By Bruce Klauber
The Borough of Longport was officially established in 1898. The record will show that, other than the building of luxury homes and condos, being one of the wealthiest zip codes in the state of New Jersey, and surviving some devastating storms over the years, not all that much has happened in the 126 years since the town was incorporated.
And that’s not a bad thing. Just ask the 900 or so full-time residents (that number is according to the 2020 Census). They like their peace and quiet, which is likely why there is no shopping to speak of, and only two restaurants of note: Ozzie’s and Catch Restaurant & Bar.
I have three memories of Longport from my youth: My father took me there to go fishing on what my dad called “the rocks,” I knew it was a place where I could never afford to live, and that Longport was the summer home of former Philadelphia Mayor James H.J. Tate and his cronies.
The truth today is that Longport is a charming, quiet, beautiful and strictly residential stretch of land. However, as a wise sage once said, people can’t live on peace and quiet alone. Hence, circa 1915, an establishment first called Longport Log Cabin Inn was built by a couple named Jim and Rose Julian.
It changed ownership and names several times through the years. It was known, at various times, as Flynn’s Longport Inn, Cook’s Longport Inn, and simply Longport Inn, but for almost a century, it was the place in Longport to drink, dine, dance and gather.
Although the inn was much more genteel than Margate’s Barbary Coast bars and restaurants, it is still vividly remembered, 23 years after it was torn down, as a warm and friendly place for good food, and plenty of good fellowship.
There is a Facebook group called, “I Worked, Ate or Drank at Longport Inn,” that’s totally devoted to the place. It has almost 700 members. Here’s a sampling of remembrances:
“Simply the finest martini ever, and I’ve been at some pretty swank watering holes.”
— Marcy Brafman.
“I started to go to Cook’s Longport Inn in the early 1950s and we have many fond memories of it.”
— John Montone
“We had a wonderful staff everyone loved, and every Saturday night, all the locals were here to eat, drink and dance. The staff was wonderful and that’s what kept the local people coming back. The food was so delicious and the head chef, Jonathan Karp, was so creative. To this day, I truly believe his food was made with love and passion. I certainly miss those days, the wonderful staff, the wonderful, local people, and people from everywhere else. We thought of everyone as one big happy family. That was one of the greatest times of my life. We miss the good old days, but they can never be repeated. I thank God for one of the best things in my life.”
— Sandy Kanoff-Davidson, third owner, with her husband, Don
“So many fun memories. I was born and raised just down the street in Margate. Enjoyed this restaurant and dancing spot.”
— Maria Hiltner
The best descriptions of the venue exist by way of outdated but never-deleted online reviews of the inn.
“Longport Inn is a charming restaurant located in the picturesque town of Longport, New Jersey,” the description read. “Known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, this establishment offers a diverse menu that highlights fresh seafood and classic American dishes.
“Guests can enjoy a variety of options, from succulent crab cakes to hearty burgers, all prepared with quality ingredients. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to soak in the beautiful coastal views while dining. Longport Inn is an ideal spot for families looking for a casual meal or for anyone wanting to unwind after a day at the beach. With its relaxed vibe and delicious offerings, it has become a beloved local gem in the community.”
What was not included in the review, but was casually mentioned by owner Sandy Kanoff-Davidson, was that the inn often featured live music and dancing, with the live music frequently provided by one of more swinging, non-casino groups, Jackie Jordan and the Jackpots, later regulars at The Crab Trap in Somers Point and Sherlock’s in Atlantic City.
One of the most beloved owners of the inn was Billy Ray, who acquired the place after owning Bill Ray’s Tavern in Philadelphia and the Searstown Tavern in the old Shore Mall, Egg Harbor Township.
According to a piece in The Press of Atlantic City, written by Martin DeAngelis in December of 2011, Ray and his wife, Bea, moved to the Longport area full time in the late 1960s.
“He drew a good crowd at the Searstown until he sold it in the early 1980s to relax,” DeAngelis wrote. “But as a retiree, he was a failure. He had to stay busy, and he just liked the bar business. So a year or so later, he became managing partner of the Longport Inn. It was a full-service restaurant, too, but it still had a lively bar and Bill liked running a hometown spot. He retired again after 10 or so years.” Bill Ray died at the age of 94 in 2011.
Longport Inn, located at 3103 Atlantic Ave., was demolished in 2001. Not long after, the vacant site was zoned for single-family homes, which is what’s there now.
We don’t know for sure why the Longport Inn no longer stands, although property values likely had something to do with it. The six single-family homes that were built on the parcel occupied by the inn added up to much more value than could be generated by an Irish bar and restaurant, no matter how good it was, or how long it stood.
Such is progress.
