Best of Delaware 2010

You told us your favorites. We have a few of our own. Herein, the great big list of winners.

by Matt Amis and Maria Hess Published June 11, 2010 at 10:08 AM

(page 25 of 61)

Best Neighborhood Place

CRITICS, UPSTATE | Corner Bistro
3604 Silverside Road, Wilmington, 477-1778
Owner Mickey Donatello changes the Corner Bistro menu every spring and fall, but three popular items—Donatello’s personal faves—never go away: Key lime pie, Cuban black bean soup and the Cuban sandwich. Thick French toast made from LeBus Bakery bread slathered in caramel sauce has helped make the new Sunday brunch a sensation.

CRITICS, DOWNSTATE | Frankie’s
1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, 674-4600
In case the ample spaghetti and meatballs and caricature of Dean Martin didn’t tip you off, Frankie’s, in the Colonnade at Dover Downs, is all about family-style Italian. Chef Giovanni Cardillo’s freshly made pasta goes into faves like linguini with clams. Most dishes are friendly to a family’s bank account, too. Delicious brick-oven pizzas, named for Rat Pack heroes, are under $10.

Best New Restaurant

READERS, UPSTATE | Big Fish Grill
720 S. Madison St., Wilmington, 652-3474

READERS, DOWNSTATE | Bethany Blues of Lewes
18385 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, 644-2500

CRITICS, UPSTATE | BBC Tavern and Grill
4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 655-3785
David Dietz called the BBC opening a family reunion. Customers, staffers and many more all clamored toward the resurrected Brandywine Brewing Co. (sort of), its famous soft pretzels, good beers and lively nightlife. It’s all back—and there’s even more good stuff: sublime slow-roasted ribs, pan-seared sea bass, superb salads, and more.

CRITICS, DOWNSTATE | Abbott’s Grill
249 N.E. Front St., Milford, 491-6736
Ryan Cunningham and Kevin Reading have introduced haute country cuisine to Milford via Abbott’s Grill. The something-for-everyone menu is made entirely from scratch—including the night’s selection of ice creams—with such inspired dishes as clams Casino flatbread pizza, bison burgers and bison chili with meat from local Colvine Bison Farm.

Best Nightspot

CRITICS, UPSTATE | Hummingbird to Mars
1616 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, 468-6832
A floor above other Trolley Square hotspots is Hummingbird to Mars, a posh, speakeasy-style bar where well-dressed, well-behaved young professionals lounge on Victorian furniture while listening to jazz and sipping cocktails named after Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. They’re made with unique ingredients such as elderflower liqueur, lemon-vanilla foam, absinthe and mango purée, courtesy of mixologists Lo Skarda and Chris Resler. If the antique lantern outside the door is lit, they’re pouring.

CRITICS, DOWNSTATE | Fire and Ice Lounge
1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, 674-4600
Eye-popping visuals at Fire and Ice Lounge inside Dover Downs Hotel & Casino are as cool as the drinks. There’s the color-changing bar, a gigantic glacier centerpiece that shifts between fiery red and icy blue. Bacardi mojitos and a VIP lounge with plush couches and bottle service keep people coming back. So does the entertainment. Visit August 6-7 for the Elvis Festival.

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