Inspired by Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione’s summers spent in Maine, as well as the brand’s roots in the Chesapeake region, Dogfish Head Brewery is opening Chesapeake & Maine, a seafood restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Featuring a menu inspired by Dogfish’s famous ales, as well as cocktails showcasing spirits from Dogfish Head Distilling Company, the restaurant is designed by Jenkintown, Pennsylvania-based Otto Architects.
The design centers on a nautical theme. Guests enter a façade constructed to look like a lobster trap, which leads to a space warmly lit by oyster shell chandeliers, round porthole windows, and industrial brass cage lighting fixtures. Large columns finished with chunky knots separate the raw bar from the back dining room, which is wrapped with wooden panels to mirror a captain’s quarters.
The restaurant is full of original artwork. Jon Langford created seafaring interpretations of artists on the restaurant’s playlist including Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Elvis Presley, and Patsy Cline. Travis Louie created otherworldly sea creatures for the walls, while Tony Millionaire crafted an alley of sea monsters and fantastical nautical maps.
Chesapeake & Maine is located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, next door to Dogfish’s casual brewpub.
