Blast to the Past: Restaurant Edition, Part 2

By Susan Martin

The list for nostalgic Delmarva restaurants was so long, we had to do another Blast to the Past: Restaurant Edition article .... there's probably a Part 3 too!

Famous Dave’s

In speaking with Delmarva residents on their memories of past area restaurants, Famous Dave’s BBQ was a favorite among the responses. It stood where Greene Turtle sits in front of the Centre at Salisbury in Salisbury, Md. 

Some of the responses were sweet, memorable stories. Jennifer Harrison Hoffman of Hurlock was a huge fan of barbecue at Famous Dave’s. “It was where my son first fell in love with barbecue and now he tries it any time he can,” recollects Jennifer. And other responses were simple and direct, not needing further explanation. Angel Megan McDermott of Snow Hill, Md. simply said, “Famous Dave’s bread pudding!” when asked what she remembers the most.

Mackenzee McWilliams of Salisbury had what I believe is the best memory of the bunch. “My husband and I ate at Famous Dave's on our first ever solo date, and then again three years later on my due date in an effort to start labor,” reminisced Mackenzee.

Veronica Behrns-Duerr of Laurel loved the sauce choices abundant at Famous Dave’s. “The Southern BBQ was my absolute favorite, and I loved that you could pick your own sauce. The Sweet & Zesty BBQ sauce was the best. Oh, and of course their cornbread muffins,” said Veronica. 

I mean, who doesn’t love a good barbecue. While we’re sad that Famous Dave’s is no more (it closed in 2014), we’re glad that good ‘cue is still available around town.

Tia’s Tex Mex

The building where Green Turtle currently lies has been many different hot spots over the years (including Famous Dave's mentioned above). Does anyone remember Tia’s Tex Mex? It was seriously one of my personal favorites growing up. 

I asked some friends what they remember about Tia’s and what about it first comes to their mind. Cait Donahue excitedly said, “OMG! Tia’s was my most FAVORITE place ever when I was younger.” Brooke Hitch immediately chimed in with “TIAS!! I loved the masa dough they would give with crayons shoved inside for us kids!” 

Personally, I remember my mom and I going there when I was a teenager and eating what seemed like plates of sopapillas, especially if they were served with chocolate syrup and whipped cream! I also remember the cool, twisty structure of the tortilla maker that stood behind a shield of Plexiglass along the inner wall of the restaurant (right behind where the hostess stand is now at Greene Turtle). It mesmerized me watching them pump out the fresh, homemade tortillas in what seemed like seconds. It was hard to focus on conversation when the machine was whirling out those delicious meat holders.

Pappy’s Pizza & Pub

Located where Seagull Square is currently in Salisbury, Md., Pappy’s Pizza is remembered for their family-friendly atmosphere, great food and being a place for memories. They had a great big window in front of where the pizzas were made where kids and parents alike could check out the dough being tossed, the fresh ingredients being piled on high and chefs working their magic.

Laurie Bireley of Delmar, Md. has many fond memories of Pappy’s. “All the kids got a styrofoam hat and could watch the pizza being made,” said Laurie. How fun! 

Pappy’s seemed to be a great spot for locals to come together — whether grabbing a bunch of friends for pizza, gathering with friends and family or even a first date (My parents had their first date at there!). It was even a great place for those that work together. Ellen Wilson, former Chemistry teacher at James M. Bennett, remembers gathering with fellow Junior High teachers on a Friday night for some good food, chatter and making memories.

Your turn Delmarva … What do you remember about Pappy’s Pizza? It may have been called Pappy's Family Pub, but pizza was definitely a highlight.

Dillard’s Restaurant

Dillard’s will always be in the mind of Delmarva residents as the classic, go-to place for home cooking for a small price. It resided in a discrete building on Route 13 in Seaford, Del. and was the embodiment of “good, family style eating” on Delmarva.

“Dillard’s was our restaurant when I was a kid,” said Nancy Moore of Laurel. “In a household of seven kids, with me being the youngest, this is one of my fondest memories going there for dinner maybe three to four times a year. We couldn’t afford to go out much but I have fond memories of this place with my family,” remembers Nancy.

Denise Chamberlain of Delmar remembers going there with her grandparents. “Dillard's was the best! They had the best hot beef or hot turkey platters and they were cheap too, like $2.50 for a plate,” said Denise.

Both Nancy and Denise mentioned the hot roast beef as a family and personal favorite. These also had local favorites like beef and dumplings, meatloaf, flounder and ham and cabbage.

Are you getting hungry yet? What do you remember about Dillard’s?



Here are a couple more that came across the list …

Acorn Drive-In

Does anyone remember the Acorn Drive-In? While I don’t personally remember it, many of Delmarva’s residents remember the nostalgic feeling of drive-in dining. Trudy Bounds of Delmar remembers driving and dining there with her husband when they were just teenagers. “They had the best burgers, they were HUGE! They were called the deluxe burgers,” said Trudy.

Do you remember specifically where they were Delmarva? Anything spark a memory of Acorn Drive-In? Chime in!

Curly’s Garage

Does anyone remember Curly’s Garage? Laurie Bireley of Delmar, Del. remembers them having the “best taco salad!” If you remember anything about Curly’s Garage, put a comment below!

Stay tuned for Part 3 ...