The Anchorage Tavern is the oldest continuously operated business establishment in Somers Point, with roots dating back to circa 1874, when it opened as the Trenton Hotel. Over the decades, the landmark has seen its share of colorful characters and memorable moments. During Prohibition, it was reportedly a popular stop for rum runners, and throughout its history, the tavern became known for its lively atmosphere, games of chance and larger-than-life personality.
The Anchorage later built a reputation for Italian food, live entertainment and its famous seven-beers-for-a-dollar promotion, which inspired the now-collectible 7-for-1 T-shirts. In 1993, the owners restored the historic building and continued its tradition of welcoming generations of locals and visitors. Today, The Anchorage remains a beloved Somers Point landmark, preserving more than a century of Jersey Shore history while continuing to make memories of its own.
On a warm summer evening, the sounds of seabirds and traffic along Bay Avenue greeted us as we pulled into the Anchorage parking lot. Both the restaurant and tavern sides were bustling with laughter and conversation. We were seated right away on the tavern side, near the door, giving us a perfect view of the passing cars and boats.
Inside, the decor is just as memorable as the history. Framed articles featuring “murderers’ last meals,” nautical artwork, an alligator hanging from the ceiling and license plates nailed to the beams give the space a quirky, unmistakably Anchorage feel.
I started with a Pineapple Mojito mocktail, which arrived within minutes. Bubbly, refreshing and minty with just the right hint of pineapple, it was the perfect drink for a hot summer evening.
We arrived toward the end of lunch, so we opted for sandwiches. While Anchorage’s legendary Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is famously enormous, we decided to go with a few more manageable choices.
My mom ordered the Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with fries. The sandwich was piled high with tender roast beef and topped with provolone, with a side of au jus for dipping. The fries came out fresh from the fryer, so naturally, I had to help her finish them.
My husband went with the Anchorage Chicken Melt, featuring a large, crispy chicken breast topped with bacon and Swiss cheese. The real star, however, was the side of ranch, perfect for drenching the sandwich. Rich, cheesy and incredibly satisfying, this could easily become his new go-to order.
I chose the Crab Cake Sandwich, served on a fresh Kaiser roll with lettuce and a beautiful slice of tomato. A side of jalapeño-lime mayonnaise allowed me to add just the right amount of heat and flavor. The house-made crab cake was packed with lump crab meat and broiled to golden perfection. It’s easy to see why the Anchorage crab cakes have earned their “world famous” reputation.
Before we left, we had to try one more thing: the Margarita Bar Pie. The thin-crust pizza arrived hot and loaded with gooey melted cheese, chunks of fresh tomato and crisp basil. I could easily picture myself coming back in the fall, enjoying an entire pie while watching an Eagles game on one of the many TVs throughout the tavern.
The staff was friendly and clearly busy preparing for the evening rush, but our service remained quick and welcoming. As we settled the bill and headed out, the Anchorage was already transitioning into another busy night.
There’s a reason The Anchorage Tavern has remained a Somers Point favorite for generations. It’s more than a restaurant and bar; it is a piece of Jersey Shore history, where the food, atmosphere and stories are all part of the experience. After more than 150 years, the Anchorage is still doing what it has always done best: welcoming people through its doors and giving them a reason to come back.
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.
