The Brick Hotel and Restaurant: Contemporary Fare in Historic Surroundings
The Brick Restaurant and Tavern in Georgetown, located in the historic Brick Hotel, is a gem worth finding and worth
frequenting.
For anyone interested in a lovely meal in stylish surroundings or a quick cocktail and casual dinner at the bar, this is a perfect spot. But if you’re a history buff, and appreciate a restoration done with love and attention to detail, get thee to The Brick Hotel.
Located on the Circle in Georgetown, this beautiful old building with a façade redone to recall it’s 1836 elegance, is welcoming and worth the short drive (20-30 minutes) from Rehoboth or surrounding areas.
First, the food. They serve lunch and dinner year round, Tuesday evenings through Saturdays, plus a Sunday brunch (call ahead for times on Sunday). There is one generously sized dining room, plus several small, romantic, private dining areas for small groups or duos. It’s beautiful without being formal and perfect for a special night out or an evening of pub food. The fare is eclectic, featuring contemporary cuisine combined with traditional crab, fish dishes, and filets. For lunch, try their famous lobster roll, crab cake sandwich, or burgers.
On the evening Bonnie and I were there, we got to sample some amazing appetizers and entrees. Their signature appetizers include crispy calamari with Sweet Relish ($7), Crabby Pretzel Bread topped with Cheesy Crab ($8), rich Cream of Crab Soup ($8), and Red and Gold Beet Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette, topped with Goat Cheese ($6), and all are excellent.
We also had the opportunity to nibble on The Quarter Maple Rub Chicken with Fall Roasted Vegetables and Roasted Red Skin Potatoes ($14), and Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Butternut Squash Risotto and Raspberry Sauce Drizzle ($21). Bonnie chose the perfectly cooked Seared Scallops with Sweet Potato Mash and Sautéed Spinach, Topped with a Crispy Pancetta ($25).
All of the go-withs reflect the Brick’s farm fresh to table philosophy, with outstanding Roasted Red Skin Potatoes and Honey Glazed Carrots, along with spinach, squash and green bean sides.
There are also special comfort food dinners on weeknights (comfy for you and your wallet) as well as pub entrees, like Fried Oysters with spicy mayo ($11), Mini Crab Cakes ($11), and burgers like the Classic with LTO, cheese and special sauce ($11), and the Surf ‘n Turf Topped with Crabmeat, Old Bay, and Cheddar ($14).
As for dessert, the brownie sundae should be illegal. It’s amazing how fast it disappeared considering how much wonderful food we’d already consumed.
Serenading us throughout dinner was the talented Karen Murdock, providing music from the Great American Songbook. The ambiance was comfortable sophistication, the wine list was inventive, and the evening we spent there was memorable.
After dinner, we were given a tour by proprietors Lynn and Ed Lester. They purchased the place about a decade ago, and fully renovated it in 2008. With the help of wonderful old photographs, they were able to recreate the front façade, with its porches and balconies. Now, the The Brick Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Once called the Union Hotel, it also served at one time as a bank (and you can now dine privately in the vault!!!) and retains all the historic charm of days gone by. The place is adorned with old photos and artifacts, donated to Ed and Lynn by their Georgetown neighbors.
And, The Brick Hotel is still very much a working inn. With a gorgeous outdoor deck for big parties, and lovingly restored, antique-appointed guest rooms, the place is perfect for a “destination” (even though it’s not far away!), civil union, or other celebration.
Oh, and if you crave the supernatural, there might just be a friendly ghost upstairs, welcoming guests and providing a bit of intrigue.
At the very least, go have a beer in the comfortable pub, or have lunch or dinner at The Brick. It’s something totally different and well worth the short drive. And if you want a romantic weekend “away,” go immerse yourself in a bit of history with a contemporary kitchen. It’s a great combination.
The Brick Hotel and Restaurant is located at 18 The Circle in Georgetown, Delaware. Visit The Brick Hotel online or call 302-856-1836 for reservations or information.