Why Locals Go GAGA Over This Father and Daughter-Owned Burger Spot in Dover, DE

Dover has a father-and-daughter-owned burger destination where fresh ground Angus beef meets creative gourmet combinations and local Delaware pride. 🍔

Restaurant 55 opened in 2011 by Dennis Forbes and his daughter Desirée DiAntonio, taking Dennis’s trauma over turning 55 years old and channeling it into Dover’s premier burger spot.

This family-owned gourmet burger restaurant specializes in over 15 different burgers using fresh ground Angus beef delivered daily from Witt Bros., along with fresh turkey from T.A. Farms and vegetables from Fifer’s Farm Store.

How Restaurant 55 won Dover’s hearts

When Dennis and Desirée opened Restaurant 55, they brought a commitment to local sourcing that Dover residents immediately appreciated and could taste in every bite.

Their partnership with Witt Bros. Market for fresh ground Angus beef delivered daily meant burgers never came from frozen patties—you could tell the difference the moment you bit into one. 🥩

The family’s decision to source fresh turkey from T.A. Farms and vegetables from Fifer’s Farm Store demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting Delaware agriculture.

The restaurant’s sourdough bread option for burgers showed attention to bread quality that elevated the entire experience.

Their extensive burger variety with more than 15 different options—each one unique—meant every visit could be a new adventure.

The 12 craft beers on tap and 30+ craft brews in bottles created a beer selection worthy of burger pairings. 🍺

Food Highlights

• Santa Fe Burger: The crowd favorite, featuring fresh ground Angus beef with Southwestern flavors. 🌶️

• Breakfast Burger (NFB – Not For Breakfast): The creative specialty showcasing sage burger, fried egg, bacon, and American cheese.

• Ahi Tuna Burger: An upscale option featuring seared rare tuna steak that proves Restaurant 55 excels beyond just beef burgers.

• Willie Nelson Burger: A customer favorite with unique flavor combinations that demonstrate the creative naming and personality behind Restaurant 55’s menu.

• Bacon Burger: The classic done right, featuring fresh ground Angus beef, bacon, and cheese with hand-cut fries. 🥓

• Grilled Salmon Burger: A seafood masterpiece presenting a whole piece of salmon that guests call “yum.”

Atmosphere

The vibe at Restaurant 55 creates a cozy American casual experience perfect for Dover families and groups. 🏠

The comfy and cozy dining room with plenty of space encourages spending time enjoying food and conversation, especially when groups want to taste each other’s different burger choices.

Simple, inviting atmosphere where laughter flows as freely as conversation makes Restaurant 55 feel like the neighborhood spot where you can come as you are.

The outdoor seating options with full bar and TV entertainment provide versatility for any dining preference or weather condition.

Bottom Line

Visit Restaurant 55 for fresh ground Angus beef from Witt Bros. delivered daily, over 15 creative gourmet burgers each with unique flavors, hand-cut fries compared to Five Guys quality, extensive craft beer selection with 12 taps, and genuine father-daughter hospitality from Dennis Forbes and Desirée DiAntonio supporting local Delaware farms. ✨

Address:

2461 S State St, Dover, DE 19901

📞 (302) 535-8102

🕐 Open Tue-Sat, 11:30 AM–9 PM | Sun, 12 PM–8 PM | Closed Mon