The Advantages of Wood Fired & Artisan Pizza

Artisan Style Pizza Crust, Toppings & History

Pizza is a classic, delicious choice at any time, but some pies rise above the rest in taste and quality. Artisan wood fired pizzas may sound new and trendy, but this style of pizza has been around for hundreds of years and hearkens back to the original methods of preparing pizza in Italy. 

These pizzas are handmade with the highest quality ingredients and can include a variety of wood fired pizza toppings. They cook faster than other methods and can even be healthier than other types of pizza. This guide will discuss all the benefits of delicious artisan wood fired pizza and where to find the best wood fired pizza restaurant in Lewes, DE: Crust & Craft. 

What Is Artisan Pizza?

The term "artisan" is generally used to define someone who has extensive knowledge and training of a certain craft. When the word is applied to food, it means it is prepared using traditional methods instead of machines and with the highest-quality ingredients. 

All pizzas used to be made completely by hand, but as technology and industry pushed forward, much of the pizza-making process became mechanized to create faster, cheaper pizzas for the masses. This method satisfies the demand, but results in an inferior product. Today we use the term artisan pizza to refer to pizza that's made fresh, by hand and with care for the process and quality. 

When you're ordering an artisan pizza, you can be assured there's an experienced chef at the pizza oven, ready to prepare the pizza from scratch and have hands-on control of ingredients, quality and customization. Chefs of artisan pizzas can also be innovative and creative with the flavors and toppings, using combinations that are unique and delicious. Usually, artisan pizzas are baked in wood fired ovens, although electric pizza ovens are also common.

What Is an Artisan Crust?

Artisan pizza starts with a great crust — but what makes a crust artisan? The best pizza chefs know that good crust starts with high-quality, Italian-style flour. Flour is graded on its quality, with Grade 00, or Tipo 00, being the highest quality available — and the best for making great pizza crusts. 

Flour, water and salt are the basic ingredients of pizza crust, but the crust can be as simple or creative as the chef determines. And whether the crust is deep, thick and chewy, or thin and crispy, an artisan crust is crafted by hand. Crusts made by hand have a distinctive, delicious flavor that is enhanced even more when baked in a wood fired oven. 

What Toppings Make an Artisan Pizza?

An artisan pizza can have basic, traditional toppings or something more creative, but it's the freshness and quality of the ingredients that make a pizza truly artisan. At Crust & Craft, we've got pizza toppings to satisfy any craving. You can choose from creative combinations or customize your own blend of delicious artisan pizza toppings. 

For an upgraded version of classic cheese pizza, try The Queen — a house favorite with homemade crushed tomato sauce, mountains of mozzarella and fresh basil. Or for more adventurous flavors, go for The Funghi topped with grilled mushrooms and caramelized onions. Have some fun and experiment with a new combination of toppings — you may even find your new favorite.

Why Is Artisan Pizza Popular?

It seems that you see the word "artisan" popping up more and more on pizza menus across the country these days. This trend is driven by a consumer desire for better quality ingredients and more handmade items. With so many processed foods flooding the market, people crave something better. 

There is also joy in creating good food, and more chefs are interested in crafting pizzas from scratch and using higher quality ingredients. The results are more authentic and taste so much better, so consumers seek out these better-quality pizzas when dining out. 

Get More Flavor in Every Bite

For a truly artisan pizza flavor, you need a brick oven. Wood fired brick ovens have been around for hundreds of years, and are seeing a resurgence in popularity along with the artisan food trend. 

A wood fire inside the oven radiates heat around the brick dome, resulting in a much higher temperature than found in electric ovens — and it's these higher temps that make for better pizza. In a brick oven, you'll get a better crust and crispier toppings. In addition, the wood fire gives a distinctive, subtle smoky flavor to the pizza that can't be replicated with other cooking methods. 

Artisan Wood Fired Pizza Cooks Fast

Aside from the great taste, one of the best benefits of a wood fired oven is that the pizza cooks very quickly. Due to the higher temperatures in this type of oven, and the way the heat is stored in the walls, a whole pizza can fully cook in just a couple minutes. This means you still get delicious, handmade quality and incredibly fast cooking times. Order your pizza at the restaurant, and it's ready before you know it. 

Health Benefits of Artisan Wood Fired Pizza

Artisan wood fired pizzas taste better — and they can be better for you too. Often, the topping choices include healthy vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, olives, mushrooms and more. Better quality ingredients and a wide variety of healthy toppings to choose from mean your pizza will be packed with vitamins and far less of the unhealthy additives that come with more processed varieties. 

The nature of the wood fired oven means your pizza cooks much faster and retains more of the healthy nutrients and antioxidants of the toppings. Longer cooking times with other ovens can deplete these valuable nutrients, reducing the overall nutritional value of the pizza. 

Wood Fired Artisan Pizza in Rehoboth Beach

Now that you know about all the amazing advantages that wood fired pizza has over other types of pizza, it's time to try out the best in Rehoboth Beach. Crust & Craft has perfected wood fired artisan pizza, with an amazing selection of customizable toppings to choose from. 

Come enjoy our warm, welcoming atmosphere while you indulge in our delicious pizzas. We have nightly specials and a wide variety of salads, sides and craft beer. 

Join us for happy hour — or any time — and experience the best wood fired pizza in Rehoboth Beach.

How to Plan Your Next Happy Hour

Since about 1920, Americans have been celebrating the ritual known as happy hour. And while this custom started as an entertainment hour for members of the military, as well as a secretive time to drink before dinner during Prohibition, today it lives on as fun after-work tradition. Most restaurants and bars encourage happy hours with drink and appetizer specials, making it a more affordable way to enjoy drinks after work with friends or co-workers.

If you're planning a work happy hour — whether it's a small gathering of your closest co-workers or an organized event for the whole team — you'll want an event with a fun atmosphere, and great food and drinks. Successful happy hour planning will result in a fun event that leaves everyone satisfied and can even contribute to team-building. 

Take These Simple Steps:

1. Choose the Right Atmosphere

2. Find the Right Drink for the Occasion

3. Make it a Culinary Experience

4. Look for Specials

Choose the Right Happy Hour Atmosphere

To plan the perfect happy hour for your group, you'll want to pick a venue with a great atmosphere — one that works with your planned event and the personalities of your attendees. For example, if you plan on giving a more formal presentation or engaging with organized activities, you may want a less-busy restaurant with a quieter atmosphere. On the other hand, if the goal for your happy hour event is just to have fun, or for everyone to mingle, a busy restaurant is a good match. The noise and busy atmosphere here will be more conducive to a fun and talkative vibe for your event.

You also want to choose a restaurant that matches the level of formality you want for your event. Start by considering the formality and dress codes of your company. If your workday is more formal and everyone is dressed in more professional business attire, you may want to match this with the vibe of the venue you pick, as this is an after-work event. For more casual businesses, a more relaxed happy hour venue works perfectly. Either way, a perfectly matched venue will ensure that attendees are comfortable in their surroundings and have a great time.

Get the Right Drinks

Arguably the most important part of happy hour is the drinking! And having the right kinds of drinks available can really make or break your event. For a smaller, informal happy hour gathering, go ahead and order whatever everyone wants, but when you're planning an organized work event, you may want to think about the drink choices ahead of time. 

Especially if your happy hour event is more formal or business-oriented, you may want to limit the drink menu to lighter drinks like wine and beer. If you go with mixed cocktails, you might choose to have them pre-made with a smaller serving of liquor. If the company is paying for the drinks, you can give out tickets or tokens for drinks, ensuring that the first round or two is paid by the company, and additional drinks are paid for individually. 

