Memorial Day weekend already? As busy as life keeps us, it’s easy to forget to plan the holiday party. If you’re in a pinch, skip the burgers and dogs. Summer is time for barbecue. Haul the family out for some fun at a few of these favorites, or order to go.
Bethany Blues BBQ Pit and Bethany Blues of Lewes
Chicken, ribs, brisket and more, such as fun sides like mac and cheese and braised greens. bethanyblues.com
Buffalo Wild Wings
Wilmington, Newark, Bear, Middletown, Dover
If you can’t choose between glaze or Buffalo sauce, get a combo of ribs and chicken for a little of both. buffalowildwings.com
The Charcoal Deli
Rehoboth Beach
Any menu with deviled eggs gets our attention, but it’s the ribs and chicken that will keep you going back. Call by Wednesday for a big weekend order.
sites.rehoboth.com/charcoaldeli
Fenwick Crab House
Fenwick Island
The babybacks are bona fide lip-smackers, and owner Scott Fornwalt wants you to know it. fenwickcrabhouse.com
J.B. Dawson’s Restaurant and Bar
Newark
We were mighty glad to see Dawson’s arrive at Christiana Mall from Pennsylvania a few months ago, because Dawson’s ribs rock. So do sides like baked spiced apples and delicious beans. jbdawsons.com
Stanley’s Tavern
North Wilmington
It justifiably advertises the best rack in town—meaty ribs, tangy sauce. Delish. stanleys-tavern.com
Summerhouse
Rehoboth Beach
If you don’t want to fight holiday crowds this weekend, remember that Wednesdays are rib night—half price. summerhousesaloon.com
Where Pigs Fly
Dover
Pork barbecue, broccoli salad, sweet tea. What more do you need? wherepigsflyrestaurant.com
Young’s BBQ
Middletown
Go whole hog—literally—for $495 (but order plenty in advance). If you didn’t call in time for a rib delivery, the restaurant is happy to serve. youngpigpickin.com
I Scream
One other beautiful thing about the unofficial start of summer: ice cream. To taste some of the best in the state, visit Woodside Farms Creamery (woodsidefarmcreamery.com), where Jersey cows grazed on alfalfa, clover, orchard grass and rye produce thick, rich milk that makes for delicious ice cream. It’s no wonder Woodside churns out custom flavors for so many local restaurants.
Downstate, Hopkins Farm Creamery (hopkinsfarmcreamery.com) in Lewes does the same. They sell so much ice cream, everything is often hours fresh. That also means some flavors change often. The cows are so close, you can touch them. So get moooving.