5 West Pub

Where Is It? On Bayshore Road in North Cape May, five miles west of sister restaurant Tisha’s.

Why Should I Go? This is not your typical Cape May eating experience — owners Paul and Jennifer Negro were inspired by the gastropub phenomenon, which originated in London. The idea? Combine the best elements of a classic pub and a fine restaurant for an experience that delivers excellent food and drinks with a fun, buzzy vibe.

The result is an establishment where you can do one of the following:

1. Visit after work (if you’re a local) or after a hard day at the beach (if you’re a visitor) for a drink and dinner.

2. Go on a date night.

3. Hang out with a group of friends and sample a bunch of small plates — because, let’s face it, you always want what your friend just ordered.

4. Grab a booth and take the family — the menu has a large selection of appetizers, and great kids’ choices.

Add in the affordable wine list (mostly everything under $25 a bottle), more than a dozen draft beers, including craft, and you’ll see why 5 West Pub is a Cape May staple.

Insider Tip: In season, you can sit outside on their pet-friendly patio, which also has a big-screen TV.

Website: 5westpub.com

Phone: 609-889-7000

Address: 3729 Bayshore Road, North Cape May