Mark’s Score 8.6
I did not appreciate the role craft brewers would play in my blog. But as I began to explore Delmarva, I came to appreciate the size of the craft brewing industry on the peninsula. The industry is so large, I had to break it up into inland and beach brewers. I was in Bethany Beach for Christmas shopping so I decided to have lunch and taste the beer at Ocean View Brewing Company.
Along with Thompson Island Brewing Company, Ocean View Brewing is owned and operated by Southern Delaware Brewing of Rehoboth Beach. Southern Delaware Brewing Company opened Thompson Island in 2019 which was quickly followed by Ocean View Brewing in 2022. All of the beers served at both restaurants are brewed on-site. Their mission is to celebrate the “coastal Delaware lifestyle,” and elevate the brewpub dining experience by providing “coastal-friendly” dishes, and “excellent beer” in a friendly atmosphere.
It was a perfect Christmas shopping day, grey skies, a stiff ocean breeze, and just cold enough for Jack Frost to nip at my nose and ears. In other words, it was also a perfect day for a hearty meal of comfort food and a cold beer or two.
It had just turned 11:30 when I pulled into the parking lot, so I found a choice spot right next to their vintage 1950s panel truck, strategically parked to be visible to passing cars. I suspect that the truck is more a clever billboard than a working delivery truck. But I am not sure how it fits the theme of the restaurant, because the dining room itself is sleekly modern and cavernous. I could have done with a bit cozier atmosphere on this cold winter’s day, but it is a fitting atmosphere for the beach themed concept.
I ordered the special of the day, Italian Wedding soup and a plate of mac and cheese, which seemed the perfect meal on a cold winter’s day. This being my first visit, I ordered their beer sampler. Their sampler includes four beers of your choice. I wanted a nice mix, so I ordered their Magnetic North Stout, the Windsurfer German wheat beer, the Got Waves kölsch and the OV New England style IPA.
To be honest, I wasn’t wowed by their food. It was acceptable but neither the soup nor the mac and cheese were memorable. Like Lewes Brewery they brew their wheat beer at just the right temperature to illicit a hint of banana in the beer. I enjoyed their stout; it had a distinct taste of molasses. Their Got Waves was crisp and clean, as promised. But I think I enjoyed the IPA most of all, which is extraordinary as I have never been a fan of IPAs. It was citrusy and clean on the pallet.
In the end, the bright and airy restaurant and their crisp clean beers fit the beach theme. They deliver what they promise. They claim they have the best burgers on the shore, next time I’ll order a burger.
Leave a Reply