To make your event even more fun, consider creating a signature cocktail for your company. Ask the bartender ahead of time to help create a memorable drink to feature at your event. Perhaps there's a fun drink associated with your industry or company name — think Mad Men martinis and old fashioneds for an ad agency. Or select seasonal drinks that feature the best flavors of the season, like cranberry cocktails around the holidays.

If your group is not ordering off the menu, be sure to provide several options, as not everyone has the same tastes when it comes to drinks. Offer a few different choices to keep everyone happy, and remember to also include non-alcoholic options like fun sodas, flavored waters or coffee drinks. Providing options like these will help everyone feel included. 

Don't Forget to Eat!

The food is almost as important as the drinks at happy hour. Don't overlook this crucial part of planning, and know what to order — or what to offer your attendees. After a long day of work, it's likely that everyone will be hungry too, so plan accordingly to have delicious options available at your event. Often, happy hour events stretch into the dinner hours, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and decide if everyone will also be ordering dinner, or if your event will feature some shared appetizers. You can also offer some appetizers at your happy hour, and attendees may choose to stay longer and order a full dinner on their own.

Appetizers work extremely well at happy hour events — small and sharable, they're perfect for nibbling and sampling while mingling and visiting. Best of all, many restaurants have appetizers available at special discounted prices during happy hours. Be sure to order enough food for your whole crew, and provide a variety of choices. If you are planning and ordering ahead of time, consider that some attendees may have different dietary restrictions, so it's best to pick a happy hour restaurant and menu with options for everyone. 

With a variety of personal tastes and dietary choices to consider, you can't go wrong with pizza! Endlessly customizable, pizza places generally have a little something for everyone. Try ordering several different pizzas with unique topping combinations so everyone can find their favorite. Pizza is also a universally loved food, ensuring you'll please even the pickiest of eaters in the group. 

In Italy, the tradition of Apertivo is closely related to happy hour, and many Italian foods are ideal for a happy hour. With Apertivo, small plates are key — like servings of cheeses and breads, bruschetta, light pastas and salads and small servings of fresh seafood. Modern Italian-American menus make a perfect choice for a happy hour event, with the abundance of small, shareable servings and foods to please any palate. 

Look for Happy Hour Specials

When you're trying to figure out where to eat at happy hour, one of the best ways is to search for some great deals. Most bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials on both food and drinks — just make sure to plan your event during the days and times when the deals are featured. Saving money will make everyone even happier with your night out. 

For one of the best happy hour specials in Rehoboth Beach, come to Crust & Craft. Not just a happy "hour," our specials cover an amazing four hours — 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Bring your whole crew here for our drink and appetizer specials, sure to please everyone, and stay to take advantage of the weeknight dinner specials too! From fresh seafood options and Italian classics to artisanal wood fired pizzas and an extensive drink menu, Crust & Craft has all the right ingredients for a successful happy hour event. Your team will want to make a weekly occurrence of our fun and delicious happy hours!

4 Perfect Happy Hour Drinks at the Beach

If anything could be better than happy hour, it's happy hour at the beach. Enjoying some fun drinks at great prices is what happy hour's all about, and being near the ocean will give you a vacation vibe, whether you're enjoying a vacay here or you're a local indulging in an after-work drink. Either way, going out for happy hour drinks is a great way to treat yourself and relax after a busy day, and take in some local fare at discount prices.

Whether you prefer wine, beer or cocktails, you're sure to find a happy hour deal for you. Check out these four great happy hour ideas for delicious drinks, perfect for relaxing near the beach.

Local Craft Beer Is a Perfect Happy Hour Beverage

Beer is a great all-around happy hour beverage, and craft beer makes it even more special. In the U.S., craft beer is a booming industry — with small, independent breweries popping up all over the place. With the multitude of craft breweries available, happy hour will never be boring again! Wherever you are, there are so many different craft beers to sample and enjoy. 

When you drink craft beer instead of mass-produced beers, you're supporting the local economy and helping your community thrive. In addition to this, you're more likely to get a higher quality, more flavorful drink at a much lower cost, as you're usually cutting out the shipping and distribution costs. These beers generally offer better ingredients and sometimes even higher alcohol contents — so you can get more bang for your buck. Craft beers are also a great conversation starter and you and your friends can compare notes, trying the many different varieties available. 

For great craft beer selection in Rehoboth Beach, check out Thompson Island Brewing Company, showcasing the best local Delaware brews in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Here, you'll find plenty of original, local beers on tap, as well as great food. 

Our Top Happy Hour Beer Suggestion: A Rye IPA

This hoppy India Pale Ale uses rye grains, giving a tangy spiciness and a reddish color to the beer. These flavorful beers are quickly gaining in popularity and make a perfect choice for a happy hour drink. The darker color and bold flavors are especially fitting for fall and winter sipping. 

Classic Cocktails Make for a Fun Night

Cocktails are the original happy hour libation, and whether you're indulging in an old-fashioned classic or a trendy new concoction, these mixed drinks ensure your happy hour is full of flavor and fun. What better way to wind down after a busy day than with a delicious and fun mixed drink? Cocktails tend to elevate your happy hour vibe more than beer and wine can, giving a celebratory and classy atmosphere to your evening. 

Cocktails can range from the simple to the more complicated with fancier ingredients, and an endless variety of these vodka, gin, rum and whiskey libations are available to try. Most bartenders can suggest great cocktails for you to try, too, if you're not sure what to order. Many restaurants will also have a featured happy hour cocktail menu with great signature drinks and seasonal flavors to choose from. 

At Crust & Craft in Rehoboth Beach, you'll find an extensive menu of fun craft cocktails and knowledgable bartenders ready to create a perfect drink just for you. The happy hour craft cocktails here are original and inventive — you'll want to come back and try them all! 

Our Top Happy Hour Cocktail Suggestion: Blueberry Bourbon Smash

This flavorful cocktail packs in the fresh flavors of summer, but is delightful any time of year. Bourbon is a natural match for fruity flavors and works perfectly with the blueberries and herbs in this favorite at Crust & Craft. Savor the summery taste and the Southern influences in this delicious cocktail at your next happy hour. 

Wine Is Perfect for a Classy Happy Hour

What could be more relaxing than sipping a glass of wine over happy hour? With its fancy glassware and long history and culture, wine adds a touch of class to any happy hour outing. Wine is a perfect choice for more celebratory outings as well, especially if you choose bubbles. There's nothing quite like the clink of wine glasses to offer sophistication to your evening. 

Drinking a glass of wine is not only classy, but it can also be good for our health when consumed in moderation. The antioxidants found in wine — especially red wines — can help stave off all sorts of diseases like heart problems, cancer and diabetes, among others. Wine can even boost longevity and help resist the signs of aging. What better reason to indulge in a glass of wine?

Crust & Craft has an extensive wine list, so whether you prefer white, red or bubbles, you're sure to find something celebratory to sip here. Wine also pairs beautifully with pizza and other Italian foods, so if you're ordering some appetizers or staying for dinner, wine is a perfect choice. 

Our Top Happy Hour Wine Suggestion: Cabernet Sauvignon

Full-bodied and flavorful, cabernet sauvignon is America's most popular red wine choice. This wine is dark in color and bold in flavor, and is generally dry with notes of tobacco, vanilla and cherry. Cabernets pair beautifully with many foods, especially Italian fare, and consuming wine with food only enhances the flavors of both. 

Seasonal Punch Can Kick off the Night

A flavorful and fruity punch can be an exciting way to start your happy hour. It's a light, fresh choice for a fun happy hour beverage. Sangria, a classic Spanish punch, is a combination of wine, liquor, fruit, soda water and other ingredients. The drink is easily customizable with different wines, fruit flavors and other add-ins like sodas or herbs. 

