Here are seven of the absolute best burger spots across Delaware to add to your list.
1. 302 The Local (Rehoboth Beach)
- The Vibe: Speakeasy-inspired coastal gem with a polished, prohibition-style atmosphere.
- Why It's Essential: Located along Coastal Highway, 302, The Local has quietly earned a reputation as one of the best hidden gems at the Delaware beaches. Their culinary team specializes in elevated comfort food, and their burgers are crafted from a custom tri-blend of dry-aged beef that delivers rich, steakhouse-level flavor in every bite.
- What to Order: The Local Gourmet Burger—cooked to perfection and paired with one of their elevated house-crafted cocktails.
2. Farmer & The Cow (Wilmington)
- The Vibe: Lively, upscale downtown burger and Whiskey bar.
- Why It's Essential: Situated on Market Street in Wilmington, Farmer & The Cow treats burger-making like a science. They slice, grind, and hand-patty their own fresh, never-frozen beef blends in-house. With creative toppings, 12 rotating craft beer taps, and a library of over 1,000 whiskeys, it is a must-visit for serious burger enthusiasts.
- What to Order: The "Morning Glory" (or any of their rotating chef specialty burgers), paired with a flight of bourbon.
3. Restaurant 55 (Dover)
- The Vibe: Casual, energetic craft beer and burger haven.
- Why It's Essential: Ask anyone in Kent County where to get the best burger, and Restaurant 55 is almost always the immediate answer. Known for their culinary creativity, they regularly feature wild, out-of-the-box daily burger specials alongside a rotating draft list of top-tier independent craft beers.
- What to Order: Look at the chalkboard for the Daily Chef Special Burger—it changes constantly, and the kitchen never misses.
4. SmashMouth Burgers (Dine-Out Food Truck / Statewide)
- The Vibe: Fast, sizzling, street-food energy.
- Why It's Essential: SmashMouth Burgers has taken Delaware's smash burger craze to the next level. Operating out of a fully equipped, high-demand food truck that pops up at cool events and regular spots around the state, they focus on ultra-crispy, lacy-edged smashed patties pressed onto a screaming-hot griddle.
- What to Order: The Santa Fe Burger, loaded with flavor, melted cheese, and a double patty stacked high.
5. Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats (Rehoboth Beach)
- The Vibe: Iconic, high-energy brewpub featuring live music and coastal roots.
- Why It's Essential: The original soul of the Dogfish Head brewery story on Rehoboth Avenue is more than just a spot for great beer—their wood-grilled kitchen serves some of the best pub food on the coast. Their burgers get a smoky, flame-kissed char from the wood-fired grill, setting them apart from typical flat-top patties.
- What to Order: The Wood-Grilled Pub Burger paired with an ice-cold 60 Minute IPA or a seasonal small-batch brew from the tanks.
6. The Charcoal Pit (Wilmington)
- The Vibe: Nostalgic 1950s diner with classic booths and retro charm.
- Why It's Essential: You can't talk about Delaware burgers without mentioning "The Pit." Serving the state since 1956, this Wilmington institution is famous for its flame-broiled burgers, classic crinkle-cut fries, and massive ice cream sundaes. It is an essential slice of Delaware food history.
- What to Order: The Pit Special—a classic quarter-pound flame-broiled cheeseburger—alongside a thick black-and-white milkshake.
7. The Backyard (Milton)
- The Vibe: Relaxed, family-friendly coastal cafe with an awesome outdoor vibe.
- Why It's Essential: Just a short drive inland from the Lewes and Rehoboth beaches, The Backyard in Milton is a beloved local favorite that constantly gets requested on Delaware food roundups. Combining a fun, laid-back atmosphere with scratch-made kitchen quality, their burgers are juicy, unpretentious, and full of flavor.
- What to Order: The Backyard Bacon Cheeseburger, enjoyed out on the patio after a morning at the beach.
Quick Delaware Burger Tips:
- Beach Season vs. Off-Season: Spots like 302 The Local and Dogfish Head in Rehoboth Beach see heavy summertime crowds. If you're visiting between June and August, try hitting them for an early lunch or late afternoon meal to beat the dinner rush.
- Pairing Up: Delaware is a massive craft beer state—always ask your server which local draft pairs best with your burger choice!
