Seafood Fresh off the Boat

A Celebration of Seafood: Where to Find Tasty Eats in Cape May and Sussex Counties

The sights, sounds and smells of the Bay are bound to stir up a craving for seafood. Here’s where to find some of the best at the Jersey Shore and Delaware beaches.


Cape May County

Louisa’s

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Exterior of Louisa's Cafe in Cape May, NJ

Fish caught from the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic is thoughtfully spiced and sauced at this tiny Cape May gem that’s been a dining destination for 37 years.
$24-$28. 104 Jackson St., Cape May, (609) 884-5882, www.louisascapemay.com.

Fins Bar and Grille

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Fins Bar and Grill in Cape May, NJ

One look at the fish tank and other maritime décor, and you know you’re in the right place for fresh seafood. Favorites include the fish tacos, seafood chowder, and lobster cobb salad with avocado, apple smoked bacon, and charred corn. 
$25-$32. 142 Decatur St., Cape May, (609) 884-3449, www.finscapemay.com

The Lobster House

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Outdoor seating on the waterfront at The Lobster House, located in Cape May

Much of the seafood on the menu is delivered right to the restaurant’s dock by a commercial fishing fleet, and you can watch the fishermen work as you dine. If you’re a locavore, order the Cape May Salts, the scallops, and the New Jersey clams prepared in a variety of ways. For drinks, apps, and lunch outdoors, ask for a seat on the permanently docked Schooner American.
$19.25-$48.50. 906 Schellengers Landing Road, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cape May, (609) 884-8296, www.thelobsterhouse.com

The Merion Inn

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Romantic dinner for two with seafood and wine

The Merion Inn has been in operation since 1885, and its well-prepared seafood classics never go out of style. Highlights include the Maryland crab cakes, the crab or lobster imperial, and the stuffed flounder.
$36-$49. 106 Decatur St., Cape May, (609) 884-8363, www.merioninn.com

One Fish, Two Fish

Upscale accents define menu standouts like the Atlantic salmon with coriander-citrus-ginger beurre blanc, and local scallops with lemon vinaigrette and sweet-corn risotto.
$25-$36. 5209 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, (609) 522-5223, onefishtwofishrestaurant.net

Oyster Bay Restaurant & Bar

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Oyster Bay Bar and Restaurant in Cape May, NJ

If you like your seafood spicy, don’t miss the Bang Bang Shrimp. Other specialties include a well-executed old-school Coquilles St. Jaques and a hearty seafood potpie
$24-$45. 615 Lafayette St., Cape May, (609) 884, 2111, www.oysterbayrestaurant.com

SeaSalt

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Inside SeaSalt Restaurant in Cape May, New Jersey

Whether you prefer your seafood raw, prepared simply, or creatively embellished (think ahi tuna steak in spicy Penang curry), this restaurant in the Cape May Ocean Club Hotel has what you’re craving. For a true taste of the Shore, try the four-course ($55) or the five-course ($70) chef’s tasting menus. Go all out and opt for the wine paring too.
($70/$95). $26-$32. 1035 Beach Ave., Cape May (609) 884-7000, www.capemayoceanclubhotel.com

Tisha’s Cape May

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Seafood linguine dish

The risottos are creamy and crammed with seafood. And the jambalaya is worthy of the Big Easy.
$26-$36. 322 Washington Street Mall, Cape May, (609) 884-9119, www.tishasfinedining.com


Lewes and Rehoboth Beach

Big Fish Grill

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Seafood platter

Be sure to order a Pot ‘O Mussels in your choice of sauce – spicy diablo, garlic wine, Dijon cream, andouille sausage, and saffron or Thai curry and coconut. The hand-cut fries are well worth the extra two bucks.
$18.95-$38.95. 20298 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-FISH, www.bigfishgrill.com

Henlopen City Oyster House

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Fresh oysters in ice

The raw bar here is extensive, with oysters from all over the northeast and Washington State, including a delectable Kumatmotos. Order a sampler, and get one ($18) or two ($36) of each. For a heaping helping of clams, scallops, fish, mussels, and shrimp you can’t go wrong with the bouillabaisse. 
$26-$38. 50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 260-9193, www.hcoysterhouse.com

Matt’s Fish Camp

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Matt's Fish Camp in Lewes, DE

Starters include a killer New England clam chowder with bacon, corn, and sherry cream, and crab dip with pimento and sharp cheddar. Then go for the popcorn scallops (bet you can’t eat just one), the lobster roll or the Crab Louie sandwich. 
$18-$28. 34401 Tenley Court, Lewes, (302) 644-2267, www.mattsfishcamplewes.com

Salt Air Restaurant & Bar

The crab-deviled eggs make you feel like you’re at a picnic on the beach. And the crunchy, corn-flake-encrusted crustaceans – served with coleslaw, fries, and corn bread – make it easy to figure out why the menu calls its shrimp fry “famous.”
$26-$31. 50 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-3744, www.saltairrestaurant.com

Striper Bites

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Striper Bites in Lewes, DE

You choose the cooking style and the sauce – from a simple lemon butter beurre blanc to a festive tropical fruit salsa. If you’re a sushi fan, try the North & South, made with house-cured pastrami salmon, fried Mahi and avocado. And don’t miss the lobster mac with three cheeses, bacon, and tomato jam
$12-$27. 107 Savannah Road, Lewes, (302) 645-4657,
www.striperbites.com

The Surfing Crab

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Steamed crabs

Go with the crabs any which way you like them – just plain steamed by the half or whole dozen, in an imperial dip, or as an Eastern Shore cake. If you can’t get enough, take the All You Can Eat option that comes with fries, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Be sure to order a side of puppies with whatever you choose.
$15.95-$38.95, 16723 Coastal Hwy., Lewes, Del., (302) 644-4448, www.thesurfingcrab.com

 

Street Rods and Ferry Rides

Out For a Ride

Bird watching and being on the lookout for marine wildlife is fun to do on the Ferry, but sometimes, you may catch a glimpse of a more retro type of bird; like a Firebird or something that looks like it was driven by the T-Birds themselves.

