Caroline's By The Bay

A place with a very welcoming feel. Everybody seems to be in a good mood. There is live music when I was there, fun band. And the taqueria is right there.

Las Olas inside Caroline's was delicious. I had a carnitas taco, birria taco, and a carnitas rice bowl. It was very good will return to try other things on the menu.

The food was good. Prices are reasonable. The drinks were good to great! The bar service was top-notch! ALL bartenders were on point! The DJ (before 7pm) was great, super, awesome! We had no expectations when we arrived, and wound up having a great time!!! There was one thing that has room for improvement, the men’s bathroom. Quite worn. Other than that, if you go there, you should expect to have a great time! It was fun, and it did not kill my wallet. My wife and I will be back. I am hopeful that the bathroom situation might get improved. Great job Caroline’s and crew!

My GF and I stopped here for dinner and drinks. I called ahead of time and asked if we needed a reservation, they said no. When we got there, they said the kitchen was backed up, and there would be a 20-minute wait. They took our number and said we would receive a text. We ordered drinks and walked around the inside of the bar. They also have a large outdoor deck area where there was live music. 25 minutes later, no text, we went back to the hostess, and she evidently heard our phone number wrong. It was very loud and very crowded overall. There was dining seating mostly away from the craziness of the bar though which was nice. Our appetizer was mozzarella sticks, which took longer than they should have. My GFs burger was sloppy and greasy, my food was good, and the mozzarella sticks were really good.

My family and I just ate at Carolines this past weekend. From the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant we were greeted with smiles. The hostess could not have been more accommodating and quickly got to work to get a table for our party. Once seated, our server promptly came to the table to take out drink orders as well as app order for the table. She could not have been kinder or more pleasant. Our drinks were served within minutes and our appetizers arrived moments after as well. The pineapple margarita was beyond delicious!! I have to say the pizza was a crowd favorite at our table, as well as the fish tacos and shrimp fajitas. It was truly a great experience and we cant wait to go back!!!

I asked the bartender for a mudslide in a tall glass. She gave me one in a tiny glass, not much bigger than a shot glass. I said I asked for a tall glass. She said that is not allowed here. I said I had them here many times. I told her I was willing to pay extra, and she replied WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO THAT so we left and went to The Anchorage where Nicole made me a delicious mudslide in a tall glass!!

I had a terrible dining experience here. My party and I were seated promptly, but that’s where the good service ended. After placing our order, we waited for over an hour for our food to arrive. Despite several attempts to get updates from the waitstaff, we were met with vague excuses and dismissive attitudes. When the food finally arrived, it was lukewarm at best, indicating it had likely been sitting out before being served. The long wait and the poor quality of the food completely ruined our evening. The staff showed no concern for our situation, offering neither an apology nor any form of compensation. This level of service is unacceptable for any restaurant. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant dining experience.

The calamari was alright the tacos were very mid. Everyone thought the food was mid and just alright. They had good drinks at the bar though, but the usual pricey drinks down in Ocean City, NJ. I didn’t really like our server she was alright. She just didn’t really seem to care which is fine. It’s definitely better to go for drinks here rather then eat. The display of the food was cute. Overall 3/10. Cool they have live entertainment.

Second time here but this time we sat inside. They weren't that busy at 5:30pm and had no host so we grabbed a table in the back. My son and wife loved the bacon, blue burger and the surf and turf burger. I got the chicken Parm linguine and I'm thinking maybe I should've got a burger. The "Italian" sauce is way too sweet. I'm thinking too much basil. The chicken didn't taste fresh I guess. I don't know how else to describe it. Our server was super busy, but still did a really good job. Again the burgers and fries are good so I would stick with that or the Pizza or Mexican next time.

