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The First State’s dining scene will welcome an array of restaurant openings in the new year, making the region even more of a foodie hotspot.
Delaware’s dining scene continued to boom in 2019. While new spots like Makers Alley in Wilmington and Raas in Lewes opened their doors for the first time, community favorites like Crooked Hammock Brewery and Taverna expanded their reach in the First State.
What do we have to look forward to this year? Here are some eateries that are expected to open in 2020.
Agave Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
This Lewes staple is expected to open its second location this summer in Rehoboth. Plans for a third location in Middletown were recently announced via Agave’s Facebook page. A comment on the post from the restaurant stated the timeline for the Middletown was uncertain, but it would likely open in 2021.
Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Crab Du Jour
Dover and Wilmington will soon see locations of this Pennsylvania-based cajun seafood chain, which boasts menu items like fried calamari, raw oysters, crawfish boil, fried shrimp baskets and more.
889 N. Dupont Highway, Dover • 2107 Concord Pike, Wilmington
Dixie Southern Kissed Chicken
Newark will soon have it’s very own Dixie’s Southern Kissed Chicken, from the owners of Chuck Lager America’s Tavern. If the restaurant’s Facebook page is any indication of what’s on the menu, expect chicken and waffles, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries and the like.
481 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark
Goober’s Diner
The owners of Buckley’s Tavern in Centreville are expected to open a two-story, 80-seat stainless-streel retro 50’s diner soon in Wilmington. A traditional diner menu with all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner is in the works.
Corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and North Lincoln streets, Wilmington
Grain on the Rocks
Local staple Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen is expanding downstate this summer. Grain on the Rocks will be located at the Cape May–Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor seating options, views of the water and a unique menu tailored to local tastes and sourcing options.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, Lewes
Grandpa’s Kitchen at Revelation Brewery
Delaware staples Grandpa Mac and Revelation Craft Brewing Company are coming together in the brewery’s upcoming Georgetown location. Projected to open in late spring of 2020, will offer Grandpa Mac’s signature pasta dishes as well as beer-inspired cuisine.
413 S. Bedford St., Georgetown
Kid Shelleen’s Charcoal House & Saloon
Popular Trolley Square eatery Kid Shelleen’s is expected to open a second location in early 2020 at the Branmar Shopping Center in the Brandywine Hundred neighborhood of North Wilmington. The new restaurant will have the same decor and menu as the Trolley Square location, including award-winning hamburgers and weekend brunch.
Branmar Shopping Center, North Wilmington
Le Cavalier at the Green Room
In October, Hotel Du Pont announced the closure of its iconic restaurant, The Green Room. The hotel’s new restaurant concept, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, will be a French brasserie open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. It is expected to open in the spring.
Hotel Du Pont, 42 W, 11th St., Wilmington
Port 251
The former El Jefe Gordo space on Rehoboth Avenue will soon be an Italian aperitivo bar called Port 251. One of the restaurant’s owners said on Facebook that the eatery will be open seasonally, and hopes to be fully staffed by March. Diners can expect a “Florentine happy hour” and low-cost Italian tapas.
251 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen announced a partnership with Big Fish Restaurant Group to open a new Rosenfeld’s location in Wilmington later this year. The Jewish deli serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including Kosher Hot Dogs, Legendary Grilled Reubens and more.
Wilmington
Sugar Factory
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is adding another eatery to its growing list of dining options. Sugar Factory, a restaurant and confectionary shop, is opening a location at the casino next spring. A full-service cafeÌ and confectionary shop, retail shop and full-service bar is planned to house the 5,000 square-foot space.
1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover
Taco Grande Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar
Big Fish Restaurant Group has announced plans to open an authentic Tex-Mex concept on the Riverfront by Big Fish Grill and Iron Hill Brewery.
Wilmington Riverfront
Teriyaki Madness
The fast casual teriyaki restaurant franchise is expected to debut on Wilmington’s Concord Pike in the coming months. Menu items include beef teriyaki, chicken katsu, yakisoba noodles, edamame, chicken potstickers and more. Read more here.
3311 Concord Pike, Wilmington
Wilma’s
Ernest and Scott Taproom will soon be transformed into Wilma’s, a duckpin bowling alley, arcade and dining destination.
902 N. Market St., Wilmington
Meg Ryan contributed to this article