Many restaurants and bars have proprietary blends of sangrias and other punches, and may even change up the recipe seasonally to reflect the fruits and other flavors that are in season. 

Our Top Happy Hour Punch Suggestion: Seasonal Sangria

At Crust & Craft, our seasonal sangria is one of our most popular drinks. Made in-house, and full of the best flavors of the season, this is one sippable happy hour drink you'll want to try again and again. 

Happy Hour at Crust & Craft

Stop by Crust & Craft to enjoy indulgent happy hour drinks and specials on the coast. We've got everything to satisfy your pizza cravings and provide the perfect atmosphere for your next happy hour on the beach. Come for the delicious happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers, and stay for the nightly dinner specials, too! Call us or contact us online for more information. Join us for the magical time known as happy hour, and you won't feel disappointed. 

Differences Between Local Pizza Shops, Chains and Franchises

According to “The 2019 Pizza Power Report,” there are nearly 77,000 pizzerias operating in the United States. With so many pizza joints in the U.S., there’s little wonder why the American pizza market generated more than $45.7 billion in 2018 alone.

Depending on your location, you may have plenty of pizza places to choose from whenever you’re in the mood for a slice. Before you can pick the individual restaurant you’ll visit to satisfy your craving for pizza, you have to make one overarching decision. And that’s whether you’re going to order from an independent pizzeria or a chain restaurant.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A CHAIN & INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT

While both local and chain shops serve pizza, they’re very different business entities. Also known as "independents," local pizzerias are typically owned by an entrepreneur who struck out on their own. Independent restaurants may have one or even a handful of shops and they usually have a strong local following. In contrast, chains establish a regional, national or global presence by opening tens, hundreds or thousands of eateries over a broader area.

Local pizzerias are often run by individuals, families or small groups, while corporations are typically at the helm of chain restaurants. Whereas one person or group may own a local pizza joint, chains often include both corporate-owned and franchised restaurants. In general, a franchisee has the option to open multiple restaurants under the same chain’s brand if they follow the chain’s prescribed operational guidelines and have the available funds.

Whether you want to open a chain restaurant or a local pizza shop in Lewes, DE, or another location, setting up shop will require a sizeable investment. Even so, you can open an independent restaurant without having a set amount in your bank account by acquiring loans. To open a franchise, you normally have to have a predetermined amount of money available in reserve or you must have a minimum net worth.

The owners of "mom and pop" or local pizzerias get to reap the rewards of their efforts without having to share their profits. Chain restaurants often require franchisees to pay a portion of their annual revenue for the right to operate under their respective brand names.

Local pizzerias are free to operate however they choose within the confines of the law and area regulations. As an independent, you can create new menu items, change recipes, go with or without uniforms and set your own hours of operation. If you run a franchised restaurant, your franchisor will determine how you’ll need to run your pizzeria so that your restaurant is standardized with the brand’s other locations.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A LOCAL PIZZA STORES

While mom and pop shops and chain pizzerias clearly differ from one another in both setup and operation, they also differ from the customer’s point of view. The goal of a chain is to ensure consistency across its lineup of branded pizzerias. Some consumers take comfort in knowing they’ll get food that’s made and tastes the same no matter where in the world they visit a shop operating under a given brand name.

However, that very standardization and the way franchises generally operate prevent consumers from enjoying some of the benefits available when they frequent a local pizza shop. Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy as a customer at a typical independent pizzeria:

Money stays in the local economy:

With franchisees normally having to pay annual fees to the brand they represent, you have no way of knowing where the brand will reinvest your hard-earned dollars. Independent operators often live in the same community where their restaurant is located, making it more likely that your money will make its way back into the local economy.

Customization:

Every franchise operating under the same brand prepares and offers the same food across locations, meaning you can’t order something specially made or that’s not on the menu. If you visit a local pizza shop, you may be able to order a custom dish because the pizzeria’s owner will not have a contractual obligation to follow strict recipes.

Reduced carbon footprint:

When a pizza restaurant in Rehoboth Beach or another location buys ingredients locally, you can reduce the size of your carbon footprint by eating there instead of a chain. That’s because it will take less fuel and other resources to transport ingredients to the independent restaurant.

Locally sourced ingredients:

Consistency is the key to a chain’s success, which is why many franchisors require their operators to order supplies and ingredients from the same regional warehouses that might be hundreds of miles away. Owners of independent pizzerias can purchase their ingredients from anywhere, including local farmers' markets.

Increased fundraising opportunities:

Franchisees usually have to get permission before they can participate in a fundraising activity to ensure the event is in keeping with their franchisor’s values. Independent operators don’t need permission to give back to their community by participating in fundraisers.

Everybody knows your name:

Community members often operate mom and pop pizzerias, which means you may know the owners and employees from other activities around town. This familiarity makes frequenting a local pizza shop a more intimate, rewarding experience because you’re investing in a neighbor’s success while enjoying a great meal.

Crust & Craft: THE BEST LOCAL PIZZA SHOP IN REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

If you want to enjoy the benefits that normally accompany being a patron of an independent pizzeria, we invite you to visit our local wood fired pizza shop in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Our fresh ingredients, chef-inspired menu and brick oven pizzas will delight your taste buds and satisfy your tummy. From the moment you step through our doors, our highly trained staff will ensure you have the best dining experience possible every time you visit our convenient location on Coastal Highway.

Once you try our local Rehoboth Beach pizza shop, you’ll instantly understand why our customers eagerly drive past chain restaurants to reach our eatery. Visit Crust & Craft to see why you’ll never again want to eat a standardized pie from a chain when you can get a far superior pizza from our local restaurant.

We look forward to dazzling you and your taste buds soon!

What Is Wood Fired Pizza?

With more than 90 percent of people in the United States having consumed pizza in the last month and 36 percent believing pizza makes the “perfect” breakfast, there’s little doubt that Americans love their pizza. Humanity's love affair with pizza isn’t limited to the U.S., however. Believe it or not, 83 percent of consumers across the globe eat pizza at least once every month.

Global pizza sales reached $144.68 billion in 2018, according to “The 2019 Pizza Power Report.” While sales of frozen pizza remain considerable, many consumers now demand pizzas made with fresh and healthy ingredients, the perfect dough, and artisan sauces which is a trend typically spearheaded by younger pizza eaters.

Depending on where you’re located, you may have different types of pizza to choose from, such as stuffed pizza, NY-style pizza, Chicago-style pizza or thin crust pizza. If you crave a pizza that boasts a perfect crust while highlighting the delightful flavors of fresh ingredients when you visit Rehoboth Beach, a wood fired oven pizza is for you.

1. Wood-Fired Basics

2. How it Works

3. Wood-Fired, Gas & Electric

4. Preparation

5. Benefits

Explanation of Wood Fired Pizza and Brick Oven Pizza

If you’re not familiar with wood fired pizza, you might wonder, “What is brick oven pizza? Is it the same as wood fired pizza?” As you learn about wood fired pizza, you’ll quickly realize that it’s the same as brick oven pizza and that “wood fired” and “brick oven” refer to the same type of pie.

Wood fired or brick oven pizza is exactly what its names imply. It’s a type of pizza that’s cooked in a brick oven. Instead of being heated by electricity or gas, a brick pizza oven employs burning wood to cook pizza. Compared to most home ovens, brick ovens can reach higher temperatures, which allows the pizzas to cook differently than they would in a conventional oven.

How Does a Wood Fired Pizza Oven Work?

