Chesapeake & Maine Unveils Off-Centered and On-Trend New Food & Cocktail Menus

A Fresh Coastal Chapter Begins at Dogfish Head’s Seafood Haven

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (May 13, 2025) – Something bold is brewing—and it’s not just the beer. At the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach, Chesapeake & Maine, Dogfish Head’s beloved seafood and cocktail outpost, is setting sail with an all-new food and drink menu that’s as imaginative as it is mouthwatering.

With Head Chef Nathaniel Wilder commanding the kitchen and Lead Mixologist Ryan Warwick crafting cocktails behind the bar, guests are in for a one-of-a-kind culinary voyage. This fresh menu stays true to Chesapeake & Maine’s mission: classic coastal flavors reimagined with the off-centered creativity Dogfish Head fans know and love.

“Chesapeake & Maine is where fresh seafood meets off-centered creativity. Inspired by my summers in Maine and our roots in the Chesapeake, we’ve crafted a menu that’s bold, fresh, and uniquely Dogfish. We can’t wait for you to dive in,” said Dogfish Head Founder & Brewer Sam Calagione.

Bountiful Bites from Bay to Coast

The new dishes showcase a masterful balance of tradition and innovation, with an unwavering focus on responsibly sourced, high-quality seafood. Sourced exclusively from the Chesapeake Bay to the rocky shores of Maine, each plate is a testament to regional pride—and a playground for the palate.

Here’s a taste of what’s new:

• Soft Shell Crab
  Two battered and fried Maryland soft shell crabs paired with pickled fiddlehead ferns, chermoula, lemongrass, chili oil, and tomatillo salsa. (Pro tip: make it a sandwich if you’re feeling bold.)

• Lobster & Crab Club
  A coastal twist on the classic club—Maine lobster and Chesapeake Bay blue crab meet bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted Texas toast. Comes with Old Bay-dusted French fries for that perfect salty crunch.

• Kielbasa Pasta
  Locally sourced kielbasa, house-made pasta, and grilled local peppers tossed together and finished with nutty Grana Padano cheese. Hearty, satisfying, and soulful.

• Maine Lobster Mac & Cheese
  Comfort food, elevated. Fresh Maine lobster, creamy béchamel, house-made pasta, and a crispy topping of Pecorino Romano and breadcrumbs.

• Sugar Toads
  Yes, you read that right. These fried Chesapeake Bay pufferfish are a regional delicacy, served with house-made aioli and a hit of togarashi for a spicy finish.

Next-Level Libations from a James Beard–Recognized Bar

Known for its fearless approach to flavor, Chesapeake & Maine’s cocktail program—previously named a James Beard Award semi-finalist—continues to shake up the scene with inventive new creations that span the sweet, the sour, and the utterly surprising.

Highlights include:

• Papaya Yuzu Sour
  A tropical slushie-inspired delight made with Dogfish Head’s Hull & Helm whiskey, papaya purée, yuzu juice, and coconut water. (Ask about the non-alcoholic version!)

• Danny Boy
  A reimagined piña colada that’s anything but ordinary. Featuring Ladybug Silver rum, moringa, eucalyptus, smoked coconut cream, lime, mezcal, and Haitian rum.

• Porthole Cocktail Special
  Built in a custom glass vessel shaped like a ship’s porthole, this shareable drink is as Instagram-worthy as it is flavorful. Recipes rotate seasonally.

• Monthly Featured Cocktails
  Each month brings something new—thanks to ingredients sourced from local farmers markets, ensuring ultra-fresh and regionally inspired flavors.

• Elevated Classics
  Expect clever spins on time-honored cocktails—like a refined pisco sour, a secret-rum-blend mai tai, and even a low-ABV mojito on draft.

Meet the Minds Behind the Menu

Leading the culinary charge, Chef Nathaniel Wilder brings a decade of experience in fine dining, food distribution, and sustainable sourcing to the table. His love of Mid-Atlantic ingredients and his commitment to responsible fishing practices make him the perfect match for Chesapeake & Maine’s ethos.

Behind the bar, Ryan Warwick, a native of the Delmarva Peninsula, injects the cocktail menu with an adventurous flair. Drawing inspiration from tiki-style drinks and obscure historical spirits, Warwick creates drinks that are equal parts nostalgic and new.

Together, Wilder and Warwick form a dream team that ensures every dish and drink is thoughtfully crafted and uniquely memorable.

Sustainability That Makes Waves

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Chesapeake & Maine—it’s part of the DNA.

• The restaurant is a proud member of The Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants Program, actively working to reduce plastic pollution and protect ocean health.

• Through participation in the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ “Don’t Chuck Your Shucks” program, all oyster shells shucked on-site are repurposed to help restore aquatic habitats and build oyster reefs.

Every bite and sip here supports a broader mission: preserving the coastal ecosystems that make Chesapeake & Maine’s offerings possible.

Ready to Set Sail on a Flavorful Journey?
Whether you’re a seafood aficionado, a cocktail connoisseur, or just someone seeking something deliciously different, Chesapeake & Maine promises an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Rehoboth Beach.

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ABOUT DOGFISH HEAD:
For nearly 30 years, Dogfish Head has been pushing boundaries in craft beer and beyond. From experimental brews to full-proof spirits and spirited canned cocktails, Dogfish Head is synonymous with quality, creativity, and a love for all things off-centered. A proud member of The Boston Beer Company family, Dogfish Head’s universe includes a production brewery, distillery, brewpub, seafood restaurant, and even a canal-front inn.

For more on their story and their flavorful empire, visit dogfish.com.