I have never been to the mad batter for lunch or dinner, but I have for breakfast! I usually sit on the front porch, and there is a nice breeze. Although, it gets quite annoying when the hostess is constantly barking out people's names! Otherwise, I like the food here! The bacon is e.x.c.e.l.l.e.n.t! It is the right mix between crispy, fatty, and savory. It is very good. I had the kid's french toast, and it was a small serving size, so I gulped it down. It was very tasty, a good plate of old fashioned french toast.
(4)
Sue P.
Best breakfast place in Cape May! Hands down!! Try to croustade! It is a meal on top of a meal!!. Also try a little grey poupon on the side!! The lunch is also great too!!
(5)
Katherine D.
We had fond memories of this place when we came to Cape May two summers ago, so we decided to come back and bring the troops. We made a reservation ahead of time because we had 8 hungry heads, which was a very good call. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us pretty much right away. This place is definitely kid friendly - they had the high chair set up right away, a mad hatter coloring page and crayons, and I even noticed that they had removed the fork and knife from the place setting - a very thoughtful touch. Let's do this in list form: THE GOOD -The crabcakes -The service - our waitress was on her game with refills and timing our order / food delivery - THE BAKED BRIE APPETIZER (but we could have used some crackers to spread the cheese on) - The margarita (so says my sister in law) THE BAD -The pizza was not the best. Cheese a bit rubbery. Two-year old said "Not very good mama." - Parking. The restaurant next door has valet, but alas - we had to park 0.8 miles away. THE... WEIRD There was live music at the bar, which my daughter was very excited about. The music wasn't bad. But it was kind of strange. I felt like all the musicians may have been perma-stuck in a flowerchild LSD flashback. There were some interesting sounds being made. But it wasn't awful - just... interesting. A little loud when you're right at the bar. All in all, we had a nice meal. Good for groups, good for kids.
(4)
Hilary S.
We've been traveling by motor home for 5 months now. We went through Canada and the northeast. We've had many lobster rolls in Nova Scotia and Maine, but none compares to the lobster salad sandwich at the Mad Batter. Loaded with lobster and full of flavor, I was glad I had enough leftover to enjoy it again later in the day. My boyfriend had the lobster and crab omelet. It was equally delicious and plentiful. The leftover heated up great for breakfast the next morning. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We were seated at a sunny table on the patio, and before I could ask if there was a shadier place to sit, she asked if we wanted to change tables to get out of the sun. Very considerate!
(5)
Ron C.
In a word: Delightful We spent a week in Cape May and after a few disappointing dinner meals we were very pleased with The Mad Batter. The hostess and server were pleasant and we were seated immediately at our reservation time. The drinks were creative and very good. We had a Grapefruit Gimlets and others in our party had a bourbon-base cocktail that they really enjoyed. We ordered calamari for the table and it was outstanding. It was tender, crispy and tasted freshly made. A genius move was the addition of red and yellow peppers to the dish. They were spicy and added just the right kick. We all ordered seafood dishes and everyone was very happy with all selections. Each one tasted fresh, bright and delicious. The amount of each dish was enough without being skimpy or too much. We would definitely go back. My only criticism is that at an average price of $30 per entree, there should have been tablecloths. There was nothing on the table, not even placemats, but there were cloth napkins. They don't need anything white and formal but the bare lamintae tables were not the right backdrop for nicely plated great food.
(4)
Rula R.
The mad batter is located in a very good spot in Cape May, It is close to all the shops, to the beach and more other bars and restaurants. We came here for dinner before heading to Craney's. I started with a Margarita and it was pretty good, a bit strong as it should be. I had turkey burger with blue cheese and a side salad instead of fries. My burger was pretty good, I just thought the bun was too big for the actual burger so it was more bread than meat. But i ended up finishing the burger by itself. The service was fast and everything was done right and came out right on time. I would probably go back again, the prices were reasonable and the drinks were decent.
(4)
Kristen H.
