Virtually surrounded by water, it is no wonder that Deltaville is known as the boating capital of the Chesapeake Bay and, as such, home to countless marinas and the Deltaville Maritime Museum. And with that easy, casual feel that is “Rivah life,” it is not surprising that visitors and residents alike tend to gather at restaurants like The Galley, a place to enjoy good food and good company after a day on the water. The open dining room space and outdoor seating area are both suited for larger groups and the restaurant is a short drive from area marinas.
Since its opening four years ago, owners Pam Tate and Harold Williamson have created a casual, relaxed and family-friendly place that suits the waterfront village. Tate, who has been in the restaurant business for 25 years, is hands on, cooking and prepping in the mornings and tending bar in the late afternoons and evenings. Despite the time commitment, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s easy for me. I enjoy it,” she said.
Tate’s love for what she does is apparent in reviews on social media which highlight both the food and service.
The menu and daily specials are designed to offer something for everyone to try. Starters include classics like steamed shrimp and hush puppies to the more unconventional like tuna bites and fried pickle chips. Soups, salads and sandwiches are popular lunch choices in addition to “from the smoker” selections like pulled pork and baby back ribs. And, of course, there is more seafood. Classic options like crab cakes, flounder and rockfish, when paired with their many side dishes, can turn lunch into dinner.
By sheer coincidence, we ended up ordering a surf and turf lunch combo. At Tate’s recommendation, I tried the Galley burger, while my husband and frequent dining partner, Blaine, took the opportunity to enjoy the seasonal soft shell crabs. The burger, a special blend made with fresh Angus beef, comes on a fresh brioche bun, and can be customized to include cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and even crab or bleu cheese. As promised, the burger was juicy and full of flavor. Combined with the hand cut fries, potato skins included, it’s no wonder that this is a customer favorite. The soft shells, like all seafood dishes, came with two sides. They can include a vegetable of the day, homemade chips, coleslaw, baked potato, or side salads. Blaine said the generous portion of crabs were battered and “fresh out of the fryer.” They were accompanied by crunchy, savory-sweet hush puppies.
As a family friendly restaurant, they also have something for the “little mates.” Selections include cheeseburgers, chicken fingers and fish fillets, which come with a drink and a side so kids can make a meal of it, too.
The Galley offers daily specials and a popular Taco Thursday, which features soft tacos filled with a choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, fish or oysters. Still in a Mexican food mood? They also have burritos, quesadillas and taco salads.This being a boating community, they have a full menu of take-out options including rotisserie chicken, so your sunset cruise can also include a sunset picnic.
Speaking of community, music is featured outside on the lawn on select weekends. “It’s free and open to the public, usually every other week. It’s just something to give back to the community,” Tate said. That would be the perfect time to pop in The Galley for a bite, a brew and a tune or two.