Overall rating: Barely 1.5 stars out of 5 stars. Just a big disappointment! Visit Day/Time: 8 pm on a Sunday. Primarily to pay competition Trivia and have a bite to eat. Wait for table time: None. A medium sized bar and dining area, but we got a table quick. Seats at the bar counter were available. Very busy tonight. Ambience: A long time local, establishment in Somers Point, NJ. The Trivia competition has been extremely poor. Mostly due poorly made/obtained Trivia questions, ultra loud background music, unintelligible PA system, difficultly hearing and/or understanding the Trivia questions, patrons yelling out answers and/or players cheating by looking up answers with their CELL phones. IMPORTANT: You will receive no prizes if you win for two(2) consecutive weeks, besides the prizes are usually cheap and/or crappy bar promotional junk. Menu Selections: Look them up online. New printed menu, higher prices? Prices: For two diners, $35 with tip. Overpriced wines? Food ordered and served: Meal #1 - Philly Cheese Steak sandwich - temperature of the sandwich was almost at room temperature. Was not picked up at the kitchen fast enough? Meal #2 - Signature Burger - temperature of the sandwich was almost at room temperature. Was not picked up at the kitchen fast enough? Service: Poor, slow and ineffective. Numerous reminders were given. Only 1 server for 40-50 customers, which is ridiculous!!! Best bets: Go somewhere else for food and/or Trivia competition? Issues: As mentioned above. Avoids: I'd avoid Tuesdays (or whenever) for Trivia. Earlier we had different different(?) tasting pizza there. Would we go back? I don't think so. Only if we are desperate. Reason(s) to go (or not go) there: They just don't have their act together. Follow-Ups, if any: Update Sep. 9, 2024: Good morning, Ya'll, We tried, but that's the last Caroline for us. Kinda disappointing, too slow and noisy. It's 20 Trivia questions in 1 1/2 hours, whereas The Roost (and others) is 70 (+/-) questions in 2 hours. We come to play, not wait !!! But I do like the TV displaying the questions, answers and the standings. It really helps for the repeats. But the food is good. Oh, well.....win some, loose some.

My family and I have been going to Caroline's for the past few years. What once was a mediocre menu has changed into a much more flavorful Mexican-themed variety of tacos, burritos, and appetizers. In addition, there is still some good "bar-food" appetizers / entrees like burgers, salads, etc. We came mostly because other places in the area were booked, but will certainly come again. The nice ambience of the outside is now perfectly complimented by the new menu changes. Definitely try the tacos!

My husband and I enjoyed a burger and drinks on the deck. It was perfect! The Caroline's Lemonade was delicious and very refreshing. Music was enjoyable. You've gotta stop by!

It just seems odd to me to offer Mexican food so close to the bays and ocean. The food was okay. Why not offer the burger menu with a "basket entree". Shrimp clams, oysters, etc.

One of my top 3 worst restaurant experiences. My friends and i have gone to Caroline's for years and have nothing but good experiences. This was not the same Caroline's that we remember. We went on a Saturday night and were surprised to not see many cars in the parking lot. It didn't take too long to get seated which was nice. Our server was not very friendly but quickly took our orders. Our table ordered a few appetizers and added our entrees later. Our apps took almost an hour to come out and my sister had to go ask our server where her drink was. My nachos were overpriced and felt like they sat under the warmer for 40 minutes. We were all just surprised at how terrible the service and food was. Unfortunately we will not be returning.

Stopped in for a quick lunch @ 2:45 super slow ... left after 45 since we never got our food ( wings and 2 tacos) only thing they brought out was a side of rice and beans that I ordered to go with my tacos. I went in and pay for the drinks and they had the balls to charge me for the rice and beans but " we didn't charge you for the other food" that we never got . REALLY such bad business. Don't waste your money or time

We had a great meal when we went here last week and it was a meal and good service . The atmosphere was cozy and inviting

Food is great but they are really understaffed - servers are great but have way too many tables to be able to get attentive.

A beautiful view and a nice menu. The staff was lovely and friendly. Our drinks and food were brought out quickly and the waitress checked back frequently. I definitely recommend this restaurant!

Second time eating here. The food is amazing! Staff is delightful and very attentive.