I thought this place was really hyped up. I saw all the reviews and pics and really wanted to try it, but overall, it's ok. We were starving by the time we sat because we waited for like 45 minutes. The patio only accommodates tables of four or less, so we had to sit inside. I ordered the crabs Benedict with spinach and sweet potato fries. It was good but not out of this world. I did enjoy my orange crush drink, though. I would overall describe this place as a cute, greasy spoon place with fun drinks. I like the idea of the "Mad Batter" next to the Lewis Carrol Inn, but the menu could step up its creative game and the food could be even tastier!
(4)
Amy U.
Another wonderful lunch at the Mad Batter! My mother and I came down to Cape May for the day for her birthday. We enjoyed a lovely leisurely lunch on the front porch. My mom enjoyed a mimosa and the avocado & bacon grilled cheese (a lunch special that day) with fries and I enjoyed a glass of prosecco and a big salad with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese and an order of grilled chicken on the side. It was a beautiful lunch and we weren't rushed at all.
(4)
Dave A.
Wife and I came here because of the reviews. Boy am I glad. Best french toast I've ever had, and I eat a lot of french toast. I would recommend the "man-mosa", very refreshing and drinks like a shandy. Wait staff were very friendly and service was top notch. Would definitely come back again!!
(5)
Dan S.
Came here at 8:30am and the porch was only available for parties of 4 or less so my family of 5 was led to the back of the restaurant. At least there's a good amount of natural light and a view of a small garden with fish pond. Our server was pleasant and helpful. We ordered blueberry pancakes, cheese omelette, bacon & spinach omelette, kids pancakes, and the special lobster and spinach eggs Benedict. The portions were generous and the food came out in a timely manner. Everyone enjoyed their meal except for me (lobster Benedict). I wish I'd asked if the spinach was fresh. It wasn't. It was steamed which made the English muffin very soggy. And the lobster was somewhat dried out. All in all an okay 3 star experience.
(3)
I Adore Food B.
Came here on a whim for Happy Hour! The bar tenders are everything! Great selection of drinks and beer! We ordered mussels and an all White pizza, both were delicious!!! The best mussels I've had in a while! Great food, great drinks and a fun atmosphere!! Love it!
(5)
Kayleigh M.
Stopped in last night for happy hour and was impressed by the selection of martinis on the menu. I enjoyed the Sexy Lexy and my boyfriend had the Peach Martini. It was a fun local spot with great prices and wonderful service--5 stars! THEN--we ventured back for breakfast after hankering for some eggs Benedict and mimosas. Sadly, our happy hour experience was a one hit wonder. I ordered the Chesapeake Bay Benedict. My English muffin was burnt and ruined the whole taste of my Benedict. The egg was WAY over-cooked and there was little crab on my burnt muffin. My waitress only offered to bring me a new muffin, only after I had my plate for almost 10+ minutes and my boyfriend had already finished his breakfast. It was super disappointing because I had such a great experience the night before. When we got the check the waitress told us she "comp'd" the English muffin part of my sub par $12.95 breakfast. In any other restaurant they would take off my drink or 10% for an unsatisfactory meal. But instead they took off $1.75 for the English muffin--bizarre. I wish they would had offered to remake the breakfast because the heart and soul of a good eggs Benedict is sopping up the runny yolk in muffin. But with a burnt muffin ruining the taste of the hollandaise, And no yolk to sop...that's not a way to start your day. 2 STARS only for the mimosas and home fries
(3)
Robin L.
A family favorite breakfast spot. Fun place with great atmosphere and consistent good service Always a wait time - your entire party must be present before they will seat you. My husband loves the MANmosas. Great way to start your day before headed to the beach!
(5)
Wendy W.
Their grilled fish taco is amazinggggg!! Fish is soft and flaky with sauce and avocado, so good. It comes as one big taco instead of two small ones.
(4)
Jason H.
