Originally published May 16th 2014 | Updated January 2018, by Kimberly Gilbert
Its hard not to fall in love with the South Jersey town of Cape May – from the amazing architectural aspects of the private homes and the Cape May Bed and breakfasts that made this town so famous, to the incredible beaches, shopping and yes, the food, wine and now the beer (Cape May now boasts it’s very own Brewery).
Here are a few of my favorite places in Cape May – I highly encourage you to check them out on your next visit to Cape May, NJ:
THE RED STORE, Cape May Point, NJ
Why it's great: James Beard nominated chef Lucas Manteca and wife Deanna Ebner make a great team!
The Red Store opened in 2012 and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have a general store, fresh pastries/breads, sandwiches, coffee and smoothies that you can get to go. They are happy to accommodate Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan requests, always a plus!
Why you should check it out: Last year, Lucas and Deanna opened “The Counter”, their Chef’s Table. Limited to only 6 guests, Lucas interacts with customers while preparing their meal (6 courses), offering an explanation of the products he uses (many from their own local farm in West Cape May) along with the award winning techniques he utilizes. Reservations a MUST, BYOB, Cash only
GEORGE’S PLACE
Why it’s great: Hands down some of the freshest, most delicious, no frills Greek/Mediterranean fare in Southern New Jersey.
Why you should check it out: Guy Fieri, of Diner’s, Diner’s & Drives, featured them on the show last year and for a good reason. Chef John prepares simple, delicious fare – No cloying sauces or fancy gimmicks. Must tries, Saganaki (flaming cheese with Ouzo, whats not to like), the baby Greek lamp chops and the Gyros. Another bonus, average dinner entree is about $16.95 and its a BYOB, Cash Only, Open All Year. Good to Know: Georges opened a 2nd location in Cape May Court House in 2017
LUCKY BONES
Why it’s Great: Open all year long – even on Tuesday night in January, this place is jamming (that says something right there). Because its open all year, this is a big local hangout. Friendly staff and great food.
Why you should check it out: Overall the food is amazing, but one of the biggest drawls it their wood fired pizza (thin crust). The Pizza Positano features artisan sopressata salami, garlic oil, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers. For the purist, try the Margarita or the American pie. Plus, they have an entire menu that is dedicated to their Gluten-Free patrons.
HOT DOG TOMMY’S
Why it’s Great: They specialize in Hot Dog’s, need I say more.
Why you should check it out: After waiting in a line that sometimes seems endless, you will be rewarded with one of the best hot dogs in NJ! Customers can get any one of their signature combinations with either the traditional “Bad Dog” or the “Leaner Wiener” (a thinner dog with less calories). My favorites, the Texas Tommy and the Black Russian Bag Dog! Plus, what’s not to love about a man in a hot dog hat.
BEACH PLUM FARM
Why it’s great: Their Farm-to-Table Dinner Series - Keepin it Local!
Why you should check it out: Throughout the year, Beach Plum Farm feature Farm-To-Table Dinners, centered around their locally raised/grown meats, poultry, herbs, and vegetables. Local chefs are brought in from amazing restaurants, such as the Ebbitt Room and the Blue Pig Tavern, to collaborate with Todd Phillips, Beach Plum Farm's Executive Chef, to create delicious, locally sourced dishes. All dinners are BYOB.
CAPE MAY BREWING COMPANY
Why it’s Great: Your not there for the decor, your there for the beer with almost 20 beers on tap. Try their award-winning Cape May IPA or their Cape May Bog, a seasonal cranberry beer, it's delicious.
Why you should check it out: Cape May Brewery doesn’t serve food, but they do encourage you to BYOF (hmm, I think a trip to the Red Store is in order), hang out at the picnic tables and order up some great local beer.
THE MASON COTTAGE, CAPE MAY BED AND BREAKFAST INN
Why it’s Great: Every morning Amy & Jeff serve a full gourmet breakfast with a smile.
Why you should go: If you are lucky enough to be there on a morning when Amy serves her famous White Chocolate Chip Scones, then you will truly have experienced nirvana! In addition, Tea time is available to all guests of The Mason Cottage, Cape May B&B from 3 -4 PM daily. BONUS: Every October through March starts our Chocolate Decadence Tea time – where everything at tea-time is chocolate – Chocolate Oolong tea, Chocolate Mint Tea, hand dipped chocolate dipped fruit, Oreo’s and nuts to name a few.
The Mason Cottage, Cape May Bed and Breakfast Inn is opened year round - for more information on The Mason Cottage and our availability, please visit us at www.themasoncottage.com