Lydia Croce has been in the hospitality business since she was 14, so the Salisbury, Maryland native can definitely spot an untapped niche. In June 2023, she opened Lydia’s Grab & Go Bistro at 33 Baltimore Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. “There’s a lot of competition here,” she says of the area. “There’s no way I could put a dinner spot in the space and compete—especially when I only have eight seats.” Instead, she opened a grab-and-go/carryout concept with snacks, wraps, soups and sandwiches. It’s easy to see the appeal. A beach picnic sounds like fun until you’re planning the menu, buying the ingredients and assembling the meal. It’s easier to order and pick up prepared food on the way to the beach, bay, park, or a friend’s backyard.
Croce’s is one of several Rehoboth carryout shops, each with a specialty. For instance, Croce’s big sellers include wraps, dips and spreads, including black bean hummus, pimento spread, and Buffalo chicken dip. She also makes box lunches for catering gigs. Her Baltimore Avenue neighbors also offer takeout. Lori’s Oy Vey! Café, founded in 1997, is famous for its chicken salad with toasted almonds, apples, and blue cheese. Frequent customers love The Bidens—the sandwich, not the couple. Half is tuna salad, Joe’s favorite, and the other is chicken, which Jill often orders.
Frankie & Louie’s, located up the block, focuses on Italian favorites. Try the Tiny Dancer, which features fresh mozzarella, basil, and local tomatoes when they are in season. Otherwise, the staff uses sweet roasted red peppers. Don’t forget cookies for dessert.
In Lewes, Patty’s Deli is a quick stop for fuel—both food and gas. Patty Jacobs, who started the business in Georgetown, recently sold the Savannah Road shop to Lisa McDonald, who owns Nectar. The menu remains true to Patty’s vision. Check Facebook for the daily specials which include fat burritos, composed salads, and soups.
Patty’s old location in the Lewes historic district is now occupied by Olive & Oats, an offshoot of Café Azafran in Rehoboth. The tiny store offers the Cafe Panini, which put Café Azafran on the map when it was in the Lewes building next door. The sandwich is a tidy stack of Spanish serrano ham, olive tapenade, marinated goat cheese and basil.
Locals swear by Lewes Dailly Market on the way to Lewes Beach. Subs and sandwiches are staples, but always check the chalkboard for specials.
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen is another option, with locations on Route 1 north of Rehoboth and South Bethany Beach. You can buy a premade sandwich or get a container of chicken salad and a loaf of bread to make your own. Warning: One Rosenfeld’s sandwich is big enough for two.
Down south, residents recommend Moe’s Deli in Bethany for hot or cold subs, sandwiches and specialty creations, such as the Surfside Sombrero: chicken, Vermont cheddar, lettuce, tomato and chipotle dressing.
DiFebo’s Market, also in Bethany, sells baked goods, brick oven pizza, gourmet paninis and sandwiches. The shop is located across from DiFebo’s restaurant.
Kristina’s Kitchen in Millville has veggie options, plus sandwiches and wraps with chicken and beef. Given that the shop has a custom cake business, indulge with a cookie, cake cup, or gluten-free goodie.
If you want to take your picnic to the next level, call Beachin Bash, an event planner providing everything from pillows to flowers to food. Just relax and enjoy the view.