We had been to this restaurant three years in a row but our most recent trip was very average. The tuna and pasta dishes were just okay. The drinks were terrible. On a good note, the Chilean sea bass was very good. The service was adequate but not excellent, and the atmosphere is dry. This restaurant will no longer be in our dinner rotation.
(3)
Nicole J.
I ordered fish and chips from the Mad Batter. In terms of crunchiness and batter, I've had better. But the vegetarian tofu dish with seafood dish is quite possibly one of the best vegetarian dishes I've had in a while. The seafood pizza (w/ lobster, crab, and shrimp) is also delicious but I'm not sure if it was worth $20. I thought they did a great job with providing fresh hot dinner rolls with olive oil and herbs/pepper flakes. Truly one of the best dinner rolls I've had. The frozen drinks are great. I loved my pina colada. I'd definitely recommend outdoor seating to appreciate the victorian ambience.
(3)
Michael K.
Terrific breakfast with friendly staff. The line to get in tells you everything you need to know. We were so impressed, we ate there twice!! A gem!
(5)
Nicole D.
I loved it. Eaten here twice and both times it was great. The oatmeal blueberry pancakes are incredible. Also had a great mojito. The Bloody Mary has too many peppercorns in it for my liking, but still delicious.
(5)
Dana N.
I ordered the grilled salmon with warm corn salad, mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was delicious. My sister ordered the filet and crab cake with Mac and cheese, which was also delicious. The service was very good. I want to go back tomorrow night.
(5)
Cory P.
Had the Bronzino stuffed with chorizo, shrimp, sweet potatoes, and avocado. Very delicious!
(4)
Sheila R.
This is an amazing deal for happy hour. 2 martinis off their list: the sexy lexy and limoncello for $9. Can't beat it. Didn't order food, but eyed others yummy looking salad and pizzas. Ate breakfast there this morning. Bf loved the house made corned beef. I loved the omelet with crab and mushrooms. Both served with home fries (which could be crispier) and Multigrain toast. Also, they have multiple vegan and gf options.
(5)
Michael Y.
Good food, but the waitress didn't come around often, breakfast took 30+ minutes from the time of ordering, and when it did, I received the wrong omelette. At that point it wasn't worth complaining because I didn't want to wait another 30 minutes for my food.
(2)
Tyler L.
I like the Mad Batter, just like I like Cape May. I don't want this review to discourage people from going to Mad Batter as I always enjoy myself there. It is a bit of an institution in Cape May...part of the revival story. So I will always like the Mad Batter. That said, I have come a little ways in my travels and tastes and I have to be honest with myself: the Mad Batter is an okay restaurant but not as great as my heart wants it to be. The food is gluttonous...the portions are beyond generous. The quality... Overall just know you are eating at a place with a lot of history and if you can appreciate that, then the mediocre food is an afterthought.
(3)
Dee M.
We've only ever eaten breakfast here on their delightful porch which overlooks a water feature but tonight we had dinner here for Victorian Christmas weekend. I am glad i made a 5:15 reservation because by 545 they were mobbed. Meal: Chicken Fettucine in a blush sauce with Basil for my companion. He devoured it in record time so he loved it For myself i chose a standard fish n chips. Large pieces of breaded Cod more than satisfied my winter's day down the shore appetite. The Mad Batter has Manhattan prices most of the time and tonight was no exception for the Chicken but the fish n chips was reasonably priced. Service is quick, responsive, pleasant and friendly.
(4)
Jacqueline O.
Just got back from biking here for breakfast. This place is what coming to cape may is all about. It is a little old house where you can sit outside on the porch and enjoy your breakfast with delicious alcoholic drinks. I enjoyed a delicious eggs Benedict with fresh avocado. The food was great and the setting was even better. Me and my sister had a lovey time with amazing service. We will be coming back for sure.
(5)
Stephanie E.
This place was so good! My husband and I enjoyed everything. The wings were incredible, not battered but so crunchy and the flavor of the sauce with the real honey was just amazing. So happy we have this place a try!
