Washington Inn

Name: Washington Inn
Address: 801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ, United States, 08204
Telephone: (609) 884-5697
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

8237 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Built in 1840, this former Cape May plantation residence is now home to the acclaimed Washington Inn and Wine Bar. The Craig Family has carefully preserved the beauty & essence of this distinctive treasure without undertaking major alterations to its original form. The Inns welcoming facade overlooks tree-lined Washington Street in the seaside communitys Historic District. The Washington Inn offers six unique dining areas, from a summer patio to cozy fireside tables. Cocktails are a must in the Wine Bar, where the passing Cape May scene can be best appreciated. Often described as romantic, our easy-going elegance will satisfy anyones craving for fine dining. Our enticing menu offers the best of American cuisine, but with an inventive, upscale edge. Food, Service, Ambiance, the essential ingredients for dining excellence, are all deftly blended here at The Washington Inn. We are what "eating out" used to be.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Mediterranean, Seafood
Hours of operation
Dinner Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(609) 884-5697
Website
http://www.washingtoninn.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Miriam Wood
Catering
The Washington Inn provides off-premise catering at whatever location you desire. We are expert at arranging details, creating just the right look, and, of course, offering your guests the highest quality food & attention available. Our catering staff will help you plan an outstanding event, customized to your needs and budget. The Inn caters early- afternoon wedding receptions for up to 125 people on premises. If your guest list is longer, we can help to arrange a reception at the Cape May Beach Club, the Isaac Smith Vineyard, Cape May Winery, your home or wherever you prefer.
Private party contact
LINDSEY DEBAUN: (609) 884-5697

Location
801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204
Neighborhood
Cape May
Cross street
Jefferson & Washington
Parking details
We offer Complimentary Valet Parking - simply drive up to the front of the restaurant on Washington Street and our valet will happily park your car, free of charge!
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Chef's Featured Oysters$3.75
raspberry mignonette, cocktail sauce, lemon
Shrimp Cocktail$21.00
shaved horseradish, cocktail sauce, lemon
Local Oysters Rockefeller$18.00
spinach, bacon, parmesan, smoked paprika
Crab Bisque$16.00
tarragon-sherry crema
Roasted Mushroom Soup$15.00
crispy prosciutto, parmesan crostini
Shaved Fennel & Arugula Salad$16.00
parmesan, pine nuts, lemon vinagirette
Romaine Salad$16.00
shaved pear, red onion, bacon, buttermilk-blue cheese, toasted walnuts
Burrata$19.00
prosciutto di parma, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olive toast, parsley vinaigrette
Grilled Spanish Octopus$19.00
guacamole, smoked citrus vinaigrette
Escargot Gratin$17.00
garlic & herb butter, gruyere, crostini
Salmon & Tuna Poke$18.00
sushi rice, seaweed salad, mango, jalapeno vinaigrette, sriracha aioli

Entree

Grilled Pork Chop$38.00
cheddar yukon scallion mash, bacon braised collard greens, rosemary mustard-demi glace, mango chutney
Creekstone Ranch Short Rib$39.00
goat cheese polenta, garlic sauteed broccoli rabe, gremolata, house demi-glace
Filet Mignon$61.00
truffled mushroom risotto cake, roasted asparagus, gorgonzola garlic butter, crispy shallots, red wine demi-glace
Roasted Harvest Vegetables$34.00
black lentil hash, cauliflower, oyster mushrooms, garlic sauteed spinach, pickled fennel & carrots, curry vinaigrette

Washington Inn Classics

Lamb Cavatelli$39.00
braised lamb shoulder, broccoli rabe, manchego cheese
Washington Inn Crabcakes$45.00
fingerling potatoes, brown butter-almond french beans, crispy shallots, roasted red pepper cream
Seafood Cioppino$39.00
shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, daily catch, white wine tomato broth, garlic aioli, grilled focaccia
Whole Roasted Branzino$41.00
fingerling potatoes, caramelized fennel, roasted plum tomato, tapenade, grilled lemon

To Share

Potato Gratin$12.00
layered gruyere cream
Broccoli Rabe$14.00
roasted red peppers, parmesan, shaved garlic, lemon aioli, pine nuts
Collard Greens$12.00
bacon braised

What 8,237 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Best Overall
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Best Food
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Best Ambiance
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Great for fine wines
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
Romantic
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore
American
South Jersey Shore
Best Overall
South Jersey Shore
Best Food
South Jersey Shore
Best Ambiance
South Jersey Shore
Great for fine wines
South Jersey Shore
Romantic
South Jersey Shore
Good for special occasions
South Jersey Shore
American
South Jersey Shore
Most Booked

