Lobster house cape may menu with prices showcases fresh-caught seafood and waterfront views that justify the premium cost. If you are planning a trip to Cape May, New Jersey, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers. You want to know exactly what you are paying for before you sit down. This guide breaks down the full menu, current prices, and insider tips to make your meal worth every dollar.
The Lobster House is not just a restaurant; it is a Cape May institution. It sits right on the dock, so you watch fishing boats come in while you eat. The menu changes slightly with the seasons, but the core items stay the same. Let us look at what you can order and how much it costs.
Lobster House Cape May Menu With Prices: Full Breakdown
This section covers the main categories of the menu. Prices are approximate and can vary based on market rates and season. Always check the restaurant’s current menu for exact numbers.
Raw Bar And Appetizers
Start your meal with fresh oysters, clams, or shrimp. The raw bar is a highlight here. You can order items individually or as a sampler platter.
- Oysters on the half shell: Market price, usually around $3.50 to $4.50 each
- Jumbo shrimp cocktail: $16.95 for six shrimp
- Clams on the half shell: Market price, about $2.50 to $3.50 each
- Lobster bisque: $9.95 per bowl
- Crab cake appetizer: $18.95 for two cakes
- Fried calamari: $14.95
- Steamed mussels: $15.95
If you want a sampler, the “Captain’s Platter” for two is a good deal. It includes oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab claws. That runs about $45.00.
Lobster Dishes
This is the star of the show. You can get lobster prepared several ways. The prices depend on the size of the lobster you choose.
- Whole boiled or steamed lobster: Market price, typically $28.95 to $45.95 for a 1.25 to 2 pound lobster
- Lobster roll: $24.95, served with coleslaw and fries
- Lobster salad: $22.95, served on a bed of greens
- Lobster mac and cheese: $26.95
- Lobster thermidor: $38.95
- Lobster bisque: Already listed above, but worth mentioning again
Pro tip: If you want the best value, order the lobster roll. It uses claw and knuckle meat, which is sweet and tender. The whole lobster is great for the experience, but you pay for the shell weight.
Fresh Fish And Other Seafood
The menu changes daily based on what the boats bring in. Common options include flounder, sea bass, salmon, and tuna. You can have it grilled, broiled, or fried.
- Grilled flounder: $28.95
- Pan-seared sea bass: $34.95
- Grilled salmon: $26.95
- Tuna steak: $32.95
- Fried shrimp platter: $22.95
- Scallops: $29.95 for a pan-seared order
Each fish entree comes with two sides. You can choose from vegetables, rice, baked potato, or french fries. Some dishes also include a small salad.
Steak And Land Options
Not everyone wants seafood. The Lobster House offers a few land-based choices. These are simpler but well-prepared.
- Filet mignon: $38.95
- New York strip: $34.95
- Grilled chicken breast: $22.95
- Pasta with marinara: $16.95
These dishes come with the same side options as the fish. The steak is cooked to order, so specify your doneness clearly.
Lunch Menu
Lunch is more affordable than dinner. You can get smaller portions or sandwiches. The lunch menu is available from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Lobster roll: $22.95 (slightly cheaper than dinner)
- Fish and chips: $16.95
- Fried clam strips: $15.95
- Grilled cheese with lobster: $18.95
- Burger: $14.95
- Caesar salad with shrimp: $17.95
Lunch is a great time to visit if you want to save money. The portions are still generous, and the views are the same.
Kids Menu
If you bring children, they have a separate menu. Prices are lower, and portions are smaller.
- Grilled cheese: $8.95
- Chicken tenders: $9.95
- Hot dog: $7.95
- Mac and cheese: $8.95
- Small lobster tail: $16.95
Kids meals come with a drink and a small dessert. This makes it easy for families to dine without breaking the bank.
Desserts
Save room for something sweet. The dessert menu is classic and satisfying.
- Key lime pie: $7.95
- Chocolate cake: $8.95
- Ice cream sundae: $6.95
- Cheesecake: $8.95
The key lime pie is a favorite. It is tangy and creamy, a perfect end to a seafood meal.
Drinks And Beverages
The Lobster House has a full bar. You can order beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Draft beer: $6.00 to $8.00
- Bottled beer: $5.00 to $7.00
- House wine: $8.00 per glass
- Cocktails: $10.00 to $14.00
- Soda: $3.50
- Iced tea: $3.50
If you want a local beer, try the Cape May Brewing Company options. They are fresh and pair well with seafood.
How To Get The Best Value At The Lobster House
You can spend a lot of money here if you are not careful. Follow these tips to keep your bill reasonable.
Go For Lunch
Lunch prices are lower across the board. The lobster roll is $2.00 cheaper at lunch. You also get the same view and service. If you want the full experience without the dinner price, go between 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
Share An Appetizer
Appetizers are large enough for two people. Order one appetizer and two entrees. This saves you $10 to $15. The fried calamari or steamed mussels are good for sharing.
