Rusty Nail

Let your hair down... this is beachfront dining at its coolest

WHERE IS IT? Across the street from the beach. Just follow the surfers.

WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s the only bar in Cape May where you can enjoy a cold drink a seriously good beach eats, right on the sand. And thanks to the beautiful indoor fireplace, the Nail is just as alluring on cooler evenings.

The Nail made a name for itself in the 1970s, when lifeguards, surfers and beach bunnies gathered around the wood bar that’s the longest in Cape May. Today, it’s still the go-to for sandy beach-goers. This popularity is due, in part, to the Nail’s draft beer, the coldest in town. Then there are the two fire pits, which elevate the outdoor experience. No wonder Travel & Leisure named the Nail one of America’s Top 10 Beach Bars.

For those who’d rather be inside, the live music creates a mellow vibe — the kind you’ll want to leave only in order to check out the dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Wherever you hang, the Nail is a spot where every member of the family feels at home — kids love their meals served on a frisbee and the furry members of the family will dig the doggie menu, while you share the addictive nachos, feast on the grilled mahi tacos or rip into the raw bar offerings.

While it’s an idyllic spot for lunch and dinner, there’s another great time to enjoy the quirky delights of the Nail — order breakfast in the breezy dining room. Among the highlights are the Nail Eggs Benedict (topped with a crab cake and old bay).

INSIDER TIP The Nail also offers a menu for dogs — both food AND drinks. Now that’s something to get tails wagging.