Matt's Fish Camp opens near Bethany
SoDel Concepts, a restaurant group owned by Matt Haley and Bryony Ziegler, announces the opening of a seventh eatery, Matt’s Fish Camp near Bethany Beach.
The location was formerly the Seaside Grill just south of the Indian River Inlet bridge. The concept and location of the new restaurant have been at the forefront of its founders’ minds for years. “Since Bry and I built Bluecoast back in 2000 we’ve wanted to get on that site,” says owner Matt Haley. “We really like the community aspect of that neighborhood.”
The idea is to provide a fresh pier-to-table dining experience with the classic, family-friendly feel of a simple seafood shack. “We’ll serve whatever’s fresh and in season,” said Haley. “Everything’s local, from the catch of the day to the vegetables coming off the farms.” From delicate blue fish cheeks or skate alongside fresh tomato-corn salad to baskets of fried clams, peel-and-eat shrimp or Fish Camp Stew, no seafood appetite goes unsatisfied.
Lobster is one of the main stars of the menu. One-, two- and three-pound crustaceans will be available. Lobster can be ordered steamed, stuffed, in a roll or lobster thermidor, to name a few choices. For those who can’t decide, Shore Dinners have a taste of everything: a cake pan loaded with steamed shrimp and clams, a whole lobster, corn on the cob, redskin potatoes and crusty fresh-baked Parker House rolls on the side. Diners can finish with homemade blueberry or campfire pie.
Inside, full table service is provided, while outside, rustic picnic tables offer the perfect spot for a quick bite or a frosty float on a sunny afternoon. “It’s casual and beachy without compromising the quality of seafood,” says Ziegler. “It's not necessarily low-end either - you can get a three-pound lobster and bottle of Cakebread [wine], but it's not at all trying to be fine dining.”
Matt’s also features a to-go menu and window for easy carry-out.
The concept for the restaurant came to Haley and Ziegler while they were traveling through seaside towns up and down the East Coast. “We found these great, local seafood shacks in neighborhoods,” says Matt. “I always wanted to do an authentic, straightforward but unconventional seafood house with the nostalgic classics from when I was a kid.”
Matt’s Fish Camp is sure to hit just the right note for both those seeking Atlantic fare served simply and casually, and those who want a high-quality, mouthwatering seafood experience. Located at 28635 Coastal Highway, Matt's is now open for dinner at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with lunch to be added on Saturday and Sunday in upcoming weeks.
In summer, the restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, go to www.mattsfishcamp.com or call 302-539-CAMP.
About SoDel Concepts
Founded by Chef Matt Haley and Bryony Zeigler, SoDel Concepts was named to the 2009 Inc. 500, which lists America’s fastest-growing private companies. The group’s restaurants include Fish On in Lewes, Betty’s and Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach, Bluecoast in North Bethany Beach, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View and Catch 54 in Fenwick Island.
