Gilligan’s in Milton opens March 1

Gilligan’s, the venerable Lewes bar and restaurant, is set to expand its horizons Friday, March 1 as it opens a new location in Milton.

The new Gilligan’s location on Route 16 just outside downtown Milton is a dream project for owner Cheryl Tilton.

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait for this. The space, the design, everything. It’s just me. This is my baby,” she said.

As for why she decided to open a second restaurant, Tilton said, “We just decided it was time. We live right outside of Milton, so it’s really close. We just thought, ‘Why not?’ Milton is so up-and-coming. We thought this would be the perfect match.”

Tilton said the new venture will have a much larger bar, with 52 seats and 16 beers on tap. The menu will also be different, with only Gilligan’s signature crab cake common to both restaurants. After taking a break from working in the kitchen, Tilton said, she will be returning to help cook the crab cakes.

“I have to do the crab cakes because that’s what’s really got our name out there,” she said.

Among the other options will be baked oysters, duck, homemade pasta and ratatouille with scallops. The bar will have its own separate menu, Tilton said.

She said the new Gilligan’s will be a bit more laid-back than its counterpart in Lewes, which has been open for 16 years.

“I think the Gilligan’s in Lewes is a little more upscale. It’s on the water. This is much more of a casual atmosphere, which goes with my style,” Tilton said.

The new Gilligan’s has two entrances, one for the dining room and one for the bar, and a more open and spacious floor plan; the dining room features 96 seats.

Opening a second restaurant is a big switch for Gilligan’s after the restaurant nearly closed in 2016. But Tilton and her husband, Garry, decided not to only stay open, but to completely renovate and be open year-round.

“I didn’t think that after 16 years I would be going on to restaurant No. 2. I feel a lot more confident opening a second place. And I’m thinking about No. 3,” she said.

Prior to opening Gilligan’s, Tilton had been in the real estate business and had been laid off. Garry had talked about having a restaurant and bar, and the two decided to dive in and open Gilligan’s in Lewes.

Gilligan’s in Milton will open at 5 p.m., March 1, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week, after that. For more information, call 664-2874 or visit gilliganslewes.com.