Spring has officially made its debut and that means outdoor dining at the Jersey Shore is ready for its return. These renowned restaurants are the go-to spots for exceptional eats and an inviting outdoor ambience.
Congress Hall
200 Congress Place, Cape May, NJ 08204
The historic Congress Hall in Cape May blends timeless tradition with elegant innovation this season with the introduction of a brand-new outdoor dining series. The Veranda Dinner Series, an interactive chef experience featuring five-course dinners, gives guests the ultimate taste of beachfront dining at two communal tables set on the veranda of Congress Hall. With select dates throughout the season, this series is a unique experience for foodies looking to share good company and delicious cuisine. May 8 will feature a Mediterranean dinner, June 5 will offer guests classic New Jersey summer dishes, September 24 will feature steak and oysters, and the last dinner on October 24 will highlight local brews. Prices vary from $115-$125 per person, excluding tax and 20% gratuity. White wine pairing or cocktail pairing drink packages are also available for $40 per person, or drinks can be purchased a la carte. For more information, visit https://www.caperesorts.com/congress-hall.
The Ebbitt Room at The Virginia Hotel
25 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Victorian charm meets modern luxury at the Virginia Hotel’s Ebbitt Room, where guests can revel in a sophisticated dining experience like no other. Featuring innovative cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, the Ebbitt Room is strongly rooted in a farm-to-table, farm-to-glass dining philosophy. The open-air wraparound porch of the hotel is the perfect setting for an afternoon drink or an evening meal, where guests can take in the charm of downtown Cape May and bask in the pleasure of warmer weather. This season will also see the return of the Secret Garden, a hidden oasis located at the hotel’s secluded back patio. The first event will be held on May 3 from 4-7pm for a viewing of the Kentucky Derby. Guests can enjoy lite bites and cocktails highlighting Woodford Reserve Bourbon. For more information visit https://www.caperesorts.com/virginia-hotel/ebbittroom.
The Rusty Nail
205 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204
The Rusty Nail, the iconic surfer bar and restaurant in Cape May, provides a laid-back setting with various dining options, from picnic tables to al fresco dining with fire pits. The new High Tide happy hour offers guests the opportunity to enjoy coastal twists on the everyday classics, and a rotating lineup of live music keeps the good times coming. The Rusty Nail is also dog-friendly, so guests can bring their furry friends to enjoy a special dog-friendly menu. Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until May 2 when hours of operation change to 7 days a week, the Rusty Nail serves up real beach charm and feel-good vibes. For more information visit https://www.caperesorts.com/beach-shack/rusty-nail.
Beach Plum Farm
140 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204
At Beach Plum Farm, guests are invited to experience a fresh harvest dinner series every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from June through September, featuring ingredients harvested right from the property. Flavors of the season are celebrated amid bountiful nature, and guests are invited to dine family-style, creating a rich blend of harmony and unity. Farm dinners are BYOB and best suited for guests 21+. The farm also offers breakfast or lunch at the Market Kitchen where visitors can enjoy the rustic outdoor setting just a few minutes from the beach. For more information visit https://www.caperesorts.com/beach-plum-farm/dinner-series.
The Roost Pub & Grill at Harbor Pines Golf Club
500 St. Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
The Roost at Harbor Pines Golf Club ushers in patio season with expanded outdoor seating and a full lineup of weekly food and drink specials. The sunroom and front deck provide a scenic setting overlooking the water and golf course—ideal for enjoying the longer days and warmer nights. Happy Hour runs Monday through Thursday from 4–7 p.m., featuring $6 mixed drinks, $10 martinis, $6 Canyon Road wines, and $2 beer specials including Amstel, Peroni, and High Noon Teas. Weekly deals include half-price wings on Mondays, two-for-one appetizers on Tuesdays, the Burgers & Brews combo on Wednesdays for $15, and Nacho Thursdays with $12 nachos (chicken or chili), $4 Coronas, and $5 margaritas. Saturday nights from 4–8 p.m. offer a buy-one, get-one half-off entrée special. Every Friday night from 6:30–9:30 p.m., guests can also enjoy live performances by a rotating lineup of local favorite artists, bringing an energetic and welcoming atmosphere to the outdoor patios throughout the season. The Roost is open to the public seven days a week. For more information, visit https://www.harborpines.com/the-roost/.
Girasole
3108 Pacific Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Girasole in Atlantic City re-opens its lush garden patio for the season, perfectly timed with the debut of their new Apericena bar and lounge menu. Rooted in an Italian tradition that blends a light evening meal with pre-dinner drinks, Apericena offers a casual yet elegant way to enjoy al fresco dining. The garden patio provides an ideal setting for seasonal cocktails and Mediterranean small plates. Guests can enjoy classic Italian cocktails like the Bellini alongside light fare such as their signature Burratina—a creamy mozzarella dish accompanied by grape tomatoes, roasted beets, and a balsamic reduction. The outdoor garden patio offers the perfect relaxed atmosphere for spring and summer dining. Complimentary on-site parking is available. For more information, visit https://mygirasole.com/.
ByrdCage
3426 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Byrd Cage, Atlantic City’s bold new gay bar and restaurant, kicks off patio season on May 1 with vibrant outdoor dining, live music, and playful food and drinks. Guests can enjoy weekend brunch, weekday happy hours from 3–5 p.m., and dinner six nights a week on the spacious patio. Signature dishes include the “Big Daddy Smash” burger stacked with bacon, cheese, and secret sauce, and the “Benedict with Benefits,” a brunch favorite with poached eggs and hollandaise. Sip on glittery cocktails like the citrusy Twinkletini or the elderflower-kissed Queen Bee, all while soaking up the fun, inclusive vibes. For more information, visit https://byrdcageac.com/.
Paulie’s Steak Italiano
129 S Tennessee Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Paulie’s Steak, a new addition to Atlantic City’s dining scene, is set to open in May, offering a unique all-outdoor dining experience in a beautifully designed al fresco space with 50 seats, weather permitting. The restaurant will feature a curated wine list with 25 bottles from Napa, Italy, and France, along with seven wines available by the glass. A craft cocktail menu will complement the offerings, while the food menu includes appetizers like Beef Carpaccio, Burrata and Prosciutto, and Stuffed Long Hots, along with salads such as Caesar and Caprese. For steak lovers, the menu boasts dishes like NY Strip Steak Alla Pizzaioli, Filet Alla Barolo, and Porterhouse Alla Fiorentina. On weekends, Paulie’s will also offer an all outdoor, late-night, high-energy ambiance featuring DJs and live music. For more information, look for updates via Tennessee Avenue social media channels.
