WOW. That's a challenge! So I have based my selections on the feedback I get from people who post on RehobothFoodie.com and/or text/email me directly about their cocktail experiences. Feel free to chime in!
They are, IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
- Fork & Flask in Shore Plaza on Coastal Highway: As you might expect from the name, most of the cocktails at the former Nage restaurant are served in actual flasks. Their bartenders are very creative and there is always something unusual on the cocktail menu. This is a fun place to experiment!
- The new in 2020 Harbour restaurant in Lewes (where Gilligan's used to be) has an unusual bar program. If you like bespoke cocktails, this is the place.
- Chesapeake & Maine restaurant in downtown Rehoboth: This restaurant was recently nominated for a James Beard award for their cocktail program. All the spirits used in their drinks are products of Dogfish Head Distilling, and many of their cocktails are actually on tap. This is another place where it's fun to get a few different drinks to taste the various DFH Distilling products.
- Cafe Azafran on the ocean block of Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth: It's a tiny bar, but the lead bartender Holly Lane is incredibly talented and puts her own spin on otherwise traditional drinks. Thursday nights are a value-added when she not only makes drinks but sings live with a live piano player.
- Michy's Relaxed Dining (Rehoboth Marketplace Plaza): Happy hour there opens with with a list of specialty cocktails specifically put together for that night. If you're lucky enough to be served by Rob Bagley, things are even more fun!
- If you like bourbon, there are two places that make it their business to get creative with a large variety of bourbon brands. The first is Bethany Blues Lewes. The managing partners there are bourbon lovers and you can get everything from a tasty Manhattan featuring Bulleit 10-year to a shot of Pappy Van Winkle. Obviously, the coast of these drinks will reflect the value of the bourbon. The second is Cooter brown's Twisted Southern Kitchen and Bourbon Bar in First Street Station in downtown Rehoboth Beach. This is another spot that gets creative with the brown spirits. Do not miss their signature Manhattan, complete with the flaming orange peel!
- 1776 Steakhouse in Midway: Longtime barkeep and co-owner Johnny takes pride in concocting creative drinks. The pours are generous and the glasses are big. This place is the real thing. Like rare beers? They have many of the Trappist beers in stock.
