I've already looked at the Places guide, but I'd like to ask for a quick two cents from people. My mom will be in Newark for the first time on Sunday, and I want to take her out for an early birthday dinner. I've never been to DE either, so I don't know the area at all. Here's the kicker: she's not really a beer person. So what I'd love to find is someplace that isn't a national chain (small regional chains are fine), has a decent casual restaurant atmosphere (not looking for a bar), and hopefully won't completely obliterate my wallet. That in mind...where would you suggest? I'll be driving in, so I don't have to rely on public transit to get us there - outside of Newark is fine if that's where the better options lie.
I know you said not a bar but Two Stones Pub has an incredibly good menu with a casual atmosphere (plus an awesome beer selection for you). Firebirds is good for steak but somewhat pricey. Iron Hill Brewery is right in Newark and also has a great menu.
As others have mentioned, Iron Hill Newark is a brewpub with good food. Some dishes are better than others (I did not enjoy their Chesapeake Bay Crabcakes...) It's pretty affordable, more expensive than Applebee's or Chili's, but not as much as fine dining--most entrees are around $12-18. The decor is upscale Continental, nicer than say Ruby Tuesday, but not too eclectic or modern. The beer is above average, especially the Pig Iron Porter, which seems to win a GABF medal every year.
2 stone ihas great food and beer....i was just there for the first time last week another option a litte north is' the whip'..........im thinkin mom would like it
If I were taking my mom out to lunch, I would take her to Cafe Gelato on Main Street. Nice place, not horribly expensive, and has at least DFH in bottle. Could also look into Stone Balloon wine house or Deer Park. Deer Park is more of a bar with a historical background.
The guy is posting on a beer forum. I'm thinking he's shooting for more than a place that has Dogfish in a bottle. Go to Iron Hill. The food there is quite good with lots of good things on the menu. And, not that the other suggestions wouldn't make a fine lunch for your mom, but as a beer guy, if you've never had a chance to go to an Iron Hill place, you should go.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Iron Hill is looking like the front runner - I'll pose that as the first suggestion once I get out there. And if it gets vetoed (which it might, due solely to the word "brewery" in the name), I'll just have to visit the one here in Lancaster myself when I get back.
Since you have an Iron Hill nearby in Lancaster, I'd highly recommend Two Stones instead. Food is excellent and a great beer list.
Man... The Whip was a GREAT suggestion. Not so close to Newark, but not a bad drive through the countryside. It's the type of joint everyone seems to like, with a cool atmosphere, great food, great local taps, and a good wine list. Plus, it's more than affordable despite being located in prime horse country. Iron Hill isn't a bad call either, but has nothing on The Whip from an atmosphere standpoint. I prefer IH Wilmington, and if you have daylight, your mom probably would prefer the riverfront as well. There are some awesome birdhouses--replicas of local farmhouses and other national landmarks done by a PA artisan--on display running from Harry's to the AAA building. Birdhouses? Really? Yes! They are awesome and mother approved in my case! Plus, the brewers seem to have been having more fun in the Wilmington location w/ more experimental brews. Two Stones is great, but I don't see my mom enjoying it. It gets packed, and loud. I love the place. Edit: link to the bird house maker's webpage, for those who don't think bird houses can be cool: http://www.tfburkebirdhomes.com/
