With summer days in full swing, there’s nothing like sitting back to enjoy some good food in the warm sun or by the cooling waterside. Or maybe you prefer playing some backyard games as you hear lively music and you wait for your order. Find the perfect spot for your outdoor dining excursion with this beginner’s list of restaurants offering great atmosphere and scenic views in Delaware! 

Unique Outdoor Dining 

  • Buckley’s Tavern (Wilmington): Dating back to the 1800s, this local’s favorite began as a private residence and now offers casual American “comfort” cuisine with patio-style seating.  

  • Harry’s Savory Grill (Wilmington): Harry’s offers a fine dining experience you must try! Well known for their prime rib, perfectly cooked steaks and Rail Hausfarm-to-table selections, Harry’s has a luxurious outdoor patio. Paired with the perfect wine, you’ll have a flavorful and fun evening! 

  • Makers Alley (Wilmington): Come discover where history meets contemporary style with this indoor-outdoor restaurant and beer garden. While you enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or savory brew under the city lights, they will be hard at work in the kitchen (converted into a 1964 airstream). 

  • Painted Stave Distilling (Smyrna): Painted Stave has taken outdoor sipping to a new level with a picturesque patio accompanied by a lovely pergola, twinkling lights, and a performance space.  

  • Rail Haus Beer Garden (Dover): A wonderfully relaxing atmosphere in the middle of Delaware’s Capital city near its rail line. Picnic tables on sand mix with seating near fire pits and rail cars serving sips. This family-friendly beer garden, which does offer indoor seating, also boasts killer food including German Pretzel Bites, and handhelds from Bratwurst to Burgers! There are vegetarian and vegan options along with a kids’ menu as well.  

  • The Cultured Pearl (Rehoboth Beach): This Japanese restaurant not only serves fresh and delicious sushi but also an extravagant atmosphere. Sit outside on their upper-level patio, featuring beautiful koi ponds, for a great view of Rehoboth Ave. 

Waterfront Dining 

  • Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront (Wilmington): This vibrant riverfront dining experience offers top seafood specialties served in a family-friendly atmosphere just along the river. Afterwards, walk the riverfront for more waterside views. 

  • Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (Wilmington): Discover the perfect pairing of food and craft beers from Iron Hill’s patio overlooking the Christina River and Riverfront Wilmington.  

  • Sambo's Tavern (Leipsic): Dive into a pile of freshly caught steamed crabs at this rustic and local favorite while catching a sunset along the Leipsic River. 

  • Grain on the RocksGrain on the Rocks (Lewes): Grab a plate of crab fries and an Orange Crush as you watch the Cape May-Lewes Ferry make its way through the Delaware Bay. If you’re lucky, you may spot a dolphin or two swimming through the waters. 

  • Victoria's Restaurant (Rehoboth Beach): Enjoy a quiet morning with brunch and a cup of coffee or tea on the boardwalk at Victoria’s Restaurant. If you can’t make it for breakfast, Victoria’s is open for lunch and dinner in an intimate and vintage setting overlooking the beach and boardwalk. 

  • Rusty Rudder (Dewey Beach): With a deck overlooking Rehoboth Bay, this Dewey restaurant makes for a night out you won’t forget. Hosting live music seven days a week, get your groove on and dance the night away. 

  • Paradise Grill (Millsboro): Located directly on the Indian River Bay, Paradise Grill takes you off the beaten path for a tropical getaway complete with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand. 

  • Big Chill Beach Club (Bethany Beach): Enjoy great food and drinks atop Big Chill Beach Club while watching the sun set over the Indian River Inlet for a perfect golden hour moment. Behind you, the reverse sunset will be displaying more colors above the Atlantic Ocean that’ll be calling you for a swim. 

Big Chill Beach Club

  • Mango's (Bethany Beach): With views of the beach and boardwalk, tropical-inspired dishes, and their Mango Margarita, Mango’s whisks you away to your very own tropical island getaway. 

  • Catch 54 (Selbyville): Overlooking the endless views of greens and blues of the bay, Catch 54 is the perfect place to taste exquisite food with an even better view. Tip: The view of the sunset from Catch 54 is not to be missed. 

Backyard Dining 

  • Dew Point Brewing Co. (Yorklyn): Head for the picnic tables under the big umbrellas and sip your way through delicious brews. Toss some horseshoes, relax in the grass and enjoy the live music and scenic surroundings of the historic Garrett Snuff Mill. 

  • Wilmington Brew Works (Wilmington): The shady patio nestled alongside this lovely century-old building is the place to stay and play. Sip a fresh-crafted brew (or some hard cider) and try for the perfect cornhole toss. 

  • Volunteer Brewing Company (Middletown): In a literal backyard, you can enjoy all the cozy and intimate backyard vibes that Volunteer Brewing Company has to offer. With decks, backyard games, and a fire pit, you can’t go wrong. 

  • Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (Milton): Take in the view from the iconic steampunk treehouse, play a game of horseshoes or simply sip at a picnic table. Don’t miss a summer afternoon or evening at this popular off-centered brewery. 

  • Crooked Hammock Brewery (Lewes and Middletown): Known for its tasty eats, great brews and year-round summer vibe, Crooked Hammock’s backyard is open for the season. Jam to live music, play some games, hang out at the outdoor bar or simply swing in a hammock. 

Crooked Hammock Brewery

  • Big Oyster Brewery (Lewes and Milford): With family-friendly backyard games, live music performances, and more, enjoy Big Oyster Brewery’s casual and fun outdoor patio. Their newest location in Milford also offers the opportunity for a game of golf!