When cold turns to warm, inside shifts to outside. A great place to celebrate the renewed warmth and refreshing breezes is on a deck or patio noshing and sipping. NorthDelaWHEREHappening.com has crafted a list of the Best and Biggest LOCAL DECKS around. We’ve organized our selections into five(5) movie-themed categories (because we felt like it). Revisit an old favorite or try a new haute deck…it’s up to you! Get out there and enjoy the weather!

“On the Waterfront” Decks

Harry’s Seafood Grill (Wilmington Riverfront) — The riverside patio with views of the drawbridge is open all summer long – the perfect setting to relax in style.

Joe’s Crab Shack (Wilmington Riverfront) — Joe’s Crab Shack offers a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with seating capacity for approximately 100 on the deck overlooking the Riverwalk and Christina River.

FireStone Roasting House (Wilmington Riverfront) — FireStone offers live entertainment in addition to a fun and upbeat atmosphere on the patio and in the bar. There is a lounge area under the deck’s sprawling awning, complete with couches and cocktail tables. FireStone has one of the best outdoor patio bars in the city of Wilmington and it “officially opens” with a 4-day flourish May 5-8!

Iron Hill Brewery (Wilmington Riverfront) — The two-level Iron Hill Brewery features a 100-seat porch for outdoor dining at ground level. The second level features an additional 100-seat, partially enclosed patio that serves as a venue for live music. It features a full bar and sweeping views of the Riverfront.

Big Fish Grill (Wilmington Riverfront) — Enjoy lunch and dinner served daily with seasonal dining at its covered outdoor area. The Big Fish patio is broken into a cozy dining area and a lounge. The patio is best experienced in the evening with the tiki torches burning and you sitting comfortably on one of the couches. The food and the view make for a wonderful experience. Ahhhh…

Timothy’s Riverfront Grille (Wilmington Riverfront) — The whole family can savor signature ribs and bask in the warmth of outdoor dining on the Christina River. The patio is the perfect spot to people-watch those strolling along the Riverfront.

Crabby Dick’s (Delaware City) — If you’re a big seafood restaurant located in a small waterfront town, you’d better have a great outdoor space. Crabby Dick’s does…and oh how! The deck seems endless at times and features the “C. Dick’s on Broadway” outside bar. One Yelp reviewer wrote, “On a nice day the view of the water from the deck is beautiful.” Agreed!

Timothy’s of Newark (Newark) — Overlooking the White Clay Creek and Newark Reservoir, the wrap-around deck at Timothy’s a wonderful setting to “get away from it all” in Downtown Newark. Enjoy good food, a wide drink selection, and a great view.

Aqua Sol (Bear) — Overlooking the beautiful C&D Canal and Summit North Marina, Aqua Sol Restaurant and Bar serves up fresh and exciting Miami style dishes in an award-winning atmosphere. Whether you take the short trip by land or by boat, you’ll feel like you’ve found the shortcut to one of South Florida’s most innovative getaways. With live music on the patio, unique cocktails at the bar, and a spectacular waterfront view, Aqua Sol gives you: “The Taste. The Vibe. South Beach.”

Chesapeake Inn (Chesapeake City, Maryland) — The entire lower level of the restaurant is known as The Deck, which is open year round! While a portion of this area is an indoor dining room, the remainder of the “deck” area is outdoors. A portion of the outdoor deck features a canopy, which is enclosed and heated throughout the cold winter months. The Deck is also where you will find live entertainment. The lively Tiki Bar, the hot spot for summer patrons of all ages. It comes equipped with televisions and, of course, a full arsenal of frozen drinks that you can sip on while taking in the scene. On weekends, you can listen to live entertainment from local musicians, playing everything from the top 40 to Caribbean tunes. If you time it right, all of this can happen with the sun setting over the C&D Canal.

Schaefer’s Canal House (Chesapeake City, Maryland) — The locals understand that the best place to hang out with friends and family for dinner or drinks is Schaefer’s Canal House on the C&D Canal. Nothing helps the digestion of some tasty crab cakes quite like live music. The Deck at Schaefers has plenty of room to move around, dance, or sneak away for a private conversation. With close to 1/8 of a mile of dock on the property you can go for a walk with your date to stretch your legs and capture an intimate sunset dockside! Located on the lower level on the deck is the Pavilion. This area is completed shaded from the summer sun with a fixed roof overhead. When you visit Schaefer’s, there is always a southern breeze that sends the warm air up from the Chesapeake Bay.

“Up in the Air” Decks

Buckley’s Tavern (Centreville) — Some restaurants offer an excellent outdoor seating area. Buckley’s Tavern boasts 3: the vine-covered Front Porch, the villa-like Rear Patio, and the Rooftop Deck. Each space renders a distinctive experience. The porch is for people-watching, the patio for romance, and the deck for hanging with a group.

Half Moon (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania) — The Roof Top Deck provides outdoor dining, bar, and “great views” in the heart of Kennett Square. A lot of people don’t know the deck exists, but it is a hidden gem you must discover!