When I heard Caroline's had new owners we decided to give them a try. All the negative reviews had been keeping us away. All I have to say is to all the people that gave the old owners a negative review. You need to give the new owners a second chance. It's sat night and reservations at all the restaurants at the shore are booked. Most restaurants have a waiting list to get in. Because of the large outdoor dining and the big bars we did not have to wait to be seated. It was not long before the bartender took our drink order. The bar is still separate from the restaurant as they are different owners. We were fortunate that the owner waited on our table. You could see she was very busy running the restaurant. She made some dinner recommendations and we were very happy with all the meals. I will say I did not give 5 stars for a few reasons. The bar service was good. However, they served our wine in plastic cups. As we were dining inside not out I thought we should have real wine glasses. Also we had a Moscow mule that was not a mule it must have been made with simple syrup as it was too sweet.

The new menu with Authentic Mexican Food was a nice surprise! The service was excellent very friendly and outgoing. Still a great local bar ambiance just a different menu. Not typical bar food but still excellent! Tacos and burritos were all very good.

Great food, amazing staff and overall top place to stop in for a few bites and brews. Looking forward to the return of their famous tots but otherwise... Great food, amazing staff and overall top place to stop in for a few bites and brews.

Great bar but the restaurant used to make THE BEST cheesesteaks in the area. They switched to ANOTHER Mexican restaurant now. That's like 8 bars in a 10 block radius that serve Mexican food. What is happening around here? Who thought it was a good idea to have all the bars in the area serve the same kind of food? Now Charlie's and Diorios are going to be packed with people that don't want to eat the same thing. Gregory's has Taco Tuesday locked down, you can't compete with that. Why did you take away our cheesesteaks?!?!?

This used to be one of my favorite local bars. A good local band was playing tonight from 8-11 so I called ahead to ask if my 18 year old sister could come see them. They agreed and asked her to leave once the band was done. Not even 3 minutes after the band was done, as we were walking out the door, the bouncer, Chris Carney, was screaming in our face, grabbing my sister and dragging her out. Continued to scream at us and put his hands on us as we tried to leave. Absolutely outrageous to be putting your hands on someone when they're complying with your requests. I was grateful to be able to bring her with us at first but I will never be coming back to this establishment if that's how they treat people.

Food terrible, cold, overcooked Service terrible, rude server, never came back to table. Dirty restrooms.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back again... Last visit I had an awesome broiled steak. Couldn't wait to order again. This time, undercooked and fried. I've learned my lesson, never again!!

The International Cuisine was a refreshing addition to the South Jersey Shore. I was particularly impressed with the multi-lingual bar-keep. She gave great advice on the full breadth of the menu (I think her name was Mar Knee? Top notch!). Anywho she made a culinary tour that much more enjoyable.

Service sucks unless you are one of the regulars Prices are high Atmosphere is old We literally had to ask too many times to get a refill

This is pretty easy... their only problem is speed in the kitchen. Food was good, and creative. The servers were very nice, helpful, and worked well together... But they found themselves covering for the slowness. Right now, appetizers are coming out whenever, along with dinner..

Fresh chicken tenderloins that were awesome ,are now smaller compressed frozen tenders at $14.00 for 6. Just chicken,no fries. Cheesteak is also $14.00 with not even a pickle slice on the side. Very disappointing. Every kitchen that leases here,starts out awesome and goes down hill quick. Always a turnover.

Typical "shore bar" definitely not great food, bit adequate. Be prepared for loud music via speaker or live band. Two separate checks, bar and food. Chicken tenders were so dry they were inedible.

Walked in. We sat by bar. The bartender walked passed us 4x. You can tell he was avoiding us. We were just about to leave when the girl asked if we were being served. We told her we were passed up 4x. Had nothing to say. We walked out. Never again. No regards for a customer. Won't be back either.

We came for dinner on a pre season Saturday night. 4 adults and a 2 year old. Our waitress was completely inattentive to the point where we got our own ketchup from the back and bussed our own table to make room. Other parties came after us, were seated, drinks brought and food came out before ours. No one was paying attention to our drinks or food. Food came out cold. One of us had to leave because it took so long that the baby needed to go home. We brought her food home to her because it didn't arrive in a timely fashion. The place was busy, but not packed, and I'm assuming that we just hit it on a bad night. Either way, wouldn't go back as a result.

