16 Great Outdoor Dining Destinations

Let's Eat! Outdoor Dining in Cape May & Lewes

Under the sun, in the shade or under the stars, the alfresco experience in the Twin Capes region can be relaxing, romantic or playful. 

CAPE MAY 

410 Bank St.

The canopied garden at 410 Bank St. is a beautiful setting for a feast of New Orleans-style offerings like catfish Creole, Cajun shellfish gumbo, and blackened applewood-smoked prime rib.

Cost: $38.95-$95.95.
Location: 410 Bank St., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-2127, 410bankstreet.com 


Stowaways

Located in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, Stowaways offers convenience and a delightful escape for travelers and locals alike. Whether hopping off a ferry or looking for a serene spot to enjoy a meal, our relaxed atmosphere, scratch kitchen, and live music is the perfect waterfront spot. In the Spring and Summer the outside bar is THE place to be.

Cost: $13 – $45
Location: Capy May Ferry Terminal, 1200 Lincoln Blvd, N. Cape May, NJ 
Info: (609) 327-4621, stowawayscapemay.com 

stowaways_cape_may

The Blue Pig Tavern

The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall affords a lovely setting for dining outdoors, along with a menu that includes bacon-wrapped meatloaf, fish and chips, and steak with a crab cake.

Cost: $17-$42
Location: Congress Hall, 200 Congress Pl., Cape May, NJ 
Info: (609) 884-8422, caperesorts.com 


Fins Bar & Grille

Catch a cool breeze on the front porch at Fins Bar & Grille. Baked shrimp-and-crab pasta and a pork loin chop with honey-pear glaze are among the specialties. 

Outdoor dining at Fins Cape May

Location: 142 Decatur St., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-3449, finscapemay.com 


Peter Shield’s Inn & Restaurant

Watch the waves from the front porch of Peter Shield’s Inn & Restaurant while you sup on such upscale fare as coffee-rubbed Muscovy duck breast, hoisin-glazed Scottish salmon or braised rabbit campanelle.

Cost: $33-$65.
Location: 1301 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-9090, petershieldsinn.com 


SeaSalt

With an extensive raw bar and a menu that features seafood bouillabaisse and coffee-rubbed ribeye steak, SeaSalt Restaurant is beachfront dining at its best.

Location: 1035 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-7000, seasaltcapemay.com 


Tisha’s

The people-watching on the Washington Street Mall is as delicious as the food at Tisha’s, where you’ll find steak au poivre and other elegant selections.

TIsha's Cape May, photo of Seafood Linguini

Cost: $25-$36.
Location: 322 Washington St., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-9119, tishasfinedining.com 


Union Park Dining Room

The ocean-front patio at Union Park Dining Room is the perfect perch for enjoying a prix fixe meal. Start things off with bay scallops ceviche, then move on to the St. Laurent salmon with tomato-crab salad.

Cost: $60
Location: 727 Beach Ave., Cape May, NJ
Info: (609) 884-8811, unionparkdiningroom.com  


LEWES

Grain On the Rocks

Savor crab nachos, a short-rib grilled cheese, the fresh salmon BLT, or a cheeseburger with fig jam at Grain on the Rocks, waterside at the Lewes ferry terminal.

Lobster roll at Grain On the Rocks at the Lewes Ferry Terminal

Cost: $12.50-$17.50 
Location: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE
Info: (302) 291-3900, meetatgrain.com 


Crooked Hammock Brewery

It’s all fun and games and good food in the spacious backyard at Crooked Hammock Brewery. Don’t miss the slow-cooked barbecue ribs or the orange-glazed salmon.

Outdoor dining at Crooked Hammock Brewery

Cost: $21.95-$25.95
Location: 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, DE
Info: (302) 644-7837, crookedhammockbrewery.com 


Big Oyster Brewery

Housed in a red barn, Big Oyster Brewery offers ample (and cozy) outdoor seating, an extensive comfort food menu and 16 beers on tap.

