Top of the Pines: That’s Entertainment (and Blue Velvet Chairs)
It turns out, after a day at the beach, all we truly need is a nice blue velvet chair.
Sink in, with a delightful “something to drink,” a delicious small plate to nosh, perhaps a little sweet, all accompanied by live music. For a brief moment in time, nothing will be wrong in our world.
Fantasy? Not completely. Stretch of imagination? Not any more.
Six months ago, The Pines, a partnership of Bob Suppies, Tyler Townsend, and David Gonce, opened its doors at 56 Baltimore Avenue. If you’re an “RB Regular,” and thus more familiar with landmarks than numbers, this is the space formerly known as Hobos, across the street from Aqua.
The Pines was set to be locally elegant from the beginning, its name inspired by both the tree-lined, northern Rehoboth neighborhood commonly referred to as The Pines, and an old postcard from the 1920s. It said, ”Where the pine trees meet the ocean.”
And, just like that, an upscale, coastal tavern paying homage to old Rehoboth was born.
But something was still missing. While the restaurant downstairs became an instant local favorite, what about the upstairs? Bring in the blue velvet chairs—and outfit a space with tables, barstools, a piano, and soft lighting, and you have a room that pays homage to gathering friends and great music.
The Top of the Pines lounge also includes a balcony for watching a teeming Baltimore Avenue crowd below.
There’s an all-star line-up every Saturday night, beginning at 8 p.m., when John Flynn is on board—and on key board(s)—hosting John Flynn and Friends. Recently, the performers included Monette Solomon, Joshua Bessinger, and Krysten Cummings—Broadway professionals and knockout entertainers. Flynn and Friends promises a lot of nights like this.
On other nights the lounge will have music from DJs to piano men (or women), solo artists, duos, and perhaps even a trio or two. The Pines’ partners’ commitment to making this room the hippest of cool destinations includes hiring Entertainment Director Kevin Buice. He’s open to suggestions at kevin@thepinesrb.com. (Please do not phone; the restaurant needs their lines open for restaurant reservations.)
A few basics for Top of the Pines
What are the days/hours?
Right now, the Top of The Pines piano lounge is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Insider’s Tip: Thursdays, they run their Happy Hour menu all day and all night. Friday and Saturday, Happy Hour is from 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Do I need a reservation?
No. But it is first come, first served for the blue velvet chairs.
Can I book the room for a private party?
Yes.
How do I know who’s playing on
any given night?
Follow them on FB or on Instagram (thepinesrb), or walk past the front of the building and read the chalkboard.
Entrance to the piano lounge is free—except for special performances, where a cover charge will be noted to defray the cost of bringing in that particular artist. And there really is a blue velvet chair waiting. But to get one, you’ll need to get there early. ▼