Rehoboth Foodie

The Rehoboth Diner has more menu selections than just about any place I've ever seen. (I guess that's not really good or bad, but for some reason it does seem noteworthy.) Most of my experience there has been after-hours (they're open 24/7), and, say what you will, it is nice to have some place in Rehoboth Beach that offers a variety of choices, from breakfasts to salads to sandwiches to platters to desserts, at any time of the day or night. Chronic Complainers, before you email me, take note: This is diner food. No more, no less. You get what you pay for.

There actually are some items that stand out, and most of them are generously portioned and certainly qualify as essential "diner" offerings. Breakfast is served 24/7, and all the standard goodies are there, including a mile-long list of omelettes (including a Pork Roll omelette!), French toast and pancake offerings (including cranberry and banana) and pretty much any breakfast meat you could name, including the required Delaware staple, scrapple (love it or hate it, order it well-done).

Lunch sandwiches are many and varied, and most are also available as subs and wraps. I like the club sandwich and actually alternate between their turkey/bacon club (with a side of honey-mustard dressing for dipping, thank you) and their chicken salad club (the chicken salad is quite good). If you are looking for a guaranteed fill-up, try the hot open-face sandwiches which include turkey, ham and roast beef. Served with soup or salad and two veggy sides, I guarantee you will not be hungry for a while. Speaking of soup, their chicken noodle soup is quite good. Not too floury or thick, there's lots of chicken, and the vegetables are colorful and firm. It's obviously home-made. A large selection of burgers, Philly Steaks, Hoagies, grilled sandwiches and cold "salad" sandwiches round out the typical lunch offerings.

One of the exceptional things about the Rehoboth Diner is the "mini-meal" portions of some of the main course platters. At about 2/3 the price and size, it's a great choice for late-night nibbles when you want something substantial, but not too much of it. The mini-meals include a selection of broiled or fried seafood, the eggplant and chicken parmesan, a roast turkey or Virginia ham platter, and liver and onions (if you are so inclined...).

This is not haute cuisine, but it is reliable, predictable and filling, especially after everyone else has closed up. The Rehoboth Diner comes complete with a small counter (with the obligatory dessert merry-go-rounds), wooden and glass booth dividers (with the word REHOBETH annoyingly misspelled and etched forever into the glass) and somewhat off-handed front desk personnel (though I have always had friendly, perky servers). From buffalo wings to broccoli omelettes, from chicken stir-fry to gyros, from chopped steak to lobster tails, from chicken cheesesteaks to cheesecake, the Rehoboth Diner has something to please everyone...especially at three in the morning.

The Rehoboth Diner is at 19219 Coastal Highway, on the east side just before you get to Rt. 24 going north. Call them at 302-227-0908, and you can even fax your order to them at 302-227-0901. Give it a try, then please tell us about it below. Click here for a look at the dinner menu. (B., L., D.) Price range: Moderate-.