Overall Food Service Noise Bathrooms Value

Zogg’s

/ Updated on June 19, 2016
Overall
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Service
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Value

Like other theme places here at the beach, Zogg's is an experience. But unlike many theme restaurants, Zoggs actually delivers on something that adds up to an experience greater than the sum of the parts. All in all, Zogg's pulls this off quite well.

The award for appetizer Star of the Show is evenly split between the Fried Gator and the Coconut Shrimp. The gator nuggets are tender white meat, a cross between chicken and fried calamari. Zogg's breading truly makes the dish. The Coconut Shrimp are served in a little spiral cone. The key here is that they are not too sweet. I took a closeup photo so you can see the pieces of coconut that stand out nicely in the mild breading.

The Fried Oysters are properly fried (i.e., the breading stayed on), and nicely briney, like seawater. They make a great appetizer. One of the many emailers who scolded me for not Zogging made a point of recommending the Jerked Grouper Taco. I like my fish tacos with fried fish, but our server told me I would not be dissappointed (actually, he used the word, “awesome”). He was right. The fish was snow white, flaky and deliciously seasoned. It's in a large shell (I got the “hard” shell, but it's not all that hard. It actually has a nice bite to it without shattering all over the place). It's topped with lettuce, tomato onions and an almost-too-mild chipotle mayo. I ordered the mac ‘n' cheese side. It's cheesy and creamy and quite mild.

An accompanying Foodie-at-Arms ordered the Andouille Sausage and Chicken Gumbo. This dish bears a bit of explanation. I call it “deconstructed,” in that the roux/gravy is at the bottom of the dish, the rice is on top, and the sausage/chicken/vegetable mix is perched on top of that. If you like a traditional gumbo, just stir it. It was quite tasty, with lots of andouille. It is served with corn on the cob.

Another of our party ordered the  half-pound burger with cheddar. The combination of melted white and yellow cheddar made for an attractive (and tasty) presentation. The beef patty was apparently grilled on a flat top at high heat. The outside was nicely seared, and it was perfectly medium on the inside. Of course, it came with all the fixins'. The waffle fries were fresh and delicious. Add a little ketchup, and they were gone in no time.

One of the highlights of our visits was the steel drum/guitar/ukulele/vocal entertainment provided by none other than Jimmy Pontoon. His friendly, easygoing manner made for a relaxing al fresco experience. When a little kid approached him when he was playing, he handled it perfectly, making for a cute and impromptu floor show.

I usually hate eating outside, but the outside temperature cooperated during our visits, and Zogg's has fans that keep the air moving. There is also indoor seating (air conditioned) with a pool table just for fun. The entertainment and the excellent service made for particularly delightful evenings.

Again, it's not all about the food at Zogg's. They have a huge selection of rums (over 100 varieties!) and offer some tasty frozen drinks. The outside bar is very Jimmy Buffett, there are surfboards everywhere with big shark bites out of them, the servers are enthusiastic and attentive and, at least during our visits, the entertainment added the perfect touch to the evening. If you encounter Mike Dangerfield, pls tell him The Foodie says “hi.” He's a super nice guy and will make sure everything is right.

Fine dining? No. Lots of fun, with nice people and a definite Island flair? Yes.

Zogg's is at 1 Wilmington Avenue, sandwiched between Gus ‘n' Gus' Place on the Boardwalk and Dave and Skippy's (Dave & Skippy's is also owned by the Zogg's guys). Look for the blue awning. Check their off-season hours (if any) at (302) 227-7660. The lunch menu is basically the dinner menu without the Entrees section. Check out the menus by clicking here. (L., D., Bar) Price range: Moderate-.