While we welcome cars and vehicles of all kinds throughout the year, it is always refreshing to welcome older and exciting cars aboard. A spike in cars that catch our eye usually occurs the week before and after car shows on either side of the bay—using the Ferry to get to and from their event.

Jersey Cape Cruisers

Locals from Cape May, these three friends headed over the bay to once again attend the 29th annual Rod and Custom Jamboree as hosted by the Southern Delaware Street Rod Association in Harrington, Delaware. Check out these bright flashes of colors and their story!

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Judy Hoyle and her Ford Custom

’52 Ford Custom

Upon meeting Judy Hoyle, we were convinced that she must have painted this car pink. However, she insisted it was always that way. What the Lower Township resident meant though, was that it was always that way when she had purchased it. Apparently this pretty-in-pink car was most likely once black, but was a Freihofer’s Bakery company car prior to her ownership, painted pink to draw attention to the company.

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Vic Merrill stands next to his Crown Victoria

’55 Ford Crown Victoria

This classic car came in classic colors as well. Vic Merrill informed us that the official color of this car is called Tropical Rose and Snowshoe White. He said that these vibrant colors paired with power steering and auto transmission as part of Ford’s attempt to attract women drivers to the vehicle.

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Sue McMurty stands infront to her Chevy Nova

’64 Chevrolet Nova

With a car almost 10 years older than those of her friends, Cape May Court House local Sue McMurty rocks a true American icon: a bright red Chevy Nova. One of the most classic American cars of this era, the ’64 was the first year that Chevrolet offered a V8 option within the Nova.

Almost everyday, we have exciting vehicles aboard our vessels, from cool cars like these, to motorcycles, and even 18-wheelers!

Each vehicle is special in its own way; maybe through the memories made in it or the people who are in it. Ready to bring your own special vehicle and it’s story aboard? Book Ferry travel.

Summer Fun in Cape May | 6 Best Reasons to Visit This Summer

Fun in the Sun in America's Oldest Seashore Resort!

Summer is finally here! School’s out, the weather is heating up and people are looking for reasons to travel. In Cape May there are so many fun summer activities to entertain both locals and visitors that it is hard to find any one thing to do. Here are the six of the best things to do in Victorian Cape May this (or, any) summer.  


Picturesque Beaches

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Sunset Beach Cape May

Cape May offers some of the best beaches anywhere in the entire country. Enjoy the scenic views and quiet atmosphere at Higbee Beach and Poverty Beach. Take the family to play volleyball in the sand of Steger Beach. Collect sea shells and beautiful stones at Sunset Beach. Although dogs are prohibited on most beaches in the summer months, other recreational activities like fishing are always allowed! No matter your preference, you can find your beach in Cape May.


Cape May Lighthouse

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Cape May - Lewes Ferry and MAC Lighthouse Tours

Join the nearly 2.5 million people who have climbed Cape May’s most famous landmark since 1988. Make your way up 199 steps to be greeted with an incredible 360° panoramic view of the surrounding area. In the summer months there is always a cool breeze and ample sight of wildlife awaiting you at the top. The lighthouse is wonderfully maintained throughout the year but the warm weather makes for a great family-friendly summer vacation spot.


Washington Street Mall

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Busy summer scene of Washington Street Mall Cape May

The historic Washington Street Mall offers something for everyone and really embodies what Cape May is all about. Whether you want to get ice cream, drinks, a bite to eat, or just sit back and people-watch the Washington Street Mall is the place to be. Despite its popularity, there is plenty of parking available within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants. People who visit the Mall can never wait to come back because there is no way to experience all the mall has to offer in a single trip!


Cape May Brewery

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Cape May Brewing Company

People local to the area are well familiar with Cape May Brewery but if you’re coming to Cape May for the first time the brewery is a must-stop location. Enjoy samples in the tasting room but don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by the incredible selection. There are plenty of helpful staff to assist in making your selection. In the summer, be sure to enjoy the warm weather and hang out in the beer garden. Cape May Brewery is ‘bring your own food’ so be sure to bring your favorite snacks to accompany great beer.


Whale Watching

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Cape May Whale Watcher

There is nothing better in the summer than spending the day out on the water. The Cape May Whale Watcher gives you the opportunity to tour the shore lighthouses, see beautiful marine life, and take incredible pictures that will last a lifetime. On a clear summer day there are lots of dolphins in the water and seeing whales is a regular occurrence. All of the captains are knowledgeable and make the trips both fun and informative. 


Summer Concert Series

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Amish Outlaws performing at the Cape May Lewes Ferry summer concert series

Who doesn’t love free music? The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides free concerts for everyone every Wednesday night in the Summer. The Summer Concert Series presents many different styles of music so you’re bound to find something that will get you down to the Cape May Ferry Terminal. These concerts are popular with year round local residents but also attract people from across the Delaware Bay who come across from Lewes.

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