Rehoboth Beach, a picturesque coastal town in Delaware, is renowned for its mouthwatering crab cakes. These delectable delights, made with fresh, locally sourced crabmeat, have become a signature dish of the region, drawing in food enthusiasts from near and far. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best spots to savor the ultimate Rehoboth Beach crab cake experience.
What Makes Rehoboth Beach Crab Cakes Unique?
Rehoboth Beach crab cakes are renowned for their high-quality crabmeat, minimal filler, and expert preparation. The crabmeat used is often a mix of lump and jumbo lump varieties, ensuring a rich, succulent texture. The cakes are typically pan-seared or lightly fried, resulting in a delicate, crispy exterior that gives way to a mouthwatering, flavorful interior.
Where to Find the Best Rehoboth Beach Crab Cakes
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Woody’s Dewey Beach Bar & Grill: Known for their non-fried, lump crabmeat crab cakes, Woody’s is a local favorite. They offer crab cakes in various forms, including on a salad, in a sandwich, and as a standalone dish. The crab cakes are reasonably priced, and the restaurant is open year-round.
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Purple Parrot: This restaurant serves 8oz lump crabmeat crab cakes with minimal filler, making them a standout. They offer crab cakes as a sandwich or dinner, and on Wednesdays, they have a half-price special.
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Surfing Crab: Located in Lewes, just north of the Nassau Bridge, Surfing Crab serves jumbo lump crab cakes that are highly praised. These crab cakes are worth every penny and are a surprise hit in the area.
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Henlopen City Oyster House: This restaurant in downtown Rehoboth Beach pan-sears their crab cakes to a slightly buttery crunch, making them a unique and delicious option.
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Matt’s Fish Camp: With locations in Lewes, Bethany, and Fenwick, Matt’s Fish Camp offers crab cakes that are nicely spiced and have a satisfying texture. They are a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
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Beaches Seafood: Located in Milton, Beaches Seafood serves expertly spiced, fried crab cakes that are almost pure meat. These crab cakes are reminiscent of Baltimore-style crab cakes.
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Big Fish Grill: This restaurant’s crab cake recipe belongs to the owner’s mother, and they are carefully prepared to ensure accuracy. The crab cakes are presented at market price and are worth the splurge.
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Fins: With multiple locations, Fins offers crab cakes at market price, and they are known for their high-quality crabmeat.
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Sambos Tavern: Located in Leipsic, Sambos Tavern serves pricey but exceptional crab cakes, along with top-notch crab bisque. However, note that they do not allow children and only accept cash.
How to Identify a High-Quality Rehoboth Beach Crab Cake
When it comes to Rehoboth Beach crab cakes, there are a few key factors to look for to ensure you’re getting a top-notch dish:
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Crabmeat Quality: The crabmeat should be fresh, high-quality, and a mix of lump and jumbo lump varieties. Avoid crab cakes with an abundance of filler or breadcrumbs.
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Preparation Method: Ideally, the crab cakes should be pan-seared or lightly fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.
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Portion Size: A good Rehoboth Beach crab cake should be a substantial size, typically 4-8 ounces, with a focus on the crabmeat rather than filler.
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Seasoning: The crab cakes should be expertly seasoned, with a balance of spices that complement the natural sweetness of the crabmeat.
Tips for Enjoying Rehoboth Beach Crab Cakes
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Timing: The best time to enjoy Rehoboth Beach crab cakes is during the summer months when the crabmeat is at its freshest.
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Pairing: Pair your crab cakes with a refreshing local beer or a crisp white wine to enhance the flavors.
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Sides: Consider ordering classic sides like coleslaw, hush puppies, or roasted potatoes to complete your Rehoboth Beach crab cake experience.
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Takeout: Many of the restaurants mentioned offer crab cakes for takeout, allowing you to enjoy the delicacy in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Rehoboth Beach crab cakes are a must-try culinary experience. With their unparalleled quality, expert preparation, and diverse offerings, these crab cakes have become a beloved staple of the Delaware coast.
References:
- https://rehobothfoodie.com/foodies-pick-hits/crab-cake/
- https://www.capegazette.com/article/elusive-crab-cake-still-winner-beach/241454
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34048-zfd10894-Rehoboth_Beach_Delaware-Crab_Cakes.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Delaware/comments/v6d9u7/best_place_to_get_crab_cakes_in_delaware/
- https://deweybeachbar.com