Mad Batter

Where Is It? Half a block from the beach and the mall on Jackson Street, in the Carroll Villa Hotel.

Why Should I Go? The Mad Batter building was erected in 1882 as a seaside retreat house for families. When Harry Kulkowitz found himself playing poker there, nearly 100 years later, he recognized its restaurant potential, with its sweeping porch. Harry, a resourceful man who was responsible for locating German troops by listening to radio transmissions during World War II, scoured junk yards for kitchen equipment, built a terrace, added skylights and hung a yellow-and-white awning over the porch.

That striped awning is no longer attached to the restaurant, thanks to the addition a few years back of an enclosed porch, an inviting place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, which visitors and locals have been doing in the 46 years since Harry opened up.

Harry passed away in 2017 at the age of 92, but the legacy of the Mad Batter lives on through his family, who continute to operate this Cape May landmark. The standards are as high as ever — the Batter has been voted Best Brunch by New Jersey Monthly magazine and CapeMay.com. More evidence? The lines of people who patiently wait for breakfast and brunch.

The menu features vegan and vegetarian options, gluten-free choices, as well as seafood, steaks and pasta. Now you can feel even better about being a Mad Batter fan — they installed solar panels, while the bar is made of recycled materials.

Insider Tip: The Mad Batter hosts wildly popular open mic nights showcasing local musicians, exhibits featuring the work of regional artists, and also serves as a venue for social organizations.

Website: madbatter.com

Phone: 609-884-5970

Address: 19 Jackson Street, Cape May