The Federal Rehoboth

4.8

460 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

What started as a food truck concept in 2019 then became a beachside bistro in 2021. The Federal, located just a short block from the famed Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has become a full-service, beach casual, fine-dining bistro. The demure restaurant now hosts the two concepts in one space - you can enjoy fritters before dinner, for a happy hour snack, or go for a boardwalk stroll. Federal Fritter menu features a variety of crisp, poppable & snackable fritters, while The Federal menu expands on a way of eating that best defines Todd & Ellen's culinary style, the menu reads like a postcard from the Mid-Atlantic. Chef Gray pays careful attention to the seasons, honoring what the Delmarva region harvests.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(302) 727-5609
Website
https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chef Todd Gray
Catering
From a casual dinner drop-off to full service catering is offered
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events for groups of 7 - 35 people

Location
62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Neighborhood
Rehoboth Beach
Cross street
2nd Ave
Parking details
None
Public transit
Local bus service stops out of the front of restaurant
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Vine & Dine Wednesday
$45.00 per person
Nov 6, 2024 - May 21, 2025
Vine & Dine: Savor the Season Every Wednesday Join us for Vine & Dine, our mid-week culinary experience that brings the best seasonal and regional ingredients to your table. Each Wednesday, Chef Todd Gray will create a unique four-course dining experience that celebrates the flavors of the off-season at the beach. 4-course $45 | optional wine pairing $20 Elevate your evening with our optional wine pairings to enhance each dish. Whether you're a wine lover or simply looking for a special dining experience, Vine & Dine is your perfect mid-week escape. Reserve your spot now and indulge in the ultimate culinary journey!
New Year's Eve at The Federal
$95.00 per person
Dec 31, 2024 only
Celebrate the arrival of 2025 in style at The Federal Rehoboth with an delicious New Year's Eve dining experience!
Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025
$95.00 per person
Oct 18, 2024 - May 23, 2025
Our Fourth Annual Spirit Dinner Season is Back for 2024-2025! Join us for our fourth season of spirited culinary partnerships. The Federal Spirit Dinners are the perfect opportunity to experience and learn about our featured spirit each month. Indulge in a special four-course menu crafted by award-winning Chef Todd Gray, paired with exquisite cocktails created by Ellen Kassoff from our exceptional roster of spirits. (October 18, November 15, December 6, December 13, January 17, February 7, March 14, April 11, May 23, June 6) $95.00 per person plus gratuity

Popular dishes

Apple Celery Root Bisque $14.00
poached Urbana oysters, braised celery, shaved scallion (gf)
Chablis Poached Pears & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00
roasted red & golden beets, pickled fennel, candied walnuts (pb) (gf)
Artisanal Cheese Board $18.00
purple haze goat, boxcar cottonbell, barely buzzed cow cheese, fig jam, candied walnuts, focaccia crostini
Creamy Heirloom North Carolina Grits with Lamb Shank Ragout $16.00
red wine tomato sauce, baby carrots, parmesan reggiano
Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$17.00
arugula salad, pickled fennel, saffron aioli
Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00
elbow macaroni, melted Gruyere & panko breadcrumb (veg)

Mains

Tuscan Style White Bean Cassoulet$29.00
Braised black kale, celery root, baby carrots & focaccia crostini (pb)
Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $29.00
oyster mushrooms, caramelized onion, parmesan reggiano (veg)
Pan Seared Ocean City Sea Scallops $35.00
sunchoke puree, rainbow swiss chard, pickled beech mushrooms
House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$39.00
local scallops, lump crab, gulf shrimp, baby spinach, tomato saffron cream
Pan Roasted Black Sea Bass Filet $36.00
jasmine rice, local shrimp gumbo, crispy okra
Slow Cooked Breast of Pennsylvania Duck$37.00
apple celery root puree, braised red cabbage, oyster mushroom jus (gf)
Grilled Black Angus Beef Short Ribs $38.00
horseradish potatoes, broccoli rabe, chimichurri sauce (gf)

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00
dusted with cinnamon sugar, cappuccino gelato
Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00
Italian ricotta, strawberry coulis, candied orange
Warm Granny Smith Apple Crisp$11.00
oat streusel, vanilla bean gelato
Tiramisu Layer Cake$11.00
caramel sauce, house-made strawberry ice cream, fresh berries
Apple Pie Fritters$11.00
Granny Smith apple cake, cinnamon & sugar (pb)

The Side DIsh

Sautee of Wild Mushrooms & Baby Spinach $9.00
white wine, garlic, caramelized onions
Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00
basil pesto, parmesan reggiano
Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00
rosemary honey butter & smoked sea salt

What 460 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Overall
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Food
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Best Service
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Innovative
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Healthy
Ocean City / Delaware Shore
Neighborhood gem

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Federal in Rehoboth Beach is a culinary gem known for its "exquisite" dishes and "fantastic" service. Chef Todd Gray's creations delight with fresh, seasonal ingredients, while the speakeasy ambiance adds charm. The restaurant earns high praise for its inventive cocktails and attentive staff, making it a must-visit dining experience.

