Down the Shore
Like so many cities, Philly quiets down substantially during the summer, as residents flee the steaming blacktop and relentless drone of a million air conditioners to cooler, greener pastures. Or perhaps we should say “bluer pastures”, because for most of us, getting out of town means going down the Shore. For those of you not familiar, I’m talking about the Jersey Shore, and no, we don’t go “down to the shore”, we simply go down the Shore and that’s that.
For city restaurants this is a sleepy season, with our typical busy hours often flipped– quiet weeknights during the rest of the year are busier in the summer because folks are back in town for work and take advantage of the extended daylight and warm temperatures to leave their houses, while our busy weekends are muted as folks migrate down the Shore. This was especially marked during the pandemic and in the years immediately following, as those of us in the restaurant industry noted a huge dip in attendance during the summer months.
This summer felt a little different to us. Oh sure, plenty of people went down the Shore and took vacations further afield as well. But for the first time since 2020, the city felt a little busier, a little more alive during the typically sleepy months of July and August. Our sales certainly reflect this.
We’re not complaining, but what gives? Rising gas prices? Return-to-office mandates? The Semiquincentennial celebrations? The World Cup Games in Philly? The MLB All-Star game, also in Philly? It’s hard to say, but then again– it’s hard to predict much of anything anymore.
Whatever the reason, we’re eternally grateful to everyone who visits us, no matter what time of year. It’s just especially great to see you when the weather is nice and you could be at the beach instead!
But if you are heading down the Shore, in the waning days of this summer or looking forward to next year, we can’t let you go without recommending some of our favorite places to eat and drink. We took an informal poll of our restaurant friends, and we think their suggestions will keep you very well-fed until you’re safely back in Philly.
DINNER:
Mayer’s Tavern (Cape May) was the #1 recommended choice by our friends
And Tony’s Baltimore Grill (Atlantic City) was the #2 recommended spot!
Robert’s Place (Margate City): “get the crab legs and buffalo shrimp”
Ada’s Gojjo (Ashbury Park)
Alebrije Mexican Food (Wildwood Crest)
Knife & Fork Inn (Atlantic City)
Dhaba Indian Bistro (Ventnor)
Angeloni’s Club Madrid (Atlantic City)
COFFEE/BREAKFAST:
Turtle Gut (Wildwood)
Seed to Sprout (Avon-by-the-Sea)
Ozzy’s Luncheonette (Longport) “the banana pancakes!”
Isabella’s Ventnor Cafe (Ventnor)
LUNCH:
Smitty’s Clam Bar (Somer’s Point)
White House Subs (Atlantic City)
Saltwater Pizza (Margate)
Florida Cuts (Ventnor) strong recommendation for the Dirty Turkey here
Dino’s Subs & Pizza (Margate) “skip the pizza, get the tuna hoagie”
SWEET TREATS:
Fleck’s Ice Cream (Villas)
Custard’s Last Stand (Ventnor)
Huge thanks to our friends Liz, Melissa, Theresa, Dalice, Pearse, Danielle, Alex and Stone for their recommendations!
Did we miss your favorite spot on this list? (We think we could use some more ice cream suggestions…) Drop us a comment below!
