Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Grab a Coffee, Read a Book at Brewed Awakenings

Brewed Awakenings is a local Newark coffee house that earns high marks for quality and ambiance. The coffee itself is fresh and aromatic, and the skilled baristas do a great job at making all the standard espresso drinks with care and precision.

The shop's atmosphere is half-library, half-living room, with bookshelf-lined walls and a pile of board games. Feel free to pluck a novel off the shelf and spend a few hours reading; you certainly won't be the only person doing so, as Brewed Awakenings is also popular with studying students who hunker down with their books, computers, and notes. If you get hungry while you're there, try a turkey wrap with cheese or hummus, or ask about the soup of the day. If you've got a sweet tooth, you might indulge it with a pastry or cookie from the display case.

Brewed Awakenings
64 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 562-7567
www.facebook.com/pages/Brewed-Awakenings-Newark/294869415397
www.yelp.com/biz/brewed-awakenings-newark-2

Local Microbrews are Just What the Doctor Ordered at Farm-A-Sea Bistro and Crafthouse

A mix of red brick and honey-toned reclaimed wood create a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Farm A Sea Bistro and Crafthouse. It's a fitting look for the eatery, given that its kitchen sources ingredients directly from local farms that probably look similar to the cozy dining room. Chefs also rely on the pulls of local fisherman to craft their dishes, beginning with breakfast and carrying straight through to lunch and dinner.

A big part of any meal at Farm-A-Sea, however, is your chosen libation. The Crafthouse keeps locals in Delaware-crafted microbrews, seasonally inspired cocktails, and wines. So pair your chili-rubbed pork or pan-seared salmon with an Evolution Lot 3 IPA or a Victory Golden Monkey from right across state lines. You can also match a pomegranate Mai Thai with a light flatbread or a glass of chardonnay with a juicy hanger steak at Farm-A-Sea bistro and Crafthouse

Farm-A-Sea Bistro and Crafthouse
56 S. Old Baltimore Pike
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 266-0400
www.farmaseabistro.com
www.yelp.com/biz/farm-a-sea-bistro-and-crafthouse-newark

Taverna: A Classic Italian Bistro

For authentic rustic Italian dining in Newark, you may want to give Taverna a try. As a part of the Platinum Dining Group Experience, Taverna features classic food in an equally classic setting. The décor features exposed brick walls, modern lighting and comfortable seating setting the mood for your meal at this trendy Italian bistro.

The bar has a large selection lot of flavorful beers on tap as well as wines by the glass. The knowledgeable wait staff here is intimately familiar with the menu, and will be glad to help you pair a good wine with your order. The hearty food is authentic Italian, with a nice selection of apps, entrees, pasta and even hearth-baked pizza!

Taverna
121 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 444-4334
www.tavernamainstreet.com
www.yelp.com/biz/taverna-newark

Hollywood Grill: Tasty Fare in Wilmington

Generous portions, reasonable prices and tasty home-style fare served in a warm, family-friendly environment are Hollywood Grill’s claim to fame. Diners love to dig into hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts like Blueberry Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, and Bacon & Eggs.

Hollywood Grill's omelets come with your choice of a wide array of additions, including ham, roasted peppers, spinach, feta cheese, cheddar, pastrami, broccoli, sausage & roasted peppers. Stop in later in day for something fresh and healthy like an Authentic Greek Salad, or a Mediterranean Shrimp Salad. Wraps, Deli Sandwiches and Burgers are also on the menu, along with entrees like Roast Turkey with stuffing & cranberry sauce, Homemade Meatloaf with mushroom gravy, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken & Biscuits and Liver & Onions.

Just a short trip from Christiana Reserve in Wilmington, Hollywood Grill is open every day.

Hollywood Grill
1811 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 655-1348
www.hollywoodgrilldelaware.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hollywood-grill-wilmington

Newark Deli & Bagels: Tasty Sandwiches and More

Newark locals know that for a quick and tasty meal, Newark Deli & Bagels is a dependable choice. This award-winning deli is a local favorite for morning meals on the go. Pick up a toasted blueberry bagel with walnut cinnamon cream cheese spread on top, or pick up a dozen to share at the office. For a more substantial breakfast, try adding sausage, cheese and a fried egg to an onion bagel for a mouth-watering breakfast sandwich.

Newark Deli & Bagel is also a popular lunch destination, and it's easy to understand why once you bite into a sandwich piled high with your choice of pastrami, shaved ham, or grilled turkey. Salads, soups, and burgers are also available, so there's something to fit everyone's tastes. Free Wi-Fi makes it convenient to catch up on your email while eating in the deli, and an online ordering system makes it easy to get your food quickly when you're on the go.

