Salisbury, Ocean City make room for new restaurants this spring

As Delmarva gets closer to shaking off the cold and welcoming warmer weather, new restaurants are blooming. 

This spring, Salisbury and Ocean City will see a collection of new dining options from taco joints to barbecue. The restaurant owners gave Delmarva Now a sneak peek into what to expect a few months from now as construction commences.

Taco Bliss (Salisbury)

An authentic Mexican fast casual restaurant is planning on opening its doors this March. 

Owner Kevin Kreutner is originally from Southern California and remembers growing up around Mexican-American fare, calling it the region's version of soul food. His plan is to bring that authentic taste to Salisbury in a casual, family-friendly environment with his restaurant Taco Bliss. 

"It's a fast casual taqueria concept," Kreutner said. 

The restaurant, which will be located at 119 West College Ave, Suite E, is currently in the renovation stages. When completed, it will give diners a light and colorful atmosphere to order authentic tacos and other Mexican dishes. Wine and beer will also be served. 

Kreutner, who has years of experience in the restaurant industry and will be using his own recipes in the restaurant, hopes Taco Bliss will become a regular stop for families and couples looking for a quick bite. 

Pit & Pub (Salisbury)

Ocean City's well-known smokehouse is expanding to Salisbury. 

The new location will be operated by David Knestout and Stephen Masten, who are currently employees of Pit & Pub at Ocean City locations, will be breaking out on their own to expand the brand. 

Steve Hoffman, a partner in the 28th St Pit & Pub in Ocean City, said the decision for Knestnot and Masten to branch out with their own location came after having multiple years of experience working at the current locations and deciding to do more. 

"This will be their operation," Hoffman said. 

The eatery, located at at 1147 South Salisbury Blvd., will have the same look and menu as the other two Pit & Pub locations at 2706 Philadelphia Ave and 12701 Coastal Highway, Suite 8, in Ocean City. 

The restaurant's menus contain various barbecue mainstays like BBQ pork, beef brisket and BBQ chicken. 

"The restaurant itself is going to be identical to Ocean City locations," Hoffman said.

Taphouse Tavern (Ocean City) 

The Taphouse brand in Ocean City will be expanding this year by taking over the previous location of Kirby's Red Onion. 

The restaurant space, located at 13729 Coastal Highway, will become Taphouse Tavern later this year. The news was announced via Facebook post by Zev Sibony, operator of Taphouse restaurants. 

"Taphouse Tavern will hopefully open this spring on 138th street! We know you guys have been missing the Onion since its closing but I promise, it will be worth the wait when we get to open up! We look forward to being a part of the uptown family, meeting and connecting with all you locals and regulars that made the Onion great," Sibony wrote in the Facebook post. 

The biggest thing Sibony is waiting for until firming up the restaurant's plan is the final confirmation from the liquor board to transfer the license, he wrote in the Facebook page. 

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Know of more restaurants coming to Delmarva? Email mryan@delmarvanow.com.