Cape May Restaurants: Your Guide to the Top 5 Food & Drink Spots

Cape May, that quaint little spot at the very tip-top of New Jersey, is just packed to the gills with history and, just as vital, some seriously good food. Seriously. It’s more than just a beach town; you know, it is that a place where generations have come to unwind, soak up the sun, and, most significantly, totally chow down. That’s a fact. Over time, that local food scene has just blossomed, offering a fantastic mix of fresh seafood, classy dining spots, and just wonderfully chill cafes. So, if you’re wondering just where to snag that absolutely killer lobster roll or that sunset cocktail with a view, get comfortable, because we’re checking out the best food and drink that Cape May can give, one tasty place at a time.

1. The Lobster House: A Cape May Institution

First up, we have The Lobster House. Right on the harbor, this spot is that a Cape May staple. We’re talking, you know, big crowds, constant activity, and that smell of saltwater mixing with all kinds of tasty fried things. Basically. When you visit Cape May and never check The Lobster House, what were you even doing?

The place itself is a trip; it is that, you can snag a seat outside on the deck and watch the fishing boats chugging in and out, that is almost as good as dinner itself. In the mood for that raw bar? Right, you will find it. That famous chowder? Order it. Just about any seafood craving is tended to, alright, especially if, just maybe, you’re into anything caught nearby. Just a note for when you stop in, that, it gets seriously jam-packed, particularly during peak season, so that is, prepare for a bit of a wait. Trust me; it is usually pretty worth it.

Read our full review: The Lobster House Cape May Full Review and Details

2. Union Park Dining Room: Fine Dining with a View

Want something a bit fancier? Alright, consider the Union Park Dining Room in the Victorian Hotel. You know that hotel, it is the one, where history oozes from those very walls? It’s totally gorgeous, and the food? Absolutely incredible. The menu does its job, highlighting all kinds of contemporary American fare with just, a clear emphasis on, locally sourced stuff. Think, alright, farm-fresh veggies and line-caught fish, so things along those lines. That dining room itself just has this air of easy elegance, which makes it, actually, perfect for a special dinner or, really, any time you want to treat yourself.

Really, it’s one of those spots where the atmosphere and food go hand in hand, alright? That wait staff will be pretty informative and they are quite helpful with any dietary requests, that I observed from a friend, and each plate comes to the table looking picture-perfect. If you’re one to stare at food, this will make you excited.

Read our full review: Union Park Dining Room Cape May Full Review and Details

3. Beach Plum Farm: Farm-to-Table Freshness

How do you feel about truly farm-fresh dining? I’m saying Beach Plum Farm isn’t your typical eatery, you know; it’s this, like, 62-acre working farm that feeds a whole gaggle of Cape May’s eateries, just like their own. Walking around the farm itself will make you stare, basically. And you know, actually sit under a tent at these long, lovely tables. Seriously cool, I’d argue. Now, about that chow.

It seems like it always changes depending on the season, yet, that means you just will experience, always, the freshest goodies. And that’s the kicker. That quality shines; the way those veggies are prepared and how the simple, delicious sandwiches have such complex and fulfilling flavor? All because, just really, of how freshly-squeezed all the dishes seem. Like seriously, it is very special, especially for those looking for something more, that, local, unique, and, in its own way, special.

Read our full review: Beach Plum Farm Cape May Full Review and Details

4. Mad Batter Restaurant: Breakfast Bliss

Alright, if you’re a breakfast fanatic, then this stop at the Mad Batter Restaurant is a requirement when seeing the spots Cape May has to give. Just so you know, you will find it nestled inside the Carroll Villa Hotel, and that is it, this place, actually, earns that rave reviews for those absolutely killer breakfasts and, similarly, those seriously charming vibes. Basically, you could easily just spend that morning kicking back on the porch and chow down some killer eats. Just killer, the locals claim, as a matter of fact.

Alright, think super fluffy pancakes, perfectly executed omelets, and eggs Benedict that has all the qualities you’d need, like, drowning in rich hollandaise. You, you know what I mean if that’s your speed. I’ll bet they can fulfill that. Similarly, you can order some more lunch-driven foods, too, yet, just to have some of the best of what Cape May offers, actually order something for breakfast. That’s what I did! Even though, arguably, all their grub is tasty and great. Either way.

Read our full review: Mad Batter Restaurant Cape May Full Review and Details

5. Cape May Brewing Company: Local Brews and Good Times

Want to sip and enjoy Cape May a bit differently? Seriously. Why not grab some local flavors at the Cape May Brewing Company? Not into grub as much? Well, it has plenty to offer, even if not chow-focused, it is a really great stop-off. Think seriously chill atmosphere that has people getting to chill at the tasting room or, similarly, kick back outside. Seriously, Cape May can give you these vibes. The beers themselves are, of course, named and made with local nods. This place makes just everything interesting from IPAs that will twist your senses all over the place, pale ales, to, also, seasonal brews that can and will please anyone in your party, especially if one of you just wants some familiar tastes and flavors. So I find, anyway.

While they have it set up, that local spot often has all different kinds of events, too. Which make this more enjoyable if it can sound so, it’s almost better to think of, actually, visiting Cape May Brewing Company as that destination. Just one way to make the destination worth the travel.

Read our full review: Cape May Brewing Company Full Review and Details