Great place to come and check out if you've never been. Been here two times now and each time food came out quick, was reasonably priced and overall impressed. They had lots of seating both indoors and outdoors. Staff was friendly along with some of the other people that we randomly met there. They have live music some nights. Overall, its a place I'm going to visit again.

My fiancé and I stopped in here for a bite to eat on March 3, 2022. We were immediately greeted at the door and were seated at a high top in the bar area. They had multiple beers on tap and some of their draught beers came on a cold, frosted mug. To eat, we shared the buffalo cauliflower and the loaded tater tots. The buffalo cauliflower was incredible and was a great way to enjoy your vegetables (even though it was deep fried, with buffalo sauce, and topped with bleu cheese crumbles). For dinner, I had the cheesesteak with fries and my fiancé had the BLT. The cheesesteak had shaved ribeye and a large amount of cheese on it (can never get enough). The portions were huge and we ended up taking a couple boxes home. The prices were low and our waiter was very attentive. We will be back.

We stopped by here on a whim on our way out of OC. We first sat outside but moved inside when the weather turned south. The bar inside was about 50% full but there was only one bartender. It was almost impossible to get her attention. And then they have some weird rule where the bartender only gets drinks and you have to flag down a random waitress for your food. We waited 45 minutes for 2 burgers. The burgers were good and the band playing made for a decent atmosphere. But the service was TERRIBLE.

The food is very good and tasty. Great appetizers and very good prices. The service on the other hand is very poor. Sat at the bar and it took over 10 minutes for a bartender to take our drink order. They had multiple bartenders working. Wanted to order food and that was another 15 minute wait for a waitress to take our order. The bar area is very loud and rowdy like a college bar.

I was here on vacation in April 2023. Loved it. Came back and today, went to this establishment as it said it opens at 11am. Well, we were met with locked doors. Thankfully, (so we thought) the owner was in there. He ran into us as we knocked on the door and attempts to help us. After informing him of our concerns that they weren't open and ready for business and trusting in his management, (he states) he questions an employee inside and as to what time they open. The clueless employee states "I don't know". I inform both of them that the website states 11am and pulled it up on my phone to show them. He then asks who's controlling the kitchen, met with another "I don't know" by the employee. Just then the waitress shows up, now 11:15. The owner questions her and she says "oh, we open at 4pm for now then will go back to 11am" .... REALLY???? Verbalizing our dismay, they now discuss where we can dine at ths point. Who deters people from eating at their own establishment and what's worse, does nothing to make it right?? I guess customer service is a dying entity. This website was not up to date and I mentioned that...nothing! WoooooW!!!

All summer long, during the high point of the pandemic I came here with cycling friends. All summer long we spent money, drank, ate, tipped, engaged while socially distancing from one another...but we supported this business. All summer long we brought our bikes, that we were unable to lock on our cars, onto their deck where we sat them against a wall unobtrusively. All summer long ......there were no complaints there were no issues no one asked us to move them or to leave. All summer long everything was fine. All summer long we would ask ..."tell us about your local, craft IPAs." We would listen to someone rattle off every beer they had in stock. When one asks for someone to tell them about local craft IPAs one doesn't want to hear that you have bud light lime. The food here is standard bar grub. People are coming here because there is alcohol and because of the location no one is coming here because they would confuse this place for a Michelin star rated restaurant. All summer long things were great, no one complained, everyone tipped, everyone was happy. Then one day at the end of the season....Something shifted, some thing changed. I don't know what dark, foreboding and mysterious cloud fell over Caroline's but the hospitality disappeared and hostility took its place. After a 35 mile bike ride five cyclists returned and want to sit on the deck. Lunch and libations for the tired road warriors please!!! One of the road warriors was unable to lock their bike onto their car so they brought it onto the deck. The deck, where so many times the cyclists have brought their bikes before. The waitress came out and with a quiver in her lip said they would like you to move your bike to our bike rack please. "No problem" said the cyclist, "where is this bike rack of which you speak?" She pointed. "GUUURL! Are you crazy?!?!? Yes, let me take my $3,000 bike and put it half a mile away in your salt swamp!" There was one other table being used besides the one occupied by us. Yet somehow my bike was offending them!!!!!! We were here in the summer when the deck was pretty much full and nobody said a peep and now when it's empty you got an issue? No I'm sorry! Not OK! That kind of behavior is typical of this area. Spots like this that have been here for generations riding on reputation and the fact that they are one of only a handful of places with a liquor license. I don't live in the area, I was there with friends. When they come up to visit me there is always incredible service and a wonderful place where we are welcomed, the food is delicious and often innovative. The decor on trend and the service impeccable. When I go down there to visit friends I don't complain, but this last time just landed wrong.

