Cape May Recommendations
 

I'm going to be in Cape May on July 23 - 26th with my husband and 15 month old daughter. We'll be staying at the Star Inn. I've never been to Cape May and my husband hasn't been there since he was very young, so I have some questions and would love it if all of you can help. First, keeping in mind that I have a 15 month old with me, what restaurants would you recommend for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? We're very open with the type of food and are willing to spend a good amount of money since we love to eat. The only place I've heard so far that I must try is the Mad Batter. Another question I need to find out about is if Cape May is an easy town to get around. Can we walk to pretty much all the restaurants, shopping, entertainment? I know that my hotel is across the street from Congress Hall, but that's all I know. Thanks in advance!!

Hi Lucienne78 - I followed you over here from your other post. I'm happy that you chose Cape May, because that's what I was going to suggest!

I haven't been to Cape May in three years, but I used to go every summer. I always stayed at Congress Hall, and I think the Star Inn is actually an affiliate thereof. You'll be in a great location, right next to the beach, and right next to a cute pedestrian mall area where you'll find lots of souvenier shops (good ones!), ice cream shops, casual restaurants, etc. You'll also be able to walk into the beautiful part of town where the old Victorian houses and B&B's are.

The Mad Batter was my usual choice for brunch. They have a nice outdoor patio on one of the little streets with the Victorians. I wouldn't go there for dinner, though, if you're looking for special food.

There are some very good restaurants in Cape May, or at least restaurants that think they're very good. As a major foodie, I made it a point to explore most of them! The most frequently touted one is the Washington Inn. I went there once, and it was dismal. Poor food, schlocky tourist atmosphere, patronizing waiters... really a disappointment. My favorite restaurant was 410 Bank Street. It's a beautiful place, and the food really is good. You'll need a car to get there, and it wouldn't be a place where you'd want to bring your baby. 410 Bank Street, like many Cape May restaurants, is BYO, so take some good bottles of wine with you and maybe buy a little wine carrier/insulator tote thing. The Black Duck was my second favorite restaurant. The others, IMHO, probably aren't any better than you'd do at the casual joints in the pedestrian mall for much less money.

See if you can get to the west-facing Sunset Beach to watch the sun go down. It's one of my favorite things to do in Cape May. According to www.timeanddate.com, sunset in Baltimore will be at 8:25-8:27, so I guess it'll be just a hair earlier in Cape May.

Another fun activity I did once was climbing to the top of the Cape May lighthouse and looking at the view. Not a bad thing to do, but we walked there across the beach rather than driving, which was fun on the way over, and not so fun when a torrential downpour caught us in the middle of the beach on the way back!

Hi Hawksbill. Thanks for responding and all of your recommendations. I keep hearing that the location of the Star Inn is great, so I'm very excited. Now I just have to start writing a list of everything that I want to do and where to eat.

A wonderful place for breakfast, but particularly dinner, is The Chalfonte Hotel on Howard St. In the southern tradition, they have a separate dining room for the little ones. It is so cute and the attendants there feed the kids and also play games with them. It's like having a free babysitter! The food is wonderful Southern food and the cooks have won a "Best in the US" for their fried chicken. They have a great Sunday buffet and you can eat outside on the long porch. It is an incredible hotel, make sure to look around if you go.
I also LOVE the Mad Batter but only for breakfast or lunch. Dinner never seems to be that great there but the breakfasts are to die for. Try the Eggs Chesapeake and their homemade sweet breads. Too yummy!
I also like 410 Bank but they wouldn't love you if you brought your baby. Try The Lobster House instead. It's very busy but it's so loved by everyone no one cares. It's very kid friendly. You will need a car to get there as it's at the entrance to Cape May by the dockyard.
Cape May is such a great walking town,with so much history. You just have to walk there, it's a must. It's the only town in the US where the entire town in on the National Historic Register. I just love it! I think you will too!

Hi...Where to start.
You really are in a good location and walking to most things, food included, won't be very difficult.

I second the notes above regarding food. All of the noted places are well established and successful. Although The Lobster House is a tourist attraction it is also a good place to eat. You will have to wait so take the opportunity to tour the fish market, see the fishing fleet, the Walk Up Seafood Bar, etc. Try the crab soup. Explain about the baby to the host inside and it might cut the wait a little. Youngsters are no problem here.

A casual place that we also like is the Cape Orient. It is a 'fusion' type place including some Tai influences. Your youngster would also be welcome at the Cape Orient. Also, BYOB. This restaurant is located in the strip mall adjacent to the Acme food store. A short walk for you. All NJ restaurants that aren't in casinos are non-smoking when eating inside.

Bring your sunblock and remember about those sunsets. Have a great holiday.

Yeah, I went to the Lobster House once. Not a real foodie spot, but it's inexpensive, unpretentious, and pleasant, and I agree that bringing a baby won't be a problem.

I never went to the Chalfonte Hotel, so don't count it in my "all of the other Cape May restaurants are lame" generalization! It sounds like it might be perfect for the occasion.

Try Tricia's right on the beach.

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful information. I can't wait to go.
Skikat9 - quick question on the Chalfonte Hotel. Would they bring my 15 month old in the other room? I thought that she would be too young to go in there.