Cracking the Coast: The Ultimate Jersey Shore Crab House Roundup

Cracking the Coast: The Ultimate Jersey Shore Crab House Roundup

Curating a definitive list of coastal eateries is essential when tracking Mid-Atlantic dining trends. When it comes to the Jersey Shore, the traditional crab house remains a cornerstone of the regional food scene. From casual neighborhood taverns to massive waterfront complexes, the coastline offers an impressive array of establishments dedicated to fresh, ocean-to-table seafood.

Here is a look at some of the premier crab houses and seafood destinations along the Jersey Shore.

Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern (Seaside Park)

Located at 2207 Central Ave in Seaside Park, Bum Rogers is a coastal tavern that has operated as a local favorite for decades.

• The establishment offers a lively atmosphere with multiple dining spaces, including an outdoor bar, outdoor dining, and two indoor bars, one of which features live music.
• A signature item on their menu is the Jean Lafeet Crabs, which are coated in garlic, butter, and cajun seasoning, and served alongside potatoes and corn on the cob.
• They also offer a variety of other seafood options, ranging from fried calamari to Panko-crusted Pacific Grouper paired with cilantro lime butter.

The Crab Trap (Somers Point)

Situated at 2 Broadway in Somers Point, The Crab Trap is a highly successful restaurant that serves thousands of customers every year.

• The establishment is currently operated by the Wallace Family and is designed to accommodate everything from family gatherings to business functions.
• In addition to its indoor dining, the property features a popular outdoor deck bar named Crabby Jack’s.
• The restaurant has been recognized with local awards for both its chef and its outdoor dining experience.

Two Mile Crab House (Cape May)

Two Mile Crab House is a sprawling, family-friendly waterfront restaurant located in the Wildwood Crest and Cape May area.

• The venue is expansive, featuring an indoor dining room, three bars, and three large outdoor dining areas.
• They operate their own catching operations for the majority of the crabs they serve, catch their own local fish and lobster, and even shed their own soft-shell crabs.
• The bar program includes signature coastal cocktails like Watermelon Crushes and Orange Crushes, and the restaurant hosts live bands seven nights a week during the busy season.

Black Whale Bar (Beach Haven)

Located at 100 N Pennsylvania Ave in Beach Haven, the Black Whale Bar takes its name from the historic cruises that once ran between Atlantic City and Little Egg Inlet.

• The neighborhood bar is known for its specialty seafood, which includes seasonal soft-shell crabs, wine and garlic clams, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
• For a massive seafood spread, they offer a Lobster Bake designed for two people, featuring two lobsters, corn, coleslaw, and steamer bags filled with mussels, clams, and potatoes.
• The intimate bar setting features ten carefully selected beers on tap, as well as a variety of handcrafted cocktails.