The Lobster House,
Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
The Lobster House: A Cape May Staple for Waterfront Dining
The Lobster House Restaurant
Fisherman's Wharf
Cape May, NJ
Lobster House: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Seafood
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: Excellent fresh locally caught seafood. Traditional seafood menu prepared in large volume. Simple preparation, few if any creative or inspiring presentations.
Ambiance/Decor: Nautical themed on the waterfront with attractive outdoor dining. Very touristy, huge indoor, spacious dining area.
Service: Friendly, apt to be slow with a long wait for a table during the summer months.
Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Note: Four-star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy fresh, locally, daily caught seafood, simply prepared, at a reasonable price.
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer a non - touristy restaurant with eclectic food preparations in a low key, upscale, setting.
Recommended dishes: When available, Live Lobsters served steamed or broiled; Sauteed Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab meat; and the Cape May Scallops.
Alcohol: Good selection of reasonably priced wines, beers, and specialty cocktails. Bar scene is popular.
The Lobster House is Cape May’s largest and most iconic waterfront restaurant, known for its fresh, locally caught seafood served daily at moderate prices. A longstanding favorite among tourists, it’s especially popular with families and large groups.
For nearly fifty years, The Lobster House has been a local institution. It boasts a charming nautical ambiance across five spacious dining rooms, a lively bar, a year-round fish market, a cozy coffee shop, and a seasonal outdoor raw bar. One of its most unique features is the Schooner American—a 130-foot authentic Grand Banks sailing vessel docked beside the restaurant, serving as an outdoor cocktail lounge during the summer months. Guests can enjoy a full bar, light lunch options, and evening appetizers while taking in the waterfront views.
Situated beside Cape May’s commercial fishing docks, The Lobster House serves seafood that’s about as fresh as it gets. However, due to the restaurant’s high volume of patrons, the food is often mass prepared, which can mean less culinary creativity compared to smaller, boutique-style eateries in the area.
The raw bar, offered in both the indoor bar and dining room, is a standout feature with its own separate menu. The restaurant is family-friendly, with a dedicated children's menu available.
Open seven days a week, year-round, for both lunch and dinner, The Lobster House does not take reservations. While service is generally friendly, it can be rushed or inconsistent during the busy summer season.
(Updated: April 2025)
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