Nalu — Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach

Been a while since I’ve posted a review but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sing my praises about Nalu, the latest spot to open up here in scenic Rehoboth Beach. WOW! what a tremendous experience all around! First off let’s talk about the decor. Upon entrance is a small, yet glamorous surf bar with the works and a nice big screen perfect for broadcasting ball games. The back half of the restaurant is a real beauty! Evenly spaced booths with surfboard tabletops are surrounded by an absolutely gorgeous, hand painted Hawaiian scenery. It’s a very pretty scene, nothing better than enjoying good food and drink with a great view. Speaking of food and drink, you definitely get what you pay for here at Nalu. The specialty cocktails will send your taste buds into another dimension, I highly recommend the coconut iced coffee! We also enjoyed the salmon poke bowl, a traditional Hawaiian dish. The ingredients were incredibly fresh including that delicious salmon, serving size was perfect and filled us up plenty. Even the bathrooms here deserve a nod, they were sparkling clean. Only main complaint here is the pricing. Certain dishes and drinks seemed a bit much for my wallet, but at least I know that I’m getting a high quality product with my purchase. If you’re like me and want to save a buck, I recommend coming in during their happy hour. Great deals on Kona brewery draft beers and specialty cocktails. Hands down, this was one of my favorite visits on my trip to Rehoboth here in the early spring. Cannot wait to come back and be a part of the crowd that will surely be swarming this spot in the summer season. Cheers!

Mugsy McDonald, contributor for the...

Sometimes you want fine dining. Sometimes you want GOOD EATS!

We had just arrived in Rehoboth Beach on Sunday and we were in the mood for something "come as you are." Last year we had a good experience with takeout from Nalu and decided to dine in. They may be a sports bar, but their menu is far from the usual blah blah blah of sports bars and casual dining venues. Yeah, you can get burgers and wings, but their surf vibe shines in offerings like bacon wrapped pineapple and chicken lemongrass potstickers for appetizers, and a nice variety of poke bowls and tacos.

My wife ordered a blackened mahi wrap (with Nalu slaw, avocado, & baja sauce), and I selected a crackling' pork belly street taco (also with baja sauce & Nalu slaw) and a $15 margarita. I mean, you gotta ease into your vacay somehow, right? Let me tell you, that margarita was freakin' delicious, not the cloying sweet slushy that too often is served. Tangy and refreshing, a real sipper.

The mahi wrap was well seasoned and PACKED, but served with fries that were unexceptional: not crispy at all, they seemed like frozen fries that you'd bake at home. Most of them went bye-bye. But the mahi wrap was a winner.

And the pork belly tacos were perfect. If you don't mind tucking into something and having juice run down your fingers, these are highly recommended: the pork was crispy but not tough, juicy with a nice smokiness; well balanced with the slaw and perfectly portioned for three corn tacos.

Our server, Ashley, was spot on, personable and attentive, quick to laugh and making us feel right at home. Nalu will definitely be on the return visit list for fun...

NOT SERVICE DOG FRIENDLY?!? When my son and I approached the hostess earlier this evening to ask to be seated, I was asked if my service dog was in fact a service dog. I confirmed that it was and she walked away for several minutes. When she came back she said she needed to see proof that he was a legitimate service animal. I told her there was no such thing as a card or any other "proof" and she told me we weren't allowed to eat there. I informed her that legally he's allowed to go anywhere I can go and she again refused me service. I told her by law she can ask me 2 questions-is he a service animal and what task is he individually trained to perform. I told her he's trained to assist with symptoms of military PTSD and asked again if I could please be seated. She refused and then said she needed to go talk to someone. I told her not to bother and walked out. During the entire exchange he was sitting quietly at my feet, not bothering anyone or causing a commotion-EXACTLY AS HE'S TRAINED TO DO. In the 2 years that I've had my service dog there there been countless times he's helped me. Never have I ever had this happen to me. I never thought I would be discriminated against because I have a disability. It's both illegal and disgusting. Shame on you Nalu. Get your...