Craving that perfect seaside bite where the crab fries vanish the second they hit the table? Delaware’s beach towns have a talent for piling Old Bay spice and buttery seafood into baskets you will not want to share.
Consider this your delicious blueprint for where to start, from Rehoboth to Fenwick and back to Lewes. Bring an appetite and a friend who understands the rule: first round of fries is never enough.
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Big Fish Grill Rehoboth – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Crab fries here land hot, salty, and irresistible, showered in Old Bay and paired with a creamy, tangy dip that disappears faster than ocean foam. You can hear the sizzle from the open kitchen, and the beachy bustle sets a happy, vacation mood right away.
Order a half portion if you must, but the full basket is the smart play.
Keep the momentum with blackened mahi or a piled-high shrimp po boy, then circle back for another round of fries. The bar pours crisp local brews that cut the richness perfectly.
Grab a patio seat, watch bikes roll by on Rehoboth Avenue, and guard your basket closely because these fries invite friendly theft.
Henlopen City Oyster House – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Start with oysters, then let the crab fries anchor the table like a seasoned deckhand. They are crisp, peppery, and built to share, though you will negotiate every last fry.
The raw bar buzz sets the tone, with shuckers moving quick and the chalkboard listing tides of daily selections.
Pair the fries with a bright pilsner or a briny martini to make those flavors sing. After that, slide into clam chowder or a buttery lobster roll for the win.
The room feels nautical without trying too hard, and the service keeps pace, refilling, recommending, and nodding knowingly when you order extra fries.
The Cultured Pearl Restaurant & Sushi Bar – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Known for sushi and an airy rooftop pond, this spot still sneaks in craveable crab fries with a playful twist. Think delicate crunch, Old Bay warmth, and a drizzle of umami sauce that nods to the sushi bar.
The setting feels like vacation, with lanterns glowing and a breezy, relaxed rhythm.
Order maki rolls to flank the fries, then add miso soup and a crisp sake to balance the spice. The servers guide you toward the freshest catches of the day.
Before you know it, the fries are gone and you are wondering why you did not get two. Trust your instincts next round and double down.
Nicola Pizza – Lewes, Delaware
Pizza may headline here, but the crab fries are a crowd magnet, especially when the game is on and the room hums. Expect generous seasoning, a sturdy crunch, and a creamy dip that feels like boardwalk summer.
Grab a slice of Nicoboli for the table and let the fries do fast disappearances.
Families swarm in after beach days, and the staff keeps the pace friendly and quick. Pair your basket with a cold soda or a local lager if you are lingering.
The Lewes location makes it an easy stop before sunset at the canal. Just know that one order rarely survives long, so plan for a second round.
Crust & Craft – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Wood fired energy fuels this spot, and the crab fries ride that heat perfectly. They arrive golden with a kiss of spice, ideal beside a char blistered pie and a crisp salad.
You will swear you are just tasting one, then suddenly the basket is empty and everyone is pretending they did not finish it.
Order a seasonal pizza, maybe something herby with fresh mozzarella, and keep a local IPA close by. The industrial cozy space hums with conversation and the oven’s glow.
If you snag a patio seat, the sea breeze makes everything taste brighter. Double up on fries and thank yourself later.
Striper Bites – Lewes, Delaware
Nautical charm and steady seafood make this Lewes favorite a natural crab fries destination. The fries have that just right crunch, tossed with Old Bay and served with a creamy dip you will chase to the last swipe.
Boats bob nearby, and the easygoing pace puts you in vacation mode fast.
Lean into the seafood theme with fish tacos or the namesake striper sandwich. A citrusy wheat beer pairs beautifully, cutting the spice without dulling it.
Grab a booth, watch locals greet each other, and see those fries vanish in record time. The solution is simple: order two baskets at the start.
Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar Bethany – Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bluecoast nails that polished beach house feel, and the crab fries play right into it. Light, crisp, and assertively seasoned, they pair with raw bar towers and chilled whites.
The dining room glows at golden hour, and the salt air sneaks in like an extra ingredient.
Follow the fries with seared scallops or a fisherman’s stew, then watch the marsh turn pink outside. Staff know their seafood and steer you toward the freshest catch nightly.
If you love balance, try a bright sauvignon blanc against the spice. Just do not blink, because these fries disappear between toasts.
The Lobster Shanty – Fenwick Isle, Delaware
Fenwick’s Lobster Shanty brings that classic New England leaning charm to Delaware, and the crab fries fit right in. They are crunchy, generously dusted, and perfect beside warm drawn butter.
The vibe is relaxed, with dockside breezes and a soundtrack of clinking glasses.
Get the lobster roll or whole steamed lobster, then let the fries handle snack duty for the table. A sunny rum cocktail keeps everything beachy.
Kids share happily until they do not, so consider claiming your portion early. Come for the views, stay because your plate keeps refilling itself with fries.
Matt’s Fish Camp Lewes – Lewes, Delaware
Casual, coastal, and consistently delicious, Matt’s Fish Camp turns crab fries into a ritual. They arrive hot, with a briny kick and just enough sauce to keep you reaching back.
The menu reads like summer memories, from clam strips to jumbo lump crab cakes.
Order a cup of chowder and a crispy fish sandwich, then settle into that easy Lewes tempo. A light lager or lemonade keeps things refreshing.
Service is upbeat and quick, which is good, because you will want another round of fries before the entrees land. Save room for pie if you can.
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