Violet Alexandre
Google
We had dinner at the Blue Pig Tavern during a recent stay in Cape May, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable meals of our trip. The restaurant is lively and welcoming, with a bit of a buzz in the air. It’s clearly a family friendly spot, which shows in the higher noise level and the number of tables filled with multigenerational groups. We chose to eat indoors, but many diners seemed to love the outdoor seating area as well.
Even though the restaurant has plenty of tables, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. They do take walk ins, but the wait looked long by the time we arrived. Despite being very busy, the service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and especially helpful when it came to answering questions about gluten free options and how certain dishes could be modified.
I ordered the shrimp cocktail and the scallops, both prepared gluten free. The shrimp were fresh and well chilled, and the scallops were the standout of the night, tender, flavorful, and cooked just right. The rest of my family, who don’t have any dietary restrictions, were equally happy with their meals. One of the favorites was the lobster mac and cheese with added bacon, which came in a generous portion that made for great leftovers. My husband couldn’t stop talking about the mussels and the crab cakes, both of which he said were excellent.
Dessert was another highlight. While the gluten free options are a little limited, the ice cream and sorbet are both very fresh and creamy. Everyone else at the table gravitated toward the apple pie à la mode, which was the favorite across the board. My youngest son had the flourless chocolate cake paired with a hazelnut gelato, and he absolutely loved it.
The cocktails were just as well executed as the food. There was a small issue with the second drink my husband ordered, but the staff handled it gracefully and quickly. The fixed version came out perfect, and it was nice to see that kind of care taken in a busy setting.
Overall, Blue Pig Tavern delivered a memorable dining experience for our whole family. The atmosphere is vibrant, the service is professional, and the food, especially the scallops, is worth the trip.