Summer House — Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach

Tonight was my first time at the "new" Summer House and my first time actually dining and not sitting at the bar ever. I had drinks and some apps at the old Summer House which were pretty good. Tonight, when we arrived around 6 pm, the bar and dining area were pretty much full. We were told there would be a 40 minute wait, but they got us in a lot sooner. About fifteen minutes later, we were seated at a booth in the dining area in the room next to the bar.

Looking at the cocktail menu, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Bee's Knees as an option. This is a drink I love that no one else has ever heard of. At least not any of the people I've met thus far. And I've certainly never seen it on a cocktail menu.

Mixed cocktails weren't heard of in the days before prohibition. Once alcohol became illegal, it was the custom to mix it with other flavors to mask the lower than average quality and taste of bootleg liquors. That was when the Bee's Knees was created. Gin, honey, and lemon juice. Almost 100 years later it still tastes great in my opinion.

The place was hopping, and we found out why soon after when our server told us it was half price burger night. My partner went in with a craving for a burger, so we came to the right place. I was more in the mood for seafood and found some on the menu, too. I ordered the seafood bisque and he got the potato skins to start. For our second course, I ordered the crabcakes and he had a burger with an egg on it. My entree came with two sides. I got fries and a salad with balsamic vinaigrette.

The soup was phenomenal, served piping hot with oyster crackers. The potato skins were crispy and generously portioned. I had to eat only one and some soup or I wouldn't have had room for the crabcakes.

The restaurant was busy. You could tell from the way just about every single table and bar seat was occupied. Our server, Emma, took the time to greet us, and told us she would be back with us as soon as she could. We didn't mind waiting because she was obviously busy, not ignoring us. When we gave her our order I noticed she was not writing anything down, and I was between impressed and worried because I don't think being that busy that I would be able to remember the whole order on top of who knows how many others. But our food came out spot on! Both of us were very impressed by the skill and accuracy of our server during such a busy dinner. The food was ok, but the service was what made Summer House 5 star worthy to me.

I asked for a box, a check, and dessert to go. I got a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake that looks amazing, but I'm way too full to try it just yet. Our check came to a little over $100.

I will return to Summer House to dine again for sure, but probably not on half price burger night. There are a lot of other cocktails, small plates, and a couple fish entrees I want to try at a...

DO NOT GO HERE!!! if you don’t want to be robbed by staff

Update I’m now being called a liar and bartenders are being hailed as superstars how great! It seems my deduction was correct and the entire restaurant and staff lack honor. The restaurant responded saying Ed has called me- he certainly didn’t. I’m still unsatisfied and down $90 thank you Bummer House 👍🏾

I went here on April 16th 2024 and left unsatisfied and down $90 unwillingly!!! I came on Tuesday night with a friend and had a good time until the bartender (American flag headband) STOLE my money. Believe it or not, the final tab was 1 espresso martini priced at $10. This was not our first destination that night and my friend gets most of her drinks paid for by interested men I gave the bartender a $100 bill (that I had just received as tip money earlier that night) to pay for the tab. I waited, then waited some more for the bartender to take the check. THEN boom- before I knew it, both bartenders, male/female were kicking everyone out for the night!! I soon realized that the bartender still hadn’t taken the check or returned with my change, but by the time I could say anything I was already out the door! I figured it was just a simple mistake at first, but after I went back the next day and spoke with the staff…I knew they were all dishonest!!! I spoke with a manager, Ed who said he’d speak with the bartenders, find out what happened, and call me back but he NEVER did. I called again and told the staff I was waiting on a call from Ed and he STILL never called me back.

Long and short, it’s been almost a week and the entire restaurant won’t give me the time of day. I encouraged Ed to check the cameras if he didn’t believe me but apparently only the “owners” can. Where are the owners when their workers are stealing customers money and ruining the reputation of Summer house?? The bartender took my money with no shame and he knows it too, because I most definitely did NOT tip 900% on a $10 bill!!! Who would?? I’m thoroughly disappointed with the staff and wouldn’t recommend anyone eat here. It’s unfortunate because I enjoyed coming here and often too, until I discovered what kind of people it represents. The establishment may seem nice, but its employees are absolutely good for nothing. Be VERY cautious where you spend your money, and if you’re thinking about Summer House…better known as Crook Shack, think again then RUN...

Review Update -

The area manager for Summerhouse reached out to me and was very helpful. They are going to work with the manager that acted inappropriately to help her handle interacting with patrons better. I appreciate Summerhouse's concern and interest in making things right and wanted to update this review to give them credit for reaching out and taking this review seriously. We have always enjoyed Summerhouse in the past and I am sure this issue is being corrected.

First Review -

I have never had legal liability language required of me because of gluten - I will get to that later.

I called several weeks back and made a reservation at 730. When we arrived at 715, I was told they do not take reservations before 8. I told them I had called and made a reservation and gave them the name of the person I spoke with. I was told it was a "misunderstanding of some kind."

We then had to wait until 8 to be seated.

When we ordered, my daughter notified them that she is sensitive to gluten and wanted to make sure the chicken wings were not breaded.

Another women then came to our table and told us she was notifying us that "Summerhouse was not liable for anything that may or may not happen" and told our entire table that we had to agree to this.

She then left our table and then came back 5 minutes later and said "Hello my little allergy girl, I want to make sure that you and your table know that Summerhouse is not liable for anything that may or may not happen and told us we were notified and needed to agree...again. This has never happened in any restaurant that I have ever been to.

Then we ordered and when our food came it was cold.

The waitress was knowledgeable of the menu, gave good recommendations and was very pleasant. Credit where credit is due.

What a crazy,...