The Ins and Outs of Cape May, NJ
Growing up in the popular summer resort town of Cape May, I have had many experiences with what tourists absolutely craze over. I have had a countless amount of summer jobs, and have explored all over Cape May. I would say I know Cape May like that back of my hand and know all of the hot spots around town. Cape May is known for its victorian style buildings, fishing, and the beach. While these are the main attractions , tourists fill up the restaurants in town during the summer. Here are the top 8 spots in the eyes of a Cape May local:
- The Lobster House- This restaurant is one of the main tourist attractions in South Jersey.The Lobster House over looks the Cape May Harbor and is known for its delicious seafood. Additionally, The Lobster House is know for its 130-foot-long sailing vessel which they named the Schooner. From my personal experience with the Lobster House, I know many people who work here and they all talk about how demanding their work is. The Lobster House is professionally ran and the managers are really strict, but for the right reasons. The Lobster House is swarmed with tourists in the summer and even has caught the attention of a few famous people such as Taylor Swift and Tina Fey.
2. Hot Dog Tommy’s- This next hot spot of Cape May is simple, yet appealing for some odd reason. Hot Dog Tommy’s is a hole in the wall right along the Cape May beach, serving just hot dogs and slushies Hot Dog Tommy’s always has a line the wraps around the corner. I grew up during the summers on Decatur Street beach which is located where Hot Dog Tommy’s is. Being a local, I never wait in the line because I have grown up on the beaches of Cape May and have spent enough time in line throughout my childhood. But I understand why so many tourists flock to this hot dog stand. My personal order is a summer shower (mashed potatoes,bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream) with a medium blue slushy.
3. Big Wave Burrito- Big Wave is known for its delicious deal of $2 dollar tacos on Tuesday. You can get amazing chicken, steak, beef, or fish tacos just for an affordable price. The decor of Big Wave is such a Cape May vibe, it has surfboards nailed to the ceiling and is a beach themed vibe. You know you are in Cape May when you are inside Big Wave. The atmosphere is so laid back and the food is delicious. Big Wave offers burritos, tacos, and different smoothie bowls. I spent my high school years, meeting up with my friends nearly every Tuesday for tacos, and was never disappointed!
4. Fin’s Bar and Grille- This restaurant has been open for just two years but adds a new twist to Cape May. Fin’s is located in the Washington Street Mall, which is historically old fashioned. Cape May is typically known for its old architecture, but Fin’s Bar and Grille adds more of a post modern aspect to the island of Cape May. When you first walk into Fin’s you will be immediately drawn to the blue led lit up bar and 2 huge fish tanks. I have worked at Fins for 2 summers, and can tell you all to order the fish tacos! If you are looking for a fun night out, Fin’s Bar and Grille offerings live enterainment seven nights a week.
5. Louie’s Pizza- This pizzeria is easily the top pick for a local of Cape May. It is a small shop, but is known for the huge pizza slices they sell to their customers. Louie’s also has a wide variety of sandwiches and french fries. After a night out at the bars in Cape May, you can count on Louie’s Pizza to be open to grab a slice of pizza. Louie’s is usually open until 3 a.m.in the morning and ran by our favorite worker “Tony”. Every local of Cape May knows Tony from Louie’s Pizza, be a local next trip and visit Tony! Tony is the face you see right when you enter Louie’s Pizza, he stands behind the counter and is always helping customers and whipping up some delicious pizza pies.
6. Bagel Time Cafe- Bagel Time is a Bagel shop that serves breakfast and lunch out of a basement underneath a historic hotel (The Macomber) on the beachfront. This bagel shop brings the idea of a New York bagel to Cape May, the bagels are baked fresh everyday with the owners homemade recipe. People rave over these delicious bagels as well as the abundance of different cream cheese flavors. From my own experiences, I have actually worked at Bagel time and everyday would have lines out the door and down the street. People usually stop in to get a bagel on their way to the beach, it is a quick over the counter service.
7. Akroteria- The Akroteria is an outdoor food court located on the beachfront. In this food court there are five different vendors, offering an assortment of different foods. The different options are cheesesteaks, wraps, pizzas, and lobster rolls. Hanging out on the beach with my friends always results in a trip to The Akroteria to buy the large cans of Arizona Iced Tea for 99 cents. My first job was at the vendor where they sell salads and wraps, I would encounter people from all over and they all would love the Akroteria and make multiple visits during the stay in Cape May! The Akroteria has a great family atmosphere that offers quality food.
8. The Beach Shack- Formerly known as The Rusty Nail, this restaurant is a really fun environment from live music to the fire pit. You can sit indoor or outdoor at in the sand pit. The Beach Shack has two bars in the restaurant and is always a fun experience. I have been to the Beach Shack a lot last summer and my favorite order is the strawberry-hot wings. These wings come in a pink colored sauce and is garnished with strawberries. The flavors switch from sweet to spicy as it goes from strawberry to a spicy taste.The Beach Shack is suitable for all ages, and all children;s meals come served on a frisbee!
9. Lucky Bones- Lucky Bones is a very family-friendly restaurant that offers an array of different seafoods. However, brick oven pizzas also are customer favorites. Lucky Bones is very popular in Cape May and is located near the Cape May Harbor, giving a pretty window view. The interior of the building is all wooden. Lucky Bones is a great spot to go for a special dinner or just to relax at the bar. Lucky Bones is always crowded in the summer time, so expect a wait! My favorite thing to eat at Lucky Bones is the ice cream sandwich for dessert. This sandwich comes with two freshly baked cookies with ice creamin the middle.
10- C-View - The C-View is Cape May’s oldest pub, this location is not really kid friendly and is meant for an older crowd. The C-View is known for its wing night which takes place every Wednesday night. While visiting Cape May, the C-View is a great escape from the beach to enjoy a beverage and some wings. The C-View is very popular for sports fans to meet up and watch a game from the comfort of the bar. My favorite wings are by far the teriyaki wings, they are a perfect blend of tender chicken wings and an asian style sauce.
