NJShore Guide

🍔 American Restaurants

in Cape May

Looking for american in Cape May? The shore town has 21 spots serving classic american comfort food and contemporary dishes. The Ebbitt Room is a local favorite.

Price Range

3 upscale, 1 mid-high, 17 moderate

Dining Tip

Many American restaurants in Cape May offer happy hour specials. Check for early bird dinner deals.

21 American Restaurants in Cape May

The Ebbitt Room

$$$$Reservations

Chef Jason Hanin earned 2025 NJ Chef of the Year. 4.7 stars from 3,500+ OpenTable reviews. Seasonal tasting menus showcase Cape May scallops and Beach Plum Farm ingredients. Elegant porch dining with live piano.

fine diningamerican

Must Try: Seasonal tasting menu

  • award-winning chef
  • farm-to-table
  • live piano
  • porch dining
Virginia Hotel, 25 Jackson Street

Washington Inn

$$$$Reservations

4.8 stars from 9,500+ reviews. Most extensive wine selection in Cape May within an 1840 plantation-style building. "Outstanding" baked escargot, seafood risotto, fireside dining. Occasionally noisy on busy nights.

fine diningamerican

Must Try: Baked escargot

  • extensive wine list
  • historic building
  • fireside dining
801 Washington Street

Peter Shields Inn

$$$$Reservations

4.8 stars from 7,500+ reviews. Zagat-rated cuisine with direct ocean views from 1907 Georgian Revival setting. NOTE: No longer BYOB as of January 1, 2025 ($40 corkage fee).

fine diningamerican

Must Try: Chef's tasting menu

  • ocean views
  • Zagat-rated
  • historic inn
1301 Beach Avenue

410 Bank Street

$$$SeasonalReservations

Chef Sing's Creole-Caribbean cuisine in a vine-covered 1840 carriage house. NY Times called it "the reason many come to Cape May." BYOB. Seasonal closure in winter.

seafoodamerican

Must Try: Caribbean specialties

  • Creole-Caribbean
  • BYOB
  • historic carriage house

Plumsted Grill

$$

Located in Cream Ridge.

american

Phinney's Pub

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Peter Shields Inn & Restaurant

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Oceanview Restaurant

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Ocean View Family Restaurant

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Mermaids Restaurant

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Mayer's Tavern

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Mad Batter Restaurant & Bar

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Lucky Bones Back Water Grille

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Harry's Ocean Bar & Grille

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Harbor View Restaurant

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

King Edward Bar

$$

Located in Cape May.

american

Lucky Bones Backwater Grille

$$

Marina-side praise for fried oysters and Cape May Double IPA craft beer. Family-friendly with outdoor seating.

americanbar grill

Must Try: Fried oysters

  • waterfront
  • happy hour
  • kid-friendly
  • outdoor seating

The Mad Batter

$$

Operating since 1976 in Victorian Carroll Villa Hotel. Orange & Almond French Toast and famous Bloody Marys. Polarizes visitors—beloved for food, criticized for "supercilious" service. 45-60 minute weekend waits.

americancafe

Must Try: Orange & Almond French Toast

  • Victorian setting
  • breakfast famous
  • Bloody Marys
19 Jackson Street

George's Place

$$

"If Nancy Meyers opened a Greek diner" atmosphere. Tiramisu waffles and flaming Saganaki draw crowds.

americancafe

Must Try: Tiramisu waffles or flaming Saganaki

  • breakfast
  • Greek touches
  • Instagram-worthy
Beach Avenue

The Blue Pig Tavern

$$

Historic tavern at Congress Hall serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Farm-to-table focus with Beach Plum Farm ingredients.

americancasual

Must Try: Buttermilk pancakes

  • historic
  • breakfast
  • farm-to-table
  • patio

More Dining in Cape May

American Restaurants at Other Shore Towns

Tips for American Dining in Cape May

Summer reservations: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend dinners, especially July-August.

BYOB advantage: Many Cape May restaurants are BYOB—bring your own wine and save.

Off-peak savings: Early bird specials (5-6pm) often include price breaks.

Dress code: Most american spots are casual—flip flops usually fine.

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American Dining FAQs

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