The Mad Batter Restaurant  and Bar,
Cape May, NJ: A Dining Review

The Mad Batter Restaurant and Bar, Cape May, NJ

The Mad Batter Restaurant: A Cape May Icon Where Whimsy Meets Gourmet Flair

The Mad Batter Restaurant
19 Jackson St.
Cape May, NJ

Mad Batter: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: American

Price: Moderate

Food Quality: Excellent. Serves non-traditional well executed dishes, creatively prepared using fresh locally sourced ingredients. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options

Service: Friendly. attentive.

Ambiance/Decor: Victorian Hotel setting. In the summer, enjoy outdoor dining on the porch of the Carroll Villa hotel.

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy excellent, non-traditional, creatively prepared food, with full  bar service

Not Recommended For:  Diners who prefer an extensive menu with more fine dining amenities.

Recommended Dishes: When available, The Gourmet oatmeal, Belgian waffles, pancakes, orange flavored French toast, eggs benedict, all served up with a variety of American and international coffees and teas, fresh baked muffins and fruit. Lunch and dinner favorites include; the Pear salad; New England clam chowder; the Mahi Mahi; broiled scallops in a mushroom and crab sauce; crab cakes; and lamb stew.

Alcohol: Full Service Bar. Vibrant bar scene

Perched in the heart of Cape May’s historic district, The Mad Batter Restaurant is a vibrant, eclectic gem -- a Cape May classic that has been delighting diners since 1976.

Housed within the charming Carroll Villa Hotel, this family-owned institution blends Victorian charm with a dash of bohemian flair, offering a breakfast and brunch experience as colorful as its famed orange-and-purple exterior.

The restaurant is owned and operated by the Kulkowitz family, now in its third generation. Founded by Harry Kulkowitz in 1976, his son Mark and his wife Pam of the second generation are the current co-owners, with assistance from their children Kyle, Marta, and Tess.

The Mad Batter’s menu is a masterclass in creative, locally inspired cuisine. Brunch reigns supreme here, with dishes that balance indulgence and innovation.

They specialize in creative breakfasts and brunches with combinations of fresh ingredients. On summer mornings, get there early or prepared to wait in line for breakfast.

Meals are well executed and creatively prepared using fresh locally sourced ingredients. They have vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The dining room is a whimsical wonderland: think mismatched vintage chairs, bold floral wallpaper, and walls adorned with quirky local art. Sunlight streams through stained-glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic hues over the space.

In warmer months, the garden patio is a leafy oasis, ideal for sipping mimosas under umbrella-shaded tables. Even in peak season, the vibe remains relaxed and unpretentious—a rarity in this tourist hotspot.

The staff’s warmth and efficiency shine, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a decades-long regular.

During the evening, the bar scene is energetic with attractive happy hour prices and live music, and “Open Mic” night on Sundays. Art Shows and exhibitions are scheduled in the Gallery Room, the Main Dining Room, and the Terrace.

Practical Notes

Hours: Breakfast/Brunch daily, 8 AM–1 PM; Dinner days and times are seasonal.

Reservations: Not accepted for brunch—arrive early or embrace the wait with a stroll past Cape May’s Victorian homes.

Parking: Limited street parking; nearby paid lots or bike rentals recommended.

Updated November 2024

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