One quarter of a piece of poorly cooked fish for $32. Exciting and a rip off. I told them the fish was uncooked and they grudgingly took it back, thew it in the microwave and returned it. Save your money. Don't eat here. Oh, yes, the waiter seemed to care less. "Best restaurant on the beach???" What, are you comparing it with hot dogs on the board walk? read more

I get to Rehoboth annually and this is always on my agenda. I rarely take children with me or adults who don't appreciate fine food. I go here to enjoy the treat of wonderful flavors, unique dishes, without the extra attention needed for children or someone who is dying to get to the arcades. My most recent visits I had a veal bolognaise that was quite delicious. The bolognaise part was slowly cooked for a long time and the flavors had absorbed into each other. I ate every drop. My small plate was 2 slices of a shrimp crab cake surrounded by greens. It was possible to distinctly taste the shrimp or the crab in each bite. For an appetizer I enjoyed the sweetbreads, perfectly cooked. Another person in the group enjoyed the ravioli and cream sauce, using bread to get each drop of the sauce. The pan seared halibut was ordered as recommended: medium, not well. It came out firm on the outside and soft on the inside. We were so glad we took the recommendation. The pan seared scallops were beautiful to look at and were just as tasty. The salmon roe on top completed the dish. It was pricey compared to dinner prices in Paris, a little pricier than Washington DC, but not pricey compared to a lot of places in Rehoboth Beach. It is within a minute of the Boardwalk, so quite casual dress is fine. read more

My mom told me all about this cute restaurant she'd spotted on her last trip to the beach. I was so surprised when I looked up reviews on yelp and saw such poor reviews. We decided to dine here anyway, albeit with a bit of trepidation, but boy are we glad we did. I've never seen a restaurant with a more unique layout. It snakes its way in a zig zag sort of way and is quasi indoor/.outdoor. We dined a the Back Porch for lunch and I loved the natural sunlight that pored through the skylights. Our waitress, Louise, couldn't have been more kind or knowledgeable. Per her recommendation, my brother ordered the ginger sesame noodles with scallops, which had just the right amount of sweetness from the coconut milk to balance its spice. I had an herbed goat cheese tomato tart with a side salad. I loved the oven roasted tomatoes adorned on the tart and the pastry was perfectly flaky and tender. My grandmother ordered the chicken salad, which I did not sample (I'm a vegetarian) but my family members reported that it was well done. Not very exciting, but it's chicken salad, and my mom called it "competent." (in a good way) We ordered two desserts, the trifle with mascarpone cream and chocolate (similar to tiramisu) and the summer pudding. The summer pudding was like a bread pudding and very dense. It wasn't my favorite but my family seemed to enjoy it. The trifle was a bit dry for my taste but I loved the bites with rich mascarpone cream. I remarked that the desserts were a bit pricey at 8.50 a pop, but I could tell they were made with quality ingredients. Overall our meal came to 83 dollars for four people: 3 cocktails, 1 smoothie, 3 entrees, and 2 desserts. Not bad for such a fine lunch! Overall, the Back Porch Cafe is a casual dining haven amongst its typical beach dining establishments neighbors. I would happily go again. read more

Back Porch Cafe - New American Near Me - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Perfect blend of old-fashioned French and American style. Food is simple yet delicate, worth of a detour. Brunch menu changing seasonally or even weekly. We had REALLY GOOD crêpes. Atmosphere causal though welcoming. Like the live band and the balcony. Bookmarked for next time. read more

Back Porch Cafe - Sunday Brunch - chestnut crêpe with berries - New American Near Me - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

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We walked in without reservations on Saturday evening, no problem finding a seat. It was a little after 5 so we had our choice of sitting, inside or outside. The outside had a deck above the back porch. We chose to sit there to take advantage of the sun. We started with hot appetizers followed by cold. We had planned to go elsewhere so we didn't try any of the entrees. They all sounded good though. The chef doesn't all substitutes, clearly stated on the menu. Regarding drinks, we enjoyed some cocktails before switching to an English organic ale beer. Our server Brandon did an excellent job answering our questions and making our experience enjoyable! read more

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The Back Porch Cafe is a great respite right on Rehoboth Beach Blvd. The lunch menu was varied and included vegan and gluten free options. The seared scallops were perfectly cooked. Service was very good. read more

Had lunch here yesterday and was a bit disappointed. I had the turkey burger and it was dry. I asked to replace the orzo salad with a regular salad since i cant eat pasta and was told no. My husband did enjoy the fishcakes though. Maybe this place is better for dinner but for the prices i wasnt impressed with the lunch. read more

