About Us
Home Grown Cafe is an independently owned, award-winning, downtown Newark, DE staple, residing centrally on Main St. for over 23 years under founding owner, Sasha Aber. Matt McConnell leads an incredible staff and day to day operations. Award winning Executive Chef Andrew Thorne is the chef de cuisine who constantly pushes the envelope with locally made from scratch dishes of his own creations, as well as mentoring and showcasing our staff's talent. Home Grown has been named Best of Delaware Upstate for over two decades by Delaware Today readers including awarding the honor of Best Chef Upstate to Andrew Thorne (2022) Guests enjoy incredible service and made from scratch food for all dietary lifestyles, including carnivorous, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-sensitive in a welcoming environment for all patrons. Colorful walls are adorned with local pop art. The bar features a large array of upscale spirits including house-crafted cocktails and mocktails, over 65 beers, and great wines.
Awards & Recognition
Delaware Today - Best of Delaware 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
News Journal, Readers’ Choice 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
Newark Post (2014 to current) , 2022 Chef: Andrew Thorne Winner Bartender: Rebecca Rawheiser (Winner) Dylan Hunt (Favorite) Justin Muzzi (Favorite) Server: Claire2 M (Winner) Alex Glassheim (Favorite), All Around Restaurant, Cafe, Customer Service, Bar Atmosphere, Cold Beer, Cocktails, Mixed Drinks, Decor, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining, Outdoor Bar, Burger, Soup, Gluten Free, Wings, Fried Chicken , Vegetarian, Carryout, Caterer, Curbside, Date Night, Best Value, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2018: Sunday Brunch (runner up), Vegetarian (winner), 2017: Sunday Brunch (honorable mention), Lunch (runner up), Vegetarian (winner), 2016: Sunday Brunch (runner up), Dinner (honorable mention), Vegetarian (winner), 2015: Brunch (winner), live music venue (runner up), Vegetarian (winner), 2014: Lunch (runner up)