Comfort Food and Coastal Charm: Cape May’s Top Diners for Cold Days

Issue #580

January 18, 2026

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🌿Comfort Food and Coastal Charm: Cape May’s Top Diners for Cold Days

🏖️ Summer Jobs Open at South Jersey State Parks with Pay Up to $20/Hour

 👮Ocean City to Demolish 1884 Public Safety Building for New Police HQ

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 January 18

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Comfort Food and Coastal Charm: Cape May’s Top Diners for Cold Days

The seasonal crowds have retreated, locals turn to their favorite diners—places where the coffee is hot, the service is familiar, and the plates come piled high with the kind of food that warms you from the inside out. Cape May’s off-season dining scene thrives thanks to a mix of classic establishments and quirky cafes, each with its own charm. These spots are more than places to eat—they’re cozy retreats where memories are made over mugs of hot chocolate, blueberry pancakes, and steaming bowls of chowder. At the top of the list is George’s Place, where the Greek-American menu combines comfort with brightness. Eggs, cinnamon swirl French toast, and spanakopita share the table with lemony soups and gyros. Over at The Blue Pig Tavern, located inside Congress Hall, the historic setting pairs beautifully with farm-to-table meals, from fluffy breakfast biscuits to hearty lunch chowders, all served with relaxed, polished hospitality. The Mad Batter on Jackson Street offers a splash of color even on the grayest mornings. Locals return for orange ricotta pancakes, corned beef hash, and cozy Victorian vibes. For something with a little more space and variety, Lucky Bones Backwater Grille serves up pizzas, seafood, and sandwiches in a warm, welcoming environment perfect for larger groups and families. In West Cape May, Bella Vida Garden Café balances diner favorites with fresh, plant-forward options, creating a sunny, bohemian atmosphere even during winter's chill. The menu caters to a range of dietary needs while keeping the focus on flavor. For a traditional Jersey diner experience, Oceanview Diner offers beachside classics with a view of the waves rolling in under wintry skies. Think Taylor ham, tuna melts, and a pie case stocked for every craving. C-View Inn takes a more casual, pub-like approach with wings, burgers, and soups served in a space that feels like a neighborhood staple. In North Cape May, 5 West Pub mixes modern energy with comfort staples, offering something for everyone, from taco trios to French onion soup. It’s a go-to spot for locals looking to unwind on a weeknight. For those traveling Route 50, Dino’s Seaville Diner stands as a beacon of New Jersey diner tradition. With a massive menu and famously generous portions, it’s an easy favorite for locals from all over Cape May County. Lastly, The Lobster House Coffee Shop offers harbor views and maritime charm, with seafood-focused breakfasts and lunches served in a cozy, no-frills setting that captures the essence of the Cape May winter experience. These ten diners are more than just winter hideaways—they’re local institutions that keep the heart of Cape May beating through the quiet season.

 Summer Jobs Open at South Jersey State Parks with Pay Up to $20/Hour

As summer approaches, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is opening the door to hundreds of seasonal job opportunities across the state’s parks, forests, and historic sites—including many in South Jersey’s most iconic natural destinations.  With more than 800 positions available statewide, local openings include roles at Wharton State Forest, Cape May Point State Park, Island Beach State Park in Brigantine, and Corson’s Inlet State Park. The 2026 season is expected to draw more visitors than usual, as the state prepares to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary alongside national events. Available positions include lifeguards, visitor service assistants, maintenance workers, and educators. Lifeguard pay starts at $19–$20 per hour, with junior roles for teens 15 and up. Other roles start at $16.50 per hour. No experience is required for most positions. Applications are now open at nj.gov/dep/workinparks.

 

Ocean City to Demolish 1884 Public Safety Building for New Police HQ

Ocean City is moving ahead with plans to demolish its historic public safety building, constructed in 1884, to make way for a modern police headquarters. Demolition bids are expected by late January, with the contract awarded in early February. While the new building is designed, the site will be used for temporary parking. Police operations will shift to a new $6.1 million Boardwalk substation set to open soon. The project replaces previous, costlier proposals to either combine services or repurpose an existing bank building.

Cape May, New Jersey, is known for its rich history and architecture. Which significant event in 1878 led to the rebuilding of many buildings in the Victorian style?

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 Answer to the January 17th Trivia Question

Cape May, New Jersey, is recognized as the oldest seaside resort in the United States. Which significant historical figure is the city named after?

A) Christopher Columbus
B) Henry Hudson
C) Cornelius Jacobsen Mey
D) John Cabot

Answer: C) Cornelius Jacobsen Mey

Cape May is named after the Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who explored and charted the area between 1611 and 1614, establishing a claim for the province of New Netherland​s. Cape May was originally named "Cape Mey.” The name was later changed due to a misspelling in the paperwork.​

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