(5)
Lorin F.
Went here tonight for the 4th time, 4"3rd for dinner and yet again it was amazing! We had 6 adults and a picky 3 y/o in our party an every plate was cleaned. The bayberry wings and crab bisque were outstanding appys. I had the mingon and crab cake entree. Their crab cakes are really well made, good meat light texture. Everyone at the table thoroughly enjoyed the meal from bread to the dessert that we were too full to partake in! The service was great as well, we were very well tended to with a smile!
(5)
Brandon C.
Wife had the Mimosa, I had the Manmosa. I'm barely enough of a man for that one. It was.... Awesome. Oh, and the pancakes were good too. :)
(5)
Kaitlyn L.
Stopped in for breakfast before heading back home today. Best decision made all trip. We arrived at a great time this morning, before the morning rush, sometime just after 8 am. People were already lined up outside when we were leaving sometime around 9-9:15. I had the chorizo and eggs, which was delicious! The home fries were the best home fries I've ever tasted. The rest of my company equally enjoyed their choices of the corned beef hash, country breakfast, and croustade. I wish we went to the Mad Batter earlier in our getaway because we would've went back for lunch, dinner, or both!
(5)
Carolyn T.
I wish I had better things to say about the Mad Batter. Our stay at the B & B was nice overall, but after hearing other Yelpers rave about the breakfasts here, I was completed disappointed by the food and service. My husband and I ate three meals there during our stay. The first meal was lunch: I had a salad and my husband had the grouper sandwich. My salad was full of little slimey bits of bad lettuce in the clearly not picked over mesclun greens and covered in a too sweet house vinaigrette which I wished I had asked for more details about. Our service was slow but sufficient. I think our server at breakfast was what put us off on eating there again. She was harried and indifferent. While we were ordering drinks, she walked away in the middle of my husbands order. When she realized he wasn't finished she exasperatedly turned around and nodded at him when he ordered a Bloody Mary. When our food arrived, no Bloody Mary, and he had to ask for it again, she said she didn't hear him order it the first time. You sure didn't, you were moving on to the next table you didn't care about. The food: I ordered blueberry pancakes, because as others have mentioned, THEY ARE CALLED THE MAD BATTER, and found them dry, firm and filled with very few blueberries (be warned real maple syrup is an up charge). My husband had a very unremarkable omelet. The coffee, which other people reviewed as watery must have changed, because I found it really bitter and heavy. Why did we go back for meal #3? Well, we had a breakfast voucher from the inn and we were leaving early our last day and it seemed convenient. I took the "order simple and hope they can't screw it up" approach and get a bagel and coffee (Maybe the first breakfast someone burned the pot? Nope, still awful.) and my husband ordered the chorizo wrap. The food was fine and totally unremarkable. Our server was pleasant, though clearly very busy. I know that we set our expectations high for food, we like to eat, we like to cook and and when we travel we put a lot of thought into where we go. Overall I would say eat at the restaurant if you are staying at the inn, but I wouldn't make a special trip to go there. In fairness, we didn't eat dinner there, so maybe dinner is better?
(2)
Tracy A.
Since we stayed at the Carroll Villa, we had free breakfasts here each day. I am so glad that we did. Their food was delicious, the wait staff lovely, and the prices were pretty decent. The restaurant was too crowded for my taste, but that was minor. I do wish they had more choices for their omelets and breakfast menu.
(4)
Marc G.
This place is charming. Sorry, but it is. I did not say cute, I said charming. We sat on the back porch, which was delightful. We had oatmeal batter pancakes, waffles and I had an omelette with crab and lobster. It was all delicious. The service was great, coffee and water were always refilled and the bill was very reasonable, especially with a coupon from some tourist/rest stop off the GS Pkwy. They had a bunch of "guides" with coupons for Mini Golf (Putt Putt), souvenirs and restaurants... Good thing I had to stretch. The place is classic Victorian and just really cool.