8,237 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
82 reviews
vip
5.0
82 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always our meals were fantastic and the service excellent Jessy did a wonderful job
Is this helpful?
AD
AnnaD
Atlantic City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, service and ambience was excellent here! We will be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great meal and service. Will defiantly go back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience3
Experience would’ve been enhanced how do we been in the main dining room and not on the porch?
Is this helpful?
B
Barb
Atlantic City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
All entrees were delicious. Appetizers and salad was outstanding.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful experience fm bar to dinner table. The staff are amazingly friendly & accommodating. My husband has some dietary restrictions. They were able to work with us & we worked with them in adjusting his selections. They comped us dessert. They put his allergies into our record for future visits. We WILL be back. Never had such service ANYWHERE else!
Is this helpful?
C
Ciaobellezza
Atlantic City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was superb-the waitress was there for everything we needed-can’t wait to come back
Is this helpful?
N
Nancy61
Philadelphia
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Melt in your mouth braised lamb shoulder over cavatelli, broccoli rabe with manchego cheese absolutely amazing! Very beautiful restaurant and excellent staff!
Is this helpful?
C
Chipsthediner
Atlantic City
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Washington Inn has never failed us as place to have an enjoyable dinner out. Attentive staff, excellent food, reasonably priced, lovely ambience. Literally our favorite place to dine, even if we live 2 hours away in suburban Philadelphia!!
Is this helpful?
LN
LNG37
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic meal great experience from the moment we entered the restaurant until the moment we left. Great night!
Is this helpful?
F
Foodi
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Service and food was excellent - food was brought out in time with no issues waiting for service
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Washington Inn is one of the best places to eat in Cape May. We select it whenever we are celebrating a special occasion and have never been dissapointed.
Is this helpful?
k
katiel
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, amazing food, service, drinks, and ambiance.
Is this helpful?
SC
SusanC
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our entire experience was exceptional! Our waitress was wonderful, the food was delicious the drinks, the dessert, everything, was outstanding!
Is this helpful?
NN
NyNjdine
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our very favorite restaurant in Cape May. Service is impeccable food outstanding. Can’t wait to go back on New Years Eve!
Is this helpful?
L
Linnie
Washington DC
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Although the menu is somewhat limited, there is something for everyone. Each entree was spectacular. Imaginatively prepared, and absolutely delicious. Try to dine in the enclosed porch. So cozy and romantic. This restaurant is really special!!!
Is this helpful?
CE
CredibleEdible
Philadelphia
399 reviews
vip
5.0
399 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently wonderfully prepared courses presented by friendly and attentive staff. This is a full bar establishment but we find the food prices, portion sizes, and pricing window up making it comparable to the local BYOBs. We dine here 2-4x a month off-season and highly recommend this establishment.
Is this helpful?
M
Melanie
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience- bartenders were great, food was delicious and the service was good. Can’t wait to come back.
Is this helpful?
FL
FoodLover
New York Area
76 reviews
vip
5.0
76 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great night from every aspect. Greeting, waitress, food, regular and upscale wine list, atmosphere. All perfect. A meal that lived up to expectations.
Is this helpful?
CP
CathleenP
Atlantic City
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
We have been dining here for 27 years however disappointed this time
Is this helpful?
AR
AnthonyR
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have never had a bad meal at Washington Inn. The salmon dish was one of the best I’ve had. And the fromage blanc dessert was so light and delicious. One of our favorite places to dine in Cape May.
Is this helpful?
S
Smiles
Atlantic City
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant. Also, one of my favorite restaurants.
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin
Philadelphia
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Always a great evening at The Washington Inn. Sad to see some app's no longer as choices even though they are on the menu as entree's. Great as always though!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had, for the most part, a wonderful evening at The Washington Inn. Our server, Megan, was friendly, courteous, quite knowledgeable about the menu items and extremely competent. Her service was nearly impeccable--although we would have preferred that she had waited until she served our dessert before bringing the espressi and digiustivi. Our only real complaint was with the hostess. We had a late reservation (8:30 pm)n and were led to a virtually empty dining room and were seated next to the only occupied table--a four-top of rather loud,crass individuals. We thought that perhaps the many unoccupied tables were reserved for later arrivals. This turned out to not be the case; there were no other late arrivals. The hostess could have seated us at another table away from the boisterous four-top--she should have known that other tables were available and, even if those tables were not in our server's station, we could have been seated elsewhere without disrupting our server's table assignments.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Salt Lake City
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Everything was actually good, we were just unlucky that a big company was seated just before us and that slowed down our server a lot. She did apologize but it was pretty annoying waiting for service.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best waitress ever food was cooked perfectly. Great experience kid friendly
Is this helpful?
MD
MikeD
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding. Festive holiday decorations. Accommodated small variations to a dish (I.e. sauce on side). Oyster appetizer was so fresh it was like they were just plucked from the sea. Filet mignon and Duck dishes cooked to perfection and so tender they could be cut with forks. The standout was the brussel sprouts side with butternut squash and bacon. One word, superb!! Finished dinner with bananas foster dessert which was scrumptious. The best meal we have had in Cape May hands down.
Is this helpful?
M
frankM
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great combination of food, ambiance and service. Special experience
Is this helpful?
LC
LynnC
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best restaurants that I’ve ever been to.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zeno28
Philadelphia
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful experience; food, atmosphere, service…all excellent
Is this helpful?
LF
LeslieF
Atlantic City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently the best restaurant and bar in Cape May! We chose the off-season Sunday fixed price menu of soup or salad, lobster tail with seared shrimp and ginger miso beurre blanc, and choice of dessert. Excellent mushroom soup, utterly delicious lobster, and a lovely creme brûlée to finish. We added escargots as a starter - always the best. As a Sunday bonus, we were able to bring our own outside wine, which made for a luxurious yet affordable evening.
Is this helpful?
l
local
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best cioppino in town! Loaded with fresh seafood in a delicate broth.
Is this helpful?
RW
RichW
Philadelphia
83 reviews
vip
3.0
83 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience2
Food was excellent. We were next to the bar and it was a bit loud.
Is this helpful?
C
Clara
Atlantic City
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the Washington Inn. We eat there every time we are at our beach house which is often. The staff is outstanding and offers service not many restaurants can offer. The sommelier is amazing and really understands your palate. I had the salmon which was a special last night and it’s the best salmon dish I’ve ever had in my life. The mushroom soup this time of year is also a favorite. We always try to eat somewhere else just to change things up but can’t seem to do it as we know we would be missing out on the best meal in town. Thank you to the amazing chef and staff for a true culinary experience every single time.
Is this helpful?
NJ
NJbeachgrl
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently great food and service. My favorite in Cape May.
Is this helpful?
m
mrwarshaw
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time at the Washington Inn, and second time enjoying the best dining experience my wife and I have ever had. Service is excellent, paced perfectly, and the food is to die for. Creative, but still accessible, good portions that are enough to feel like value but not so much that you feel gigantic at the end, and outstanding flavors. We will always come back to Cape May, and we will always come back to the Washington Inn when we do.
Is this helpful?
KB
KimberlyB
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second time visiting and it was absolutely amazing! The restaurant is clean and the atmosphere is super cozy. The staff is extremely friendly. We had the same server again, Mike’s, and he is absolutely fantastic. He knows the menu inside and out and his recommendations are always spot on. The food is so delicious and well worth the money. We can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
l
lovesart
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
charming, convenient with valet parking, nice ambiance with dim lighting, delicious food-a great night!
Is this helpful?
MP
MikeP2021
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Terrific as usual, the best in South Jersey. Always accommodating, prompt, great bar and management.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was spectacular! Filet amazing! Salmon special amazing! Fennel salad amazing! Homemade ice cream amazing!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Washington Inn is rated 4.8 stars by 8237 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