Many pizza enthusiasts believe a wood fired oven is the absolute best way to create the most authentic pizza. Wood fired ovens cook by trapping heat. You do not cook your pizza from the heat of the fire. Instead, you heat up the bricks and walls of the oven, which allows the oven to reach very high temperatures. Pizza ovens are made with layers of insulation and materials that trap the heat inside.

When you learn how to heat a wood fired pizza oven, you appreciate that the oven can get very hot. It can take hours to get heated up, but once it does it can cook a pizza in just minutes. In addition, the interior surfaces can stay hot for days.

A pizza oven emits three types of heat. The first is the heat of the fire. The second is radiated heat. The dome of the oven gets white-hot after the fire has been burning for a while, and the heat from the dome radiates downward on your pie. Finally, the convection heat from the ambient heat inside the oven and the tiles on the floor of the oven bake the dough.

When you cook with a wood fired pizza oven, you use wood to start the fire and get the heat going. The fire can reach high temperatures that heat the dome, tiles and floor. You can then push the wood aside, or the wood may be located in the back of the oven.

Next, place a slice or entire round of dough in the front part of the oven, away from the logs, so the radiant and convection heat can cook it. Keep the fire burning to keep the temperature high, and you can add more logs to feed the fire and increase the temperature. 

How is Wood Fired Different From Gas or Electric?

Wood fired ovens are different than gas or electric ovens in a few specific ways:

• They char and flavor the pizza differently: Gas and electric ovens cook with direct heat. The elements heat up and heat your food. A pizza oven fueled by wood traps heat and heats indirectly at high temperatures, which creates a charred crust and a rustic, smoky flavor you simply cannot achieve any other way.

• They allow for flexibility of flavor: Since a pizza oven will work with different kinds of wood, you can introduce new flavors by changing the type of logs you use. Cherry will create a different flavor than apple wood or other varieties.

• They are more authentic: The AVPN (True Neapolitan Pizza Association or Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) publishes rules about what constitutes an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Wood fired pizza ovens are a requirement for authentic Italian pizza made to these regulations.

• They result in even heat and a faster cooking time: In a wood fired oven, the pizza takes only minutes to cook and the heat is even because it radiates from the dome, walls and tiles of the oven. The dough is cooked to the perfect texture — crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.

How is Brick Oven Pizza Prepared and Cooked?

When you visit our wood fired pizza shop in Rehoboth Beach, DE, you’ll see that, for the most part, we prepare brick oven pizza in a fashion similar to how others prepare their pies. We stretch the dough, add the perfect amount of delicious sauce and top that with cheese and the mouth-watering toppings of your choice.

One way the preparation of wood fired pizza usually differs from preparing other kinds of pies involves the use of olive oil. The high temperatures attained in a brick oven will normally burn off any olive oil used in the dough or sauce. Whereas other types of pizza typically include olive oil as an ingredient in their dough, sauce or both, a high-quality olive oil is usually drizzled on top of a wood fired pizza after it’s cooked.

Fresh, healthy ingredients, chef-inspired menu options and an unbelievable dining experience aren’t the only things that make Crust & Craft stand out from other area pizza joints. The way we cook our pizzas also distinguishes our fare.

By using a brick oven, we’re able to fully cook our pizzas in just two to five minutes. In a brick oven, the heat generated by the burning wood radiates throughout the oven and is absorbed by the surrounding brick. While the heat in a wood fired oven can reach 570 to 660 degrees Fahrenheit or even more, the cooking surface remains a bit cooler.

Cooked in the environment just described, wood fired pizzas cook quickly. Moisture from the sauce, cheese and toppings “burns off” fast, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. The extreme temperatures in a brick oven often yield eye-catching black marks on the crust, which have become a signature of wood fired pizzas and help make them distinct from other types of pies.

Benefits of CHoosing Wood Fired Pizza

Even though you now know some of the things that separate brick oven pizza from other kinds of 'zas, you might still be curious about why so many people prefer wood fired pizza over competing alternatives. The answer is simple: Brick oven pizza is just better than other pizza variations! Hands down. Game over. The “fat” lady has sung. The verdict is in.

While we don’t believe there’s such a thing as a bad pizza, we can assure you that there are some things that make wood fired pizza better. Here are a few of them:

• Perfect crust: We touched upon this point earlier when we told you that the moisture from toppings and cheese cooks off quickly in a brick oven to keep the crust from getting soggy. Because brick ovens crisp pies so fast, they seal moisture in the dough, which also prevents the underlying crust from becoming mushy and being unable to adequately support its toppings.

• Smoky flavor: With brick oven pizza cooked quickly using heat generated by burning wood, this type of pie has a smoky flavor that gas or electric ovens simply can’t replicate because they cook pies so differently.

• Crispier, healthier toppings: A brick oven’s extreme heat cooks toppings evenly and quickly, allowing them to stay crispier than they would in a different kind of oven. With the toppings cooked so fast, the vegetables retain more of their vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients, making them healthier than they would be otherwise.

Visit Crust & Craft for the Best Hand-Crafted Pizza in Rehoboth Beach

If you want wood fired pizza that’s widely considered the best hand-crafted pizza in Rehoboth Beach, DE, you should set your GPS to Crust & Craft. Conveniently located on Coastal Highway, our eatery is where you can enjoy all the things that make brick oven pizza such a sought-after choice among pizza lovers.

While our chef-inspired, wood fired pizzas will make your mouth water, the experience you’ll have when you visit our restaurant will make you want to come back over and over again. Our highly trained staff will make you feel like the star of the show from the moment you walk through our doors.

The verdict is in yet again. Crust & Craft should be your destination whenever you want the very best of the best pizza in the Rehoboth area. Head over to our location today to enjoy wood fired pizza you won’t be able to get enough of!

Your Rehoboth Beach Travel Guide

From vacationers looking for a laid-back beach getaway to those in search of a sophisticated coastal retreat, Rehoboth Beach has something for everyone. During the off-season, Rehoboth is a smaller community where locals enjoy their seaside homes. Every summer, a bounty of visitors come looking for a little slice of paradise, family-friendly boardwalk amusements and the best eats on the East Coast.

In this free Rehoboth Beach travel guide, you'll learn more about the city and what there is to experience in the area. Whether you're planning a week-long getaway or coming in for a day trip, Rehoboth is full of must-dos and must-sees.

History of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

The earliest visitors to Rehoboth Beach were Native Americans, traveling to the coast in the summer for abundant seafood. Over time, Dutch and English settlers arrived in the area and put down roots. Between 1650 and 1675, the area developed as farmers and William Penn's earliest legislators called it home.

Centuries later, in 1872, Reverend Robert W. Todd's visit to a camp area on the Jersey Shore inspired a similar idea for the Delaware coast. In 1873, after purchasing acres of land from local farmers, he created the Rehoboth Camp Meeting Association. With that came the development of streets, parks and building lots. The infrastructure resembled a fan shape, which is still present in Rehoboth Beach today.

By the 1890s, the area became a municipality known as Henlopen City, but a couple of years later, it was renamed Rehoboth Beach. Before that, the iconic boardwalk was constructed along the full length of the oceanfront. Storms changed the layout over the decades, and now the structure stands 1 mile long.

Over the centuries following its beginnings, Rehoboth Beach grew. Railroads and paved highways developed the area into a tight-knit seaside town. Rehoboth Beach eventually became the "Nation's Summer Capital" as residents of Washington D.C. visited and vacationed in the city. Today, Rehoboth Beach is still a popular destination for Washington D.C. residents, but it's also grown to host visitors from all over the country and the world. With a visit today, you'll feel the area's rich historical past come through in its charms.

