Blast to the Past: Delmarvalous Dining

September 2, 2021

Everyone loves great food… It nourishes our bodies, gives us energy and satisfies our taste buds. A great meal is more than just fresh, delicious ingredients … it includes great company and a happy, welcoming atmosphere. A meal is even better when the establishment we eat at leaves a lasting impact on our lives.

Delmarva certainly has many establishments to fit that bill. Drive one mile down the road (okay, maybe a few more!) and you are bound to find some sort of restaurant. Hopefully, you’ve visited some of the local gems we have around now such as Mojo’s, Market Street Inn, Agave Azul, Kellyn's Kafe and Pinches Tacos. But what about those restaurants you loved in the past that are sadly now closed? Are you missing their delicious dishes … the people … the atmosphere? Such a bummer!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane shall we? It’s time to blast TO the past with the restaurants from Delmarva’s history. Put on your memory caps! There is bound to be at least one restaurant that brings back fond and tasty memories. There might even be a surprise favorite recipe from your Delmarvalous dining experiences below.

Countdown in … three … two … one. Blast off!

Once diagonal from the South Rt. 13 Acme, the Royal Exchange Pub was one of those classy Salisbury dining establishments. A cool and relaxed yet chic atmosphere all around, it had dimmed lighting and a plane decorating the building (that’s right, a plane!). Does anyone remember The Flying Club? The Pub was famous for its prime rib, especially if it was cut and served by Bernadette, a long-time, esteemed server. The coconut muffins served by their “bread girls” from that giant basket were an all-around favorite. What bread was your fave? (See the Royal Exchange Pub’s Coconut Muffin recipe to the right!) 

One of the most famous, beloved, now-closed restaurants around Delmarva left lasting memories in many hearts across Delmarva. The Old West Steakhouse was always packed, up until they closed their doors in 2017. Steak was obviously a big seller - it was always fresh and done right. But not everyone loves steak. Salisbury born-and-raised Andrew Barnes remembers the Fettuccine Alfredo being his favorite growing up. Not only did people come for the food, but they loved for the entertainment and atmosphere. The Sheriff that walked the aisles of the restaurant was fondly remembered as a highlight for so many visitors. “I have so many memories of the Sheriff walking around giving me a deputy sticker,” recalled Brooke Hitch, an area native who frequented the restaurant growing up (or should we say “Deputy Brooke”?). And who could forget the western decor, perfectly fitted for the name and always a refreshing blast to the even-farther back past. Delmarva resident Julia Kitchen is still so saddened of the restaurant’s closing. “I went there with my grandfather, it’s where my husband asked my dad for his blessing to marry me, and it’s where my father and I went together with my brother a ton as kids. So many good memories there,” reminisced Julia.

A key Italian restaurant in Salisbury, Vinny's La Roma, sadly closed in late 2015. It was definitely a favorite local establishment and there were many disheartened Delmarva residents when they closed. I personally remember eating here nearly weekly (not even kidding!) with my parents throughout middle and high school. Their pizza was the best … especially when you dipped their puffy, yet crispy crust in balsamic vinegar (don’t knock it Delmarva, it’s good!). It was also the place that many locals and visitors alike went to carb-load before Seagull Century and sporting events (I remember going there for volleyball team dinners once or twice).

Ah, the “good ole days” …. When Good Ole Days was a prime Salisbury hot spot. This 1950-style diner, decked out with checkered accents and a neon sign, holds a special place in many hearts. It stood where Kitty’s Flower’s is currently on South Rt. 13. The front part of the building that juts out used to house a game room and the party room. Salisbury native Lauren Watson remembers heading there many times after high school football games for burgers and shakes. Personally, I recall going there every Thursday after school with my mom, a friend and her mother for their famous, delicious fries and authentic diner milkshakes. Seriously, they had the best shakes - so thick and creamy. Like clockwork, we would be there at the counter, twirling on the swivel seats (I wonder how many times our moms told us to “quit playing around and sit still!”). My friend and I would play Skeeball and Whack-A-Mole, and mess with the pinball machine, while our moms chit-chatted. And no diner is complete without… can you guess it? Lauren Watson knows … “I loved playing the jukebox. So fun!”

Imagine it’s a Saturday night, date night, in the 2000s and it was your turn to pick the restaurant. Where did you dine? Zia’s Italian Restaurant was an area favorite for so many folks. It sadly closed in 2012, but so many aspects of the restaurant live on. It was housed where the Chipotle and Five Guys resides on Rt. 13 across from the Centre at Salisbury. When Delmarva remembers Zia’s, only two responses are usually given… the salad dressing (need we say more!) and the breadsticks. That dressing was LIFE! If I recall correctly, there were pine nuts on the salad too which gave it a nice crunch. Growing up, this was ALWAYS the meeting place when my family would get together with neighbors, extended family or out-of-town visitors. We definitely ate our weight in salad, breadsticks, pasta and Napoleon pastries over the years. The friendly, family atmosphere was always on point every time also. Veronica Hough, Delmarva native and former server at Zia’s, said, “It was like family, it was always fun to work there.”

