Aqua Grill: Not Just a Beach Bar Anymore! Yum!
We all know that Aqua Grill anchors the Northern end of Baltimore Avenue with its (no-longer) low flying flag, fabulous cocktails, great attitude, and fun ambiance. For meeting, greeting, cocktails, and an absolutely joyous afternoon or evening on the deck, having a blast, it’s Aqua Grill.
But Aqua Grill is so great and grand for all the aforementioned things, nobody talks much about the food—and that’s a shame, because it is a terrific place for lunch or dinner. With an exceptional new chef, the talented Arik Roork, the menu is varied and can be all things to all people—except those who don’t love a good time—and we know who they are!
Whether you dine under the canopy or inside the doors, or even at one of the cocktail tables on the deck, the choices are fun and the execution excellent.
On this past Monday evening, Bonnie and I wandered in about 6 p.m. and ran into friends on the deck. After a round of cocktails we took a seat at a table under the canopy and asked our handsome waiter to suggest some appetizers. The chef sent out a bounteous platter called the Peace Offering. It included spicy garlic red pepper hummus, couscous and grape leaves (Dolmades) along with crispy toast points for nibbling…would that the countries represented got along as well as these appetizers. We especially loved the rice-filled Greek Dolmades and the yummy Middle Eastern couscous. As if this wasn’t filling enough, we also sampled pickled ginger flavored clams with French bread for dipping into the buttery, garlicky, Saki-infused, decadent sauce.
We had already ordered the Spanish Fly —Classic Paella for dinner, not knowing how full we’d be from the appetizers, but we soldiered on, and tackled the great Paella mountain. Trust me, this $17 entrée can be shared! With clams, mussels, shrimp, langoustines, and saffron rice it’s both delicious and plentiful.
Had I known about the quantity I wouldn’t have ordered the crab cake sandwich and sweet potato fries, but then I would have missed out on my favorite entrée in the place. The $19 Blue Man Group Crab Cake (jumbo lump, lightly seasoned) with corn coulis and those addictive fries is outstanding—and in a town where crab cakes abound, these are, seriously, at the top of my list.
I love the fact that Aqua offers small plates along with full entrees, sandwiches, salads, soups, and choices for every time of day and every mood. Other choices inclue Pork Carnitas (“The Other White Meat” $14), Baby Back Ribs (10 Pack Abs, $23), a Smoked Turkey and Havarti Sandwich (Perfect Wave, $9), and much more. From sliders to vegan burgers, blackened sea scallops to flat bread pizzas, the price is right, and the taste is too. The Sunday night special is snow crab legs for $14 and Monday is $10 dinner night. Oh, and Tuesday is for Tacos (can you remember that?). While Wednesday has half price burgers.
New to the menu this summer is Maryland Crab soup ($8 and it’s hot and spicy), and nightly specials. Next time I’m going to try the Jewish Penicillin—the Matzoh Ball Soup ($7) and Mary Had a Little Lamb, three Chinese five spice lollipop lamb chops ($13).
So check out the menu, specials, and hearty meals or light salads at Aqua…and you won’t forget that they are a full-service restaurant as well as one of the best watering holes in town.
And of course, speaking of their reputation for themed costume Tea Dances, DJs, and Drag Brunches, there is no better place to meet friends or enjoy a beach bar atmosphere. Plus, my hat has to go off for all the wonderful fundraising they do for the LGBT community and the Rehoboth community at large, Come find out why the Washington Post, has included the Aqua Grill sun deck and sand box in its annual Beach Guide for outdoor night life fun.
Long known for its yummy scenery for the boys, we’re proud to report that the food is just as yummy too. Great job, Aqua Grill.
Aqua Grill, 57 Baltimore Avenue, is open daily. Call 302-226-9001 or visit the Aqua Grill website.