Whether you’re starting your first year at the University of Delaware or just looking for some new experiences, bookmark this guide to Delaware’s college town.
From the best spots to grab a morning coffee to restaurants perfect for celebrating a special occasion, here are Newark’s must-visit shops, restaurants, cafés and more.
Breakfast & Coffee Around Campus
Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co.: Many students prefer to grab a granola bar on their way out the door and stop for a quick coffee before their morning classes. If that’s you, Little Goat is the perfect place. The menu features espresso drinks, tea, matcha and more. The shop also carries a selection of packaged Little Goat coffee beans so you can make your own delicious cup at home.
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BrewHaHa:Â This Delaware coffee chain has a location right on Main Street in Newark, an easy walk from campus. Along with coffee, the shop has a variety of quick breakfast selections and an online ordering option so you can grab your order and be on your way.
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Peach Blossom Eatery: This little brunch gem on Main Street is open Wednesday through Sunday and has an impressive menu and delightful atmosphere. With a bar fully stocked to create delicious brunch cocktails and espresso drinks, it’s a great stop for a weekend brunch with friends or good breakfast during the week. This is also a great option for lunch and a 2022 Best of Delaware winner for best lunch spot (upstate).
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The Original Hot Bagels:Â If you prefer a grab-and-go breakfast, Hot Bagels is the place for you. With a wide variety of New York bagels made from scratch every morning, there are so many flavor combinations to try. Go with a simple cream cheese bagel or a sandwich piled high with a variety of meats and cheeses.
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Lunch Options Near the University of Delaware
Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen: Grain is a perfect spot for lunch if you’re looking for craft bar food. The eatery has plenty of crab options like the nachos and a soft pretzel appetizer with crab dip and cheese. Burgers, sandwiches, tacos and more fill out the rest of the lunch menu, and a lovely patio atmosphere on Main Street makes it a great place to grab lunch with friends.
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Roots Natural Kitchen:Â An ideal lunch is a healthy meal with nutrients to get you through the day. Roots Natural Kitchen is an excellent pick in that regard. A build-your-own menu style allows diners to create the perfect salad or rice bowl filled with their favorite ingredients. With vegan/vegetarian options like tofu and chickpeas, plus delicious grilled chicken, Roots has something for everyone.
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Playa Bowls: Especially in the warmer months, an açai bowl or smoothie bowl can hit the spot at lunchtime. It’s cool and refreshing while also being jam-packed with nutrients and superfoods. Playa Bowls has a great selection of smoothies and smoothie bowls to give you that little boost in between classes.
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bb.q Chicken: Korean fried chicken is an increasingly popular dining option among college students in the U.S. bb.q is an excellent dining option nearby the University of Delaware. With fried chicken that is juicy and tender with a light and flaky crust in delicious Korean-inspired flavors, bb.q Chicken is a must-try.
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Dinner in Newark
Home Grown Café: Home Grown is a longstanding Newark favorite for University of Delaware students and locals alike. Craft cocktails complement a dinner menu filled with delicious and nutritious meals. Known for its wide variety of vegetarian options, this is another spot with something for everyone. From fresh and light salads and wraps to hearty burgers, tacos and nachos, this eatery has it all. Check out the brunch and lunch menus, too.
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Ramen Kumamoto: With the growing popularity of Asian-inspired dishes in the Untied States, it’s sometimes hard to cut through the novelty eateries to find the truly authentic dishes. Ramen Kumamoto is the real deal. With rich broth simmered for two days, traditional ramen noodles always a perfect al dente, and a wide variety of authentic toppings (the pork is a favorite), this authentic Japanese ramen spot is hard to beat. Other items on the menu include a steamed or crispy pork bun, tempura shumai, onigiri and more. A quick walk from campus and the order-ahead takeout option make this an ideal dinner spot.
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Hamilton’s on Main:Â If you’re celebrating a special event, the team at Hamilton’s is always ready to deliver the perfect upscale dining experience just steps away from the University of Delaware campus. Plus, the happy hour specials include half-priced appetizers with options like mussels, focaccia and whipped ricotta, salmon tartare and shrimp cocktail. For upscale fare in the college town, Hamilton’s on Main is the perfect go-to.
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Iron Hill Brewery: If you like to enjoy a craft beer with your dinner (for the 21-plus crowd, of course), Iron Hill is the perfect Main Street spot. Along with delicious craft beers, Iron Hill has a menu with plenty of variety, from tacos and burgers to pizza, pasta and seafood entrees.
