Grain on the Rocks
How good could a public transportation ferry terminal restaurant actually be, given that its clientele is largely rushing or angry and delayed ferry visitors, along with a small stream of locals who like the nostalgia and view of dining at one of the area’s most well-known transportation hubs. It used to be, the same thing could be said for airports, but many large city airports have invested significantly in upgrading dining (or licensed) terminal locations to appeal to established restaurant veterans while looking to upcharge captive guests with better options. While the same cannot be said for Grain on the Rocks – ferry guests have numerous other local options – most of its patrons are captive because the ferry requires an early arrival, and guests are excited to travel to, umm . . . Cape May, where the culinary scene is well, so NJ? Non-transit visitors frequent Grain on the Rocks, but only for the view, which on a pleasant day exceeds in every way possible the pub food that comprises Grain’s menu. There are several Grain spots throughout Delaware, but the ferry terminal location is a creature of mass transit convenience, not culinary delight. The food is pedestrian, but it is served at a cool outside bar, and being near the (machine-laid) rocks about the terminal, overlooking the bay is, well, fun and inspiring, at least after a few craft beers. Grain’s is a place to meet, grab pub food or drink, and have no expectation of culinary delight, but only if a cool breeze flutters about the ferry terminal action, and you have success in avoiding the seagulls snatching your fries from the outdoor dining deck.