Getting Around Coastal Highway

Navigating any traffic you come across on your travels will get you to your vacation quicker and let you start relaxing and having fun. Check for Rehoboth Beach travel restrictions and advisories or tune into 93.7. You'll find live updates about Rehoboth Beach travel time, and you can adjust your trip accordingly.

Knowing how to travel to Rehoboth Beach is the only thing standing between you and your vacation, but all you have to do is learn how to get around Coastal Highway.

Main Access Points

Most visitors come in through Coastal Highway, also known as Delaware 1. As you travel into Rehoboth Beach, Coastal Highway turns into Delaware 1A or Rehoboth Avenue. Your main access points will depend on where you want to park or where you're staying on your visit. Your hotel can offer specific directions and suggestions for your main access points from Coastal Highway. If you're looking for parking, consider these routes:

• DART Park and Ride Lot: Turn right off Coastal Highway onto Shuttle Road for DART's Rehoboth Park and Ride Lot. With the parking rate, you have free use of the beach buses that run between Memorial Day to September.

• Street parking: For parking along 2nd Street, turn left off Coastal Highway onto Church Street. Make the slight right onto Delaware 1A, where you can either turn right onto 2nd Street or turn left onto Lake Avenue, continue to Maryland Avenue and turn right onto 2nd Street.

Parking restrictions or requirements will depend on when you visit and how long you plan to be at the beach. Find more parking information from the City of Rehoboth Beach's site to help plan your trip.

Things to Do for Every Kind of Visitor in Rehoboth

While Rehoboth Beach may only be one square mile, it's the largest beach resort in Delaware and jam-packed with fun activities for all. Every moment spent in Rehoboth is a wonderful memory waiting to happen. Whether you're strolling the boardwalk with your kids or soaking in sun rays on the beach, there's so much to do and see. With such a variety of things to experience, Rehoboth Beach is ideal for families and friends alike. Check out the family-friendly side of things or head out for happy hour.

Kid-Friendly Rehoboth Beach Activities

Visiting with family? Turn your trip into a fun-filled time for the kids. There's a lot to do in the area, so plan your kid-friendly Rehoboth beach trip around enjoying the following:

• Amusement rides and arcades: For adventurous kids and those who love to play games, head to Funland on the boardwalk. Funland features classic amusement rides for kids of various ages. If rides aren't your family's thing, check out the arcade games at Funland, or stop by Zelky's, an arcade with north and south locations on the boardwalk.

• Water parks: Want a different kind of water-based fun at the beach? Check out water parks near Rehoboth Beach. Jungle Jim's is the largest water park in the state, featuring a wave pool, a lazy river and a kiddie pool for younger visitors.

• Mini-golf: Trips to the beach are incomplete without a game of mini-golf. Have a bit of friendly competition on your Rehoboth visit with the variety of mini-golf options in the area. Midway Speedway Park, Ryan's Mini Golf and Shell We Golf all feature family-friendly mini-golf courses near Rehoboth Beach.

• Sports: You'll find plenty of courts and fields throughout Rehoboth that make a great addition to a trip filled with family fun. Basketball, pickleball, tennis and other sports courts are common throughout Rehoboth, so pack your equipment and get in fun activities on your visit.

• Fishing: Head back to the water for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Check out Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier and different fishing spots in the area, or try your hand at crabbing and clamming. Little ones will love seeing these aquatic creatures up-close, and you can either charter a boat or fish from the shores. Be sure to get any necessary fishing licenses before the excitement.

Happy Hour Ideas in Rehoboth

For those heading to the beach without kids, check out happy hour ideas. Happy hour is the perfect time to get great deals on great drinks in the area. Pick the perfect drinks for your group, whether you prefer local craft beers, cocktails, seasonal punch or wine.

When you're looking for drink ideas in Rehoboth Beach, keep a few things in mind to plan the best happy hour. Have lighter drinks for formal events or if you'll be heading to other locations throughout the night. If you're visiting Rehoboth to celebrate, feel free to order something a bit stronger.

Try to match the vibe of the venue to the reason you're going out, too. If you're here for something work-related, look for a quiet yet high-end atmosphere. Or have fun and mingle on a trip with friends at more popular bars in Rehoboth.

Check out happy hour specials throughout the area for the best deals for your group. On a stricter schedule or want more flexibility? Visit us at Crust & Craft for happy hour. When 3 p.m. rolls around, you'll want to make your way to the Crust & Craft bar for the best happy hour specials anywhere around — including craft beers, signature cocktails and other adult refreshments.

The Famed Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

No trip to Rehoboth Beach would be complete without a stroll on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Originally built in 1873, this mile-long stretch features classic attractions you won't want to miss. Thrilling amusement park rides, arcades and traditional beachfront eats like ice cream, funnel cake and french fries served with vinegar are just a few of the must-dos while on the boards.

Plus, every summer you'll find free events like concerts and fireworks. Once the sun sets, you'll want to take advantage of Rehoboth's exciting nightlife or stroll hand-in-hand with the one you love down along the beachline. No matter your plans, the boardwalk is a perfect place to have fun or relax. You may have a few questions about the boardwalk before your Rehoboth Beach visit. Get your answers below!

What Are the Boardwalk’s Hours?

The boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach opens at 9 a.m., but bicycles are allowed between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. from May through September. The boardwalk is open all year, but some restrictions apply. Dogs, if leashed, are allowed on the boardwalk between May and September. If you want to enjoy the boardwalk, do so on-foot — skateboards aren't allowed year-round. The city also prohibits rollerblades and skates between mid-May and mid-September.

How Long Is the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk?

The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is a mile long. That makes it the perfect size for a walk to enjoy convenient views of the beautiful seaside. Stroll the boards to take in the sights or go to shops, restaurants and different attractions along the way. Its charming size and abundance of entertainment earned Rehoboth Beach's boardwalk the title of "America's Best Boardwalk," so be sure to check it out on your visit.

Is the Boardwalk Free?

Rehoboth Beach and the boardwalk are free to experience. Of course, if you want to shop, dine or enjoy the attractions along the boardwalk, you'll have to pay, but there's no charge to access the boardwalk itself. Other than the free experience of the sun and the surf, the boardwalk is also home to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. The location hosts musical acts, movies and variety shows for free, giving local and national talents a platform.

What to Do in Rehoboth Beach for Every Kind of Visitor

While Rehoboth Beach may only be one square mile, it's the largest beach resort in Delaware and jam-packed with fun activities for all. Every moment spent in Rehoboth is a wonderful memory waiting to happen. Whether you're strolling the boardwalk with your kids or soaking in sun rays on the beach, there's so much to do and see. With such a variety of things to experience, Rehoboth Beach is ideal for families and friends alike. Check out the family-friendly side of things or head out for happy hour.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Visiting with family? Turn your trip into a fun-filled time for the kids. There's a lot of family-friendly activities in Rehoboth, so plan your beach trip with the kids around enjoying the following:

• Amusement rides and arcades: For adventurous kids and those who love to play games, head to Funland on the boardwalk. Funland features classic amusement rides for kids of various ages. If rides aren't your family's thing, check out the arcade games at Funland, or stop by Zelky's, an arcade with north and south locations on the boardwalk.

• Water parks: Want a different kind of water-based fun at the beach? Check out water parks near Rehoboth Beach. Jungle Jim's is the largest water park in the state, featuring a wave pool, a lazy river and a kiddie pool for younger visitors.

• Mini-golf: Trips to the beach are incomplete without a game of mini-golf. Have a bit of friendly competition on your Rehoboth visit with the variety of mini-golf options in the area. Midway Speedway Park, Ryan's Mini Golf and Shell We Golf all feature family-friendly mini-golf courses near Rehoboth Beach.

