Fall just might be the best time of the year to dine outdoors in Delaware. Whether you’re looking out across Riverfront Wilmington or listening to the waves crash in Bethany, dining outdoors in Delaware is even better when you can experience the sights and sounds in comfort as the weather cools.
Sit back, dine in, and enjoy the view with these top Fall outdoor dining locations:
Bardea Food and Drink
Wilmington
This James Beard semi-finalist, with its neo-Italian offerings, is located in downtown Wilmington. Although there’s no shortage of great restaurants on Market Street, Bardea offers outdoor dining for to enjoy pizza and pasta in the glow of the city lights.
Big Chill Beach Club
Bethany Beach
The days may feel shorter, but the sunsets are more spectacular in the fall, and there’s no better place to settle in and watch the sun set than at Big Chill Beach Club. Located in the Delaware Seashore State Park on the Indian River Inlet, this is the spot to enjoy an orange crush while taking in a striking orange sunset behind the Indian River Bridge.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
Rehoboth Beach
A trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Delaware’s original brewpub. Located right on the main stretch of Rehoboth, Dogfish Head’s outdoor dining is downright jaw-dropping. From their courtyard you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and delicious craft beer, brewed just steps from where you’re seated, all under the watchful gaze of their nautical themed mural of Holly the Hoptopus. And with the return of the fall season, you’ll find all of your fall favorite brews on tap like, Punkin Ale and the always delicious Namaste.
Grain on the Rocks
Lewes Ferry Terminal
Grain on the Rocks is located right at the Lewes Ferry Terminal and overlooks the scenic Delaware Bay. Enjoy polished casual dining and craft beers and cocktails under their awning while watching the ferry head in and out of port. As if that weren’t enough, throughout the fall they’ll continue to have live music weekly at the restaurant.
Iron Hill Brewery
Riverfront Wilmington
With views of the riverfront and plenty of outdoor seating, Iron Hill is the ideal place for craft beer fans looking to kick back and enjoy the scenic seasonal shift. And with the arrival of fall comes their Oktoberfest lager and German-inspired dishes.
JP’s Wharf
Frederica
If you like to travel off the beaten path, you’ll want to check out JP’s Wharf in Frederica. Waterfront dining and fresh seafood make this location hard to beat. Taking advantage of their coastal local, JP’s catches their own rockfish, harvests oysters, and works with local crabbers. If you’re lucky enough, you may spot your next meal arriving at the dock! And because we believe ice cream is never out of season, be sure to grab a scoop at Barnacles Ice Cream next door after your meal.
Painted Stave Distilling
Smyrna
As the weather chills, the patio at Painted Stave Distilling makes for a great spot to warm up with hand-crafted spirits and cocktails. And if the thought of sipping some whiskey doesn’t raise your spirits, Taco Jardin is now open on the patio. Be sure to make reservations so you can sit and sip at this Smyrna mainstay.
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Middletown and Lewes
Known for its “backyards,” you’ll feel at home on their porch or around the campfire. Crooked Hammock offers the best of backyard beer drinking. The outdoor area is also perfect for all ages (dogs too) to relax or enjoy a game of cornhole.
Thompson Island Brewery
Rehoboth Beach
At this restaurant known for delightful southern-style dishes and fresh seafood, you can enjoy more than a dozen brews handcrafted on site. Take a seat on the patio or around the fire pit in the beer garden.
Now’s the time to fall in love with outdoor dining in Delaware! Enjoy great year-round and seasonal dishes and take in the gorgeous changing scenery in comfort.