Lobster House And Bar

If there is one name that defines the waterfront dining and drinking scene in South Jersey, it is The Lobster House. Perched on the edge of Cape May Harbor at Schellengers Landing, this sprawling landmark isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a multi-faceted maritime experience that has been a mandatory stop for generations of locals and vacationers.

The history of The Lobster House is one of grit and family tradition. Founded in the 1950s by Wally and Marijane Laudeman, the establishment is built around a commercial fishing fleet that still operates today, offloading millions of pounds of seafood annually. Despite surviving devastating fires and major hurricanes, the Laudeman family has continuously evolved the property, ensuring that the seafood on your plate is often sourced directly from their own boats.

Features & Highlights

The beauty of The Lobster House lies in its variety; you can choose your own adventure depending on the mood. The Main Restaurant features five nautical-themed dining rooms and a classic full-service bar for an upscale, sit-down experience. For those seeking something more rustic, the Raw Bar offers an authentic dockside vibe where you can enjoy freshly shucked oysters and clams alongside a cold pint or a pitcher of beer.

The crown jewel for any bar enthusiast, however, is the Schooner American. Moored dockside, this 130-foot authentic Grand Banks sailing vessel serves as an outdoor cocktail lounge. There is quite simply no better place in South Jersey to sip a signature martini or a frozen daiquiri while watching the yachts and fishing trawlers glide through the harbor.

Beyond the bars, the property includes a world-class Fish Market, a busy Take-Out Shop for dockside self-service dining, and even a cozy Coffee Shop (known to locals as “The Stools”) that serves what many consider the best breakfast in town. It is a high-energy, historic, and absolutely essential Cape May institution.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.