Skip The Lobster Thermidor
Lobster thermidor is the most expensive dish on the menu. It is delicious, but you pay for the preparation. If you want lobster, order the whole steamed lobster or the lobster roll. You get more meat for less money.
Check The Market Price Board
The Lobster House posts daily market prices on a board near the entrance. Look at it before you order. If the price for lobster is high, consider a different dish. The fish entrees are often a better deal when lobster is expensive.
Bring Your Own Wine
The Lobster House allows you to bring your own wine for a small corkage fee. This can save you a lot of money. The fee is usually $5.00 to $10.00 per bottle. Check with the restaurant before you go to confirm the policy.
What To Expect: Atmosphere And Service
The Lobster House is not a quiet, romantic restaurant. It is busy, loud, and family-friendly. You will wait for a table during peak hours. The service is efficient but can be rushed when it is crowded.
The best seats are on the outdoor deck. You overlook the Cape May harbor and watch boats come and go. If you sit inside, you still get water views from most tables. The decor is nautical, with fishing nets and old photos on the walls.
Reservations are not accepted for small parties. You put your name on a list and wait. The wait can be 30 to 90 minutes during summer weekends. Go early or late to avoid the longest waits.
Seasonal Menu Changes
The menu changes slightly based on what is available. In summer, you find more local fish and soft-shell crabs. In fall and winter, the menu focuses on hard-shell crabs and hearty soups.
Soft-shell crab season runs from May to July. If you visit during this time, order the fried soft-shell crab sandwich. It is a seasonal treat that is not available year-round.
Winter months bring lower prices and shorter waits. The restaurant is still open, but the outdoor deck is closed. You can still enjoy the indoor dining room with harbor views.
Comparing Prices: Lobster House Vs. Other Cape May Restaurants
Cape May has many seafood restaurants. The Lobster House is not the cheapest, but it offers good value for the location and quality.
- The Lobster House: Lobster roll $24.95, whole lobster $28.95 to $45.95
- The Mad Batter: Lobster roll $26.95, whole lobster $34.95
- Washington Inn: Lobster roll $28.95, whole lobster $42.95
- Bella Vida: Lobster roll $23.95, whole lobster $32.95
The Lobster House is mid-range for Cape May. You pay a little more than some places, but you get the dock-side experience. The fish is fresh because it comes off the boats right outside.
Tips For First-Time Visitors
If you have never been to the Lobster House, here is what you need to know.
- Arrive early or late. Peak dinner hours are 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Go at 4:30 PM or after 8:30 PM to avoid the crowd.
- Park in the free lot across the street. Do not park in the restaurant lot if it is full; you will get towed.
- Dress casually. No dress code here. Shorts and t-shirts are fine.
- Bring cash for tips. The restaurant accepts credit cards, but tipping in cash is faster.
- Ask about daily specials. The menu board lists items not on the printed menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the lobster house cape may menu with prices change daily?
Yes, the market price items change daily based on what the boats catch. The printed menu stays the same, but specials are posted on a board. Always check the board before ordering.
Is the lobster house cape may menu with prices available online?
Yes, you can find the menu on their official website. However, prices may not be updated in real time. Call the restaurant for the most current prices, especially for market-priced items like lobster.
What is the cheapest item on the lobster house cape may menu with prices?
The cheapest items are from the kids menu or the lunch menu. A hot dog is $7.95, and a grilled cheese is $8.95. For adults, the burger at $14.95 is the most affordable entree.
Can I get a lobster dinner for under $30 at the lobster house cape may menu with prices?
Yes, the lobster roll is $24.95 at dinner and $22.95 at lunch. The whole lobster starts around $28.95 for a small size. You can get a lobster dinner for under $30 if you choose wisely.
Does the lobster house cape may menu with prices include taxes and tips?
No, the prices listed do not include tax or gratuity. Expect to add about 8% for tax and 15-20% for tip. Factor this into your budget when planning your meal.
Final Thoughts On Dining At The Lobster House
The Lobster House is a Cape May classic for good reason. The food is fresh, the views are unbeatable, and the prices are fair for what you get. You can enjoy a memorable meal without spending a fortune if you plan ahead.
Go for lunch to save money. Share an appetizer. Skip the expensive lobster thermidor. Check the market price board. These small choices add up to a more affordable meal.
The restaurant is busy, so be patient. The wait is worth it when you bite into a fresh lobster roll while watching the sunset over the harbor. That is the Cape May experience you came for.
Remember that the lobster house cape may menu with prices is a starting point. The real value is in the atmosphere, the fresh seafood, and the memories you make. Enjoy your meal and your time in Cape May.