460 Reviews

p
paul
Baltimore
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food and vibe. Great for date night. Great wine list.
Is this helpful?
C
Celeste
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
If you have eaten at DC's Equinox, where Todd Gray is the Chef, you will know the quality of food served here at The Federal. The monthly 7 course, pre-fix pairing is "amazing" and the Wednesday night 4 course with the pairing is optional. Plus you can get their amazing fritters any day as well. The atmosphere is fun and very "european" in style in that you can should you want, chat with your table neighbors or sit in the bar area for dinner. Ellen does a great job of making you feel welcome and also that you are a happy customer. You can tell she loves her restaurant, food and history. Don't miss this!
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about The Federal is special. Small but mighty in food, drink and service. The monthly Spirit Dinners are a particular treat, spirited, delicious, and friendly.
Is this helpful?
L
Lowry
Washington DC
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always, we had a wonderful night at Federal for their December Spirit dinner. Every course was delicious and the spirit pairings creative. We love this restaurant and the friendly owners and staff. I highly recommend it if you haven’t tried it.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexis
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food and amazing staff! They accommodated us despite us being (super) early for our reservation. It was a very enjoyable experience.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
Washington DC
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the wine Wednesday four course meal..delightful from start to finish! Nice way to start Thanksgiving weekend! We love this restaurant as did our guests!
Is this helpful?
T
Tom
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Federal is a small wonder. Superb food and cocktails. Engaged and engaging owners and staff. A special treat for a night out, especially during one of their monthly Spirits Dinner.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Baltimore
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the prix fixe 4 course dinner and each course was excellent. We are not drinkers and were happy that the price for wine in the "Wine and Dine" event was not a part of the dinner price. Service was attentive and food served quickly. Small restaurant, good for special dinner.
Is this helpful?
C
Christine
Central Coast
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An excellent spot for unique, delicious food. Such tasty dishes and great service. Will definitely return.
Is this helpful?
P
Polly
Charleston
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Wednesday Vine and Dine Special was fabulous! We enjoyed every dish and wine choice and the staff was accommodating and helpful.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Federal Rehoboth offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (302) 727-5609.

The Federal Rehoboth is rated 4.8 stars by 460 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
2nd Ave
Neighborhood
Rehoboth Beach
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Unspecified
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
Local bus service stops out of the front of restaurant
Payment options
AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Todd Gray
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.thefederalrehoboth.com/
Phone number
(302) 727-5609
Catering
From a casual dinner drop-off to full service catering is offered
Private party facilities
Please contact us for private events for groups of 7 - 35 people

The Federal Rehoboth

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Vine & Dine Wednesday

New Year's Eve at The Federal

Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025

Apple Pie Fritters

Apple Pie

Corn Fritters

Starters

Apple Celery Root Bisque $14.00

Chablis Poached Pears & Red Oak Leaf Salad$16.00

Artisanal Cheese Board $18.00

Creamy Heirloom North Carolina Grits with Lamb Shank Ragout $16.00

Tempura of Sweet Tiger Shrimp$17.00

Equinox Truffled Mac & Cheese$16.00

Mains

Tuscan Style White Bean Cassoulet$29.00

Baked Cannelloni of Spinach & Ricotta $29.00

Pan Seared Ocean City Sea Scallops $35.00

House Made Ricotta Gnocchi$39.00

Pan Roasted Black Sea Bass Filet $36.00

Slow Cooked Breast of Pennsylvania Duck$37.00

Grilled Black Angus Beef Short Ribs $38.00

Dessert

Warm Hazelnut Chocolate Bomboloni$11.00

Sicilian Style Chocolate Laced Cannoli$11.00

Warm Granny Smith Apple Crisp$11.00

Tiramisu Layer Cake$11.00

Apple Pie Fritters$11.00

The Side DIsh

Sautee of Wild Mushrooms & Baby Spinach $9.00

Tatiana's Grilled Focaccia for 2$8.00

Warm Buttermilk Cornbread for 2$8.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Federal Rehoboth offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Federal Rehoboth restaurant rated?

Is The Federal Rehoboth currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information