Very poor service, mediocre food. went there for the second time. thought we'd give it a second chance. Attitude the same as last time, like they are doing us a favor to allow us to eat there. Everything seems a bother. My wife asked to have something she is allergic to withheld from her meal. The waitress said"no substitutions!" We've been places that have that policy, but never one that would not remove something that someone is allergic to. So, we were surprised when the meal showed up without the requested ingredient removed. So glad it was something we could see. Imagine if she had said she was allergic to peanuts and they were left in! Don't go read more

Walked through a corridor and "into" the restaurant and then realized that we were actually outside in the balmy night. Hence the "back porch" café. It's elegant and laid back; it felt good to go barefoot under the table. The atmosphere inspires both confessions and hopes...Low light, lots of wood, a few stars, milky night skies near the ocean, and creativity in the cuisine. The menu looks really fantastic but we'd had dinner already - so enjoyed dessert: fresh peach crisp, perfectly baked - with vanilla ice cream, along with rosé and grappa. read more

Food was very good but the service was downright awful. From the beginning we received almost no service, and what little was offered was extremely rude and disgusting. The managers were unapologetic and curt when we mentioned our experience on the way out. The restaurant was almost empty yet the whole meal took slightly under two hours with only one appetizer and three entrees. We certainly will not be heading back. read more

Been coming here since 1979. Haven't been disappointed yet. Imaginative, beautiful, well-executed and delicious. Brunch is my favorite.

A friend once asked me if I liked a certain establishment because it was good or because it was close. Back Porch Cafe has an amazing location, possibly the best restaurant on the main drag - Rehoboth Avenue. Going into Back Porch, I feel like I bought my way into a fraternity that wouldn't normally accept me. The same management and wait staff have been there for over a decade and know all of the regulars. Since I visit once a year, I get the nice greeting and nice service. There are many reviews discussing the cost of the food. I believe it's well worth it, especially when you consider the reasonable wine list. I hate to bring it up, but they are pricing Kistler and others for a few dollars over my cost from the vineyards. If you are worried about costs, order a table full of appetizers and splurge for a wine off of their reserve list. If you do, however, you'll miss out on some of the best lamb at the beach. read more

Very professional place. Each dish executed to perfection. Although pricy, it's worth the money. The structure of the old place slows service down, but the dishes are worth waiting for. read more

This was an overall impressive experience. First of all, the ambience is quaint but elegant. I feel like I was in my grandmother's house in Europe, in the dining room that just happens to have a bar. The bartender, dressed in the casual way your uncle might when hosting a family dinner, prepared delicious cocktails at his leisurely pace. This is that kind of place- if you're anxious you will spoil your own experience. As for the food, the appetizers were fantastic! We had pate and sweetbreads, balanced perfectly by carefully selected accompaniments. The entrees, rabbit and duck breast, were delicious though a bit underseasoned- for my palate. You might love it so they are worth it. The blueberry dessert was underwhelming, but after such a feast one can easily skip this course. The server, also, was attentive and eager to please, truly professional. Most servers seem to treat this job as seasoned professionals. This is one of only a couple of places that are impressive in this town. read more

We came down from New England... My mother in law recommended this place. rest of my wife's family we're visiting Rehoboth Beach.My wife n her brother ordered the shrimp and crab cake plate.. It was very small tasted like it came out of a can with no flavor for $24.95.. Rest of the food had no taste.... We call that waitress / told Credit us send the food back which she did ..after the manager came by and was rude to us . will go back to New England to enjoy real seafood read more

Best dinner we had in Rehoboth by a mile. Quirky menu, but something for everyone. Interesting dining space. Kind of tight, but that seems to be the way it is in Rehoboth. We went on a Thursday and they had a 3 course prix fixe for $38, with a good selection of options. Will definitely return!! read more

First time to RB and last time to the BP. Overpriced and mediocre at best. Nothing stood out to warrant the entree prices but the desserts were very good. read more

Went to this establishment this evening brand presentation lovely lovely servers however the menu is dictated. It must be a chef who is not very secure in his abilities since I wanted to order the veal chop without that garlic cream sauce telling the waitress I was allergic to garlic and she, in an intimidated stance from the chef, was not able to disregard to the garlic cream sauce on my veal chop. He will not change. I said really it must not be a high-grade build shop for $42 if it needs to cover it with this sauce.if these restaurants are going to grow they need to accommodate the customer not the customer accommodate the chefs in securities read more

