For planners pinching pennies, it’s worth considering group outings for a meal function in Delaware, where there is no sales tax. Throughout the state, numerous group-friendly eateries are available for attendees to break bread away from the host meeting site.
Greater Wilmington’s BBC Tavern & Grill (302.655.3785; www.bbctavernandgrill.com), located in Greenville, is a popular choice for group events that call for a friendly atmosphere and a farm-to-table menu consisting entirely of produce, meats and cheeses that have been locally sourced from farms residing no more than 100 miles from the restaurant. Popular dishes here range from meatloaf to crab cakes.
“Inside is all-natural wood with a large mahogany bar and two fireplaces,” says Owner David M. Dietz. “The food is award-winning yet casual.”
Dietz adds that the restaurant works with groups of all sizes, from five to 50 people, for luncheons, dinners or happy hour events with an open or cash bar and passed hors d’oeuvres or food stations.
“BBC is located on a major road, so it is easy to find and has easy access for buses,” he says.
In Central Delaware Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House (302.857.3223; www.docmagrogans.com) is located in the Colonnade of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. The restaurant offers a seafood menu as well as handcrafted beers and wines in a pub-inspired environment.
According to Adam Gottlieb, district manager, appetizers that attendees will be thrilled to share include the crab and cheese fondue and raw oysters.
“We offer 12 to 18 different varieties of oysters a day and sell them by the piece so you can order as much or as little as you like,” he says, adding that popular signature dishes include seared salmon served over a sweet potato and crab hash with barbecue butter sauce, and cashew-encrusted tilapia with a vanilla rum butter sauce.
The restaurant doesn’t have private rooms, but Gottlieb says a large section of the restaurant can be reserved to accommodate groups.
“What sets us apart from other restaurants in Delaware is that we are the only privately owned restaurant operating in a casino hotel,” he adds. “We have the casino facilities to help entertain after you enjoy a spectacular meal.”
The Cottage Cafe (302.539.8710; www.cottagecafe.com) in Southern Delaware’s Bethany Beach specializes in home-style cooking. Among the best sellers here are pot roast and Maryland-style crab cakes made with local jumbo lump crab meat, according to owner Tom Neville.
“We have specialized menus for groups in all price ranges,” he says, adding that there are three private dining rooms, and the largest can handle groups of up to 100 people. “We have been in business for 17 years and are open year-round. We offer a pub area with a full bar in addition to the dining rooms.”