801 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ 08204

Additional information

Cross street
Jefferson & Washington
Neighborhood
Cape May
Hours of operation
Dinner Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Mediterranean, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We offer Complimentary Valet Parking - simply drive up to the front of the restaurant on Washington Street and our valet will happily park your car, free of charge!
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Miriam Wood
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.washingtoninn.com/
Phone number
(609) 884-5697
Catering
The Washington Inn provides off-premise catering at whatever location you desire. We are expert at arranging details, creating just the right look, and, of course, offering your guests the highest quality food & attention available. Our catering staff will help you plan an outstanding event, customized to your needs and budget. The Inn caters early- afternoon wedding receptions for up to 125 people on premises. If your guest list is longer, we can help to arrange a reception at the Cape May Beach Club, the Isaac Smith Vineyard, Cape May Winery, your home or wherever you prefer.
Private party contact
LINDSEY DEBAUN: (609) 884-5697

Washington Inn

Make a reservation

Additional information

22 Atlantic City Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

45 Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Filet Mignon

Seafood Cioppino

Grilled Pork Chop

Appetizer

Chef's Featured Oysters$3.75

Shrimp Cocktail$21.00

Local Oysters Rockefeller$18.00

Crab Bisque$16.00

Roasted Mushroom Soup$15.00

Shaved Fennel & Arugula Salad$16.00

Romaine Salad$16.00

Burrata$19.00

Grilled Spanish Octopus$19.00

Escargot Gratin$17.00

Salmon & Tuna Poke$18.00

Entree

Grilled Pork Chop$38.00

Creekstone Ranch Short Rib$39.00

Filet Mignon$61.00

Roasted Harvest Vegetables$34.00

Washington Inn Classics

Lamb Cavatelli$39.00

Washington Inn Crabcakes$45.00

Seafood Cioppino$39.00

Whole Roasted Branzino$41.00

To Share

Potato Gratin$12.00

Broccoli Rabe$14.00

Collard Greens$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

How is Washington Inn restaurant rated?

Is Washington Inn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

22 Atlantic City Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

45 Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day