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Pizzeria Mariana: If pizza is your thing, Pizzeria Mariana is worth checking out. This Neapolitan pizza shop is minutes from campus on Cleveland Avenue. Along with wood-fired pizzas, this Newark gem has delicious pasta options, salads and rotating specials that never disappoint. Plus, on Fridays, enjoy barbecue smoked specials from Chef Robbie Jester. A beer, wine and craft cocktail bar round out the experience, and don’t skip out on the cannoli!
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Sweets and Unique Treats Around Campus
Surreal Creamery: If you’re the kind of person who’s always Instagram-ready, your ice cream should be, too! Surreal Creamery serves novelty ice cream in a mason jar piled as high as possible with delicious toppings. The result is as pretty as it is delicious. The sweet shop also serves milk teas, bubble teas and “Floateas,” the latter which are sweet and creamy milk teas with a swirl of ice cream floating on top.
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UDairy Creamery: Everyone at UD loves UDairy, and it’s easy to see why. This University-run ice cream operation produces seriously delicious scoops in a variety of flavors. The ice cream (and cheese!) is made from dairy and other ingredients produced at the University of Delaware Newark farm. Along with classics like chocolate, vanilla and buttered pecan, the creamery also serves up novelty flavors like peach green tea, fluffernutter, 1st State Cobbler and more.
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Bing’s Bakery:Â Delaware’s oldest bakery has earned its reputation as a community staple with a wide variety of pastries and baked goods. Whether you want a custom cake, cookies or cupcakes for a party you’re hosting or a warm pastry to start your morning, Bing’s is the perfect one-stop shop!
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Mochinut: Mochi is a popular Korean dessert made with sweet rice flour, and mochi donuts are a perfect fusion of this dessert and a classic donut. Located right near the University of Delaware, Mochinut is a great place to try something new. Along with the sweet treats, the concept shop also serves Korean rice flour hot dogs, which are similar to corn dogs, but made with rice flour dough instead. A crowd favorite is the hot dog coated with Hot Cheeto powder. The store also serves boba teas, soft serve and more.
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Bowba Cha: Speaking of boba, Bowba Cha Smoothie & Bubble Tea is a great place for a sweet drink. With plenty of signature flavors like brown sugar, espresso and the Queen Bea (with black milk tea and honey), it’s hard to beat. The smoothies are equally popular. They’re extra sweet and made with real fruit.
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Want more options? To explore even more restaurants near you, try the Delaware Today Restaurant Directory!
Shopping and Entertainment
Newark Natural Foods: Plenty of college students find that staying health-conscious can be difficult. Often on college campuses, there are plenty of options to eat out and not much in the way of fresh ingredients to cook your own meals. Newark Natural Foods is your solution at University of Delaware. This grocery store is a reasonable walking distance from campus and carries natural skincare/wellness items, fresh produce and plenty of organic grocery options.
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Days of Knights: Whether you’re a die-hard tabletop gamer or just want a unique board game to spruce up a game night with friends, Days of Knights has you covered. From used puzzles to tabletop gaming supplies to rooms full of card and board games, this store is fun to explore, and each visit feels like a treasure hunt. Days of Knights consistently provides top-notch customer service. The staff is always ready to help you find whatever you’re looking for. With a convenient location in the middle of Newark’s main street, Days of Knights has been providing entertainment to University of Delaware students for decades.
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Bloom: Whether you need the perfect dress for an event, a cute gift for a friend or a day of retail therapy after a stressful week, Bloom is the perfect one-stop shop just off of Main Street.
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The Delaware Growler: Hosting a backyard get-together? For a top-notch selection of craft beers, check out the Delaware Growler. This growler-filling station and full-service liquor store offers everything from fruity sours to crisp ales and full-bodied stouts. Whether you’re looking for a local libation or an interesting flavor from anywhere around the world, the Delaware Growler will have an option sure to impress.
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Main Street Movies 5: Round up a group of friends and go to the movies! This digital, state-of-the-art movie theater with five screens is located in the Newark Shopping Center, in walking distance to and from the University of Delaware campus.
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Painting With a Twist:Â Get the creativity flowing at this fun DIY art studio. Make an appointment, join for a special event, drop in during open hours or even host a private party From traditional paint and sip sessions to DIY scented candles, wine glass painting and more, there are so many options for bonding between friends or roommates.
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Main Event (Christiana): If you’re looking for weekend fun, grab some friends and make the short drive to Christiana. Main Event offers arcade games, bowling, laser tag, an indoor gravity ropes course and more. Complete with a dining area and sports bar, this giant arcade is great for all ages.
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Related: Rediscover Newark by Eating at These 24 Delicious Restaurants