Off-season Specials & Hours

Specials & Moods change quickly. Always call a restaurant first.

pp = per person.
BOGO = buy one, get one.
Bloody = bloody mary.
domestics = American-made beers (e.g., Bud).
imports = foreign beers (e.g., Heineken).
Rails = non call-brand alcohol.
Prix Fixe = one set price.
Mains = entrees.
Margs = margaritas.
Chix = chicken.
AYCE = all you can eat.
Lite = Miller Lite
drafts = draught beer.
Early Birds = arrive before a certain time.
Apps = Appetizers.
bottles = beer in a bottle.
à la carte = order off the menu (no prix fixe).
crafts = micro/artisanal brews (e.g., Old Leghumper Lager)

1 Wilmington Ave.
(302) 227-7660

Sunday
Open at 11am. Live entertainment starting at 6.
Monday
Open at 11am with happy hour from 4 to 7 at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 6.
Tuesday
Open at 11am with happy hour from 4 to 7 at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 6.
Wednesday
Open at 11am with happy hour from 4 to 7 at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 6.
Thursday
Open at 11am with happy hour from 4 to 7 at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 6.
Friday
Open at 11am with happy hour from 4 to 7 at the bar. Live entertainment starting at 6.

Saturday
Open 11 - 1am. Live entertainment from 9:30 - 12:30.

The Rehoboth Foodie

About the Author

"My goal is to promote Rehoboth Beach dining while remaining honest and impartial. I don’t gush unless a place deserves it, and I don’t pull punches, either. With so many good places to eat around here, it just doesn’t make sense to waste the calories — or the money — on anything less." View all articles written by The Rehoboth Foodie

Add Your Comment
  1. Avatar Terra says:

    We had Zogg’s Mac & cheese with andouile sausage at the Food Truck gathering in Rehoboth. It was delicious, perfect ratio of cheese to sausage & macaroni. We have been to the restaurant location several times but we always get our order to go because we are not impressed with the atmosphere, rustic decor or other menu picks. And in season its more of a younger, louder crowd.

  2. Avatar Bob says:

    Foodie podcast on this one really planted the seed that we had to try Zoggs. What a great Key West atmosphere. Best Mojito anywhere! Grouper taco is my partners fav! We had a wonderful evening at Zoggs and will return soon to try another Taco. Smooch to the Foodie for drawing our attention to this gem. Love the podcasts btw!!!

  3. Avatar Gary Keith says:

    Zogg’s is our favorite and always the most fun spot in Sussex County. Everything on the menu is awesome, portions are large and prices are a bargain. Drinks are great, atmosphere is cheerful and the staff is always friendly and courteous. We’ve never been disapointed and look forward to our next visit!

  4. Avatar patron says:

    This place is so much fun. Love the Key West atmosphere. The bartender we had was terrific. We just went in to grab a beer and appitizer and wound up staying for hours. Fjish taco’s where really awsome. Great place. Fun – like Key West is supposed to be – its a state of mind! No worries – Be HAPPY!

  5. Avatar jeannie says:

    What a great find. Freindly staff, great atmosphere and well done over all. We had a grouper sandwich with mac and cheese and teriaki tuna taco. Cold beer and great mohito. I am a huge fan of appleton rum and it was great to see a rum bar with such a selection. Will definately be back!

  6. Avatar demattman says:

    Wow! What a great dinner my wife and I this evening at Zogg’s! It threatened rain so we didn’t stay long, but long enough to enjoy our favorite tacos in town. Sitting outside under an umbrella, we enjoyed the caribbean music and tropical plants that surrounded us.
    We had the broiled jerk grouper, cooked to order, and served in either a soft flour tortilla or lightly fried in-house hard taco shell, along with lettuce, tom, onion and chipotle mayo. A pickle and choice of side ( I had the steamed veggie medley; all fresh, but too much butter) completed the entree; and all for 9.95!!
    With 2 glasses of pinot and 2 peach sangrias, our entire bill was just under $50 bucks.
    What a hidden gem in downtown Rehoboth!

  7. Avatar Blase says:

    Great grouper taco on soft shell. Very substantial piece of fish too!

  8. Avatar Steve says:

    Unfortunately, we forget about Zoggs all too often. I must agree, the fish tacos are awesome. They also make an incredible crab soup. Thanks for bringing back the memories–we’ll be there again soon.

  9. Wes & Sandy Wes & Sandy says:

    Spring and fall evenings are perfect in there. We always get the alligator and the coconut shrimps. And a couple of Dark & Stormys each. The waiters and waitresses are all really nice. And it’s just a few steps from the boardwalk.

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