LGBTQ? Humorist Fay J’s must-visits in Rehoboth
We asked humorist and gay rights activist Fay Jacobs of Rehoboth Beach to tell us the don’t-miss places in Rehoboth for LGBTQ visitors.
Her answers include 13 restaurants, a community center and a book store – and she points out that everybody, not just lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and questioning people, are welcome at them all.
Here’s her list, in alphabetical order:
•Aqua Grill – It’s the place to be seen at Happy Hour, with a meet ‘n greet outdoor deck with abundant drinks and handsome wait staff. Dine there, too, with excellent seafood and beach fare. While it’s crazy-packed and fun at happy hour, I especially love late evenings on the deck, under the stars, with live music by Karen Murdock, Johnny Flynn and Cathy Gorman. 57 Baltimore Ave. (302)-226-9001, seasonal, 4 p.m.- 1a.m. weekdays; Sunday brunch 11a.m. - 3 p.m.. www.aquagrillrehoboth.com
•Blue Moon – The magic began over 35 years ago and continues spectacularly with fine dining by Chef Lion Gardner. His entrees are award-winning (Rack of Lamb!) and the ambiance and service are unrivaled. Special occasions are made even more special, but casual summer dining rocks, too. The legendary bar, where the Cosmo is lethal, offers music, dancing, female impersonators, Disco Divas, imported entertainers and the always lovely songstress Pamela Stanley at the keyboard and mic. Tell Miss Mona Lotts I send my regards. 35 Baltimore Ave. (302) 227-6515, Dinner 5 p.m.-10 p.m., 7 days in season. Sunday Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Bar and music, 4 p.m.-late. www.bluemoonrehoboth.com.
Trans woman's road to DNC included ties to Markell, Biden
How much is left in the keg? This app knows.
• CAMP Rehoboth Community Center – A 25-year old LGBT community service organization celebrating diversity at the heart of the community – the whole community. Provides health services, LGBT resources and support; celebrates with music, comedy and theatre performances, visiting entertainers, art shows, tourist information and so much more. Visit CAMP’s offices and its award-winning architectural centerpiece, the rainbow wall. Hang out in the beautiful courtyard. Letters from CAMP is their award-winning magazine, with what’s going on in town, a map, ads for shows, restaurants, shopping and some great beach reading. 37 Baltimore Ave. (302) 227-5620, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., www.camprehoboth.com.
•Dos Locos Fajita & Stone Grill Restaurant – Terrific Mexican entrees and legendary margaritas. My favorite is the stone grill Baseball Steak – or anything cooked on those stone grills! And meet the locos themselves, Joe & Darryl. 208 Rehoboth Ave. (302) 227-3353, Sunday, Monday and Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. www.doslocos.com.
•Double L Bar –Under new and community-minded ownership, it’s where customers set the atmosphere! You can, drink, enjoy the patio with your pups, celebrate with ManDance on Saturday nights, play the jukebox, marvel at the DJs spinning and dance, dance, dance! Watch for theme nights and special events. 37298 Rehoboth Ave. Extended, (302) 227-0818. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday to 2 a.m.; www.doublelbar.net
•Eden/Jam Bistro – Two venues, same owners, adjacent at 23 and 21 Baltimore Ave, making Jam “east of eden,” a logo I adore! Eden is up-scale fine dining in a lovely setting with classic yet inventive entrees. Known for Bold American Food, Eden is perfect for a quiet date night in a secluded private booth or a large dining party with friends. Lunch is noon to 3 p.m. daily; dinner from 5 p.m. to close. A few steps toward the ocean is Jam, a casual yet classy eatery with a large comfortable bar and everything from light bites to full dinners. 5 to 7 p. m. is happy hour. Check out the panko-crusted calamari and pork drummets. It’s a perfect place to meet with friends and enjoy a cool cocktail. Eden: (302) 227-3330, 6 p.m. to 9:30 pm, www.edenrestaurant.com; Jam: (302) 226-JAMM. Http//jambistro.com
•Lori’s Oy Vey Café – Celebrating its 20th season, nobody had to wait for Lori’s to win Best Chicken Salad in Delaware to know that it’s true! Have a terrific breakfast, wonderful sandwiches, bagels, corned beef and more. Eat in or in the courtyard. Meet me there for a great iced coffee, too! In the courtyard at 39 Baltimore Ave. (302) 226-3066, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.lorisoyveycafe.com.
