Some restaurants become more than just places to grab a meal. Over the years, they become part of family traditions, vacation memories, and the deeply rooted history of our communities and small beach towns.
Some of the places that really make our locals proud have stood the test of time.
From classic boardwalk staples to neighborhood favorites that have welcomed guests for decades, these longtime Coastal Delaware restaurants have stood the test of time and continue serving locals and visitors year after year.
In this blog, we will be helping readers discover some of the longest-standing restaurants in Coastal Delaware & explore longtime local favorites that have been serving generations of visitors and residents happily.
Gus & Gus Place (1956)
If you're spending time on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, stopping at Gus & Gus Place is almost a rite of passage.
Founded by Greek immigrant Gus Svolis in 1956, what started as a simple burger and hot dog stand has become one of the boardwalk's most recognizable landmarks.
Through decades of hurricanes, changing seasons, and countless summers, Gus & Gus has remained a favorite.
They're best known for burgers, fried chicken, gyros, cheesesteaks, Italian sausage, breakfast, and their famously fresh cut crispy fries, which are perfect to enjoy while walking the boardwalk or relaxing on the beach.
Even after founder Gus Svolis passed away in 2020, his restaurant continues to be an important part of Rehoboth Beach tradition. Being a part of our famous over a mile long Rehoboth boardwalk for seventy years is definitely something to be proud of.
- Address: 15 S Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- You can contact (302) 227-3329 for more information about the hours and menu
The Starboard (1960)
Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast, a lively dinner, or a place to catch live music, The Starboard has been bringing people together in Dewey Beach for more than 60 years.
What began as a small beachfront restaurant has grown into one of the area's most iconic dining and entertainment destinations.
The Starboard was originally built and opened by Duke Duggan around 1960 and has gone through several changes over the years. Purchased and run by the Hearn family during the late 80s and early 90s, Chip Hearn grew
The Starboard into a nationally known hot spot. Purchased by current owners Steve ‘Monty’ Montgomery and his partners in 1999, The Starboard’s popularity is now off the charts as it has grown into a national phenomenon!
Known for their incredible annual community events, such as Dewey Goes Pink and Running of the Bull, this restaurant brings in thousands of visitors every year.
And they are known for always having something on the schedule coming up as well for locals to enjoy, with people being excited for the upcoming OktoBOARDfest and their big Halloween Party with live music running all night long.
If you visit in the morning, you'll find their award-winning breakfast and brunch, with favorites like the Eggs Delmarva and Hangover Helper.
Later in the day, the menu shifts to burgers, sandwiches, wraps, seafood, and more.
People visit bars all around our beach towns to enjoy live music, but they come to The Starboard for the bartenders.
The familiar faces, friendly service, and genuine connections they've built with customers over the years are what keep people coming back again and again.
- Address: 2009 DE-1, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 8am to 1am
Grotto’s Pizza (1960)
Few restaurants are as closely tied to Coastal Delaware as Grotto’s Pizza. And people have heated opinions and debates about the best local pizza in our area, with Grotto’s being a consistent front runner in the race every single time.
The story began in 1960 when founder Dominick Pulieri started serving his signature spiral-sauce pizzas from a small stand on Rehoboth Avenue.
More than six decades later, Grotto’s Pizza has expanded across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, but its Rehoboth Beach location remains a favorite stop for generations of beachgoers.
If you've ever visited the area, there's a good chance you've seen (or tasted) the pizza with its unmistakable swirl of sauce. It is a trademark that is hard to miss and even harder to ignore – some say it is the secret to the success of the delicious-tasting pizzas they create!
Along with pizza, you'll also be able to find other wonderful options on their menu such as pasta, sandwiches, salads, wings, and other Italian-American favorites, making it an easy choice whether you're grabbing a quick slice or sitting down with family and friends.
And according to their website, since establishing their Grotto Gives Back program in 1985, Grotto Pizza has donated in excess of $15 million to our local communities through our Community Pizza Night program, holiday fundraising, and donations to youth programs, schools, the military, hospitals, first responders, and other philanthropic giving.
- Address: 36 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 11am to 12am
Crystal Restaurant (1970s)
If you're searching for a classic breakfast spot in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Crystal Restaurant is well worth the stop.
Serving the community since the 1970s and owned by the Tsolakis family since the mid-1990s, this longtime local favorite has built its reputation on friendly service, generous portions, and consistency.
For many families, breakfast at Crystal has become a beach tradition before heading to the boardwalk.
