For decades, the Route 1 and Route 9 intersection at Five Points was mainly a means to an end. Drivers passed through on their way to the beach, downtown Lewes, Georgetown or the outlets.
More recently, however, the area has become the center of a culinary circle of breakfast, brunch and lunch spots.
The growth of eateries that cater to daytime diners reflects a larger national trend. But in this area, it also meets the demand for convenient, casual restaurants where visitors can grab a quick bite before the beach and locals living in new communities. Takeout is another attraction.
Starting north and working south, consider The Nook at Paynter’s Mill in Milton, which specializes in breakfast. Options range from a classic Western omelet and eggs Benedict to sweet and savory crepes. Lunch items include burgers, tacos, quesadillas and sandwiches. The Nook also serves cocktails.
Just before the Five Points intersection is Surf Bagel, which helped define daytime dining in the Lewes area.
Brothers Dave and Tom Vitella opened the original Surf Bagel in 2004 to bring New York-style bagels and breakfast sandwiches to the beach. The business has grown well beyond its Lewes roots. There are locations in Midway Shopping Center, Long Neck and Fenwick Island. But many customers remain faithful to the flagship store near Five Points.
Take a left onto Route 9 for a quick detour to Arena’s in the Village of Five Points. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m. with menu items such as the Parisian in Sussex County, a croissant with scrapple, egg and American cheese, and The Porker, a wrap with egg, bacon, sausage, American cheese and tater tots. Lunch is built around Arena’s signature overstuffed sandwiches, wraps, salads and seafood favorites.
Also in the Village of Five Points is La Baguette, a French bakery owned by Anita Wheeler-Bezy and French-trained chef Ludovic Bezy.
Morning temptations include butter and almond croissants, chocolatines, cruffins and apple turnovers. The savory side includes quiche Lorraine and quiche with braised beef, mushrooms, Swiss cheese, onion, cream and garlic parsley butter. For lunch, consider Le Jambon Beurre, with ham, European butter and cornichon.
A quick drive toward Lewes brings you to Cape Deli in the former Kaisey’s Delights building. The deli/bakery offers egg sandwiches, French toast with Nutella and strawberries, avocado toast on focaccia and omelets.
By noon, the deli case and sandwich board take over with BLTs, cheesesteaks made with shaved ribeye, chicken parm, Reubens and other deli classics.
The bakery side features muffins, croissants, Danishes, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, quiche, scones, cookies and cakes.
Nearby, Emmanuel’s Restaurant on Wescoats Road brings a different flavor to the daytime mix. The menu includes American favorites and Spanish dishes. For instance, order two eggs with home fries and toast or huevos rancheros on corn tortillas. Lunch selections include burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, subs and tacos.
Back on Route 1, Cafe Pink Blossom is in the cottage-like building that once housed Jimmy Lynn’s, a popular spot for steamed crabs. Pink Blossom has the expected omelets, but it is also the place for old-time favorites such as homemade chipped beef and biscuits and gravy. For lunch, salads and sandwiches are on the menu. The restaurant also serves cocktails.
Just before Midway Shopping Center is the new First Watch in the former Bob Evans space. The national breakfast, brunch and lunch chain mixes familiar morning staples with trendier café fare. Consider lemon ricotta pancakes or an egg sandwich with bacon, egg, Gruyere, avocado and arugula on brioche.
Don’t feel like getting out of your car? Between Cafe Pink Blossom and First Watch is Starbucks in Benson Plaza.
More options are on the way. Helen’s Sausage House, the family-owned Delaware breakfast institution that started in Smyrna, is planning a Lewes location at The Vineyards, west of Five Points.
Once known as a busy stretch of road that was difficult to navigate, Five Points is becoming the place to stop, sit, sip and start the day.