•Lula Brazil Restaurant and Dance Club – This bright and casual restaurant offers Brazilian-inspired cuisine and cocktails, specializing in seafood. At happy hour the back bar and dance floor hosts the ladies, with DJs or live music. Then, later, the guys (but all are welcome!) get the place rocking. Site of the beloved and long-gone Cloud 9 bar, some of those memories come back to life at Lula, with its hot dance music(salsa, reggae, top 40, hip hop) , cool outdoor patio and celebratory vibe. 234 Rehoboth Ave. (302) 212-2755’. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Find Lula on facebook.
• Murph’s Beef & Ale – In the outer gayborhood, you can always get a cold brew and a casual meal, even late night. They carve beef, ham, turkey and can “murph” it with cheese and other delicious, gooey toppings. The Rueben is awesome. So is the music by Fueling Pianos: Matt Kenworthy and John Flynn, plus karaoke, Open Mic and lots of fun. 37169 Rehoboth Ave. Extended. (302) 212-5355. 11 a.m.-midnight. Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m. www.murphsbeefandale.com
• The Pond Bar & Grill – Eat, drink, dance, repeat! Known for perfect chicken wings, burgers, community events and great live music. Oh, and very cold craft beer. Davey’s a great bartender. Love the Pond. 3 S. 1st St. (302) 227-2234. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. daily. www.Thepondrehoboth.com.
•Proud Books & Gifts – It’s on the short list of remaining LGBT bookstores in the country. Great books, magazines, gifts, clothing, home accessories, artwork and fun. Shameless plug: you can buy my books there! Plus an amazing assortment of LGBTQ books from cutting edge authors to classics. Need greeting cards? Proud’s got ‘em. Visit Jacques at Proud and emerse yourself in pride! 50 Baltimore Ave. Open 9 a.m. til it’s not busy anymore. (302) 227-6969. Find Proud on facebook.
•Purple Parrot – A favorite, fun spot for food (killer gumbo, schnitzel and the Mumbo Jumbo burger) and drink (Oh, that Orange Crush!), friendly wait staff, music, karaoke, drag shows and a remarkably eclectic menu. The front of the house is open-air along the avenue; the Biergarten out back is a welcoming spot for all – including pooches! Always a blast! (Try the Parrot Pile!) 134 Rehoboth Ave. (302) 226-1139. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to close; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to close. www.ppgrill.com.
•Rigbys Bar & Grill – Local dining and beverage spot, with a large comfy bar and a quiet dining room for bistro fare. It’s on the right as you enter town and they have free parking (a good thing in the summer). It’s fun to hang at the bar with friends for karaoke or piano bar sing-alongs or gather out back on the spacious patio. 404 Rehoboth Ave. (302) 227-6080. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. www.rigbysrehoboth.com.
• The Swell Tiki Bar & Grill – Casual eatery with busy bar, live music, fun and friends at the very entrance to Rehoboth in the outer gayborhood. You can dance, sing, meet and greet. I love their comfort food dinners. Owner Helen personifies community spirit and she loves meeting new customers. The Swell is swell!!! 715 Rehoboth Ave. extended. (302) 227-9355. 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Find them on facebook.
Fay Jacobs is an author, humorist and activist who lives in Rehoboth Beach. A native New Yorker, she spent 30 years in the Washington, D.C., area working in journalism, theater and public relations. She has written four books of essays: “As I Lay Frying – a Rehoboth Beach Memoir,” “Fried & True - Tales of Rehoboth Beach,” “For Frying Out Loud – Rehoboth Beach Diaries” and “Time Fries: Aging Gracelessly in Rehoboth Beach.” www.fayjacobs.com