The menu is especially known for hearty breakfast and brunch favorites, including fluffy omelets and the popular Crab Benedict, making it a reliable choice whether you're starting your vacation or simply craving a comforting meal.
- Location: 37300 Rehoboth Ave Ext #1, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 7am to 3pm
Image: The Back Porch Café
The Back Porch Café (1974)
If you're looking for one of Rehoboth Beach's most established fine dining restaurants, The Back Porch Café has been welcoming guests since 1974 and continues to be a staple for our area.
Tucked just off Rehoboth Avenue, it helped introduce a more refined dining experience to Coastal Delaware and became one of the area's pioneers of outdoor courtyard dining.
Founded in 1974, this restaurant helped define fine dining in Coastal Delaware, offering a creative alternative to traditional boardwalk fare with fresh, seasonal ingredients and globally inspired flavors.
Their menu focuses on classic French meals & techniques with international influences and seasonal ingredients, creating a menu that has evolved while staying true to its roots.
Signature dishes like the rabbit bolognese, along with popular brunch offerings, have helped earn a loyal following over the decades.
Whether you're dining on the garden patio or inside the cozy restaurant, you'll be enjoying a piece of Rehoboth Beach's culinary history.
For more details on their history to today, you can find the breakdown on their website here at this link.
- Address: 59 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Louie's Pizza (1974)
For more than 50 years, Louie's Pizza has been serving recipes that have stayed in the family for three generations.
Founded by Lazaros "Louie" Gouvas in 1974, the restaurant is still operated by the Gouvas family, who continue making the pizza dough, sauce, and cheese from the original family recipes every day.
While the pizza is what first draws many visitors in, don't overlook their famous oven-baked grinders, made with fresh Italian bread and locally sourced ingredients, or their hand-cut Boardwalk fries, which have been cooked in 100% peanut oil since the day the restaurant opened.
If you're looking for a longtime Rehoboth Beach favorite that has stayed true to its roots, Louie's is a great place to experience it.
- Address: 11 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 11am to 8pm
Summer House (1977)
For nearly 50 years, Summer House has been part of the Rehoboth Beach dining scene.
When it first opened in the late 1970s, it was known as an elegant "fern bar," offering upscale cuisine in a stylish setting that stood out at the time.
Today, the restaurant continues to welcome locals and visitors with a menu of American favorites, from burgers and fresh salads to steaks and seafood.
Whether you choose a table indoors or on the outdoor patio, Summer House offers a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or drinks after a day at the beach.
- Address: 228 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 11:30am to 1am
Image: Summer House
Sunrise Restaurant (1984)
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, Sunrise Restaurant is a stop worth adding to your list.
Serving Dewey Beach for more than 40 years, this family-owned favorite is now run by Rob Holson, who started working there as a 14-year-old busboy before eventually becoming the owner.
Sunrise has earned a loyal following thanks to its generous portions, homemade home fries, and classic breakfast dishes like the western omelet, gyro omelet, and bacon, egg, and cheese bagel.
With friendly service and consistently good food, it's the kind of place that keeps both locals and vacationers coming back year after year.
- Address: 2300 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 6am to 3pm
Nick's Philadelphia Cheese Steaks (1985)
For more than four decades, Nick's Philadelphia Cheese Steaks has been satisfying hungry beachgoers in Dewey Beach.
Founded by Nick Halkopoulos in 1985, this family-owned restaurant has become a local institution, especially for its signature cheesesteaks.
While the menu has expanded over the years to include favorites like gyros and other casual eats, the cheesesteak remains the star of the show.
Whether you're grabbing lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite after enjoying Dewey Beach, Nick's is one of those longtime spots that has built its reputation one sandwich at a time.
- Address: 1800 Coastal Hwy, Dewey Beach, DE 19971
- Hours: Daily from 11am to 9pm
The Cottage Café (1993)
Since opening in 1993, The Cottage Café has become a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors in Bethany Beach.
Inspired by the welcoming feel of classic beach cottages, the restaurant has built its reputation on friendly service, quality food, and an atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and enjoy time with family and friends.
In 2022, the restaurant joined the local, family-owned SoDel Concepts group, which has continued the traditions that made The Cottage Café so popular.
Along with a menu featuring seafood, steaks, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food favorites, you'll also find regular events like Tuesday trivia and Thursday Feud Night, making it a fun place to visit beyond mealtime.
- Address: 33034 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday-Sunday from 11am to 10pm; Tuesday & Thursday from 11am to 11pm
Keep following our blog for more local history, hidden gems, community guides, and everything happening around Coastal Delaware.
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