Where to Eat in Cape May
Cape May is abundant with tasty choices for your dining pleasure. While many restaurants can be found in the area of Washington Street Mall, there are several stand-alone restaurants throughout the Cape that are worth checking out. Cape May restaurants offer many different dining experiences. Some historic inns, hotels and B&Bs with restaurants offer a house Chef who cooks up culinary specialties. There are casual dining options in Cape May as well as waterfront dining. Here are the establishments that we think are best in categories that are important to us when we travel. Bon Appetit!
Coffee Shop
Tommy’s Folly (Congress Hall, 200 Congress Street) Located in the historic Congress Hall lobby, Tommy’s Folly is a coffee shop, general store and boutique all in one. The shop offers an assortment of breakfast and lunch to-go items, many of which are baked daily with farm fresh ingredients from their own Beach Plum Farm. While there is no seating in the shop itself, you are welcome to grab a cup and sit by the lobby fireplace or take it out to the Grand Lawn where rocking chairs provide a perfect place to sit and enjoy the scenery while you sip their delicious brew. Open Sunday to Thursday 6:30 am – 5 pm, Friday and Saturday until 8 pm.
Doughnuts
RSK Doughnuts (505 Carpenter Lane) RSK Doughnuts, once only offered at farmer’s markets, is now located in a shop behind the Washington Street Mall. It offers hot, fresh doughnuts in a variety of unique flavors, made while you wait. Other baked goods are available as well. Open daily 8:30 am – 12 noon.
Breakfast
The Blue Pig Tavern (Congress Hall, 200 Congress Street) The Blue Pig is a classic American food venue located off the lobby of the grand Congress Hall hotel. The restaurant has extensive indoor- and outdoor seating and offers fresh farm-to-table culinary delights from its own Beach Plum Farm, located less than 2 miles from the restaurant. The food is delicious, the ambiance is friendly, and diners will enjoy learning about the history of the Blue Pig from the placemats while they wait for their food. Open daily 7:30 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm.
Grab-N-Go
Hot Dog Tommy’s (10 Jackson Street) Hot Dog Tommy’s is a wildly popular walk-up window located close to the beach on Jackson Street. It features Berks hot dogs, which are certified gluten-free (so are the buns upon request). In addition to the wide array of very unique hot dog offerings – including a “Carrot Dog” – a big draw for this business was original owner “Hot Dog Tommy” Snyer who wore a hot dog had and would banter with guests. He and his wife Mary retired from the business this year, but it continues to be successful under the new ownership that has kept the same recipes and employees – and hat – to satisfy the throngs of loyal customers who line up on the sidewalk every day to enjoy these famous dogs. Open daily 9:57 am – 6:01 pm.
Pizza
Louie’s Pizza (7 Gurney Street) In addition to excellent pizza, this favorite restaurant offers an array of sandwiches, salads and tasty Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Their gourmet dough is hand made fresh daily, and pizzas are cut in sixths so the pieces are large. Service is fast and friendly. Open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day 10:30 am to 12 Midnight; off-season hours vary.
Romantic
Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant (1301 Beach Avenue) The Peter Shields Inn is a historic ocean front inn and restaurant. There are five dining rooms and porch seating to choose from, all scenic and romantic. Using the finest ingredients, their award-winning executive chef prepares traditional and contemporary seasonal selections. The restaurant offers a selection of Cape May wines in addition to being a “BYO” venue. Open daily at 5 pm.
Seafood
The Lobster House (906 Shellengers Landing Road) For years, the Lobster House has been a traditional venue for enjoying a wide variety of menu options, most notably fresh seafood caught daily from its own fleet of boats. Open for lunch and dinner year-round, this harbor-side restaurant offers five dining rooms with a unique nautical atmosphere, including an outdoor raw bar and a seafood market. Open daily, year-round, 11:30 am – 3 pm, 4:30 – 10 pm.
Waterfront Dining
Schooner American (Lobster House, 906 Shellengers Landing Road) Moored beside The Lobster House on Cape May Harbor since 1965, the 130 foot-long Schooner is an outdoor cocktail lounge and dining venue offering a full bar, luncheon menu and evening appetizers in addition to a waterfront view. Don’t forget to get a picture at the wheel of the schooner. Open daily in the summer, 11:30 am – 3 pm, 4:30 – 10 pm.
Ice cream
Uncle Charley’s Ice Cream (310 Washington Street) This old-fashioned parlor has been serving homemade ice cream since 1976. Offering over 48 award-winning flavors of hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream, Uncle Charley’s uses only fresh sweetened cream and the finest chocolate, nuts and fruit to flavor their treats. A full menu of old-time favorites such as banana splits, malted milkshakes, floats, and sundaes is available. Open daily 10 am – 11 pm.
Where do you like to eat in Cape May? If you have a recommendation or wish to share a story about your favorite eatery, please Leave A Response below or contact us. If you own a dining establishment and would like us to feature your restaurant on this blog, please contact us and give us your name, the name of your restaurant and your email address.
For more information about Cape May, please follow the links below:
Find out why Cape May is “The Nation’s Oldest Seaside Resort”
History of Cape May
Cape May Beach Information
Where to Stay in Cape May
Things to Do in Cape May
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