Girls Go Wild with Changes at Rehoboth Ale House
The Rehoboth Ale House has a comfortable, enormous bar, big screen TVs all over the walls, a zillion beers to sample, and, most-importantly, friendly, welcoming management and staff. Located in the ocean block of Wilmington Avenue, it is the new spot to see, be seen, dine, drink, celebrate, and be comfy.
New managing partners, Betsy Hallowell and Jody Sowersby, have taken over the whole shebang—the kitchen, front of house, entertainment booking—providing a great venue for lunch, happy hours, football watching, dinner, and even a dance or two. And while the gals in town have greeted this news with cheers, Betsy and Jody have made sure the vibe says welcome to all. Rehoboth Ale House has been reborn. It’s guys, gals, locals, and visitors all together, chowing down, hoisting a few, and celebrating the rebirth of a terrific neighborhood bar and restaurant.
I was hanging out at the bar recently as Viki Dee worked her magic on the vocals, the bartenders poured Octoberfest Beer and it was clear that it was a new day at the Alehouse. Yes, the spot has hosted many a bar over the years, from Irish Eyes to Rams Head and some losers in between, but now the place has found its rhythm. Betsy and Jody may be the new kids on the block, but they are doing marvelous things to the Alehouse menu and atmosphere.
As for the food, Jody has upped the pulse of the place, providing wonderful dishes like the Crabcake topped Summer Salad or the same salad with a beef French dip atop. I sampled both choices and they were wonderful. Try the Lump Crab Mac-n-Cheese (unbelievably yummy and rich) or the Newcastle Steak dinner, with a 12-oz. N.Y. strip drizzled and demi-glazed with Newcastle Brown Ale. With an affordable price point, and fresh, well-prepared ingredients, we’ve got a winner here.
Also specializing in chicken wings (what better for football Sundays!), here’s the inside scoop: these gals used to run a wings joint. They know their wings, and they are great! Choose from naked or mild, to hot like Chernobyl, BBQ, Teriyaki, Honey Dijon, the works.
But don’t overlook the Crab Balls, Corn Fritters, or a hearty selection of wraps and sandwiches. On my next visit I want to try the Shrimp Po Boy Wrap or the Ale House Cheesesteak. I may stop short of the Belly Buster Po Boy (Fried Haddock with lettuce, tomato and cole slaw on a long roll), but I could just get crazy one night.
In the mood for a burger? Try the flame grilled half pound all beef burger, or get fancy with choices like Mushroom Swiss Burger, Southwestern, (Jalapenos and Colby Jack Cheese) Cactus Burger (onion rings and jalapenos) or the original Sand Bar Burger with lump crab and melted Swiss cheese.
Oh, and here’s a deal: $5 appetizers at the bar all day long, Monday-Friday…you can’t beat it. Especially when the apps include items like Corn Fritters, Beer-battered Onion Rings, Ale House Nachos, Jalapeno crab poppers, and Mac-n-Cheese bites.
In other words, great bar food and some adventurous entrees. Plus plans for special beer nights (Tuesday, it’s Dogfish!), lots of great entertainment, football watching at its best, and more. Betsy and Jody are gearing up for year-round fun, and they want the Rehoboth Ale House to become your friendly local bar, where everyone knows your name.
Finally, after years of mediocrity, I think this spot at 15 Wilmington Ave. has found its way—room for all, diversity of people, and menu items, exciting entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s about time…and great for the community.
The Rehoboth Ale House is located at 15 Wilmington Ave. Call 302-227-2337.