2017 Update: Gus & Gus is still going strong!
Original 2012 Post:
Sometimes I can't fault people for not recognizing the Retro Roadmap worthy places that are right under their noses, because yes, my friends, it's happened to me. How else could I explain the omission up to this point, of Gus & Gus a summer tradition on the Rehoboth Beach Delaware boardwalk since 1956? I mean we spend more time in Rehoboth than any other place except for home (since Retro Roadhusband grew up there, and still plays gigs there), so I have no excuse.
Better nate than lever as they say, so Retro Roadhusband and I went to Gus's for breakfast the last time we were down the beach.But as you can see from the menu posted right on the boardwalk, they've got a lot more than breakfast! You can order at the takeout window (there's always a line) - or sit inside, amidst the unchanged decor.
I bet you can guess what we did? ;-)
I've always been relieved when I have noticed that Gus & Gus hasn't been Gussied Up while the other businesses on the boardwalk go upscale, or under. Owned and operated by Gus Svolis and his family since 1956, the boomerang formica on the tables is authentic, as are the (unfortunately not working) Seeburg 160 Wall-O-Matic tabletop jukeboxes. There's even counter seating, so it's about the closest thing to a diner that the town has, in that respect.
Gus & Gus's Place is defintely a beach tradition for many folks who return year after year to order their beach fries, burgers and cheese steaks from the window - where you can see your food being grilled and prepped right in front of you. They also are famous for their fried chicken, which I'll have to get the next time we're down there.
When I went to the back to check out the bigger dining area I ran into Mrs. Gus, who was just as sweet as can be. We'd never met (and Mod Betty on assignment tends to go incognito ;-)) but she chatted away with me as if we'd known each other forever. What a DEAR.
Breakfast was good, and affordable (they have scrapple, much to Retro Roadhusband's delight) and the big jukebox in the back kept us entertained with other folks' selections.
They're open seasonally, but if the weather's decent you'll probably find Gus behind the grill, so stop by! You may just see us in line too :-)
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wacky tacky
August 31, 2012 at 2:32 pmHoly cow! Those booths!!! That floor!!! This place looks pretty neat. How was the grub?
Mod Betty
August 31, 2012 at 2:36 pmWe had breakfast which was fine – heading there this weekend to get some chicken and other delicacies, will let you know! From their Yelp reviews, many people consider them a Must Do Beach Tradition.
roadsidewonders
August 31, 2012 at 2:52 pmYou aren’t alone on this one. I’ve been to Reho a dozen times or so and I never discovered it either.
It’s on my famous “to do” list now, though!
Mod Betty
August 31, 2012 at 6:16 pmI mean I’ve walked past it so many times – I guess I’ve got “locals blinders” on 🙂
Matt Smallwood
September 1, 2012 at 4:21 pmI have eaten here on an occasion or two. My buddy was a seasonal Rehobeth policeman in the late 1980’s. He used to eat here all the time on his break. They basically patrolled the boardwalk anyway. 🙂
Mary
September 4, 2012 at 6:58 pmWe are supposed to be heading to Rehoboth the last weekend of September, I hope to check it out!
Mod Betty
September 4, 2012 at 9:42 pmGood to know! If you want any other Reho recommendations I’d be more than happy to tell you of our fave places and bartenders 😉
Mary
September 6, 2012 at 9:20 amHow about any good thrift/antique stores the area??
Doug Just Doug
October 23, 2012 at 10:51 amRarely miss Gus & Gus when I’m in RB — best greasy fries at the beach (seems to be the seagulls fave, too). The heat the emanates from the place when you’re at the take-out window is legendary.
Mod Betty
October 23, 2012 at 10:53 amAh, now you’ve got me longing for the beach – c’mon summer!
Maggie Makowski
July 2, 2014 at 4:28 pmI have been enjoying gus and gus since I started eating solid food about 42 years ago. I NEVER miss at least one visit to them every year. Rehoboth is a family tradition/way of life for us and I can’t remember a year I haven’t eaten there. Always has been and always will be my go to fries on the boardwalk. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com
July 3, 2014 at 9:30 amMaggie – we’re heading down to Rehoboth for the holiday weekend, and will be making sure we stop by Gus & Gus! So glad it has become a tradition for you as well!