DELAWARE - Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and in Delaware, that means one thing: firing up the culinary scene from the Wilmington riverfront all the way down to the sun-soaked boardwalks of the culinary coast.
Whether you are hitting the beaches, catching a holiday parade, or looking for the ultimate patio to toast the long weekend, Delaware’s food scene is bringing its absolute best. From legendary breakfast spreads to upscale coastal dining and waterfront brews, here is your definitive guide to the best Memorial Day weekend eats in the First State for 2026.
1. The Ultimate Morning Fuel: The Starboard (Dewey Beach)
If you want to start your holiday weekend with high energy and a legendary breakfast, there is only one place to go. The Starboard is a Dewey Beach institution that perfectly captures the "summer is finally here" vibe.
- The Vibe: High-energy, unpretentious, and unapologetically fun.
- What to Order: They are famous for their massive, customizable Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar and insanely hearty breakfast platters. Get the "Dewey Beach Special" (eggs, meats, pancake, and home fries) to coat your stomach before a long day on the sand.
2. A Fresh Coast Upgrade: Drift (Rehoboth Beach)
For those looking to escape the casual boardwalk pizza and dive into something refined, Drift has quickly become one of the most sought-after reservations in Rehoboth. Housed in a beautifully restored historic camp cottage, it balances a relaxed beach atmosphere with top-tier culinary execution.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated coastal chic with an incredible outdoor patio space.
- What to Order: Their raw bar is pristine, but the standout is the beautifully plated, locally sourced seafood. Keep an eye out for their wood-fired whole fish options and highly creative coastal cocktails that taste like pure summer.
3. Post-Beach Beers & Bites: Thompson Island Brewing Company (Rehoboth Gateway)
Memorial Day and craft beer are a match made in heaven. If you are heading back from the beach and want a lively spot to hang out with friends or family, Thompson Island is a massive crowd-pleaser.
- The Vibe: A sprawling independent craft brewery featuring an awesome outdoor beer garden complete with bocce ball courts and ping-pong tables.
- What to Order: Pair one of their crisp, house-brewed IPAs or a refreshing fruit blonde ale with their famous Southern Fried Chicken or a locally caught, ultra-fresh lobster roll.
4. Breathtaking Holiday Views: Big Chill Beach Club (Bethany Beach)
Located right on the sand at the Delaware Seashore State Park, Big Chill Beach Club offers 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Inlet. It is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the holiday weekend.
- The Vibe: Laid-back, panoramic, and incredibly family-friendly.
- What to Order: Go for standard, elevated beach bites like their fresh fish tacos, loaded nachos, and a cold signature cocktail or local draft beer while sitting under their giant umbrella dome.
5. Local Seafood Institution: Henlopen City Oyster House (Rehoboth Beach)
You cannot kick off summer in Delaware without an elite raw bar experience. Henlopen City Oyster House remains a local favorite that regulars return to year after year without hesitation.
- The Vibe: Lively, bustling, and deeply passionate about high-quality seafood.
- What to Order: Order a dozen of whatever wild-caught, fresh oysters are on the board that day, and do not sleep on their New England Clam Chowder or the colossal, perfectly seared sea scallops.
Pro-Tip for 2026 Holiday Diners:
Because Memorial Day weekend brings a massive influx of visitors to the Delaware beaches, the restaurant rush between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM is intense. Most of these high-profile spots will book up weeks in advance. If you can't grab a reservation, try aiming for a "late lunch" around 3:00 PM, or look for restaurants with first-come, first-served bar and patio seating.