(4)
Mary S.
Mad Batter has an exceptional brunch. Like, other-worldly. I'm originally from Cape May, but have lived in Philadelphia for 8 years, and I still maintain, there are few places that rival MB when it comes to brunch. The Chesapeake Bay Benedict is my favorite thing on the menu, but my friends have ordered just about everything else that they serve up and never had a single complaint, because it all is very good. Grab a MB Bloody Mary and have a great meal- or if you're having trouble getting a table, check out the beautiful bar, made with recycled sea shells, you can have breakfast there and get in and out pretty quickly! Sad to say, I've never actually been here for dinner, but I've heard a million great things about it- so I'd definitely try it if I get the chance- and you should too!
(5)
Peter G.
Breakfast on the Porch is heavenly, watching Cape May's social scene stroll by. Returned after a year off and still offers unique flavors, although after the Orange Almond French Toast, there is a drop in taste and variety. I add orange juice to my pancakes at home because of this restaurant.
(3)
Jane G.
My husband and I went here on a Friday night for dinner. We had never been to Cape May before, but had heard good reviews about this place. It did not disappoint! It was not very crowded, so we were served pretty quickly. Our waitress was super sweet, and helpful with selecting a beer I would like. She even brought me a sample of one that I hadn't heard of. I had the turkey burger - very good although I wouldn't say that it's any better than a turkey burger from anywhere else. My husband had the crab cakes and they were FANTASTIC! We both loved them :) The next day was a street fair and I got the crab cake sandwich from Mad Batter - it was excellent!
(4)
Rule B.
I really want to give it 2 1/2 stars, which is average. Nice seating out on the porch, and efficient service. Mimosas were not made properly, too much champagne and not enough OJ. The wife's potatoes were cold, that came with her creamed chipped beef, which was good. My orange almond french toast was good at best, not moist, no hints of orange, only the almond flavor was detectable. Two pieces of the french toast were coated with slivered almonds, while the other two pieces were bare. The syrup was good and the butter and confectioners sugar helped the french toast. I expected better from reputation alone. And the french toast is on the menu as Mad Batter Recommended.
(3)
S. P.
Great place to have breakfast. Obviously, you come here for the pancakes but if you are a twosome, I would advise against it (or get a short stack). I had trouble finishing one of their large, fluffy pancakes. My internal system is just not used to the buttermilk. I immediately felt like going to sleep. Everything was great and the service was excellent. Nice venue as well.
(4)
Fred K.
Came here for a work function with spouses. Wow! Great food. The seared scallop special was outstanding; tender, sweet sea scallop drizzle with a superb sauce. The file and crabcake combo was a hit by all 4 of 8 of us ordered it. Lamb loin special - mmmm. Dessert tray was outstanding, especially the triple chocolate cake. Live music in background did not inhibit conversation. A very nice evening out.
(4)
Jennifer C.
My boyfriend and I were recommended to come to this place for brunch but we came for dinner instead. The setting is very ideal, right next to the beach and the open air mall. We loved the ambiance and the outdoor porch seating. The food was delicious. We had calamari with heirloom tomatoes and shared a pear salad and shrimp pasta. The prices for the food was a bit steep. I suppose that is the norm at the Cape. The only not so great part of this experience was our main waitress. She seemed very impatient with us even though we were one of the few customers at the restaurant. She also seemed a little annoyed at us for sharing our dishes (the portions were enough for two). However, other waiters and waitresses who served us were very lovely. Perhaps our main waitress was just having a bad day? One last remark: the Mad Batter does have happy hour but it is only at the bar. No discounts if you are seated at the table for dinner.
(3)
Alison H.
