The Best Places To Buy Beer In Delaware

If you're looking to buy beer in Delaware, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Delaware has unique alcohol laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores. Instead, liquor stores, which are permitted to sell wine, beer, and spirits every day of the week, are the primary destination for purchasing alcoholic beverages. These liquor stores typically operate from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays. Bars and restaurants are also popular places to buy beer, offering a wide range of options to cater to different tastes. Additionally, Delaware has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries and taprooms offering unique, locally brewed beers. These establishments are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day, for both on-premise and off-premise consumption. Online delivery platforms provide another convenient option, delivering alcoholic beverages directly to your doorstep. It's important to note that Delaware has strict regulations against underage drinking, and only those aged 21 or older can legally purchase alcohol in the state.

Liquor stores

In Delaware, liquor stores are the primary retailers of beer, wine, and spirits, and they offer a wide range of beverages to meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors. Unlike many other states, Delaware has unique liquor laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, making dedicated liquor stores the go-to destinations for alcoholic beverages.

One of the largest and most well-known liquor stores in Delaware is Tri-State Liquors in Claymont. With over 20,000 cases of imported and domestic beers, wine, liquor, soda, wine coolers, and more, Tri-State Liquors has been proudly serving the community since 1984. Their friendly atmosphere, extensive selection, and competitive prices keep customers coming back for more.

In addition to liquor stores, bars and restaurants in Delaware also offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages. These establishments provide a social setting for enjoying a drink with friends or family. Many bars feature rotating taps, showcasing different breweries and styles, allowing patrons to explore new flavors regularly. Whether you're looking for a cozy pub or a lively sports bar, Delaware's bars and restaurants have something for everyone.

While liquor stores are the primary source for alcoholic beverages in Delaware, it's worth noting that the state has a vibrant craft beer scene as well. Breweries and taprooms, such as Dogfish Head Brewery, Iron Hill Brewery, and Revelation Craft Brewing Company, offer unique and innovative beers that cater to different tastes and preferences. These establishments provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the brewing process firsthand and sample freshly brewed craft beers.

In summary, liquor stores in Delaware offer a wide selection of beverages, convenient operating hours, and the advantage of being able to sell beer, wine, and liquor every day of the week, including Sundays. With their extensive offerings and accessibility, liquor stores are the go-to destinations for alcoholic beverages in the state of Delaware.

Bars and restaurants

Delaware's bars and restaurants offer a vibrant and diverse beer culture, ensuring that visitors and residents alike can find their favourite brews and discover new ones. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, the state's bars and restaurants provide the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a cold one.

Package and liquor stores

One of the largest and most well-known package and liquor stores in Delaware is Tri-State Liquors in Claymont. With an impressive inventory of 20,000 cases of beverages, it is likely you will find your preferred beer here. Whether you're looking for a six-pack or wanting to explore new flavours, package and liquor stores are your go-to destinations for buying beer in Delaware.

These stores typically operate from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays, their hours are slightly reduced, usually from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is important to note that only those aged 21 or older can legally purchase alcohol in Delaware, and the state has strict regulations against underage purchase and false identification use.

In addition to package and liquor stores, there are also breweries and taprooms, bars and restaurants, and online delivery platforms available for buying beer in Delaware. Each option has its own unique advantages and offerings, ensuring that residents and visitors have a variety of choices to suit their preferences and needs.

Breweries and taprooms

Delaware has a thriving craft beer scene, with plenty of breweries and taprooms to choose from.

Breweries

If you're looking for a fun day out by the shore, the Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes offers a backyard beer garden, a game of cornhole, and live music. They also have a restaurant with a menu that caters to both kids and adults. Another popular option is the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, which offers tours and tastings, as well as guidance on pairing different beer flavours with food. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in Wilmington is an award-winning choice, having won medals at the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. Mispillion River Brewing in Milford is known for its wide range of beers, from pints and samplers to 64-ounce growlers, and for its focus on customer service. Revelation Craft Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach offers a unique experience with craft beers on tap all year round, featuring local and seasonal ingredients. Lastly, for a laid-back, family-owned experience, Dew Point Brewing Company in Yorklyn offers a rotating selection of well-crafted beers in a historic setting.

Taprooms

Delaware has 88 businesses with a taproom license, which means only those over 21 years old can enter. Some well-known taprooms include the Gray Hare Tavern in Rehoboth Beach, Scotty's Bayside in West Fenwick Island, and Live at Bo's in Millsboro. Big Chill Surf Cantina in Rehoboth Beach and the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach are also taprooms that don't serve food. On the other hand, Sambo's Tavern in Leipsic and Stockley's Tavern in Millsboro are known for their menus as well as their beer selection.

Online delivery platforms

While Delaware does not allow direct-to-consumer shipping, there are still online platforms that facilitate beer delivery. These platforms provide a similar service to the traditional three-tier distribution model, where product is delivered to retailers, but with the added benefit of sales and marketing handled by the supplier. This self-pitch distribution model allows emerging brands to connect directly with consumers.

When ordering beer through online delivery platforms in Delaware, it's important to keep in mind the state's unique alcohol laws. For instance, only those aged 21 or older can legally purchase alcohol, and businesses selling alcohol are required to obtain a license from the Commissioner. Additionally, there are restrictions on the quantity of beer that can be ordered; beer orders cannot exceed six cases of 12-ounce bottles per year.

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