The quaint shore town of Cape May has all you could want for the ideal beach vacation. Beyond white sand beaches, a lively boardwalk and stunning architecture in beautiful pastel colors, the destination offers some of the best dining options anywhere along the Jersey Shore.
With that in mind, here are a handful of top beach bars, diners and fine eateries for any occasion in Cape May.
Diner Breakfast
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
261 Beach Ave., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is no less of a Jersey Shore institution than the beach itself. Located in just about every shore town south of Atlantic City, the Cape May location is fast approaching its 45th anniversary. Featuring a menu with just about every possible breakfast platter your stomach could crave, Uncle Bill’s is the perfect place for a family breakfast…if you’re willing to wait long enough to get a table during the busiest hours.
Finer Breakfast
Mad Batter
19 Jackson St., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
If Uncle Bill’s is the heavyweight champion of Jersey Shore breakfasts, then the Mad Batter is Cape May’s favored challenger. Open since 1976, but soaring in popularity over the last decade, Mad Batter does serve food all day at the Carol Villa Hotel, but it’s known for its breakfasts. The front porch is light and airy, and the menu options are more inventive than most of the local competitors. You can’t go wrong with the thick-sliced almond and orange French toast, house-made corned beef hash or Morgan Roastie.
Mediterranean
George’s Place
315 Ocean St., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
This intimate Greek eatery has been open on Cape May’s beachfront for over 55 years. Cash only, the hotspot dishes up mouthwatering, authentic Mediterranean cuisine at small tables beneath a salty breeze. The octopus appetizer, gyro pita, chicken souvlaki and Greek picnic are all favorites.
Beach Bar
Rusty Nail
205 Beach Ave., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
Slip on your sandals and rinse off from the beach before heading across the boardwalk to the Rusty Nail. Sit inside and watch the Phillies or take an outdoor seat beneath an umbrella and play shuffleboard while you wait for your food. Classic American and seafood options are the signature here, alongside inventive drinks. The Frozen Sandy Beach is the can’t-miss cocktail of choice.
Historic Cape May Dining for the Family
Blue Pig Tavern
200 Congress Pl., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
Though the high hedges sheltering the outdoor garden are no more this summer, the Blue Pig Tavern is still one of Cape May’s primary restaurants. Located inside the palatial Congress Hall, where a handful of sitting presidents have stayed over the centuries, this restaurant has an aura of history about it that can’t be replicated and is more upscale than the other eateries on this list.
Seafood
The Lobster House
906 Schellengers Landing Rd., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
Located on Utsch’s Marina, The Lobster House offers an unmatched nautical atmosphere. With dockside dining available during the summer months next to the moored Schooner American, on which guests enjoy an on-the-water cocktail lounge and luncheon menu, this is one of Cape May’s top seafood restaurants. With oysters, mussels, clams, whole shellfish, seafood soups, pastas, salads and more, there’s something for every surf enthusiast here.
Locally Sourced
Beach Plum Farm Kitchen
140 Stevens St., West Cape May
View this post on Instagram
The youngest restaurant on this list, Beach Plum Farm Kitchen was founded as recently as 2016 but is no less established in the Cape May dining community. The menu at this eatery is curated based on what’s picked from the field that morning and served to customers in the farm’s Amish barn or outdoors at picnic tables. Though the menu is short and ever-changing, the restaurant always dishes up some of the freshest meals around down the Shore.
Cocktail Bar
The King Edward Bar
301 Howard St., Cape May
View this post on Instagram
The perfect place for a nightcap after a long day in the sun, The King Edward Bar is located in the oldest original hotel in Cape May and features an extensive snack menu and inventive, handcrafted cocktails; the Chalfonte, Bohemian and Colonial are all specialties. Be sure to check out the cozy porch with an old-time speakeasy vibe.
Related: 11 New Places for Main Liners to Dine at the Shore This Summer