We were just walking by and happened to see the menu posted. We were very glad that we did. We enjoyed our meal very much and the service was excellent. It was much different than what we expected. It is no inexpensive but well worth it. read more

Based on only one visit, this place is well worth visiting any time we are in town. The Back Porch does traditional French-inspired cuisine with American elaborations. The French inspiration in their menu means that cream and cheese infiltrate nearly all of their dishes in some way or other, usually in the sauces. For flavor, I could not complain at all. Unfortunately, I have a dietary sensitivity to milk protein, from a cow or a sheep or a goat. I can't eat cream or cheese or yogurt. I can have as much butter as I please, which is only 1% milk protein, so not a problem. My condition is not the same as the common dietary sensitivity to lactose, which is a sugar found in milk, and for which lactose-intolerant food lovers might benefit by taking a lactase enzyme digestive pill before dinner. Anyone out there with IBS, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's not easy to go to a French or Italian restaurant. On the advice of the waitress, who was great, I had the vegan options on the menu, just one choice for salad, just one choice for entree. They were amazing. I'm also very happy that the restaurant had some gluten-free options...I used to date someone who would need that, just not me. I am not vegan myself, and actually really enjoy eating French-style meats, such as duck leg confit, pate de compagne, and petit filet, all of which were on the menu. I tasted my friend's filet, which was magic. Back Porch kitchen wizards, would it be impossible to let someone like me have an exquisite serving of meat with accompaniments that could be made free of dairy? For me, use butter as much as you like, just not any other dairy products please. Even just sauteed fresh vegetables. Not so difficult? Like: "Any of our meat entrees can be served with gluten-free, dairy-free sauteed and/or pureed vegetable accompaniments at the choice of the chef." Your teacher at the French school of cooking might not approve, but I would be eternally grateful. read more

Loved. I've called Portland, Oregon my home for over 20 years since moving from DC. What a delight it was to come to back to one of my favorite childhood vacation spots on the Eastern shore...Rehoboth Beach, DE. Just had a lovely experience thanks to John and Keith... Sipped on a couple beautiful glasses of Chardonnay (thank you John) while nibbling on the Peppercured Yellow Fin tuna, followed by a shot of espresso and the decadent chocolate tort. We're quite the foodies in Portland, but Back Porch Cafe - the food, atmosphere and authentic, personable people gives our famed Portland restaurants some solid competition. Thanks guys! :) read more

This place is a treat if you are looking for a lovely foodie night out. The interior dining area is a bit small, but cozy. If you can try to sit outside on the "back porch" because that is the best spot! If it is chilly, an outside heater can be placed by you to keep you comfortably toasty. The dinner menu is separated by appetizers (sides), small plates and large plates. I haven't found anything that I did not like. Every dish I have tried has been delicious. The menu changes from time to time so keep an eye out before going. If you don't mind spending $15 for a coffee, order the "House Coffee Flamed Tableside". It is a show with someone making coffee for you and your table. Delicious melted sugar on the glass and it is quite an experience to see. Overall, this is a great place and vacation away from the regular options of burgers and fries that you might normally see at the beach. read more

Folks, this is THE best restaurant at the beach. It is casual elegance. You can wear a suit or you can wear shorts. Most people in the summer are in shorts and a nice Tommy Bahama shirt. This is the local's place. It is shabby-shiek. Full of those in the know. Same owners for most of its 30 year history. Chef is an owner, and has a personal stake, which is important. The staff are the same from year to year. All professionals, and extremely good at what they do. Fine dining, with innovative (some would say challenging) cuisine--this place is not for the steak and potato crowd. Amazing desserts, including the flaming coffee (for which some people come for after eating elsewhere (mistake eating elsewhere!)). Also a very nice brunch. If the weather is bearable, ask for outdoor seating on the decks or downstairs porch. You should reserve--this place fills up. read more

Most of us who have come here since the Back Porch was THE nice place to go in Rehoboth still love it. It has a unique casual elegance, a comfortable quality void of pretense. The Back Porch menu is fairly straight-forward and they don't rotate in new items often (and by often I mean over a period of years, not weeks). They really should tighten up on delivering consistent quality and service though. The food is usually from quite good to excellent, but can at times waver and the service can be choppy though I've never found it rude or dismissive. All that said, I've always enjoyed it. The thing to understand about a place like the Back Porch is that you don't go there to completely focus onf food and presentation. It's more of a beach bistro with a French twist. That's the whole point! I realize that some folks need a very tight presentation of everything that is trendy and polished, but the Back Porch is about relaxing in a nice atmosphere. The wine list is quite good, with a firm slant towards France, with a very good selection of well-priced glasses. Oh, remember there's a little bar when you come in. Oddly, it even has a little TV. So you can always grab a glass of wine there to scope it out. [2013 update: Still solid and a great atmosphere. Ate there twice during our one week visit.] read more

