Rigby’s: Charm at the Top of the Town
Rigby’s Bar and Grill is a neighborhood bistro located near the Lighthouse Circle on the right side of Rehoboth Avenue, a ten-minute walk from the beach. Nine years old, it has a dedicated following mixed with tourists looking for a flavor of Rehoboth.
Rigby’s following is as diverse as the city around it. There is a fun, family atmosphere about the place, and tourists and regulars sit side-by-side at the fully stocked bar or in the quaint dining room, enjoying a wide variety of food and drink throughout the day. In the evening, people loosen up with karaoke or, on some nights, live entertainment.
On my recent visit to Rigby’s with my gal Sal, we were struck by the openness and friendliness of the staff. Our server Matthias led us into the simply decorated dining room and sat us at a comfortable table well-spaced in the room. (Rigby’s room is not the usual “sardine can” found in many restaurants.)
During our meal, both Matthias and fellow server Jeffrey chatted with us just enough to make us feel a part of the Rigby’s family. They spoke of the fun relationship between the staff and the customers, and the diverse crowds.
Ray, a bartender who has been with the restaurant since its opening, pointed out many reasons Rigby’s is such a popular meeting place. He mentioned the eclectic menu, which changes two to three times a year. In addition to the comfortable indoor dining, there is a pet-friendly patio out back that allows both the beachgoer and the regular crowd a chance to sit back and enjoy the weather with drink in hand—and Fido at foot.
There is (hold your breath)—free parking! Most of all, Ray stressed the Cheers-like atmosphere that permeates the place. While nobody shouted “Norm!” when we walked in the front door, we had to agree.
The menu offers mostly American homemade food that’s always fresh. A diner is certain to find something excellent, reasonably priced, and totally filling.
On this trip to Rigby’s, Sally and I decided to start by sharing the Spring Rolls, with a filling of shaved rib eye, fried onions, cheese, and chipotle mayo. Sharing was a mistake—I quickly discovered that I wanted them all for myself. Wednesday night is burgR Night, and they offer several choices. This bargain caught Sally’s eye, so she ordered the Rigby burgR—regular toppings on an ample-sized, fresh, hand-crafted patty, served on a brioche bun. Sally loved it; it was fat, flavorful, and grilled to perfection.
I decided on the grilled wild-caught salmon, topped with honey mango chutney. The salmon had that great grilled taste and was done to order. The chutney was an unexpected bonus, providing an outstanding mix of flavors. But the unsung hero of this dish was the Smashed Fried Red Potatoes. The potatoes were done just enough, making them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I would return to Rigby’s just to get another taste of these delights. We topped it off by splitting crème brûlée, which can be ordered with a topping of strawberries or blueberries. We were full enough that we could barely finish. Of course, we did.
In addition to their dinner menu, Rigby’s offers lunch and bar snack menus. They are also open all year for Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with the good food and friendly atmosphere, I have to again stress the fine service. We will certainly go again, and any visitor or Rehoboth veteran who finds themselves at the top of the town should too! ▼
Michael Gilles is a writer, playwright, and theatrical producer, retired to Milton, and gleefully scoping out the culinary coast.