The famous boxcar-style dining establishment of English’s Restaurant was a true Delmarva icon. English’s closed mid-2000s and were well-known for their fried chicken. Delmarva local Sarah McCoy said, “I used to go there with my grandparents every weekend. And when my son was little, we would go for the 2-2-2 breakfast quite often.” Favorite dishes seem to be similar among many and include the apple dumplings, the sweet potato biscuits (see the recipe to the right) and the hush puppies. Denise Chamberlain, long-time Delmarva resident, said “English’s chicken and sweet potato biscuits were amazing!”

Johnny’s & Sammy’s was the epitome of local restaurants way back when. Located on the S-Curve in South Salisbury, they welcome diners for many years for daily meals, celebratory events, date nights and business meetings. I asked my parents what they remember from this Delmarva staple: They remember it having separate decor for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making the atmosphere different in each section. They also recall the daily entertainment was a beautiful duo named Maude and Earl - he played the organ, and she sang. And this next part shocked me … This Delmarva delight was also the location that my dad proposed to my mom! And Maude and Earl sang at their wedding! 

With no “for sure” date on the closing, I believe I ate at J&S many times as well with my dad. I remember there being a bar where we would sit for breakfast. And, if I’m not mistaken, there were swinging, saloon-style doors somewhere in the restaurant … maybe as you entered from the main door to get into the restaurant. It’s funny the little snippets of things you remember from years ago … little random nuggets. Anybody remember swinging doors? Was the outside of the building green? (Not sure why I remember those things!)

Peaky’s Restaurant in Princess Anne, Md. was one-of-a-kind and closed its doors in 2018. Frequented by locals and area residents, it was also a hot spot for travelers coming to and from Virginia and the beaches. Their soups were some of the favorite picks by diners. “Peaky’s had the BEST crab bisque and my Mom worked there years ago,” recalled Brooke Hitch.

Some other area favorites from the past include:

Viva Espresso

With two locations at one point, the lunch specials were always a fave. They were always slammed during the lunch hour. My mom and I literally ate here at least twice a week, if not more. It was one of our favorite places! I’m pretty sure they knew our names! I used to get a panini with chicken, bacon, cheese and some sort of jam (I think!). The name escapes me but it was SO ridiculously good! Can you help me Delmarva - what was it called and was it peach or apricot jam?

Quick funny story … One of Viva Espresso's locations was where Rise Up on College Ave. is now. I'm totally addicted to Rise Up (my friends will tell you!) - iced chai all the way! But way before Rise Up and even Viva, Kiddie Christian Kollege (where I attended daycare) was housed at that same location. I joke that there is clearly something about that location that I love because three memorable places in my life all stood at the same lot! 

Nacho Pete’s

Who doesn’t love a good taco? (*cricket, cricket*)  Pete’s stood where Seagull Square is now, specifically where Kuhn’s Jewelers is. Fast service, tacos, burritos and so much more. My mom’s office was on the next block and she and her coworkers literally went there weekly. Does anyone else remember the sour cream guns? They enthralled me back then - I thought it was GENIUS and so cool to watch (not sure why!). (And even as I’m editing this blog, I just remembered another delicious menu item that I’m now craving …. The cinnamon-sugar dusted chips or baked tortillas! I don’t remember what they were called, but I’m picturing them in my head. What were they called Delmarva?)

Mulligan’s

The crab dip was a famous dish at Mulligan’s Restaurant & Sports Pub. It closed down a few years back, but the crab dip recipe lives on (see recipe to the right)! This establishment was definitely a hot spot for locals. I can’t imagine how many sporting events were watched there.

Dave White’s Pittsville Dinnette

They closed in 2017 and made some of the best cream chipped beef on toast! Service was always fast and friendly, reminiscent of the “good ole days.” 

The Polar Bar

Donuts galore with an old-school look and feel, complete with classic customer service! It was just where Kellyn’s Kafe is now.

Wright’s Restaurant

A popular restaurant for southern Delmarva and visitors alike, Wright’s Seafood Restaurant in Atlantic, Va. closed its doors in 2016. They were famous for their cornbread (check out the recipe to the right). What was your fave dish from Wright’s Delmarva?

Dockside Murphy’s

It sat where La Tolteca currently is on Rt. 50. Does anyone have any fond memories or favorite foods from Dockside?

Have a restaurant that was your absolute favorite years ago, but don’t see it on here?

Let us know! There could be another “Blast to the Past: Restaurant Style” in the near future.