If you are searching for the absolute best Delaware burgers, you have to travel back in time to 1956. For nearly 70 years, The Charcoal Pit has been a beloved Delaware institution, serving what locals and food critics alike consider the State most iconic burgers and milkshakes. With its authentic retro charm, cozy vinyl booths, and friendly service, this establishment has transcended being just a roadside diner to become a cherished mid-century American legend.
A Taste of Mid-Century Americana
Stepping into The Charcoal Pit—affectionately known by locals as "The Pit"—is like entering a time capsule to the golden age of diners. Opening its doors in September 1956 with just four tables, it was an instant hit and quickly expanded to accommodate 115 customers.
Today, the original "Big Pit" on Concord Pike in North Wilmington maintains its classic, family-friendly atmosphere. It is a place where high school students have gone on first dates for generations, surrounded by bright red booths, large linoleum floor tiles, and small, individual jukeboxes positioned at every table. The unapologetically old-school vibe has even earned it a dedicated following from President Joe Biden, a lifelong fan of the diner.
The Legendary Quarter-Pound Charburger
While the menu is packed with diner classics—from turkey burgers to grilled corned beef Reubens—the undisputed star of the show is the burger. The Pit built its reputation on its original ¼ lb burger, using beef that is ground fresh daily and never frozen.
Cooked over an open flame to capture that distinct, smoky charcoal flavor, the burgers are made with a closely guarded family recipe that hasn't changed since the 1950s. Whether you opt for the classic quarter-pound Cheeseburger Deluxe or upgrade to the massive 8oz Charburger, you are tasting a piece of award-winning Delaware history.
The High School Shake Menu
A meal at The Charcoal Pit is not complete without one of their incredible, hand-dipped milkshakes.
Served thick and creamy in classic silver beakers, the ice cream parlor classics scooped here famously pay tribute to local Delaware high schools. The menu features decadent local favorites like the Salesianum Sally (loaded with marshmallows and butterscotch) and the Brandywine Bull Dog (topped with crunchy walnuts), alongside a rotating lineup of over-the-top monthly specials.
Plan Your Visit
With its primary, iconic location still glowing with neon lights on Concord Pike, and a second bustling location at Prices Corner (Kirkwood Highway and Greenbank Road), The Charcoal Pit remains a convenient and essential stop.
- Original Location: 2600 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803.
- Prices Corner Location: 3200 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808.
