but the crab cake and clam chowder are also bestsellers. For decades, the retro diner has been a hot spot for high school students who gather after dances and games in large groups to split supersized sundaes—many named after area schools. 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 478-2165.
Claymont Steak Shop
Since opening in 1966, the original Claymont Steak Shop has grilled cheesesteaks for presidents and movie stars. Former President Joe Biden, who graduated from neighboring Archmere Academy, is a fan. Original owners Bob Hionis and Sam Demetratos expanded the shop as neighboring space became available. Current owner Demi Kollias has grown the business. 3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 798-0013; 57 S. Main St., Newark, 453-9500; 2720 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-1500.
Columbus Inn
As early as 1798, the building was a “rendezvous” for employees of the DuPont Powder Mills, according to a 1956 article in “The Morning News.” In the 1950s, Wally W. Sezna purchased it, and his son, Davis, followed in his father’s footsteps. In 2006, developers eyed the inn for a high-rise, but the community fought back. The inn closed in 2007, and the Capano family purchased it in 2009. Sunday brunch remains a local tradition, and the happy hour is a mainstay. 2216 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington; 571-1492.
Deer Park Tavern
Built in 1851, the Deer Park has been an inn, a women’s seminary, a brothel, a polling place, a ballroom, a barbershop, a liquor store, and a Chinese restaurant. However, generations of University of Delaware students remember it as a much-loved dive and watering hole with a “townies” bar.
Current owner, Ashby Hospitality Group, used a postcard to restore the Deer Park to its glory days. The family-friendly menu, which includes the bestselling nachos, appeals to students and locals alike. 108 W. Main St., Newark; 369-9414.
Difebo’s
In 1989, Wilmington native Lisa DiFebo-Osias opened a 40-seat deli/café in Bethany Beach, partly to remain at the beach. What started as a sub shop became a full-service Italian restaurant after DiFebo-Osias graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. She also has a Rehoboth location and a separate Bethany Beach market. Her father’s meatball recipe and sauce are legendary. 789 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, 539-4550; 12 N. First St., Rehoboth Beach, 226-4550.
The Dog House
The Sloan brothers of Charcoal Pit fame opened The Dog House in 1952, and the 17 counter stools have remained hot commodities. Customers watch as footlong hot dogs and all the trimmings—chili and onions are a must—are plopped before them on paper plates. Along with hotdogs, the tiny restaurant cooks burgers, steak sandwiches, and grilled cheese. 1200 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle; 328-5380.
Feby’s Fishery
Feby’s is short for DiFebo’s, which was started by Philip DiFebo, Lisa DiFebo-Osias’ uncle. (See above.) It began in 1974 as an Elsmere market with a few counter stools. The business moved to Lancaster Pike in 1984 with an expanded dining room. Customers love the snapper soup in a sherry-based broth and the steamed, fried, or broiled seafood medley. 3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington; 998-9501.
Grotto Pizza
In 1960, 17-year-old Dominick Pulieri, his sister, and her husband opened Grotto Pizza in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Pizza slices were 20 cents; a whole pie was $1.60. But Grotto Pizza initially fell flat. Happily, that changed, and the signature pie with the tomato sauce swirl became synonymous with the beach, despite its physical and culinary expansion.
Harry’s Savory Grill
Harry’s Savoy Grill opened in 1988 in a structure that had housed eateries since the 1930s. Harry’s features the classics: icy martinis, juicy prime rib, and an upscale atmosphere reminiscent of an English men’s club. In 1993, Xavier Teixido purchased Harry’s when he left 1492 Hospitality Group, which had opened the restaurant. Start with the oysters. 2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington; 475-3000.
Helen’s Sausage House
In 1983, Wilmington native Helen Achenbach and her husband, Melvin (Mudge), opened Helen’s Sausage House in Smyrna to serve early-bird hunters, anglers, and truckers traveling Route 13. In 2023, Clifford J. Murphy III, Helen’s grandson, opened a second location in Newark. At both spots, Helen’s is known for breakfast meats, including scrapple, Delaware’s signature “delicacy.” 4866 N. Dupont Highway, Smyrna, 653-4200; 145 E. Main St., Newark, 861-9001.
Kelly’s Logan House
The Logan House dates back to 1864, when it was a boarding house and bar across from a long-gone train station. It was named for John A. Logan, a Civil War general. The Kelly is John D. “Whiskers” Kelly, who bought the building in 1889 and has a burger named after him. Today, the restaurant is owned by Joanna Kelly and Michael Patrick Kelly Jr. 1701 Delaware Ave., Wilmington; 652-9493.
Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
In 1984, Davis Sezna of 1492 Hospitality Group purchased an old catering-turned-rock-club location in Trolley Square. He brought Xavier Teixido in to run the new restaurant, and they created the go-to place for a ready-to-mingle generation. Teixido left, but in 2010, he and his partners purchased the restaurant in a full-circle moment. In 2022, a second location opened in the Wilmington suburbs. Burgers and anything on the grill remain the restaurant’s claim to fame. 14th & Scott streets, Wilmington, 658-4600; 1812 Marsh Road, Wilmington, 308-3560.
La Casa Pasta
In 1978, Giuseppe and Anna Martuscelli had a tiny Glasgow restaurant with a loyal following. Over the years, they expanded as space became vacant. Generations have celebrated birthdays, first dates, and anniversaries in the restaurant. Martuscelli Restaurant Group also owns Klondike Kate’s Restaurant & Saloon in Newark, founded in 1979 by 1492 Hospitality Group. 120 Four Seasons Parkway, Newark; 738-9935.
Louie’s Pizza
In 1974, Lazaros “Louie” Gouvas opened his sub and pizza shop in downtown Rehoboth Beach. While famous for pizza, Louie’s is the “home of the grinder”—subs cooked in the pizza oven until the cheese is gooey and the roll is crisp. 11 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-6002.
Mrs. Robino’s Restaurant
Tresilla Robino opened her Little Italy restaurant in 1940 to satisfy Italian immigrants’ hunger for home-cooked meals. The lines were long, so she served diners in groups. The fifth generation, including Andrea Minuti Wakefield and Robin Robino Mabrey, operates the restaurant. Classic dishes include ravioli, meatballs, and pizza. 520 N. Union St., Wilmington; 652-9223.
Nicola Pizza
Officially, Nicola’s started in 1971. But years before its opening, Nick Caggiano Sr. sold pizzas from home as a side hustle. He needed to cover medical expenses for his daughter, Camille, who was born with spina bifida. Nicola’s did so well that it had two downtown Rehoboth locations. In 2022, the home of the Nic-o-boli—a ground-beef stromboli—moved all operations to a new Route 1 restaurant with plenty of parking. 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes; 227-6211.
Ristorante Attilio’s
Although this Little Italy icon opened in 1985, the site has long served Italian cuisine—it was previously home to Marconi’s. Signature Attilio’s dishes include fried smelts, string beans and potatoes, and sundried peppers and greens over spaghetti 1900 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington; 428-0909.
Roma Italian Restaurant
This Dover landmark opened in 1973 as a pizza shop, and founder Giuseppe Garramone’s recipes are still touchstones. The restaurant quickly became a white-linen destination for special occasions. Garramone’s son, Joseph, who began working in the kitchen at age 10, has brought his style to the menu with the help of his wife and fellow chef, Kristin. The couple opened Sul Tempo, an adjoining cocktail lounge, in 2015. 3 President Drive, Dover; 678-1041.
Sambo’s Tavern
Crabber Samuel “Sambo” Burrows opened the tavern in 1953, and Sambo’s still buys crabs from local purveyors. Consequently, it is only open during the season, generally April through October. Since the tavern is near Dover, it’s popular among NASCAR fans and drivers. Note that no one under 21 is allowed to enter. 283 Front St., Leipsic; 674-9724.
Smyrna Diner
If everything old is new again, then diners are proof. It appears that a new one pops up every year. However, Smyrna Diner is the OG—it was founded in 1956. In 2008, the diner moved to a new building near Route 1. Don’t-miss dishes include chicken and dumplings, biscuits with sausage gravy, and chicken croquettes. 99 S. Cory Lane, Smyrna; 653-9980.
Stanley’s Tavern
In 1935, Bill Patton turned a farmhouse-like building into the bar where everybody knows your name. Bill’s Place operated until 1947, when Stanley Minakowski purchased it. The restaurant is now owned by Ashby Hospitality Group, but little has changed. The popular sports bar was among the first in the area to serve wings. 2038 Foulk Road, Wilmington; 475-1887.
The Starboard
The Dewey Beach landmark started as Duke Duggan’s Last Resort Bar, which opened in 1960. (The Shark Tank section is the original building.) At some point, Duggan changed the name to The Starboard. The Hearn family, who bought the business in 1986, turned it into the hot spot Delawareans know and love. Steve “Monty” Montgomery was 18 when he started working at the tavern, and he and his partners purchased it in 1999. The orange crush is the house beverage. 2009 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach; 227-4600.
Vincente’s Italian Restaurant
Vincent Mancari was a well-known restaurateur and consummate entertainer. After opening a luncheonette on West Fourth Street, he dreamed big. By 1974, Vincente’s had taken over neighboring townhouses and become a fine-dining restaurant. Mancari was known for Caesar salad preparations that started at the table and traveled across the room. Everyone stopped to watch the tuxedoed Mancari toss cheese into the bowl. The restaurant moved several times and is now on Kirkwood Highway, where son Daniel is in the kitchen. Another son, Tom, is often behind the bar. 5914 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington; 543-6451.
