Ebbitt Room

An acclaimed menu, featuring produce from Beach Plum Farm, imaginative cocktails... and so many great places to enjoy this bounty!

WHERE IS IT? In the Virginia Hotel, a haven of relaxed elegance, a half-block from the beach on beautiful Jackson.

WHY SHOULD I GO? Given that The Ebbitt Room is a regular winner of the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, you can imagine that eating here is a special experience — but don’t regard it as a special occasion place. The vibe is relaxed and buzzy, thanks largely to the U-shaped bar that flows into the dining room, plus the charming porches and lounges where you can also enjoy the acclaimed food and drinks.

The menu, which includes dishes both inventive and familiar, draws ingredients from nearby Beach Plum Farm, as does an impressive drinks list (featuring spectacular mocktails). On warmer nights, enjoy sampling from both on the breezy front porch. Or opt for listening to live piano in the lounge.

The porch overlooking Jackson is Cape May’s favorite place to start or end the evening. Enjoy the people-watching (and horse-and-carriages) as you indulge in hand-crafted cocktails and small plates such as the farm cheese and cured meat board, or charbroiled burger, herb-parmesan fries and homemade pickles. Bonus: The addition of heaters means the best seat in town is available year-round.

INSIDER TIP Check The Ebbitt Room’s website for a listing of its seasonal Richmond Room Dinner Series!