• Sports: You'll find plenty of courts and fields throughout Rehoboth that make a great addition to a trip filled with family fun. Basketball, pickleball, tennis and other sports courts are common throughout Rehoboth, so pack your equipment and get in fun activities on your visit.

• Fishing: Head back to the water for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Check out Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier and different fishing spots in the area, or try your hand at crabbing and clamming. Little ones will love seeing these aquatic creatures up-close, and you can either charter a boat or fish from the shores. Be sure to get any necessary fishing licenses before the excitement.

Dog-Friendly Activities in Rehoboth

If you've got a furry family member, they're more than welcome at Rehoboth Beach. We have many dog-friendly activities, areas and lodgings so you don't have to leave your pet at home while on vacation. 

Some popular dog-friendly areas in Rehoboth Beach include:

• Delaware Seashore State Park: When you want to splash in the waves with your dog, Delaware Seashore State Park is the place to go. You can bring your dog to any of the non-guarded beaches during the season, and in the off-season dogs are welcome on all the beaches. Just be sure to keep your dog leashed and follow all park rules and directions.

• Gordons Pond State Park Area: If you fancy a long walk with your pup, look no further than the gorgeous trails of Gordons Pond State Park. See gorgeous landscapes, from dunes and ocean views to wetlands and forests.

• Salty Paws: After a long day on the beach or the trails, your dog will want to cool down just like you. Why not give them an extra special treat? Salty Paws serves up frozen treats made specifically for canines. Your dog will love chomping on one of their dog biscuits or licking up one of their selection of dog-friendly ice cream flavors.

After a long day out with your dog, all of you will need some rest. Luckily, there are many dog-friendly hotels in the area. Check out the Breakers Hotel and Suites, which is only a few short blocks from the beach. They offer dog-friendly accommodations, plus an indoor pool and free breakfast and coffee. Another dog-friendly hotel is the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, whose friendly staff will be happy to recommend dog-friendly activities for the entire family.

Dog-Friendly Areas

Take your dogs on a visit to the following locations: 

• Parks: Dogs are allowed in the Delaware Seashore State Park all year long and in Dewey Beach between certain hours of the day. You can head to either location for a long walk on the beach with your pet.

• Ice cream: Salty Paws Ice Cream and Bakery serves up delicious treats specifically for dogs. It's a great place to rest on a hot day for pups and their parents.

• Pet stores: Yarn and Bone is a pet store where you can bring your dog to shop for toys, supplies and a quick out-the-door snack.

Dog-Friendly Places to Stay

Want to bring your pets on the family vacation? Here are some places that allow doggie guests:

• Inns: Atlantis Inn allows dogs to stay with owners for an extra fee per night, so long as the dog is under the weight limit of 85 pounds. You can walk your dog down to the beach from this hotel near the boardwalk.

• Bed and breakfasts: Homestead B&B at Rehoboth allows up to two dogs of any size for an extra fee per pet for the first night, followed by a smaller fee per pet for each additional night. Pets receive special guest services and a designated relief area.

• Airbnb rentals: Rehoboth Beach is home to several Airbnb hosts. The pet policies vary depending on the rules established by the host, but you are sure to find some that allow dogs of every breed.

Rehoboth's Outdoor Excursions and Relaxation

Beautiful ocean vistas and fun outdoor pursuits are around every bend in Rehoboth Beach. Clean waters and crisp, coastal breezes make Delaware an ideal place to lounge on the sand or take advantage of exciting water sports. Because of the many bays and waterways, you'll love trying out one of these adventures:

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

For a relaxing workout on the water, consider stand-up paddleboarding. Propel yourself along the waters of Rehoboth Beach whether you explore the ocean, bays, rivers or lakes. Delmarva Board Sport Adventures is one option for stand-up paddleboard rentals in the area. You'll also find group tours, which are perfect if you travel to Rehoboth Beach with a group that wants some outdoor adventure.

Kayaking

Immerse yourself in nature with kayaking in Rehoboth Beach. Check out Teardrop Park for kayaking on Silver Lake or head down to Rehoboth Bay. The Bay gives you opportunities to see pods of dolphins as you paddle, but you can also catch a glimpse of the historic Harbor Lighthouse on the coast. Find kayak rentals at Rehoboth Bay or bring your own to get in the water as soon as you visit.

Jet-Skiing

Zip around along the shoreline with an exhilarating jet-skiing adventure. Dewey Beach Watersports and other outlets in the region rent skis to get you on the water. Feel the rush of the salty breeze on your skin and the splash of waves underneath as you pilot your own jet ski. Race your friends and family or simply glide around the water for a while. No matter how you play, jet-skiing is a must-enjoy outdoor excursion for thrill-seekers.

Scenic Cruises

For a relaxing experience on the water, leave the captaining to someone else. Plenty of outlets along the shore offer different excursions on the water, so you're sure to find something you'll enjoy. Take a sunset cruise to marvel at the colorful sky reflected on the water, or have a bit of fun with fellow adults on a drinking cruise.

You can also learn about the area on a historical or scenic tour. Board a cruise with a knowledgeable guide where you'll see and learn about landmasses and landmarks on the shoreline. Be sure to snap photos of the lighthouses and keep an eye out for aquatic life in the water below.

Surfing

One of the best ways to get an adrenaline rush at Rehoboth Beach is to glide along the waves on a surfboard. If you're really looking forward to surfing at Rehoboth Beach, plan your trip to span a few days. The waves are unpredictable, with the ocean sometimes resembling a lake on calm days. Hope for crashing waves, grab your board and head out onto the water.

Need a bit of instruction? Rehoboth Surf Boarding School is the only surfing school in the area, ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to perfect their skills. They even offer a kids' camp, filling your kid-friendly Rehoboth trip with even more to do.

Dolphin Tours

Dolphin cruises take you out onto the water around Rehoboth Beach among majestic pods of these sea creatures. Head out on a captained and guided tour, and keep an eye out for fins bobbing along near the boat. Minutes from Rehoboth Beach is Fisherman's Wharf. With their fleet of sightseeing vessels, boats and cruises, Fisherman's Wharf is your opportunity to take a dolphin tour. The outlet also offers a variety of other cruises.

Parasailing

See the boardwalk and the shoreline from above with Rehoboth Beach parasailing options. Dewey Beach Parasail is the largest operator in Delaware with more than 15 seasons under its belt. It's also the most experienced. Glide with them or other companies around Rehoboth Beach for an adrenaline-pumping way to get amazing views of the city.

Can anyone go parasailing? Before you plan your parasailing adventure, double-check the requirements and restrictions. Parasailing companies may have age or weight restrictions for younger passengers and safety guidelines to follow. Look into wind conditions for the day or contact the Rehoboth Beach parasailing company of your choice to see if they're operating.

Hiking

While Rehoboth Beach is home to scenic water views and plenty of fun and adventures on the waterways, there's even more to see. Get up-close with the natural areas of this destination on a hiking trip. Rehoboth Beach is a short drive from Cape Henlopen State Park and other scenic spots where you can hike and take in the natural beauty throughout coastal Delaware. Combine your hiking trip with fishing, boating, rock climbing and camping for a complete outdoor adventure visit.

Fishing Rehoboth Beach

Fishing on the Atlantic Ocean is a favorite activity at Rehoboth Beach, whether you want to head out on a boat or keep your feet grounded on the shore. Take your chances hunting native catches such as Atlantic salmon, sea trout, flounder and bluefish while enjoying the following:

• Bait shops: Old Inlet Bait & Tackle in the Delaware Seashore State Park is a full-service shop with knowledgeable staff who sell fishing licenses and supplies to make your trip convenient. If you break your line, they also offer repairs. After you pick up your gear, explore the rock jetties of the inlet and find a quiet place to cast your line.

