Cruising down Kings Highway en route to Cape Henlopen, you notice a unique building in the distance. Continuing to scan, you see an inviting backyard chock full of hammocks and lawn games. A marquee sign stands out with some punny news on display. Above that, glowing in the sun, you read “Crooked Hammock Brewery” and decide to make a pit stop. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Let’s start with some suds. Crooked Hammock has been brewing up the good stuff since its opening in 2015. Director of Brewing Operations, the legendary Larry Horwitz, gives us his must-try beers at the Hammock this summer. If you’re in the mood for something crispy and crushable, his go-to is Hammock Light, an American light lager that is perfect for sunbathing at the beach, mowing the lawn, or doing just about anything. Need a little more hops in your diet? He recommends Sway, their flagship hazy IPA. “This one is super citrusy, you just keep going back for more,” he says. If beer isn’t your thing, they’ve still got you covered. Crooked Hammock has recently begun brewing hard seltzers and teas in-house and has an extensive cocktail program.
Now that your thirst is quenched, let’s take a look at the menu. Inspired by the backyard cookout, they’ve got award-winning wings, elevated apps, and burgers that would make your neighborhood grill master jealous. Something new this summer are the specials. Director of Culinary, Chef Ted Deptula, shares that they’re “bringing limited-time offerings to the Hammock all summer long”. Every month, you’ll see three to four new themed menu items cycling through, typically an appetizer, a sandwich, and an entree. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s coming in June. Say hello to the Tropic Summer menu which features shrimp and lobster cakes, street corn wings, a new mahi mahi entree, and a surf and turf burger so good you’ll likely write home about it. Thank you, chef.
So, you’ve got your grub and grog, what’s next? There’s always something happening at the Hammock. “We’re constantly cooking up fun, family-friendly ideas for vacationers and locals alike,” noted Danielle Grimm, Marketing Coordinator at the Lewes location. You can expect the industry standards, such as beer releases, cornhole, live music, and trivia. In addition to those, they’ve got some outside-the-box options, as well. Looking for a way to kill some time with the kiddos? Look no further. Crooked Hammock hosts Feelings Rock, a free and engaging music-centric class for kids (newborn to age 5) and parents, grandparents, guardians, and/or babysitters every Monday at 10:30 am. Easy like a Monday morning.
If you need to fill your fridge, you’re in luck. From June until September, you will find the Historic Lewes Farmers Market on-site from 8 am to 11:30 am every Wednesday. Vendors offer produce, baked goods, coffee, and more. If you’re lucky, you may just see Chef Ted, pictured, conducting a food demo. Happy Hump Day to us. You know where you can find me on Wednesday mornings this summer, I’ll see you there.
Zeke Ottemiller, Certified Ciceron, 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.
