A fun activity for the whole family awaits at Dewey Beer Co.

It can be tough finding something new and different to do at the beach.  While I love the traditional spots my family and I have been frequenting for years and look forward to the mainstays that make up my lifelong memories of going to the Eastern Shore, I’m always on the lookout for something that stands out and excites.

Enter Dewey Beach Co.  We’ve driven by it a few times over the past few years on our way between Bethany and Rehoboth, and this year I resolved to get inside to see what it’s all about.  Now that our kids are old enough to sit through an entire meal at a restaurant without causing a major scene (in theory) we find that places like this are the perfect blend of grown-up fun and kid-friendly atmosphere.  Usually, we’re looking for places that have play areas or places that attract other families so our kids have someone to play with. While Dewey Beer Co did not have these, what it did have was friendly and attentive service and an open concept dining area that allowed them to check out what was going on outside.

The food was outstanding and if it weren’t for the truly exceptional beer menu I’d say this would be DBC’s best feature.  The kitchen prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible (hello, one block from the Atlantic Ocean). Menu fare is inspired by traditional local recipes incorporating the freshest ingredients available on any given day.  The style of food is all over the place giving you plenty to choose from depending on your mood. Feeling like a burger, check. Fish tacos, check. Szechuan octopus lo-mein? Check! It was spectacular.

Now for the beer.  It’s brewed 30 feet from where you’ll be drinking it using a 7 barrel brewing system.  I know not everyone is into beer, much less so when you get into the world of craft beer, but we found many different delicious styles with not one weak spot in the lineup.  With beer names like Caramel Frappuccino Stout and Strawberry Pretzel Salad, you can’t help but check out as many as you can manage. So long as you aren’t the designated driver.