Gary’s… if you know, you know. If you don’t know, well, you’re about to find out. Going into its 34th year in business, Gary’s has been there and done that. In its humble beginnings, you could count on one hand how many beers it had on tap. Over the years Gary’s has established itself as Dewey’s finest dive bar and an all-around exceptional spot for craft beer.
30-plus years ago, the craft beer movement was in its infancy. Sierra Nevada was just getting started and Dogfish Head was still only an idea at that point. In those early days at Gary’s, beer was not as front and center as it is now. Walking through its doors today, you will be greeted with an inviting can and bottle selection, and an extensive draft list chock full of fresh, independent craft beer, as well. The only way you’d find fresher beer is if it were brewed on-site. Guess what? They do that, too.
“Gary’s is one of those special kinds of places where you can walk in a stranger and leave feeling like a friend.”
Gary himself has been in and around homebrewing for as long as he’s been in business. Back in the day, a roommate in Colorado was an early adopter of the homebrewing movement. As the world of craft beer evolved, Gary’s began adding more and more variety to its beer list, chopping it up with craft brewers and breweries along the way. Homebrewing was a hobby all the while until 2017 when Gary’s began brewing its own beer in the back under the name 38º-75º Brewing, an homage to the coordinates it calls home. To my knowledge, its 20-gallon brewhouse is the smallest professional system you will come across in Delaware, and probably just about anywhere. It’s a labor of love, as each brew yields only about four ⅙bbl kegs of beer. You’ve got to try Holly’s Comet, an IPA brewed exclusively with Comet hops, a variety you don’t see too often. Speaking of Holly, let’s get to the food menu.
When you hear dive bar, your mind might go to popcorn, peanuts, or perhaps a hot dog roller. You can toss that notion right out the window. Here you will find an eclectic menu ranging from sushi rolls, to jambalaya, from crab cakes to my personal favorite, a buffalo turkey cheesesteak (add mushrooms, you won’t regret it). You’ll see owner/chef/brewer Holly Sloniewski in the kitchen most days cooking up these delicacies. Her passion for this place is clearly reflected on those plates.
Gary’s is one of those special kinds of places where you can walk in a stranger and leave feeling like a friend. Over its three decades in business, Gary’s has had a profoundly positive impact on the surrounding community. Many a friendship was forged and lives touched for customers and employees alike. Join me in raising a glass to Gary, I look forward to seeing what the next 34 years will bring.
Zeke has been working in and around beer for the last decade. As a Certified Cicerone® (think Sommelier but for beer), he has covered all things craft from coast to coast, from sunny San Diego to the laid back Lower Slower. Zeke is the owner of Otter Craft Consulting, where he specializes in supporting craft breweries in their branding and marketing efforts.