I give them credit for an original vegetarian item called a Vegetable Wellington. This is a puff pastry, with portobello, spinach, and roasted red peppers and eggplant inside. It also came with some sort of an orange sauce which I think was tomato flavored, but was basically just there for looks. I'd give it a solid 3 stars, pretty tasty, though the sauce was basically tasteless and the eggplant was very runny. My parents seemed to enjoy their meals fairly well too. The atmosphere was slightly chilly, and there was a live singer, who wasn't bad, but was way too loud for a small quiet restaurant like this one. He was singing Elvis tunes, which is fine if you like that kind of thing... it's not really my bag though. For dessert we ordered your standard kind of chocolate lava cake, to share, and my mom has explained to me what a vanilla creme anglaise was, and I got excited about it. Then the cake came and it just had chocolate sauce on top of it. Luckily, they did provide a scoop of vanilla ice cream on request, though I am unsure if they charged us for it or not. At the end of the night, we walked out and there was a policeman putting a ticket on our car. They have a new meter system where you pay at the machine, and apparently my mom's credit card did not go through. We totally could have walked to this restaurant, so it was very frustrating. I would advise walking or biking if you can to avoid any issue with parking, since apparently they are enforcing this carefully, even late night on a side street, during the off season!
(3)
Dani H.
We read lots of great reviews about this place, and we're so glad we did. We've been visiting Cape May for many summers now and we're so glad we found this restaurant. At first, the main draw to the place was its gluten free menu, but then we kept hearing how good it was for its regular menu too. we had the Blackened Grouper sandwich, both off the GF menu and the regular menu. Both were EXCELLENT. We cannot wait to visit again and try something new on their menu. Tip.... make reservations....it gets crowded.
(5)
Coffee B.
Went during July 4th weekend. Went late morning and the wait was ok, maybe 20 minutes. The food was good. I remember that I wanted to take a picture of all the dishes on my table.
(4)
James D.
I was worried walking up to The Mad Batter because there was a line of people waiting to get in. However, when I asked how long the wait would be for two I was told 5 minutes. And it was about that long of a wait. The staff was very friendly. We were seated outdoors on the porch. The seats were spaced enough so you don't feel like you are right up against everyone. I love breakfast. It is my favorite meal of the day. So when I find a great breakfast place, I am as happy as a pig in a blanket. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and Sarah ordered a veggie omelet. The omelets were FAT. I usually finish everything on my plate but this was so filling I couldn't finish my omelet. Sarah and I loved this place. I'm looking forward to trying more from their breakfast menu in the future.
(5)
Karen M.
Nastiest staff ever!!!
(1)
Vee G.
The name of this place is so deceiving. My boyfriend and I were expecting to see a menu of "fried [whatever]". We were so pleasantly surprised! The food was awesome! And we were so happy to see they had veg*n options as well. We are still raving about the dinner we had last night. Totally worth the money.
(5)
J S.
Great little place. Doesn't have much variety for food, so you're pretty much stuck with the same choices if you come here multiple times. They added a few new things to their menu this year that are delicious. Takes reservations, which is a plus since waits for restaurants in this area tend to be steep (especially during the summer). Service is professional, and I've never had a bad experience here. I would highly, highly recommend their bayberry wing appetizer. I have yet to find wings like them anywhere else which stinks because I live 3 hours away from Cape May. They are fantastic and definitely worth it.
(4)
elisa e.
We read the reviews from Yelp decided we had to give this place a try. No complaints on our breakfast choices - from your typical eggs to their specials - each meal was delicious and FOUR STARS for the Mimosa's!!!! The restaurant is very busy so the servers are running to keep up - still worth it.
(4)
Paul V.
Pancakes.... Awesome. Our sandwiches were delicious and the service was great. Stop here when you are in town. We're glad we did.
(5)
Nancy L.
We were in Cape May for a weekend getaway and stopped by this place for dinner. The service was great and our dishes were delicious. We ordered the Maryland Crabcakes and the off-menu Chilean Sea Bass Special; both were very well-prepared and the portions were just enough. We also ordered the raspberry Martini for fun, which wasn't bad at all; a bit fruity, but pleasantly interesting. Overall, we were very satisfied with our meal and would definitely visit again if in the area.
