Accessible Restaurants
Find wheelchair accessible dining at the Jersey Shore. ADA compliant restaurants, accessible patios, and tips for dining out with mobility challenges.
Casino Dining
Best accessibility guaranteed
Outdoor Patios
Often more accessible
Call Ahead
Confirm before you go
Restaurant Types by Accessibility
Casino Restaurants
ADA required. Wide aisles, accessible restrooms, accommodating staff.
Examples: Borgata, Hard Rock, Ocean Casino restaurants
Chain Restaurants
Corporate ADA compliance. Reliable accessibility and accessible restrooms.
Examples: Outback, Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, Applebees
New Construction
Built to modern ADA code. Wide doorways and accessible design.
Examples: Pier Village restaurants, newer Asbury Park spots
Outdoor Dining
Patios and decks often more accessible than interiors.
Examples: Beach bars, boardwalk seating, waterfront decks
Historic Buildings
Victorian and older buildings often have accessibility challenges.
Examples: Many Cape May and Spring Lake BYOBs
Boardwalk Dining
Ramps available but interiors can be tight. Outdoor seating better.
Examples: Pizza shops, casual boardwalk restaurants
Reliably Accessible Options
Borgata Restaurants
Atlantic City • Multiple Options
Multiple dining options from casual to fine dining, all accessible.
Hard Rock Cafe & Restaurants
Atlantic City • Multiple Options
Modern construction with full accessibility throughout.
Pier Village Restaurants
Long Branch • Multiple Options
Newer development with modern accessibility standards.
Morey's Piers Restaurants
Wildwood • Boardwalk Dining
Boardwalk and beachfront dining options with good accessibility.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Multiple Locations • Chain Restaurant
Reliable accessibility at chain locations.
The Crab House
Atlantic City • Seafood
Waterfront dining with accessibility features.
Dining Accessibility by Town
Atlantic City
ExcellentCasino restaurants fully accessible. Multiple chain options. Boardwalk restaurants variable.
Long Branch
Very GoodPier Village is modern and accessible. Ocean Place Resort restaurants accessible.
Wildwood
GoodBoardwalk has been updated. Many restaurants have ramps. Outdoor seating prevalent.
Ocean City
GoodBoardwalk accessible. Family restaurants generally accommodate. Call ahead for specifics.
Asbury Park
GoodMix of old and new. Newer restaurants on Cookman Ave more accessible.
Cape May
VariableHistoric buildings challenging. Some restaurants with patios are better. Call ahead.
Dining Tips
Call Ahead
Always call to confirm accessibility and discuss specific needs before visiting.
Ask About Restrooms
Entry access doesn't guarantee bathroom accessibility. Always ask specifically.
Consider Outdoor Seating
Patios and outdoor areas are often more accessible than tight interiors.
Go Off-Peak
Less crowded times mean easier navigation and more attentive service.
Check Google Maps
Wheelchair accessibility is often noted. Also check recent photos for layout.
Casino Restaurants First
When in doubt, casino restaurants are your most reliable accessible option.
Common Accessibility Challenges
Know what to expect at different shore dining spots:
Victorian Building Steps
Cape May, Spring Lake, Ocean GroveHistoric buildings often have 2-5 steps with no ramp option.
Solution: Look for restaurants with outdoor patios at street level, or stick to newer construction.
Narrow Aisles
Small BYOBs, boardwalk pizza shopsTables packed tight - standard wheelchair width (24-27") may not fit.
Solution: Ask for tables near the entrance or outdoor seating. Go during off-peak hours.
Inaccessible Restrooms
Older restaurants, small establishmentsEntry may be accessible but bathroom is down stairs or too narrow.
Solution: Always ask about restroom accessibility specifically. Plan nearby accessible alternatives.
Sand and Beach Access
Beachfront restaurants, beach barsSand is difficult for wheelchairs. Some beach restaurants are only accessible via sand.
Solution: Look for boardwalk-level options or restaurants with paved patios.
📞 What to Ask When Calling Ahead
Don't just ask "Are you wheelchair accessible?" - be specific:
"Is there a ramp or step-free entrance?"
Some places have "accessible" entry that's actually a steep ramp or has a lip.
"How wide are the aisles between tables?"
Standard wheelchair needs 32" minimum clearance. Power chairs need more.
"Is the restroom wheelchair accessible?"
Entry access doesn't mean accessible restrooms. Many older places have stairs to bathrooms.
"Can you seat us near the entrance?"
Less maneuvering through the restaurant. Easier exit if needed.
"Is there accessible parking nearby?"
Street parking at the shore can be far from entrances.
"Do you have outdoor seating at street level?"
Often the most accessible option, especially at shore restaurants.
Best Options by Meal Type
Breakfast
Best Bets
Hotel restaurants, diners with parking lots, chain restaurants
Challenges
Small cafes often cramped
💡 Tip: Casino buffets open early and are fully accessible
Lunch
Best Bets
Outdoor cafes, boardwalk restaurants with patios, shopping center chains
Challenges
Peak lunch rush (12-1 PM) makes navigation harder
💡 Tip: Eat at 11 AM or 2 PM to avoid crowds
Dinner
Best Bets
Casino restaurants, newer restaurants, chain steakhouses
Challenges
Fine dining in historic buildings often inaccessible
💡 Tip: Make reservations and request accessible seating near entrance
Drinks/Bar
Best Bets
Casino bars, hotel lobby bars, newer craft breweries
Challenges
Traditional bars have high stools, narrow spaces
💡 Tip: Look for places with outdoor seating areas or lounge seating
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming "wheelchair accessible" means fully accessible
Many restaurants note wheelchair access but have inaccessible restrooms or tight interiors.
Fix: Always call and ask specifically about restrooms, aisles, and table spacing.
Relying only on Google Maps accessibility info
Info may be outdated or only reflect entry, not interior or restrooms.
Fix: Use Google as a starting point, then call to confirm specific needs.
Arriving during peak hours
Crowded restaurants have tables pushed together, blocking aisles.
Fix: Dine early (5 PM) or late (8 PM+). Weekdays are better than weekends.
Not having a backup plan
Restaurant ends up inaccessible. Now you're hungry with no options.
Fix: Always identify 2-3 accessible options in the area before you go.