The beach is blessed with numerous restaurants that feature entertainment, from bands to karaoke. However, some establishments put a priority on the entertainment. Here are a few options.
BRING AN EAR AND APPETITE
“This is a listening room: Keep talking down to a whisper,” notes the website for The Room at Cedar Grove near Lewes. The venue, which seats 62, has featured jazz musician Stanley Jordan, and on July 26, it will welcome John Ford Coley. Blues legend Johnny Rawls will perform on July 31.
However, some of the most popular acts are locals, including Holly Lane, Robbie LaBlanc, and Paul Cullen, who founded The Room with Jim Rivette to support Paul Kares, which provides grants to aspiring culinary and performing artists.
The ticket price includes a three-course dinner that typically starts with a seasonally inspired salad and ends with dessert. Patrons can purchase beverages at the full bar. paulkaresde.org
The Listening Booth on Route 1 is likewise designed for listening, so use your indoor voice. Upcoming acts include Sahara Moon on July 27 and Grace Morrison and Katie Dahl on Aug. 7. The cleverly named Sound Bites menu includes charcuterie, wraps, paninis, and flatbreads. Cocktails are available, and the Listening Booth requests that guests purchase two drinks or food items at each event. listeningbooth.com
ENTER STAGE RIGHT
You know a restaurant is serious about entertainment when it invests in a stage – or three. Paradise Grill in Long Neck boasts stages by the beach, lagoon, and raw bar. You might see The Greaseband, Decade80, Kristen & the Noise, or The Funsters. The menu is casual. Picture flatbreads, cheesesteaks, burgers, and “baskets” (fried seafood with fries). paradisegrillde.com
Bethany Blues in Lewes upgraded its stage and sound system, making it a draw for such acts as Lower Case Blues, the Matthew Street Band, and Hot Sauce. No matter the genre, the music goes well with barbecue. In addition to the usual suspects – brisket, pork, and chicken – there’s smoked brisket kielbasa and Cajun-smoked turkey breast. bethanyblues.com
Similarly, the stage at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach has a full band rig with a PA and stage lighting for night shows on the expansive deck. The location next to the bay is a draw in itself. However, executive chef Pete McMahon has crafted a menu with distinctive items, such as shareable “Mega Fries,” served in an oversized margarita glass, a 6-ounce crab cake, and crab imperial, which is hard to find these days. To be sure, the menu includes trendy ramen and poke, as well as Old School stuffed shrimp and stuffed flounder. rustyrudder.com
NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Dickens Parlour Theatre showcases magicians and illusionists, as well as comedians, cabaret performers, tribute performers (Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra), and murder mysteries. dickensparlourtheatre.com
Flavor, which specializes in gourmet burgers and shakes, is located inside the theater. Selections also include “adult” shakes with spirits and liqueurs. A show ticket isn’t required. But one thing is for sure, you won’t need to say “abracadabra” to watch your meal disappear. flavor.restaurant
