The Blue Hen

We checked into The Avenue Hotel & Spa on Friday evening and slipped right into The Blue Hen for a late dinner. The atmosphere is always really nice there and so is the staff. We sat at a hightop in the bar area. Lighting was just right, gas fires were running outside but it was drizzling, so we stayed in. Dining room was busy. The crowd is always a mix of visitors and locals with a happy, festive feel. We had hoped to watch the Women's Final Four but the bar crowd was already engaged in soccer and a dog show on the monitors. (note that this is probably not the ideal place to watch a game and the bar team isn't in tune with the current interests in sports). The food was excellent - really fresh! I had the beet salad minus the cheese and a shrimp cocktail that was accompanied by house made cocktail sauce. This made for the perfect gluten free-dairy free meal. My husband enjoyed his generously sized and yummy burger. As a Blue Hen alum, this place always gives me the warm and fuzzies with its blue hen adored plates, and beautiful wall art tribute. We always make it a point to stop here when in Rehoboth.

As a chef and a former restaurant critic (out of state), people always ask me what's my favorite restaurant in Rehoboth Beach. With the standards of quality of food and service having improved exponentially in this town over the last few years... that question has become harder and harder to answer. But I have to say, The Blue Hen is consistently in my top three favorites. They had a bit of a rough start with not-so-amiable management in the beginning, but things have evened out. But, the food has never wavered in its excellence. Whether you are looking for a great happy hour, a special occasion or place to bring out-of-town guests, or just a guaranteed delicious dinner, you can be assured of a great experience at the Blue Hen. It has become my go-to place for all of those needs. I try to find excuses to come here! Service is casual, friendly, unobtrusive, and always anticipating the guests' needs. Servers and bartenders alike have made the difference between a good and a great experience. And oh the food...! Tasty and inventive small plates include lobster toast, delectable octopus, and soft shell crab sliders. A nice selection of charcuterie and cheese is also available to create your own board. Can't miss entrees include a perfectly cooked veal chop, moist and flavorful fish (any), more terrific soft-shells, awesome fried chicken, and the best scallop entree in town! Don't get too attached to anything though, because the menu frequently changes . Plenty of well executed options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners too. Small but excellent wine list offered with helpful and knowledgeable direction. And please don't miss the cocktails... Blue Hen has one of the best mixology offerings in town. It's not summer at the beach unless you are drinking a Frozé from Blue Hen. (Edited to add: As a pastry chef, I am super critical about desserts, and am inevitably disappointed at 95% of the places I go. For two years I haven't bothered to order dessert because of that fact, but Blue Hen has broken that streak. Why did I doubt that they would have anything but well-crafted delicious desserts? So now I have to plan accordingly to make sure I have room to order dessert!) Reservations are highly recommended... but if the main dining room is booked, don't hesitate to take dinner at a high top or up at the bar. The bartenders take good care of their people as well. The bar can get a bit noisy, be forewarned , but honestly the dining room acoustics aren't perfect either. But you can also eat outside in warm-weather! And let's not forget the awesome fire pit outside in the front courtyard. I've spent many pleasant evenings out there with old friends, or making new friends. One of my favorite ways to spend an evening in Rehoboth Beach for sure. If this review doesn't convince you to run directly to Blue Hen, then it's truly your loss, you don't know what you are missing!