Le Bateau Hélène Guide to Cape May
Food scene
Mayer’s, an revamped old dive bar, is our favorite by a long shot. It features a thoughtful menu (including many local products) and wine list, celebrating options from lesser-known wine regions like Georgia (the country) and Lebanon. The small patio has peaceful marsh views, and there is live music most nights, too.
12 os moradores locais recomendam
Mayer's Tavern
894 3rd AveMayer’s, an revamped old dive bar, is our favorite by a long shot. It features a thoughtful menu (including many local products) and wine list, celebrating options from lesser-known wine regions like Georgia (the country) and Lebanon. The small patio has peaceful marsh views, and there is live music most nights, too.
The Lobster House is CM’s chaotic grand dame - it is touristy madness, but in a good way. Enjoy drinks/snacks/live music on the Schooner, have a casual dinner at the Raw Bar, or order takeout to eat on the dock. The “formal” indoor dining room (think 1960s “posh” restaurant that has sailed past its prime, with uniformed servers and lobster thermidor on the menu) is not for the faint of heart. For many, dinner hour in CM is 4:30 pm sharp and you will see large groups queueing for this experience!
171 os moradores locais recomendam
The Lobster House
906 Schellengers Landing RdThe Lobster House is CM’s chaotic grand dame - it is touristy madness, but in a good way. Enjoy drinks/snacks/live music on the Schooner, have a casual dinner at the Raw Bar, or order takeout to eat on the dock. The “formal” indoor dining room (think 1960s “posh” restaurant that has sailed past its prime, with uniformed servers and lobster thermidor on the menu) is not for the faint of heart. For many, dinner hour in CM is 4:30 pm sharp and you will see large groups queueing for this experience!
Another "gigantic fish house" option, with a slightly calmer atmosphere than Lobster House and, inexplicably, a sushi bar.
21 os moradores locais recomendam
Harbor View Marina
954 Ocean DrAnother "gigantic fish house" option, with a slightly calmer atmosphere than Lobster House and, inexplicably, a sushi bar.
Yet another "gigantic fish house" option. This one has a huge menu and rollicking atmosphere (including packs of kids running amok and often two stages of live music)
62 os moradores locais recomendam
Two Mile Landing Restaurants
1 Fish Dock RdYet another "gigantic fish house" option. This one has a huge menu and rollicking atmosphere (including packs of kids running amok and often two stages of live music)
C-View is also a classic. Despite its dive-bar appearance, it has both local options (don’t miss the scallops) as well as the expected junk food. You may see C-View airplane ads at the beach: “Best Wings in Cape May.” It’s true! An added bonus is the value - it’s much less expensive than comparable places in town.
14 os moradores locais recomendam
C-View Inn
1380 Washington StC-View is also a classic. Despite its dive-bar appearance, it has both local options (don’t miss the scallops) as well as the expected junk food. You may see C-View airplane ads at the beach: “Best Wings in Cape May.” It’s true! An added bonus is the value - it’s much less expensive than comparable places in town.
A down and dirty shack with town’s best crab bisque and a delicious local smoked fish dip. Dine on the small dock, get take-out, or buy fish to cook at home!
17 os moradores locais recomendam
H&H Seafood Market
956 Ocean DrA down and dirty shack with town’s best crab bisque and a delicious local smoked fish dip. Dine on the small dock, get take-out, or buy fish to cook at home!
Mermaids is perhaps the best kept secret on the beach. Serene oceanfront views (only partially obstructed by the dunes), a quiet atmosphere (but still welcoming to little ones), and hardly ever a wait, even at prime dinner hour. Transport yourself to a Greek or Turkish island by ordering any of the Mediterranean-inspired mezze. It’s BYO.
Mermaids Restaurant
702 Beach AvenueMermaids is perhaps the best kept secret on the beach. Serene oceanfront views (only partially obstructed by the dunes), a quiet atmosphere (but still welcoming to little ones), and hardly ever a wait, even at prime dinner hour. Transport yourself to a Greek or Turkish island by ordering any of the Mediterranean-inspired mezze. It’s BYO.
For a quick lunch or early dinner on the beach, El Pueblo 2 is town’s best Mexican food, in a casual takeaway counter setting (it even rivals the authentic spots in our neighborhood at home, South Philadelphia). They get busy, so call to order before you leave the house - by the time you walk there, your order should be ready.
El pueblo taqueria 2
730 Beach AvenueFor a quick lunch or early dinner on the beach, El Pueblo 2 is town’s best Mexican food, in a casual takeaway counter setting (it even rivals the authentic spots in our neighborhood at home, South Philadelphia). They get busy, so call to order before you leave the house - by the time you walk there, your order should be ready.
La La Lobster Cape May
732 Beach AvenueA delicious takeaway counter serving the best lobster rolls in Cape May!
For a higher-end date night, Louisa’s (a chalkboard menu BYO emphasizing local ingredients) is lovely.
18 os moradores locais recomendam
Louisa's Chocolate Bar
108 Jackson StreetFor a higher-end date night, Louisa’s (a chalkboard menu BYO emphasizing local ingredients) is lovely.