Somers Point-Mays Landing Road has always been a winding stretch full of familiar bends, but now there’s a new glow just before you reach Mays Landing. The sign outside The Landing Point Tavern no longer teases “Coming Soon.” Now, lit up in all its glory, it reads, “Now Open, Serving Lunch and Dinner.” With that simple change, a new chapter for local dining has officially begun.
Behind this fresh start is husband-and-wife team Dawn and Stephen Golden, who have celebrated more than 30 years of marriage and are now celebrating the launch of a dream that’s been simmering for decades. On Nov. 21, they opened the doors of The Landing Point Tavern for the very first time, greeting early guests with big smiles and even bigger hopes. Their goal? To create the next great neighborhood bar, one with heart, warmth, and the kind of food that makes you want to come back again and again.
“Food is what he has always done,” Dawn says, her pride unmistakable. “The whole menu is right from the heart for him. Everything is fresh, and everything he does is made here.”
For Stephen Golden, cooking isn’t just a career, it’s a lifelong love story. He traces it all the way back to his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to roll meatballs. “Helping roll meatballs as a kid—that’s her recipe that I still make,” he says, smiling at the memory. From those early days, Stephen’s culinary journey started in Philadelphia and eventually led him “down the shore,” where he’s spent the last 27 years honing his craft. His résumé reads like a tour of local favorites: the Crab Trap, Tuckahoe Inn, Cellar 32, and the Atlantic City’s casinos.
After decades behind other people’s menus, Stephen knew it was time to bring his own vision to life. At Landing Point Tavern, he finally gets to wear both hats, Chef and owner, and the result is a kitchen built on passion, precision, and a commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. Every dish comes seasoned not just with flavor, but with intention.
The menu itself is a comforting mix of classics and crowd-pleasers. There are crab cakes, pulled pork sandwiches, pork chops, and all the familiar favorites that warm you from the inside out. For sharing, there are wings, tails, flatbreads, cheesesteak egg rolls, and other snackable dishes perfect for pairing with a cold drink. While scanning the menu, we heard the table beside us raving, loudly and enthusiastically, about the French Onion Soup and the Chicken Pot Pie. Taking their advice, we ordered both, and they were absolutely right. The flavors were rich, hearty, and unmistakably homemade.
With their roots in the Philadelphia area, the Goldens already have big plans for next football season. They’re gearing up to launch a “Taste of Philly” special menu, giving die-hard Philadelphia sports fans the chance to enjoy stadium favorites without battling the notorious post-game traffic at the Linc. Imagine cheering on the Birds while enjoying all your Philly cravings, right in your own backyard.
Inside, Landing Point Tavern offers exactly what a true neighborhood bar should: comfort food, good company, and a welcoming atmosphere. The bar itself is a full rectangle, wrapped on all sides by chatter, laughter, and the clink of glasses. Brand-new TVs on each wall, making it an ideal spot to catch a big game or simply unwind after a long day.
As we headed out, we wished the Goldens all the success in the world. Opening a neighborhood spot is never easy, but they’ve created something special. Something that already feels like it belongs. Good food, fair prices, and an atmosphere that feels like your home away from home. That’s what The Landing Point Tavern promises, and so far, they’re delivering beautifully.
Holly Martin has been immersed in the media world since 2012, building a dynamic and versatile career that spans nearly every corner of the industry. She has also hosted as a DJ and created the blog SNJ Sober Party Girl. She enjoys sharing stories that inspire connection and community.