“School Daze” (i.e. Newark) Decks

Grain (Newark) — The front porch at Grain is open all year and features elevated beer hall-style tables and a lounge. The comfortable lounge sofa and chairs allow patrons to relax under the canopy in a more intimate setting while the bar tables invite more boisterous conversations. Main Street never had it so good!

Klondike Kate’s (Newark) — Kate’s is called “The Heart of Main Street” for several (good) reasons. One is the welcoming and expansive front deck. The inviting deck utilizes both low tables and hightops to accommodate patrons of all ages. If you’re looking to people watch on Main Street, the deck at Kate’s is the ideal spot.

Home Grown Café (Newark) — Casual dining with a unique hip decor, Home Grown has a front deck that mirrors its ethos. Conveniently located on Main Street, the deck provides a rustic feel with natural wood beams and a cozy atmosphere. Order off the delicious menu or sample one of the many drink offerings. Home Grown is a go to spot!

Catherine Rooney’s (Newark) — The two-sided deck at Rooney’s sits on the sunny side of Main Street and offers nice views of downtown Newark. Enjoy some good Irish hospitality while soaking in the sights.

Deer Park Tavern (Newark) — The venerable Deer Park boasts two glorious decks. The street-level deck mimics the hustle and bustle of Downtown Newark. It’s great for people watching and being in the middle of the action. Perched above Main Street, the upper deck is a perfect place to relax with friends. As well as dining tables, there are several sought-after rocking chairs on which you can lazily waste away the day.

Pat’s MVP (Newark) — Do you love watching sports? Do you love the outdoors? Come to Pat’s MVP and enjoy watching the game on a huge TV wheeled outside to the deck. Or skip the game altogether and enjoy watching people walk down South Main Street.

“A Place in the Sun” Decks

Logan House (Trolley Square) — The historic Logan House boasts two big outdoor areas — front and back patios. The front patio is always full on a sunny day and offers views of Trolley Square. Patrons stick around after the sun goes down and fill the area with conversation and revelry. The big back patio has something for everyone. Aside from a bar, the LoHo back patio has a big projection screen, TVs, a music stage, cornhole, lounge chairs, and tables. You can mix and mingle with lots of elbow room!

Scratch Magoo’s (Trolley Square) — The deck at Scratch’s is nestled in the back and has a full bar along with TVs, tables, and a raised lounge area. Call that lounge area the “catbird seat” because from that vantage, you can watch everyone on the deck.

Trolley Square Oyster House (Trolley Square) — The Trolley Square Oyster House will occupy the space that was once Satsuma. If the new owners are smart, they’ll keep the signature side deck. The outside bar can be sealed in wintertime so happy patrons can enjoy it year round. With a small back stage, live music pours forth on most nights. A small second-floor deck also exists, but is just for diners. So what if the train rumbles by?

Columbus Inn (Wilmington) — The patio on the front of this 18th century landmark building in Wilmington is a treat! Sit under the awning while enjoying drinks and contemporary American fare. It’s right on busy Pennsylvania Avenue, but the traffic won’t bother you. Relax and enjoy…

BBC Tavern and Grill (Greenville) — The patio in front of the BBC in Greenville is spacious and neatly arranged. Flower boxes and birdhouses highlight the area from which you can watch everyone enter and leave the establishment. Get some good grub and pick from a wide selection of beers while you’re out there soaking it all in.

Winterthur (Greenville) — Consider the “Pop Up Beer Garden” at Winterthur Museum on summer Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. Live entertainment, food, and local microbrews are served on the Visitor Patio. The patio is open to the public and charges no cover.

Bellefonte Cafe (Bellefonte) — The back patio at this quaint cafe is the ideal setting for a nice meal and/or drinks. Enter through a little gate and into a serene setting. If the patio isn’t to your liking, there are also several tables on the wrap-around porch.

The House of William and Merry (Hockessin) — Located at the edge of central Hockessin, the restaurant property was built as a farmhouse in 1922 and expanded at least twice since then. The small, but comfortable wrap-around front porch is a nice setting for one of the fabulous locally-sourced meals the restaurant prepares. Be sure to take a walk around back and see the herb and vegetable garden!

Longwood Beer Garden (Kennett Square) — Sit under the stars with friends and family as you enjoy Longwood Gardens’ Beer Garden! The charming open space features tasty pub fare and beers on tap. The Beer Garden opens in June and is free with Gardens admission.

“The 19th Hole” Decks

At the Rail (Christiana) — The upscale casual dining room and bar area are adjacent to the spacious partially-covered veranda overlooking the picturesque fairways of White Clay Creek Country Club. It’s a great outdoor place for a beer whether you golf or not.

Hartefeld National (Avondale, Pennsylvania) — The bar is newly renovated, but the veranda is still as wonderful as always. With a stage for live music and fire pits to keep off the chill, this is a beautiful setting for enjoying an evening’s sunset. “The beef and seafood are as good as any downtown establishment and the wine list is extensive…excellent food with a gorgeous view.” — Washington Golf Monthly

Deerfield (Newark) — The perfect place to gather with your friends after your next round of golf at Deerfield is on the patio at the Deerfield Pub & Grille. The quiet patio offers an outstanding view of the golf course and the setting sun.