• Waterfront hotels: If you want to stay near the Boardwalk for an early morning fishing trip, a few hotels are within walking distance. The Boardwalk Plaza is right on the shoreline, offering the best waterfront base for an early morning fishing trip.

• Charter boats: Hop on a fishing boat with your pole and net for a relaxing time catching crabs and fish during your transit.

• Surf fishing: Popular surf fishing locations include Tower Road and Cape Henlopen Point. Stand with your ankles in the ocean or find a jetty to set up on.

• Pier fishing: Many good locations to fish from piers are waiting, such as the Cape Henlopen State Park and the Indian River Inlet. Piers offer stability, allowing the caster to concentrate fully on reeling in large catches.

As is common in many cities along the coast, fishing is a must do in Rehoboth Beach. In addition to ocean fishing, there are many lakes and streams where fishing enthusiasts and novices alike can cast a line.

A few things you need to know before fishing in Rehoboth Beach include:

1. Licenses: Like in all states, if you plan to fish in Delaware, you must register with the Division of Fish and Wildlife. You can go to an office in person to request a license or register for one online.

2. Regulations: Delaware also has regulations for what and how much you can fish. Go online for an up-to-date record of the tidal and non-tidal regulations, size and creel limitations.

3. Enforcement: Officers do patrol fishing areas to enforce the laws and regulations. Be sure to carry your license documentation with you and read up on all the rules before you set out.

After you've gotten the necessary documentation, you'll need to gear up. If you don't have much gear already or don't want to travel with any, you can check out Old Inlet Bait and Tackle for all your fishing needs. They open extra early so you can get an early start and have everything you need for your fishing trip.

Fish you'll find while surf fishing include flounder, bluefish, stripers and sea trout. Some of the best surf fishing locations include Herring Point, Indian River Inlet and Broadkill Beach. Other fishing locations include Ocean City Inlet, Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier and Lake Gerar Park.

You can also take a special trip out on the water with one of the many fishing charters and cruises available. Whether you like deep-sea fishing or something closer to shore, the fishing charters in Rehoboth Beach are sure to offer up some fun for the whole family.

Romantic Activities

Visiting the beach with your date is a great way to enthusiastically get to know the local culture while enjoying some seaside romance. Couples will have plenty of fun when there are new and exciting experiences all around. Check out the following possibilities for your date night in Rehoboth:

Vineyards

Located near the beach, the outdoor seating at Nassau Valley Vineyards provides the perfect atmosphere for romance. Schedule a self-guided tour or arrive for wine tasting. Your complimentary set of tasting glasses will make the cutest souvenirs. 

Water Tours

A tour of the water makes for a dream-like seaside adventure. If you would want to spend time chatting with your significant other, private charters are available, or join the crowd on a tour boat to socialize with other visitors. 

Discovery Tours

Delmarva's Discovery Tours are an informative way to explore the local scenery with your partner and a helpful guide. As visitors tour the Southern Delaware Antique Trail, they are treated to plenty of stops along the way at various breweries, wineries, meaderies, farms and gardens.

Day Spas

The Ocean Retreat Day Spa offers a satisfying rest from a long day of exploring the Boardwalk. Enjoy getting pampered with your partner in a couple's massage and spa. You will leave feeling refreshed and ready for more sightseeing.

Full Moon Kayak Tours

For a truly unique romantic experience, go on a full moon tour out on Rehoboth Bay during one of the upcoming dates. Watch with your partner as the moon rises from the glimmering ocean and take photographs to document the memory together.

Tax-Free Shopping in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

A Rehoboth Beach visitor's guide is incomplete without mentioning the shopping possibilities. From cute boutiques to quaint local antique stores, there are tons of shopping opportunities in Rehoboth Beach and nearby towns.

Is Delaware Shopping Tax Free? Yes! The great thing about shopping anywhere in Delaware is that everything you purchase is tax-free. So, whether you're hitting up one of our boardwalk gift shops to find a quirky souvenir or looking for original artwork at a local gallery, you'll only pay the amount on the price tag.

For a wide selection of shopping options in one place, head to the Tanger Outlet Center right off Coastal Highway. You'll be sure to find a good deal at one of the over 100 shops at the outlets, including popular brand names and designer stores.

Boardwalk Shops

The stores lining the Boardwalk include gift shops for collecting keepsakes and niche parlors with creative themes. There's so much to see that you will be hard-pressed to run out of options.

Toy Store: Rehoboth Toy & Kite Company

Choose your favorite kite for testing the salty ocean wind during a run on the sand, or if you're planning a game night, browse the card and board games. Bring the kids too, who will be captivated by the colorful displays and the variety of toys.

Sweet Treats: Candy Kitchen

Satisfy your sweet tooth and pick up seaside favorites like saltwater taffy at Candy Kitchen on the boardwalk.

Themed Gift Shop: Sea Shell Shop

If you want to take a piece of the ocean back home with you, the Sea Shell Shop has a beautiful array of shells, trinkets and toys for the young ones. You can even find hermit crabs and habitat supplies here.

Culinary Tour of Rehoboth

Rehoboth Beach has a proud tradition of incredible food. Our diverse restaurant community boasts a variety of options, from gourmet fare to mom-and-pop diners. Three things will make your beach-side vacation complete when dining in Rehoboth — delicious pizza, fresh seafood and refreshing drinks. Find where to eat in Rehoboth at places like:

Brewery: Thompson Island

An independent brewery that serves fine local cuisine, Thompson Island is sure to impress with its chef-prepared soups, decadent sandwiches and selection of craft beers. The outdoor beer garden has games and a ping-pong ball court ready for you to hang out with friends, family or new faces.

If you enjoy poultry, the beer can half yard bird with whipped potatoes and seasonal veggies is a savory choice. Vegan dishes are on the menu, too, like the Thompson vegan bowl with noodles and vegetable broth. Dine outside near the firepit where local musicians perform live shows on the acoustics stage.

You can order Thompson beer to drink with your meal and get packs to go for when you're thirsty later or to share with friends. Try a flavorful new brand of beer with refreshing notes of citrus.

Seafood: Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar

As the winner of the Wine Spectacular award for three consecutive years, Bluecoast Seafood offers more than delicious, locally caught seafood. The menu features butcher options and fresh, homegrown produce.

Starters range from classic comfort food such as deviled eggs, to exotics such as charred octopus. Follow the appetizers with your choice of the seafood favorite picks like the shrimp fry or the lobster cavatappi. If you're in the mood for something from the land, you can choose from the butcher's menu instead. Meal options include roasted chicken, filet of fish and grilled pork chops. 

Find your favorite alcoholic beverage on the wine menu to enjoy with your meal. White wines come in the categories of Champagne, chardonnay, riesling and many others. Some options for red wines are pinot noir, merlot and zinfandel. 

Italian: Lupo Italian Kitchen

Lupo Italian Kitchen prepares coastal-style Italian food with freshly caught seafood seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices. With an extensive wine list, this dining option has achieved multiple wins of the Wine Spectacular award.

Order a starter like the marinated olives or the old-school meatballs while you wait for the main course. If you want a fresh pasta dish, the lobster bucatini is a filling meal with a seaside twist. You can also try a unique take on a beloved classic — the spaghetti and veal meatballs. Make sure to catch the happy hour deal, or order in on a Wednesday night for a half-priced pasta dish.

