Beach eats can mean leisurely lunches

The summer season isn’t quite finished with us yet, but it’s not too early to venture into town for lunch. And the soon-to-be value-added is that the meters will soon be history. Lunchtime hidden gems include Lori’s Oy Vey Café on Baltimore Ave. (bards and minstrels wax rhapsodic over her chicken salad). 

Breakfast for lunch can also be fun, and it’s always on the menu in Rehoboth at Crystal (ahhh, the pancakes), Robin Hood (feta omelet with well-done scrapple), Sammy’s Kitchen (multiple syrups, IHOP-style) and the upbeat Goolee’s Grille (get the Cousin Yogi’s Sandwich). In Dewey Beach, the two mainstays are the always reliable Sunrise and of course the popular Starboard.

Feeling a bit more formal? Victoria’s is open daily with a generous serving of ocean and Boardwalk views. Summer House is consistently good, with quick service to move the parade of lunching Realtors in and out. Dos Locos’ afternoon specials are cheap and filling (sit at the bar and try to resist making an afternoon of it). And don’t forget Blackwall at the Beach to dish up wallet-friendly lunches with an upscale edge.

Quickie carryout for ambulatory chomping includes Louie’s (a pepperoni slice – or two), Gus & Gus’ Place (burgers and chicken for warm fall days), The Point Coffee House & Bake Shoppe (signature sandwiches and a cuppa’), Go Fish!, Alison Blyth’s emporium of fish ‘n’ chips, Café Papillon in Penny Lane (savory crepes and French baguettes – in season only), Arena’s (BLT on wheat toast), and of course the old standbys, Grotto Pizza (the new dumplings are a Rehoboth Foodie pick hit) and Nicola’s (“Nic-O-Boli” translates to “Rehoboth” in Italian). This little list is by no means comprehensive, but, as Milton Friedman said, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

That may be true. But with the Atlantic glistening in the distance, a leisurely afternoon repast in downtown Rehoboth is certainly the best bang for the buck you’ll get almost anywhere.