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 -- Nationally known jazz and blues artists entertain year-round at Sydney's, 25 Christian St. (tel. 302/227-1339; www.sydsblues.com). There's no cover for dinner guests. Irish Eyes, 52 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/227-5758), schedules rock 'n roll and comedy-club entertainment in summer. There's also a pool table and 16 TVs to catch all the football action in fall and winter. Rams Head, 15 Wilmington Ave. (tel. 302/227-0807; www.ramsheadtavern.com), offers all kinds of music in summer, from jazz to blues to folk. On winter weekends, expect jazz or open mic. People also come for the 100 beers (including locally produced Fordham brews) and hearty food. Rams Head has a brewpub in Annapolis as well.
Dewey Beach -- TheWashingtonian has described Dewey Beach's summer nightlife as "Beach Bacchanalia." The two clubs are the Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., on the bay (tel. 302/227-3888), and the Bottle & Cork, Highway 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. The music here is always good, but it can get uncomfortably crowded.
The Starboard, 2009 Hwy. 1 (tel. 302/227-4600; www.thestarboard.com), is usually crowded with young people looking for a good time. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in summer -- the bloody marys are famous. Special events are listed on the website.
Gay & Lesbian Rehoboth
A number of Rehoboth nightspots cater to a GLBT clientele. The Blue Moon, 35 Baltimore Ave. (tel. 302/227-6515), has a happy hour popular with the men. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, 320 Rehoboth Ave. (tel. 302/226-2739), is primarily straight but draws a mixed crowd for its beer and live entertainment. Those who prefer live jazz head to Sydney's, 25 Christian St. (tel. 302/227-1339), described above. A lesbian crowd goes to the Frogg Pond, 3 S. First St. (tel. 302/227-2234).
The Performing Arts
The 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 chamber of commerce office for an up-to-date schedule.
The Henlopen Theater Project (tel. 302/226-4103; www.henlopentheaterproject.com) is a professional Equity group that offers a season of musical and nonmusical productions throughout the year. Check the website for upcoming productions.
