We’d Take Our Friends Visiting for the First Time

By Annie & Manny – Your Favorite Weekend Warriors with Too Many Group Chats

⸻

So you’ve got friends visiting the Delaware beaches for the first time?

Cue internal panic. You want to show them a good time without ending up as “that friend” who drags them to a bar that smells like regret and regret’s cousin, poor decisions.

Don’t worry — Annie & Manny got you. We’ve personally tested all the best spots (tough job, we know), and these are the top places we’d actually take our friends to — the kind of joints where drinks flow, music slaps, and the Uber app stays open.

⸻

1. The Starboard – Dewey Beach

Annie: If you haven’t had an orange crush here, are you even legally allowed in Dewey?

Manny: The Starboard is like your favorite dive bar — but graduated, got a glow-up, and live bands and DJs every weekend. Sunday = Bloody Mary heaven.

Annie: Shoutout to our faves — DJ Manny Mann (obviously), DJ Smoky, DJ Woody B, and DJ John Harding. No cover, no drama, just really loud fun and borderline spiritual brunch plates.

⸻

2. Summer House – Rehoboth Beach

Manny: Chill vibes, cute lighting, and martinis that will make you text your ex and your therapist.

Annie: And can we TALK about that pistachio cheesecake? I’d marry it. I’d fight for it.

Manny: Definitely a spot to start the night strong or end it in slow-motion luxury. Let’s not forget the man who is in charge of setting the vibes DJ Spig1.

⸻

3. Nalu – Dewey & Rehoboth

Annie: If your flip-flops had a party destination, it would be Nalu.

Manny: Total tropical, surfer bar energy with their legendary house band Decade 80’s — the kind of night where you know every lyric and lose your voice anyway.

Annie: Do yourself a favor: order the tuna poke bowl. And the nachos. Then ask your friends for help. Because whoa.

⸻

4. Bethany Blues – Lewes & Bethany Beach

Manny: This is not your uncle’s backyard BBQ. This is brisket with a mic drop.

Annie: Smoky meats, cocktails with character, and live bands that make you want to two-step, even if you only know one step.

Manny: And they rotate their beers on tap like it’s a playlist. Never boring. Always tasty.

⸻

5. The Lighthouse – Dewey Beach

Annie: Ohhh yes. THIS is where you go to feel fancy and fun without trying too hard.

Manny: Biggest deck in town. Literal waterfront views. You can sip cocktails and contemplate buying a boat you’ll never use.

Annie: And let’s be clear — this isn’t “bar food,” this is mouthwatering gourmet in disguise. Every bite is like, “Wait, why is this so good?”

Manny: Add in above-average service, chill crowd, and the best damn sunset in Dewey, and you’ve got yourself a perfect golden hour.

⸻

PRO-TIP

Download Your Uber App – You Know What To Do

Annie: If you love your friends (and your license), hit that Uber app. Let the professionals do the driving.

Manny: Dewey’s fun, but safety is sexier than spilled cocktails and bad choices. You can thank us later.

⸻

🎉 Ready to plan your Delaware beach night out?

Grab your crew, charge your phone, and start with one of these spots — just don’t forget to tag us in your stories (especially the ones with nachos or dance moves).

👉 Got a favorite local gem we missed?

Drop us a comment or slide into our DMs — we’re always taking suggestions (and excuses to go out).

See you at the beach bar. First round’s on… well, you. 😉

⸻