Big Oyster Brewery

Cost: $8-$28
Location: 1007 Kings Hwy., Lewes, DE
Info: (302) 644-2621, bigoysterbrewery.com 


Striper Bites

Grab a seat on the front patio at Striper Bites and try the day’s fresh seafood selection in a sherry butter sauce.

Striper Bites in Lewes, DE

Cost: $16-$29
Location:107 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE
Info: (302) 645-4657, striperbites.com 


Fish On

You’d expect a dining spot with the name Fish On to do a mean seafood stew and fish and chips. But you’ll also find delectable non-seafood specialties like short-rib stroganoff and Southern fried chicken. Dive into it all on the outdoor patio.

Cost: $15-$34
Location: 17300 N. Village Main Blvd., Lewes, DE
Info: (302) 645-9790, fishonlewes.com 


REHOBOTH BEACH

Bluecoast Rehoboth

With its spacious patio, fire pit and stage for acoustic entertainment, Bluecoast Rehoboth is the perfect setting for enjoying seafood preparations like crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp and blackened tuna.

Cost: $24-$38
Location: 30115 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Info: (302) 278-7395, bluecoastrehoboth.com 


Cultured Pearl

You won’t find a more romantic setting than the rooftop gazebo overlooking koi ponds and gardens at Cultured Pearl. Renowned for its extensive sushi bar, the restaurant also offers tempting teriyakis and tempuras, as well as spicy Thai dishes.

Cost: $19-$49
Location: 301 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE
Info: (302) 227-8493

culturedpearl.us


Victoria’s Restaurant

The boardwalk patio at Victoria’s Restaurant is a perfect vantage point for people-watching. Menu highlights include lemon dill salmon, duck a l’orange and grilled sirloin.

Cost: $13-$49
Location: 2 Olive Ave. and the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Info: (302) 227-7169, boardwalkplaza.com     


This listing originally appeared in the Summer/Fall 2021 edition of Twin Capes Traveller, a joint travel digest produced by Today Media, Today Media Custom Communications and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Referenced places, facilities, and opportunities can change year over year, and items noted were available at time of print publication. When on board or at any of our terminals, make sure to pick up the latest edition to see more ideas of places to go and things to do while in the Delaware Bay region. 

Catch the Best Sunsets in the World

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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

Image
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

 

Things to Do While Waiting for Your Ferry

Tips For Making the Most of Your Time at the Terminals

So you bought your tickets to ride the ferry, showed up the recommended 45 minutes to an hour early, and you’re all checked in and ready to go … except the ferry isn’t boarding yet. We have plenty of activities to pass the time before your ferry boards, all without leaving the terminal!

Image
Grain On the Rocks at the Lewes Ferry Terminal

Grab a burger to eat or sip on an orange crush

Dockside restaurants are located at both the Cape May and Lewes terminals. In Lewes, Grain On the Rocks is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and in Cape May, we will be announcing a brand new dining option soon which will be open seasonally from May through September.

Image
interior view of Exit Zero's Cafe 64 inside the Cape May terminal

Stop In and Shop

Looking for souvenirs to remember your trip? Stop by the Ferry Shop onboard the vessel. Or, if you are in Lewes, you’ll find merchandise for sale at the Lewes Coffee Company inside the Lewes terminal.

Image
a bird soars over the Delaware Bay

Admire the local wildlife

The Delaware Bay is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, so naturally we see quite a bit of wildlife by the ferry’s terminals. Keep an eye out for fish, osprey, sea gulls and even dolphins! And for a closer look, we have mounted binoculars on the docks.

Image
Playground at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal in Cape May

Slide and climb on the playground

We haven’t forgotten about the younger family members! Kids can climb on the playground, and parents can easily watch from the docks or from the surrounding benches.

Image
the Cape May terminal grounds at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry in Cape May, NJ

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view

The easiest way to pass the time is by taking in the gorgeous scenery of the Delaware Bay. Our terminals are the perfect place to look out over the water and maybe even catch a sunset, so grab a seat and enjoy the view.

Check Out The Latest Edition of the Twin Capes Traveller!

Search in CMLF

Cape May Lewes Ferry

Subscribe to our newsletter

Booking Form