Had a pleasant stop for a drink or two. Atmosphere was nice, right alongside a wide open bit of green marsh with no trees. Had a bunch of cranes walking in it. The bartender was nice, we sat at the outside bar enjoying a pleasant breeze and generous drinks. Bartender was attentive, friendly and fast.

Was there for dinner last night and it was fantastic! Had the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and the mussels in white for dinner. Everyone at our table was loving their selections. Service was friendly and attentive. Definitely can't wait to go back!

Great atmosphere & drinks. It got the spiked pink punch & my bf got a Long Island. We also ordered burgers that were fantastic. And calamari as an appetizer- chewy/thin not good for my taste. Other than that everything was great regarding drinks and service. Will definitely be back to try more!

Here we go again. Went back to Caroline's after 3 weeks from last review. Not busy at all for a Friday but it was only 630, maybe crowd comes out later, anyway we sit, order drinks, bartenders very friendly. Awesome job guys!! Wanted to order food so looked at menu/server shows up, asked if we were ready/I needed an extra minute. She says in a rude manor that we are out of shrimp and pretzels. I said ok, I will need a few minutes. I was gearing that way. SHE JUST WALKED AWAY!! Not an ok be right back, NOTHING!! So we wait and wait and wait. She walked by us 4 times/ did not acknowledge us. Took other people's order, brought someone else's check- we were sitting next to those people. NOTHING!! So we cashed out with bartender and told him we were leaving due to servers ignorance. Never got her name-she did not introduce herself, but it was a short heavy girl with dark curly hair--NOT THE YOUNG ONE WITH GLASSES AND TATOOs. Just some advice- don't bite the hand that feeds you. It's going to be a long cold winter. Your attitude sucks for this business. Same advice as before-retrain some of your staff. P.S. Went to Gregory's--They were packed, bartender/server and food was awesome. Caroline's is off our list. Sucks. We are locals.

Called at 7:50 to confirm kitchen hours. I was told that the kitchen closed at 11:45pm. Arrived at 10:15pm and we are a party of five. Bartender Lauren seats us at a picnic table on the deck. She told us how to order food and that she would be back to take our order. Lauren is nice, bubbly and approachable. Exactly what's expected. While discussing the menu a server comes over and takes the only napkin dispenser from our table. At 10:30 I went back to bartender since she didnt come back to take our order and asked about being moved since a table opened closer to the bar and it was getting really cold. Lauren takes our drink order. We ask for food. She has to check if the kitchen is still open.... 10:40 a server ( Jeanie?, the same person who swiped our napkin dispenser) comes to take our food order and is visibly not pleased to be there. Then "politely" informs us that the kitchen has last call. Walks away then comes back to let us know her name. Our food arrives and looks good. Presentation is good. Things are looking up. Chicken tenders were great my friends said. Quesadilla was okay. I got the nachos.... Zero flavor. I am flabbergasted as to how there is no flavor with all the ingredients used. Beans tasted like they were poured into the nachos straight from the can. Cheese was broken/separated. I paid $4 for a a side of guacamole. The guacamole was in a four ounce souffle cup and there was a thick layer of brown. This means it was not fresh and had been exposed to air for a decent amount of time. Dina comes back with the check. Almost all the food was eaten except for the nachos. No questions were asked, no comment. Nothing. We pay the bill and leave by 11:10. I haven't been here in years, we have always gone for drinks and atmosphere. This is the first time we went specifically for food. We had heard that there was a new chef and that the food was supposed to be amazing. We were not wowed by the food or the server. Take about making the customer feel terrible because you can't leave early. Yes I know it's covid. That doesn't mean service standards go out the window. Total fail.