No substitutions, no edits, some attitude, and a really satisfying dinner. The veal sweetbreads, grilled duck, water melon salad were terrific. Everything was tasty and inline with 75$ a plate. I'd go back, I'd even treat. But I wouldn't take my vegetarian mother who doesn't eat nuts. read more

We walked in on a whim on a Friday on our first visit to rehoboth. This is a charming little restaurant with a decent fine dining menu, great ambiance, and polite staff. Though we had no reservations, the maitre'D did his best to find us a table- right on the porch, perfect! Husband ordered mesclun salad and halibut and I ordered a glass of wine and the rabbit. We are, shamelessly admitting, somewhat food snobs so while we've had better food, their efforts to offer a classy alternative to the typical burger and fries gets them a 3.5/5 stars. Where they really shine is in the ambiance and service. Our waiter was polite, the waters were filled in a timely fashion, and service went without a hitch. As we dined, a lovely jazz duo was playing keyboard and saxophone and it was just enchanting. Highly recommended for a romantic night out at the beach. read more

Food: 2 Service & ambiance: 4. I don't get the love-hate here. The place is adorable. Sitting outside is great, but inside is cute too. Location is great. Service was friendly & prompt. But the food is very, very mediocre. Not horrible, but just blah. They told me my salmon would be medium-rare, & it wasn't (well, only at the very center). It didn't feel very seasonal, although that's what it's supposed to be. And they brought store-bought crackers to the table, which I don't consider fine dining. If you're not a big stickler for food, and you want to sit outside along the main strip, then this is a good place. read more

Truly one of the best meals that I've had in years! My partner and I came here for our anniversary and are an indecisive pair, and so we ordered six appetizers and dessert. The home made foie gras (served with pickled fennel and tomato jam) was better and fresher than any that I've had in France...the lamb meatballs stuffed with prune were over the top...so were the veal sweetbreads with smoked olives and a sherry reduction. The eggplant and feta ravioli in a cinnamon tomato broth was a mix of Greek flavors re-invented. The only ap we'd rethink was the sliced duck breast over and inventive slaw, and only becuase my partner actually scooped up the hot sauce that was drizzled on the plate in a quantity that only Central and South Americans would be accustomed to eating. The Belgian chocolate trifle and the fresh peach bread with caramelized peach sauce were slammin'! The atmosphere was fun and casual without being family oriented (read loud screaming children) or stuffy. Our waitress was delightful, helpful, confident, without being haughty. This is the kind of place that effortlessly gets it right from having so many years of practice, while others try to hard and fail. It costs about $10 more per entree than the other decent dining spots in Rehoboth but totally worth it. We felt totally decadent by the end of the meal. The indoor atmosphere is quaint and charming if the decor is a bit lacking but we were here during the 5 day heatwave that basically made outdoor dining impossible. I would highly recommend this place, and go with a number of people who like to share so you can sample the other items on the menu...you'll want to try them all! read more

My friends and I stopped in for an early evening cocktail and some apps. While we try to get to the Back Porch for dinner at least once a season, we thought why not grab a drink. And what a drink it was!!!! We had an island concoction with pineapple, mango and a dark rum floater. All I can is yum!!! We can't wait to plan a leisurely meal at one of our favorite summer spots. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Rehoboth. It's not cheap though folks. If you're just in town for a family vacation and the budget is stretched as it is, save your money. I also wouldn't recommend this place for young children. Great date place though. I've always had a great experience here. The food has been fantastic and the wait staff very accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. They regularly change the menu and actually print it daily so you can bet the food is fresh. The space is a bit tight in some parts of the restaurant. I'd take no more than 6 folks there for a group to sit comfortably. They have a nice bar and the place isn't loud, but perfect level for enjoying a dinner with other diners around. read more

I always think of the beach as overpriced crappy food. I have beach house one town over so I am at the eastern shore often. Almost every time I go to the shore I go have lunch at the Back Porch Cafe. The food is always good and so is the service. If you want a good meal I would recommend it. My only complaint as being a regular is I would like to see the menu change monthly. So I would very much recommend eating here. Lastly if you like wine they have a good selection and some very inexpensive glasses as well. read more

