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FeedThe Restaurant Issue: 96 Favorites
In our tiny state, 96 restaurants may seem like a lot, so let’s put this in perspective: The Delaware Restaurant Association counts 1,900 members, everything from pizza joints to Zagat-listed classics. How do we choose 96? Editors considered the atmosphere, novelty, quality of cuisine, reputation, longevity, wine program, service and value at 200 top-tier restaurants (plus a few just over the state line), including past Best of Delaware winners. We didn’t include every neighborhood tavern—we’ll get to them in another issue—nor every neighborhood Italian place. (Find them at www.delawaretoday.com/Delaware-Today/February-2008/Dining-Guide-World-Class/.) Left standing: a diverse roster of places you simply must visit—if you haven’t already.
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Bonz
Harrington is a steak-and-potatoes kind of town, and Bonz gives its visitors some of the best. Strip dance, anyone? Rastilli Bros.-procured Kansas City strip steak, New York strip steak and hard-to-come-by Wagyu strip steak. Or go for the coveted bone-in filet mignon. You’ll enjoy a very un-casino-like 44-seat outdoor courtyard shrouded in greenery and brick floors. Harrington Raceway and Casino, U.S. 13, 398-5348
Brasserie Grille
Why don’t more people know about the Brasserie? Tucked into the Christiana Hilton, it’s far more than a convenient place for travelers. It’s part steakhouse, part seafood house (chef Jim Lauser prepares some of the best crab cakes around), and all classic. We don’t see veal Oscar on enough menus these days. 100 Continental Drive, Newark, 454-1500
Buckley’s Tavern
David Weir bridges two worlds: country pub and country inn. In the lounge, feast on burgers, quesadillas and ribs. In the dining room, try shrimp and grits with tasso ham, sherry cream and green chilis. Happy hours are lively. The dining room stays genteel. Come summer, choose from three outdoor dining areas: the vine-covered front porch, the villa-like rear patio, or the rooftop deck. 5812 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 656-9776
The Buttery
The Buttery is a rare package of liveliness, intimacy and innovation, all in a comfy Victorian mansion. Chefs are passionate about farm-fresh and organic produce and meats, but not at the cost of flavor or true innovation. The Buttery has no trouble with contempo dishes, but its crab cakes, bleu cheese salad and seafood chowder will never be replaced. Opulent dining is a steal at $28 for three courses between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and nice weather is for dining on the lovingly restored veranda. The Buttery’s wine program, with an emphasis on small producers and estate-bottled selections, is legendary. 102 Second St., Lewes, 645-7755
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Reader Comments:
There are some restaurants on here that are very average at best in quality. And the only Restaurant in Hockessin is Back Burner? What about places like Six Paupers atmosphere is great and always run into someone you know. And 2FatGuys American Grill it may be small but the food is outstanding and what a value and they are expanding to Wilmington in this economy must be doing something right.
The COVE isn't on the list??? Rehoboth's best new restaurant... which happens to be in Dewey Beach... is a must stop for everyone this summer!!! Que Pasa or the Lighthouse for drinks, then dinner at the COVE...ahhhh I can't wait for this Summer!!!
DT is sorry to have excluded Six Paupers and 2 Fat Guys, which are undeniably great places, but, as it was explained in the introduction to the story, we couldn't include every good neighborhood place in the state. No magazine is big enough. We will do a separate feature on them later on. In Hockessin, we're big fans of Palcio Maya as well. And though Palacio, 2 Fat Guys and others are good (or great) places, no one has the longevity of Back Burner. Look for a guide to great taverns and neighborhood places this summer. —Ed
Shucker's in Dover is not on your list, nor Betsy Ross Pizza, two of the longest running restaurants in the state with great food and value. Thirty years and counting. John.
OK - don't know when this went to press but Pan Tai closed their doors over a month ago after over 20 years
Let's Try again- Pan Tai closed their doors over a month ago although It is a fitting tribute to the 20 plus years of great Tai food including Jimmy's fried rice - you might want to update your info and WHERE on earh was Aqua SOL??