It seems like everywhere you look, there’s a new restaurant or cafe popping up. While these new eateries are exciting, and it’s great to see restaurateurs taking a shot at their dream, sometimes you want to enjoy a classic meal from a restaurant you’ve always known. These familiar places scattered throughout the state are some of our favorite nostalgic Delaware restaurants, where we grew up spending time with our families.
- Angelo’s Luncheonette, Wilmington
Facebook / Angelo’s Luncheonette
Facebook / Angelo’s Luncheonette It’s still a common sight to see people walking to Angelo’s in Forty Acres for breakfast on Saturday morning. This classic corner diner was a favorite counter of everyone in the neighborhood, and it hasn’t lost an ounce of charm over the years. Address: 1722 N Scott St, Wilmington, DE
- Gus and Gus, Rehoboth Beach
Flickr / Ted Van Pelt
Facebook / Gus and Gus Place Gus and Gus in Rehoboth Beach is a boardwalk icon. For nearly 80 years, there have been members of Gus’ family serving up burgers, hot dogs, and the best fried chicken in Rehoboth Beach. This is one of the most nostalgic Delaware restaurants, because not much has changed over the years.Address: 15 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
- Piccolina Toscana, Wilmington
Facebook / Piccolina Toscana
Facebook / Piccolina Toscana Originally called Griglia Toscana, the restaurant went through several changes and several other names before settling in as Piccolina Toscana. Whatever you called it, this was a favorite spot of many families for special occasions or just delicious dinners out of the house.Address: 1412 N Dupont Street Wilmington, DE
- The Back Burner, Hockessin
Google Local / The Back Burner Restaurant
Facebook / The Back Burner If you were really lucky, you’d get to enjoy lunch or dinner at The Back Burner in Hockessin. This historic restaurant is a classy steakhouse and American grill, with some of the most delicious food in the state.Address: 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE
- The Buttery, Lewes
Facebook / The Buttery
Facebook / The Buttery The Buttery is one of the nicest spots for a great lunch in Lewes! Many of us grew up with the occasional treat of a meal here, and it was always such a delicious experience.Address: 102 2nd St Lewes, DE
- Boondocks, Smyrna
Facebook / Boondocks Restaurant and Package Store
Foursquare / Doctor K. This rural crab shack is one of the best restaurants in Delaware, despite being in the middle of a cornfield. The Boondocks is a family owned joint that will always be a favorite place to pig out and celebrate summer. Do you remember where you learned to pick crabs?825 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE
- Old Mill Crab House, Delmar
Facebook / Old Mill Crab Hosue
Facebook / Old Mill Crab House Old Mill is another crab shack that Delwareans absolutely love. For decades, people have been flocking here to enjoy their all you can eat crab feasts! Whether you’re a blue crab person or you can’t get enough snow crab, the feasts they offer here are unbeatable.Address: 8829 Waller Rd., Delmar, DE
- The Charcoal Pit, Wilmington
Facebook / Charcoal Pit
Facebook / Charcoal Pit Was there any better treat than going to the Charcoal Pit for a shake and a burger? A trip to the Pit was the ultimate way to celebrate a good report card or a successful basketball game.Address: 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
- Irish Eyes, Lewes
Facebook / Irish Eyes Pub
Tripadvisor / Lucina302 Dining on the waterfront is always a special treat, and Irish Eyes features one of the best views in the state. Whether you boat up, walk up or drive up, you’ll be welcomed into this Irish Pub that’s known for crab dip, oversized burgers, and of course, Shepherd’s Pie.213 Anglers Rd., Lewes, DE
What was your favorite restaurant in Delaware while you were growing up? If you consider yourself a true Delawarean, you’ve got to eat at the best Delaware restaurants! Our list of 12 Restaurants You Have To Visit In Delaware Before You Die will help get you started on your quest to try them all.
Facebook / Angelo’s Luncheonette
It’s still a common sight to see people walking to Angelo’s in Forty Acres for breakfast on Saturday morning. This classic corner diner was a favorite counter of everyone in the neighborhood, and it hasn’t lost an ounce of charm over the years. Address: 1722 N Scott St, Wilmington, DE
Flickr / Ted Van Pelt
Facebook / Gus and Gus Place
Gus and Gus in Rehoboth Beach is a boardwalk icon. For nearly 80 years, there have been members of Gus’ family serving up burgers, hot dogs, and the best fried chicken in Rehoboth Beach. This is one of the most nostalgic Delaware restaurants, because not much has changed over the years.Address: 15 S. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Facebook / Piccolina Toscana
Originally called Griglia Toscana, the restaurant went through several changes and several other names before settling in as Piccolina Toscana. Whatever you called it, this was a favorite spot of many families for special occasions or just delicious dinners out of the house.Address: 1412 N Dupont Street Wilmington, DE
Google Local / The Back Burner Restaurant
Facebook / The Back Burner
If you were really lucky, you’d get to enjoy lunch or dinner at The Back Burner in Hockessin. This historic restaurant is a classy steakhouse and American grill, with some of the most delicious food in the state.Address: 425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, DE
Facebook / The Buttery
The Buttery is one of the nicest spots for a great lunch in Lewes! Many of us grew up with the occasional treat of a meal here, and it was always such a delicious experience.Address: 102 2nd St Lewes, DE
Facebook / Boondocks Restaurant and Package Store
Foursquare / Doctor K.
This rural crab shack is one of the best restaurants in Delaware, despite being in the middle of a cornfield. The Boondocks is a family owned joint that will always be a favorite place to pig out and celebrate summer. Do you remember where you learned to pick crabs?825 Lighthouse Road, Smyrna, DE
Facebook / Old Mill Crab Hosue
Facebook / Old Mill Crab House
Old Mill is another crab shack that Delwareans absolutely love. For decades, people have been flocking here to enjoy their all you can eat crab feasts! Whether you’re a blue crab person or you can’t get enough snow crab, the feasts they offer here are unbeatable.Address: 8829 Waller Rd., Delmar, DE
Facebook / Charcoal Pit
Was there any better treat than going to the Charcoal Pit for a shake and a burger? A trip to the Pit was the ultimate way to celebrate a good report card or a successful basketball game.Address: 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE
Facebook / Irish Eyes Pub
Tripadvisor / Lucina302
Dining on the waterfront is always a special treat, and Irish Eyes features one of the best views in the state. Whether you boat up, walk up or drive up, you’ll be welcomed into this Irish Pub that’s known for crab dip, oversized burgers, and of course, Shepherd’s Pie.213 Anglers Rd., Lewes, DE
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