Henlopen City Oyster House
There is a reason Henlopen City Oyster House always has a long summer wait; it is as good as it is popular. HCOH has among the largest variety and freshest raw bars in Rehoboth Beach, but the kitchen is the star, more than satisfying every broiled, baked or grilled seafood desire any coastal diner may prefer. The fish specials board should never be ignored because almost nobody prepares seafood like HCOH – you can count on fresh fish, including from around the country, that you never heard of, such as NJ tile fish and tutong, prepared delicately and honestly, with nothing over-sauced or over-cooked. Other dishes delight: is there a better lobster mac & cheese in Delmarva? Perhaps not, but hard to select that entrée over the generous lobster roll, oyster dinner, or other land options that have no business being prepared as good as they are in a fish house. Appetizers of steamers, tuna tartare, chowders, spreads, salads, and an excellent cheese board almost make you crave starters for dinner and dessert, but the daily fish specials will no doubt draw your attention. Serving the delicious cuisine is one of the most professional, friendly, and smiling staffs in Delmarva, recommending to you a wide selection of craft beers and drinks from one of the most bustling and best bars in town, with classic and inventive cocktails to gratify every craving.
HCOH delivers in nearly every respect, and for years, has been appointment dining in Rehoboth Beach, if you are willing to wait for the appointment. The former NY Times food reviewer, Frank Bruni once observed that what you want from restaurants is a proxy for what you want from love and life. None of these is constant, but may reflect the arc that you’ve traveled, the culinary or personal peace that you seek, all captured in a willingness to spend two hours surrounded by strangers in your own personal (table) space being nurtured with food and drink which brings you further peace. The Delmarva Foodie Elitist adds that perhaps, at least for those two hours, the experience creates a new narrative in your life, masking anything that is not harmonious, all while surrounded by family and friends, a a restaurant full of strangers and servers. HCOH may not bring you that internal peace, but year-after-year, HCOH proves why it remains a locals’ favorite and grand tourist destination, with regulars frequenting in the off-season, because most peak summer nights have one hour or longer wait times – no reservations accepted. Large groups are nearly impossible during peak times, so break your party into groups of four or fewer, and then reconvene at the end of the meal to share stories of culinary fancy. HCOH is casual, loud, crowded, and very active most nights, and is not for the prudent spending diner. But it also is among the best restaurants in Delmarva, competing in any experienced eater’s top five list, with plenty of quality competition even among its immediate neighbors. If your wallet and waiting patience are willing, HCOH is a must-visit.