Sandwiched between the quiet family resorts of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island to the south and Lewes to the north, Rehoboth and Dewey beaches offer the only consistent nightlife on the Delaware coast.
Clubs & Bars
Rehoboth Beach -- Live acts are scheduled on weekends at Dogfish Head Brews and Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-2739). In summer, Irish Eyes, 52 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/227-5758), schedules DJs on Saturday nights. There's also a pool table and 16 TVs to catch all the football action in fall and winter. Feeling mellow? Try Victoria's, located at Olive and the Boardwalk (tel. 302/227-0615), for piano Friday and Saturday 6 to 10pm.
Dewey Beach -- Dewey Beach's rocking nightlife revolves around two mainstays: the Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., on the bay (tel. 302/227-3888), and the Bottle & Cork, Hwy. 1 and Dagsworthy Street (tel. 302/227-7272). The crowd tends to be 20- to 35-year-olds looking to party. The Rudder holds deck parties and has occasional bands or other activities; the cover varies. The Bottle & Cork, open only in spring and summer, is a surprisingly large rock club that hosts both local and nationally known bands; the cover varies. When Better Than Ezra or Sugar Ray is in the house, expect a big crowd.
The Starboard, 2009 Hwy. 1 (tel. 302/227-4600; www.thestarboard.com), is usually crowded with young people. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner only in summer -- the Bloody Marys are famous. Go to the website for special events.
Gay & Lesbian Rehoboth
A number of Rehoboth nightspots cater to a GLBT clientele. Aqua Grill, 57 Baltimore Ave. (tel. 302/226-9001; aquagrillrehoboth.com), draws a young crowd of mostly men for the drinks and live entertainment. The Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave. (tel. 302/227-6515), has a happy hour popular with the men. DJs and the mellow lounge in back at Cloud 9, 234 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-1999), draw a mixed clientele. Dogfish Head Brews & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-2739), is primarily straight but draws a mixed crowd for its craft beer and live entertainment. A lesbian crowd goes to the Frogg Pond, 3 S. First St. (tel. 302/227-2234; www.thefroggpond.com). Dancing's the thing at Purple Parrot, 134 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-1139).
The Performing Arts
The newly rebuilt open-air Rehoboth Beach Memorial Bandstand, at Rehoboth Avenue and the boardwalk (tel. 302/227-2233), hosts more than 40 free concerts and other events on summer weekends, starting at 8pm. Check with the visitor center for an up-to-date schedule.
For something lighthearted, go to the Theatre of the Arts, 20 Baltimore Ave. (tel. 302/227-9310; www.rehobothbeachtheatre.com), where you might find a Jimmy Buffett or Bee Gees tribute band or stand up comedian.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
