3 Top Dives to Dine at the South Jersey Shore
The South Jersey Shore has a wide variety of fine dining restaurants with the Cuisine ranging from A to Z, but what most visitors want is “Seafood”. With this area being known for its fresh fish, scallops, shrimp, clams, crabs, and mussels, there are many places to find your favorites. I’ve been able to visit most establishments along the South Jersey Shore, and I’m going to share my three favorite Dive establishments. To clarify, when I call it a “Dive”, I’m talking about places with plastic utensils, rolls of paper towels, and plenty of good eating.
One small restaurant located on the intercoastal waterway in Somers Point NJ is Smitty’s Clam Bar. If you were to drive by Smitty’s and not know what they offered, you most likely would not stop. Unless of course you notice the hundreds of cars and people waiting to be seated. Smitty’s is known for it’s Clam Chowder, Baked Seafood including Scallops, Fish of the Day, and It’s atmosphere of an old time fishing dock. With a price range from $12-$20 for entrees, you can’t beat Smitty’s for great food, great price, and an all around great experience. (609) 927-8783.910 Bay Avenue, Somers Point, NJ. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.
The Lobster House located at the foot of the Bridge coming into Cape May is world known for it’s fine dining and world cuisine. But what many do not know is about the Fish Market, which offers very similar food served in the Main Restaurant, but you can eat for about ½ the price and enjoy the atmosphere of the docks. What you do here is go into the Fish Market located at the front of the establishment, and you can order seafood any way you want it for a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere. Then you go around to the back of the dock and find a table if you can. During the peak times, you have to wait and hover to find a table, but that is part of the fun. My favorite meal is the broiled seafood platter where you get a petite lobster tail, scallops, & shrimp, all boiled and it comes with baked potato and cole slaw. The price for this runs around $13.00 and is absolutely delicious. You can pick up some fabulous crab soup, or U-peel shrimp, or oysters on the half shell. This unique place is a must if visiting the South Jersey Shore. (609) 884-8296. 906 Schellengers Landing Road, Cape May. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.
Located on the Bay in Sea Isle City, Mikes Seafood has everything you could ever want in a menu. Mikes offers freshly cooked seafood, but what is unique about Mikes is that they have a homemade spaghetti sauce that is the best around. Combination dinners include fresh fish, scallops, shrimp, crabs, and many varieties for the seafood lover in you. Their homemade soups are wonderful, and the crab balls are the best around. Mikes Seafood does not offer alcohol, but you are welcome to BYOB, which can save you money on your tab. Meals range from $15.00 to $30.00 but worth every penny. If you are near exit 17 of the Garden State Parkway, Mikes will make you exit and head into Sea Isle for a dining experience you’ll never forget. (609) 263-3458. 4222 Park Road (on the Bay), Sea Isle City. Kid Friendly and No Reservations allowed.