Pizza: Crust & Craft

At Crust & Craft, we combine pizza, seafood and refreshing drinks into one chef-inspired menu. Our locally sourced eats include the best wood fired pizza anywhere in the Delaware Beaches. Our seafood selections are inspired by the shore, giving you the menu items you'd expect to find so close to the water. And, of course, we serve refreshing adult beverages and offer happy hour specials every day.

Our appetizers include cozy party snacks such as hot wings, hummus and roasted vegetables. You can customize all pizzas with add-on toppings to make your personal favorite uniquely your own. Order pickup or curbside and take the best local pizza back to your hotel with you for a quiet evening in. We are known for our pizza, but we also provide excellent quality drinks and entrees. You can order a hearty meal like our mac and cheese or meatball sub sandwich to go with your beer.

We also have a kid's menu for younger visitors. Our kid's pizza is a smaller size to fit their appetites. We have plenty of children's delights for even the pickiest eaters, like chicken tenders and meatballs and pasta that they might beg for more of.

Nearby Water View Dining: Catch54

Head south of Rehoboth Beach to Fenwick Island for more dining opportunities. Here you will have the chance to eat at Catch54, a waterfront restaurant where you can expect to find excellent burgers and seafood. They also have plenty of premium beer and wines to complete the fine dining experience.

Try the signature crab cakes or grab a burger and cocktail while you sit over the ocean boardwalk. You will feel like you're eating on the open water — without the rocking of a boat.

Happy Hour Ideas in Rehoboth

For those heading to the beach without kids, check out happy hour ideas. Happy hour is the perfect time to get great deals on great drinks in the area. Pick the perfect drinks for your group, whether you prefer local craft beers, cocktails, seasonal punch or wine.

When you're looking for drink ideas in Rehoboth Beach, keep a few things in mind to plan the best happy hour. Have lighter drinks for formal events or if you'll be heading to other locations throughout the night. If you're visiting Rehoboth to celebrate, feel free to order something a bit stronger.

Try to match the vibe of the venue to the reason you're going out, too. If you're here for something work-related, look for a quiet yet high-end atmosphere. Or have fun and mingle on a trip with friends at more popular bars in Rehoboth.

Check out happy hour specials throughout the area for the best deals for your group. On a stricter schedule or want more flexibility? Visit us at Crust & Craft for happy hour. When 3 p.m. rolls around, you'll want to make your way to the Crust & Craft bar for the best happy hour specials anywhere around — including craft beers, signature cocktails and other adult refreshments.

Nightlife in Rehoboth

The adventure-seeking visitors partake in Rehoboth Beach nightlife at the many venues open during the evenings. From clubs with live entertainment to dining by torchlight, the area offers an evening setting for everybody's tastes. Check out the following venues if you want to stay out late:

Rehoboth nightlife is filled with opportunities. One of the most popular nighttime activities is a stroll along the boardwalk. Since the boardwalk closes at 10 p.m., it's the perfect spot for a final activity out with the family. Many of the popular attractions in Rehoboth beach are open late, offering plenty to do in the evenings.

If you fancy something fun to do, try the arcade right on the boardwalk. If you're an adventurous family, check out Funland, the amusement park with rides and games for the whole family. Family fun doesn't stop at the boardwalk. Engage in some friendly competition with the family at Shell We Golf mini golf. 

If you prefer a less kid-friendly night on the town, Rehoboth Beach has tons of bars and restaurants open late. Thompson Island Brewery has one of the largest selections of homemade beers in Rehoboth and selections from other local breweries on tap as well. If you want to go dancing, check out one of the bars on Main Street with live music or see who's playing at the Rehoboth Beach Band Stand.

For an adventurous and unexpected activity after dark, nighttime fishing cruises are available for serious anglers. Set out after sunset for an opportunity to catch flounder, bass, kingfish and even small sharks. Night fishing offers increased marine activity while still allowing you to plan a full day of activities for the family. If you want to catch some night fishing on land, Cape Henlopen's fishing pier is open 24/7.

The Theatre Scene

One feature of the lively nightlife at Rehoboth Beach is the live arts entertainment. The Clear Space Theatre Company is a non-profit performing arts organization with actors who put on live shows for three prestigious organizations — The Theatre Company, The Arts Institute and Clear Space On Tour. Surprise your partner with tickets or go in a group to watch a feature.

Nightclubs

To hit the party scene and live your most active club life, check out the largest dance floor in Rehoboth Beach at Diego's Bar and Nightclub. Listen to the seasoned DJ's lineup in the tavern or watch some TV late into the night. If you need a break from the crowd, the patio is a quieter place to escape. You are likely to meet new friends from the locale and from afar as you mingle with the guests for dancing and a good time.

Beach Activities

Temperatures in Rehoboth Beach often stay in the 80s during the hottest summer months, making the weather comfortable enough for beachgoers to spend long hours outside. Remember to hydrate, wear sunscreen and keep your eyes shaded. There's nothing like a lazy day spent lounging on the beach. Try the following fun activities while you're out on the sand:

Getting Some Sun

The beach is the perfect place to soak up the rays while reading a good book or taking a light nap. If you're feeling the rolling ocean's calming vibes and want to recuperate from all of your other activities, come stretch out a beach towel from a local shop and listen as the waves rhythmically slide against the shore. Pack a picnic in a cooler for when you get hungry. Sometimes, relaxing is the best activity.

Enjoying the Water

If you would rather hang out passively on the water instead of bringing some jet skis or a surfboard, feel free to stand bare-footed in the surf and feel the rush of the breeze on your skin. Race your friends and family in the ocean or simply paddle around for a while.

Building Sandcastles

What could be better than claiming your spot on the beach with a sandcastle? You can bring a spray bottle or a bucket to pour water on the sand, which will make it stick together easier. Many of the gift shops along the Boardwalk sell sandcastle mold buckets. After you pat your creation into shape, hunt for some seashells and sea glass to decorate its towers and doorway with. 

Getting Around Coastal Highway

Navigating any traffic you come across on your travels will get you to your vacation quicker and let you start relaxing and having fun. Check for Rehoboth Beach travel restrictions and advisories or tune into 93.7. You'll find live updates about Rehoboth Beach travel time, and you can adjust your trip accordingly.

Knowing how to travel to Rehoboth Beach is the only thing standing between you and your vacation, but all you have to do is learn how to get around Coastal Highway.

Main Access Points

Most visitors come in through Coastal Highway, also known as Delaware 1. As you travel into Rehoboth Beach, Coastal Highway turns into Delaware 1A or Rehoboth Avenue. Your main access points will depend on where you want to park or where you're staying on your visit. Your hotel can offer specific directions and suggestions for your main access points from Coastal Highway. If you're looking for parking, consider these routes:

• DART Park and Ride Lot: Turn right off Coastal Highway onto Shuttle Road for DART's Rehoboth Park and Ride Lot. With the parking rate, you have free use of the beach buses that run between Memorial Day to September.

• Street parking: For parking along 2nd Street, turn left off Coastal Highway onto Church Street. Make the slight right onto Delaware 1A, where you can either turn right onto 2nd Street or turn left onto Lake Avenue, continue to Maryland Avenue and turn right onto 2nd Street.

Parking restrictions or requirements will depend on when you visit and how long you plan to be at the beach. Find more parking information from the City of Rehoboth Beach's site to help plan your trip.

Visit Crust & Craft on Your Rehoboth Beach Trip

Whether you're in the mood for an incomparable culinary experience or just need a place to unwind after a day of sun and surf, make your way to Crust & Craft for dinner and drinks. Visit us at 18701 Coastal Highway, a short drive from the action at the beach.

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