Newark Deli & Bagels
36 East Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 266-7150
www.newarkdeliandbagels.com
www.yelp.com/biz/newark-deli-and-bagels-newark

Two Stones Pub: Great Pub Fare

Two Stones Pub is the place to go for the best in beer, and great pub food. Come in and enjoy the ambiance of a comfy pub. Have a seat at the bar and just try to decide between the 20 or more beers on tap along with the amazing selection of bottled beers from around the country and the world.

Grab a table for lunch, stay for happy hour, or sit down for dinner and try the 2SP soup with sweet sausage, sauerkraut, kidney beans, and beer. There are also great apps like deep fried pickles, mini corn dogs, and a mushroom, beer, and cheese dip. The lunch and dinner burger selections will keep you coming back for more, as will the big and tasty sandwiches and entrees. The bar is open until 1 a.m., so come in for a beer and a late-night snack!

Two Stones Pub
2 Chesmar Plaza
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 294-1890
www.twostonespub.com/newark.php
www.yelp.com/biz/two-stones-pub-newark

La Casea Pasta: Italian Plates & Wine Pairings

There’s more than pasta at La Casea Pasta. Located right on Four Seasons Parkway, La Casea Pasta features traditional Italian specialties. Come in and enjoy the beautiful ambiance which includes a great bar and comfortable seating. The bar is a nice place to come on Friday and Saturday, when you can relax and listen to the pianist play all of your favorites.

If you’re a wine lover, you will also love the dining room's decor! Many of the walls are also wine shelves, so you can see many of the vintages first-hand. For lunch or dinner, you’ll like the selection of classic small plates and entrees. But as the name says, you’ll really like the house-made pasta! There are special rooms that can accommodate small or large parties, and catering is available. La Casea Pasta is open Monday through Saturday.

La Casea Pasta
120 Four Seasons Parkway
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 738-9935
www.lacasapasta.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-casa-pasta-newark

Sushi Sumo: Japanese Fare in Newark

Love sushi? Newark's Sushi Sumo might just become your go-to spot near Christiana Reserve. This Japanese restaurant serves all your favorite rolls in a comfortable setting. You can order your sushi ala carte, or get a sushi entrée with an assortment of different rolls.

Choices include the Sushi & Sashimi Combo with 13 pieces of assorted filets, one California roll, and one eel roll. The Spicy Roll Combo includes a spicy tuna toll, crunchy spicy salmon, and spicy crunchy white tuna roll. The menu also includes a selection of cooked fare like Chicken & Pork Katsu with breaded, fried filets, Chicken, Beef & Salmon Teriyaki, Shrimp Tempura and Vegetable & Tofu Tempura. Yaki Udon – stir fried noodles – is also on the menu. Entrees are served with soup, salad and white rice.

Sushi Sumo
2653 Kirkwood Highway
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 366-1188
www.welcometodelaware.biz
www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-sumo-newark

Enjoy a Tasty Meal at Peruchos Peruvian Chicken

Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken is sweeping the culinary world, and you can get a taste of this traditional favorite at Peruchos Peruvian Chicken. At this Newark eatery, chicken spends a full 24 hours in a traditional Peruvian marinade, and if it's your first visit to this Newark restaurant, the owners recommend you try a quarter chicken a la brasa with aji spicy dipping sauce. Add a side of crispy, golden fries (or fried plantains, for a more traditional flavor combination) and you'll enjoy a hearty, satisfying hearty meal.

Chicken is the real star at Peruchos, but Yelp reviewers also recommend the restaurant's ribs, pulled pork, and made-to-order ceviche. Feed the whole family with the "matador" combination platter, which includes a whole chicken, a rack of ribs, as well as enough rice, beans, fries, and salad to satisfy a group. Regulars say the staff is friendly, efficient, and happy to explain anything on the menu, so Peruchos is a good choice even if you’re unfamiliar with Peruvian food.

Peruchos Peruvian Chicken
8 Liberty Plaza
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 733-0200
www.peruchoschicken.com
www.yelp.com/biz/peruchos-peruvian-chicken-newark-2

The Stone Balloon Winehouse: A Salute to the Grape

Some names, like the Stone Balloon, are just classics. The place that once played host to top rock and roll idols is now the Stone Balloon Winehouse, home to great wines and classic American cuisine. If you’re looking for a place for lunch, there’s no place better than the Stone Balloon. The menu has a varied selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and shared plates that are also perfect for an after work nosh with friends. The options for cheese plates, appetizers, soups, and entrees on the dinner menu match perfectly with selections from the extensive wine menu. Check out the calendar for scheduled wine tastings, and if you want to know more, go to wine school! The Stone Balloon Winehouse is open Mondays through Saturdays for lunch, dinner, or drinks.

The Stone Balloon Winehouse
115 E. Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 266-8111
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-stone-balloon-winehouse-newark

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