50 states: 15 of Delaware's best restaurants, fests, 'wiches & more
Ryan Cormier
Let the debate begin!
Our friends at USA Today have been busy curating lists that show the most popular restaurants, festivals, farmers markets, sandwiches and more from each of the 50 states.
We did a deep dive into their lists for Delaware's best, which were decided by editor picks, along with winners based on user input via apps such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, Swarm, GasBuddy and more.
Within our newsroom, some of their choices were cheered while others received eye-rolls.
So dig in and feel free to do the same. Although we must admit, Delaware Scrapple Dip got us drooling a bit.
Most Instagrammed restaurant
Delaware's most geo-tagged restaurant is in its biggest college town: Klondike Kate's Restaurant & Bar in Newark.
Most recommended restaurant on Facebook
Delaware's most recommended restaurant on Facebook is Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
Cleanest gas station bathroom
The state's Wawas are the sparkling winners, according to GasBuddy's restroom reviews from travelers.
Hidden restaurant or bar
Hummingbird to Mars, located atop Catherine Rooney's Irish Pub in Wilmington’s Trolley Square, was chosen by USA Today. "To enter, hit the intercom [behind] Catherine Rooney’s and hope that someone lets you in to enjoy craft cocktails like the Zombie. The name of the bar comes from something Sen. Morris Sheppard said during Prohibition: 'There’s as much chance of repealing the 18th Amendment as there is for a hummingbird to fly to Mars with the Washington Monument tied to its tail.'"
Top attraction
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the place to be, according to ratings and reviews from users of TripAdvisor.
Summer food festival
USA Today picked the Wyoming Peach Festival, which was held Aug. 5 with food vendors, a dessert contest, parade, crafts and entertainment.
Best sandwich
The soft-shell crab sandwich from Mickey's Family Crab House in Bethany Beach took the crown. 10Best.com, Sandwich America and The Food Channel nominated sandwich shops and readers voted for their favorite.
Best romantic activity
USA Today suggests a three-hour walking tour through "one of America's great beach towns": Rehoboth Beach. "Stop for unique food and drinks at five of the Rehoboth's best restaurants."
Best restaurant
According to Yelp's algorithm that combines users' ratings and reviews (and excluding chains), Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth Beach is No. 1.
Best Farmers Market
From USA Today: "New Castle County's Farmers Market Program hosts five farmers markets. Head to Carousel Park on Fridays for more than 15 vendors."
Best spring food festival
USA Today chose Fork + Flask at Nage's annual Food and Wine Festival near Rehoboth Beach. "Guests can taste from more than 50 wines offered by region and paired with the restaurant's food."
Most romantic restaurant
According to Yelp users, the spot is Rehoboth Beach's Blue Moon.
Best dip for sports fans
McCormick & Company came up with this doozy: Delaware Scrapple Dip. Add cheddar, cream cheese, oil, scrapple and Old Bay Crab Cake Classic Mix.
Must-see festival
Dover's Firefly Music Festival, which will enter its seventh year next summer, was chosen by USA Today.
Restaurant with the most check-ins
Rehoboth Beach's Purple Parrot Grill has a rating of 8.1 with its American fare in an eclectic atmosphere, according to Foursquare's Swarm app.
Contact Ryan Cormier of The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier), Twitter (@ryancormier) and Instagram (@ryancormier).
DELAWARE SCRAPPLE DIP RECIPE
One tablespoon oil
Half-pound (eight ounces) scrapple, sliced 1/4-inch thick
One package Old Bay Crab Cake Classic Mix
Two packages (eight ounces each) whipped cream cheese
Half cup of finely shredded white Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add scrapple and cook three to four minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Remove from skillet. Coarsely chop scrapple and place in large bowl. Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheese. Spread in nine-inch glass pie plate. Sprinkle with crab cake mix. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with assorted crackers or sliced French bread.