Only had creme brûlée and coffee but it was TO DIE FOR! All the other food looked great also! read more

Back Porch Cafe - New American Near Me - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Went to Back Porch Cafe for lunch today. While the food was very well prepared the restaurant is completely inflexible regarding any changes to a dish. For example, I am lactose intolerant and was refused to be allowed to switch the dressing that would be served with my salad even though the dressing had dairy in it. My husband had the same experience on another visit when he asked if nuts could be left off a dish he ordered. I have NEVER been to any restaurant that has been this ridiculous in its policy regarding substitutions. Is the chef's ego more important than the diner? Don't go to this restaurant if you need to request simple changes such as we did. Other equally good restaurants are much more accommodating. read more

Great atmosphere, fantastic service, but the food was sub par. I had the crab & shrimp cake, it was rubbery and the shrimp were the kind found at an all-you-can-eat buffet. read more

We've been coming to Rehoboth/Dewey for over a decade and have never been to the Back Porch Cafe. We ended up going for lunch today and we will most definitely be back. Nia was a fantastic server - she was attentive and answered all our questions about wine and the menu. We ended up ordering the tomato goat cheese tart and the spicy turkey burger. Both were absolutely fantastic - the best food we've had down here this year so far. Even the after-lunch coffee was perfect. The atmosphere is very charming and we can't wait to return. read more

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My boyfriend and I ate at the Back Porch this past weekend. It was a suggestion from someone at his work in Baltimore, and what a great suggestion it was! I am a buffalo mozzarella fanatic- it is hard to find- so I was absolutely thrilled to see it listed on the appetizer menu for the evening with an awesome corn and blueberry salsa. I was skeptical of the combination at first but it was SO DELICIOUS. I contemplated ordering a second serving to take back to our hotel! My entree was an eggplant pie and it was also superb. My boyfriend had porkchops that were fantastic. Our server was knowledgeable and kind and he did not rush us. Our dessert was "Dark and Stormy Creme Brulee" and it was divine! My boyfriend proposed to me on the beach after dinner- a magical ending to a magical evening that started at the Back Porch Cafe!! read more

Drinks are excellent, but food wasn't very flavorful. Wasn't worth the price. Cheesecake was frozen! "Nuf said about that. Good service. Try their ginger beer. Best ever. read more

Whenever in Rehoboth, Back Porch Cafe is our go to for lunch every time and we are never disappointed! Owned and served by locals, it is reliably fabulous meal with impecable service. They are known for high quality food and cocktails in a charming location in downtown Rehoboth Beach. Highly recommend for lunch, brunch or dinner. read more

GREAT FOOD AND SERVICE My fiancé and I stopped in here in a Saturday night. We showed up around 9pm and they were very busy, but were able to fit us into their outdoor seating area. We started with Sweetbreads. They were simply perfect. I had the Roast Guinea Hen, it was amazingly good. My fiancé had the Beef Tenderloin, it was delicious, with the most delicate sauce and flavor combinations. We finished it all off with some House Coffee, basically a coffee drink flamed table-side. If you haven't had one, it's worth the trip to go just for that. Our waiter John was attentive and made everything happen with perfect timing. A perfect evening with a wonderful dinner. read more

I have been going to the Back Porch for 20 years. Always enjoyed it; in fact, went there 2 times per week when doing our annual 1 week vacation to Rehoboth Beach. Well things certainty changed this year (2018). Ordered their $50 Pinot Noir from Oregon -- no nose no bouquet. Ordered a 2nd bottle at $80 - same problem-- not nose or bouquet. The reason, BP chilled their Pionts -- which means they all tasted the same. Plus the lamb was fatty - terrible worst meal ever at BP in 20+ visits. I called BP to talk about the aforementioned situation(s). I actually talked to one of the owners -- a women (believe her name was Marilyn). All she said was "thanks for letting us know" and maybe a weak I am sorry. I was considering going to RB for my 65th Birthday in Sept. and going to BP. Not now. Will stay in Philly and go to Butcher & Singer. I even told the owner I was contemplating driving 3 hours for my 65 BD at BP, but not now. No response from her. This was my last visit to BP. Will find good places for fine dinning in RB next time I go to this great beach town. Jim Harrington P.S. The owner of BP should understand what it means to hear from a customer. read more