The summer of 2020 continues to be a season like no other for beach bars and restaurants. While some are trying to bring back live music to entertain locals and visitors, a large number are temporarily closing due to COVID-19 concerns.
Coastal Delaware bore the brunt of the public spotlight in June as far as a resurgence in cases (and related business closures). In Maryland, Ocean City has faced these same challenges in July — which also happens to be the peak of tourist season.
The extent of Ocean City’s closures became abundantly clear Saturday, July 18, a day on which a half-dozen businesses took to the Internet to announce they were taking a breather effective immediately.
These restaurants included the Harborside Bar & Grill, the Reel Inn Restaurant & Dock Bar, 28th Street Pit-and-Pub, Bull on the Beach 94th Street, Barn 34 and Albertino’s Brick Oven & Eatery.
Those looking to enjoy a meal, cocktail or concert anywhere on Delmarva are advised to consult the website or social medial account of your destination before venturing out.
Pickles Pub in Ocean City closed for one day Monday because of yet another challenge facing restaurateurs — many are short-staffed, and their full-time kitchen employees are exhausted from working the extra hours.
Pickles, which was back up and running Tuesday, features music from DJ Styler every Sunday and Wednesday at 9 p.m., and DJ Wax each Tuesday and Thursday at 9 pm. Local classic-rock favorite Transfuzion is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.
In Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork nightclub continues to host weekend music events on which patrons are seated at hightop tables with beverages provided by servers. At 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, local reggae group Spokey Speaky will play an evening of songs by Bob Marley ($10).
More: COVID-19: These Ocean City, Delaware beach restaurants have closed
More: Ocean City’s Cambria Hotel, bayside boardwalk on schedule to open this year
The club’s 84th anniversary party takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 31, with music by The Zoo, Go, Go Gadget and White Ford Bronco ($38).
In Rehoboth Beach, The Pond is one of the busiest downtown nightspots for live music. (Patrons are reminded that dancing is prohibited, and they are encouraged to call ahead to reserve a table inside or outside).
Freshly Squeezed will mix rock and reggae at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24. Lower Case Blues will play a two-nighter at The Pond at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 25-26. Jodi Lynn Cohee play acoustic rock at 7 p.m. each Monday.
Elsewhere in Sussex County, the Milton Theatre will feature its Stand-Up Comedy Show with funny men Keith Purnell, Larry XL and Steve Bickel at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24 ($11, $13). The Janglebachs will cover pop and rock hits from the 1960s at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 25 ($23, $25).
The theater is observing social distancing by capping its occupancy at a mere 30%.
Email Roger Hillis at [email protected]
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