This is first day open after 90 days of covid lockdown. Tables on patio and picnic tables on parking lot. Staff were great! Seemed so happy to be back. Chef came out to chat too. They reminded everyone to wear a mask and gave us throw away menus. My burger was outstanding. Hubbys roast beef au jus yummy as well The atmosphere was uplifting! I tipped 30% and will be back!!

Not impressed with ambiance, menu choices or service. Bar atmosphere and menu. Service started ok but after a few issues got some real attitude. Not our cup of tea.

My favorite Jersey shore "dive bar" great prices bartenders super nice and best Juke box in Somers Point Ice cold beer

We were greeted by a signboard that said the kitchen was closed, but customers could bring food in from elsewhere and enjoy Caroline's cocktails. We were looking for dinner.

My husband and I went to Caroline's last night- a Friday. First of all, the place is extremely loud, and the dining area is small and way in the back. We waited a while to be seated and once we were, we were seated at a dirty table with food on it...not the best start to our meal. The bar area looks fun if that's what you're going for. Mid 30s+ crowd. I had the ahi tuna sandwich but didn't eat the bread because it was hard and stale. The actual tuna was pretty good, and the fries were good as well. My husband ordered the shrimp linguini and it tasted like someone dumped a bottle of Lemon Joy in it, haha. The meal did come with soup for him, and he liked the clam chowder. We were both still hungry so we ordered the peanut butter dessert which was definitely the best part. Our waitress was friendly but we had to ask multiple times for simple things, like a refill on water or some ketchup. The place wasn't busy. I wouldn't come back by choice.

I've been going to Caroline's for years. Is it fancy? Nope. Does the outside bar get rowdy? Yup. Are people trying to enjoy themselves on vacation? Yup. Is it divey? Nope. Is it dirty? No, not that either. Is the food most likely frozen? Probably, but that's the case with most restaurants these days. The servers are always friendly, and the food is good. Mozzarella sticks - yummy! They were stringy and delicious. The marinara sauce is a little too chunky, but not terrible. Meatball sub - I don't know what brand of meatballs they use but I wish I did! They're tasty. Could've used more sauce, however it was enjoyable. Buffalo chicken cheesesteak - bomb! They don't shred the chicken to bits like some places do (thank goodness). Plus it's well seasoned and juicy. Their buffalo isn't straight hot sauce, which makes it that much better! Mel's burger - huge! My boyfriend devoured it. He said it was juicy and well cooked. He did wish the bun were a bit bigger to contain the toppings. But it was really good, and that is what counts! Overall not the most extravagant restaurant, but it's not supposed to be! It's laid back, relaxing, and not a bad spot.

Delicious! That's all, just delicious. Service was great. Lucinda took great care of us with a smile and everything was just how we wanted it. We were just too stuffed for fried cheesecake but it looked so yummy. We'll return.

Don't know how we've missing this one. Been coming to Somers Point for many years and have eaten in pretty much every restaurant in town, but for some reason never tried Caroline's until a couple weeks ago. What a pleasant surprise! Nice atmosphere, good food, & reasonable prices. This will definitely become a regular stop in the future.

This place is ok for a beer or two, but not to eat. I tried the wings with the hot sauce the sauce was OK, but the chicken tasted freezer burned. My husband tried the crab cake sandwich. It was not to good. It wasn't spoiled, but it was overly seasoned. The staff was very friendly and helpful. It's pretty rundown and dirty.

Will never go there again for food!! We had to log on to get on a wait list to even give our order which took longer than the 15 minutes it said. Then after 1/2 hour we asked about the food and were told they hadn't even started cooking it yet. Stick with the Anchorage!

Went to this place on a Monday, manager was rude, Food below average, its a shame could be a nice place , the rest of the staff was really good. This bar is run poorly, and I wont be back!!

Great atmosphere, very friendly staff, reasonable prices, definite revisit Korean rib appetizer was great and beer cold

Last time I was there a month ago I gave the bar tender a Fifty dollar bill and she said it was a twenty. She robbed me then had me thrown out cuz I told her to check the cameras. Every time I go there every few years there is a problem. This is a dive bar with all losers working there.