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The Federal Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach, DE

The Federal Rehoboth

4.9
4.9
460 Reviews
$30 and under
Unspecified

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 p.m.
Booked 2 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Neighbourhood 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
  • 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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

  • New Year's Eve at The Federal

    US$125.00 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!
    New Year's Eve at The Federal photo
  • Vine & Dine Wednesday

    US$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!
    Vine & Dine Wednesday photo
  • Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025

    US$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
    Spirit Dinner Series 2024-2025 photo

What 460 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

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

    Neighbourhood 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
  1. paul

    VIP

    Baltimore

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and vibe. Great for date night. Great wine list.

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  2. Celeste

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2024

    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!

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  3. Tom

    VIP

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    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.

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  4. Lowry

    VIP

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    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.

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  5. 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.

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  6. 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!

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  7. Tom

    VIP

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    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.

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  8. 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.

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  9. 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.

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  10. 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 4.9 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
11:30 p.m.
Booked 2 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Federal Rehoboth

62a Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    2nd Ave
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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