Big Oyster Brewery began its journey in 2015, tucked away in a small corner of Fin's Ale House and Raw Bar. It didn't take long for the brewery to make a name for itself and build a devoted following. In 2017, the owners took the next step, opening a brewpub off King's Highway in Lewes, Delaware, offering patrons not just a wide variety of beers, but also a unique dining experience.
The decision to open a brewpub instead of a standalone brewery was intentional. The owners wanted to create a space that combined a large brewery with a smaller, open-concept kitchen, similar to those found in California. This setup allows visitors to enjoy freshly brewed beer alongside delicious food, all in one location.
Reflecting the region's farming heritage, the brewpub features a barn-themed design. To maintain this theme, the owners hired pickers to source unique props and decorations that add character to the space. The result is a welcoming environment with a rustic vibe.
One of the key benefits of having a larger brewery is the ability to experiment with new beer recipes. Big Oyster produces around 19 popular beers, which are regularly rotated with seasonal and experimental options. This variety ensures that there's always something new to try.
In August, Christian and I decided to visit Big Oyster Brewery for the first time. Located on the outskirts of Lewes, the brewery was bustling when we arrived. We were fortunate to find a parking spot and were immediately struck by the barn-style architecture. The attention to detail in the design was impressive, and it was clear that the brewpub was a popular spot on a Saturday night.
Upon entering, we noticed the vibrant atmosphere, with people mingling throughout the space. After browsing the merchandise corner, we made our way through the crowded restaurant area to the bar. Despite the busy scene, we were able to grab two seats as a couple was leaving.
One feature that stood out during our visit was the abundance of windows. This design choice allows guests to get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery operations, whether it's the brewing process or the kitchen in action. There are even windows on the back patio, where you can play corn hole or ping pong while watching the brewpub at work.
The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the beer and the exceptional staff. We ordered a flight of four beers: Blue Lips, Isabelle, Little Bit, and Noir. Isabelle, a sour beer, was my favorite. Despite the busy bar, the staff remained attentive, friendly, and eager to engage in conversation. Their excellent service added to our overall experience.
That being said, here is my rating:
Atmosphere - ★★★★ - The atmosphere at Big Oyster was a little hectic and the layout was a bit strange. However, Christian and I enjoyed the company near us and everything the brewpub had to offer.
Beer - ★★★★ - Each beer that we tried were delicious and unique. I really enjoyed the selection of sours that they had!
Employees - ★★★★★ - Again, the employees were amazing and our experience would not have been as great if it wasn't for them. They explained the different beers, they listened to your concerns, offered suggestions and checked up on you frequently. Thank you for your excellent service!!
Location - ★★★★ - I enjoyed the location of Big Oyster. I liked that it was on the outer part of town but not terribly far away from anything else. The parking lot wasn't the most spacious but it'll do.
Social Media - ★★★★ - Big Oyster does a good job utilizing their social media platforms. They use each one differently so they are not repeating the same picture and caption every single time on multiple platforms.
Total: 4.2 STARS!
Cheers!!
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