(5)
Andrew M.
Sorry... going to downgrade by 2 stars from my previous review. I think the difference (at least 1 star of it) was the fact that we were seated inside, rather than on the front or back porch area. Our group was also quite hungry and some people may not have ordered well. My wife's chipped beef was tasty. My corned beef hash was so-so, though the tobasco sauce added a nice kick. My dish was totally lacking in fruits and veggies (as was my wife's... potatoes don't count as a vegetable). The waffle (someone else at our table ordered) came out with nothing on it and no sides; rather disappointing. No one at my table got the eggs benedict, but they still looked good! This place is a little on the pricey side for what you get... not very creative presentation and few sides. And as always, parking in the area isn't much fun. Not sure if I'll go back. If you do decide to go here, definitely request to sit on the porch out front or in the enclosed patio area out back. On the plus side, this place is kid friendly. Oh, also, they don't take reservations for breakfast/brunch/lunch; only for dinner.
(2)
AbJo E.
This place looks more pleasant than it turned out to be and seems to be a bit overrated. The staff seemed to be having some trouble. There was a line of people waiting outside even though there were lots of free tables inside. The host and bussing service were extremely slow and one host in particular was a bit rude to a group who didn't want to sit at a wet table in the corner (it was raining). However, our server was quite friendly. The fish and chips tasted fine but were nothing special and overpriced. The lobster and crab frittata special was just good, but was a bit too greasy and left me wishing I had just gotten pancakes instead.
(2)
Julia G.
Mad Batter is one of my top favorite restaurants on Earth. Brunch is delicious, staff is friendly and helpful. I tend to put as much stock in atmosphere as in quality and taste of food, and Mad Batter is awesome in both areas. I even love the way the soap in the bathroom smells. I've also recently become a fan of enjoying my post-work drink at the bar. Low-key but always interesting, it's tough for me to pass up. Now to the point, I am here to review veggie burgers. The burger itself was not stellar. Boring in comparison to the usual Batter specialties, it is the only time I have ever wished I'd ordered something else while dining there. The Tempura Eggplant served alongside went a really long way to make up for the blah burger. (The delicious Stoli-O and OJ didn't hurt either)
(5)
Kathy S.
One of the best meals i have had this year. Have the salmon if you love it like i do.
(5)
J J.
My lord was I happy as a clam at this place!!! Food was fantastic, service was helpful and on point, seating was good and I can't wait to go back. My breakfat eggs benidict over crabmeat...the blend of it all in my mouth was like heaven. A must try for anyone passing through.
(4)
Jeff H.
Late dinner outside on a great shore evening. Perfect place to sit on the beautiful deck and relax. The meal itself was a little uneven. The bread was amazing, as was the hummus plate. But the wings (award winning?) were really sweet. The striped bass was a little on the mushy side and lacked seasoning. For the prices (which were a little high) I have come to expect more in terms of food preparation. I would be willing to give lunch another try.
(3)
David F.
came here for breakfast with 6 adults and 1 baby. Service was quick and attentive. Food was very good. The special, crab and lobster frittata was the clear winner. The bloody mary was strong and spicy. Note the picture of my sister - in law as she is thoroughly enjoying her meal (she had the special). mmmmmmmmmm......taste so good!!!!
(4)
Grumpy G.
You know a place is good when you have several on-menu entrees you really want to try, then the off-menu specials win your favor. This is what happened to Mrs. G and me last Saturday night. My sea bass was a large portion cooked perfectly and Mrs. G's wahoo was divine. Salad was great and dessert was decent. We got an exceptional waiter who took good care of us. We wanted to catch the jazz singer in the bar after dinner, so we listened to a song or two while we waited to be served. Then the singer took a break and the female bartender became enthralled with the only other two guys in the bar. "We're obviously invisible!" exclaimed Mrs. G. I remembered the face of the manager in the dining room so I hunted her down to see if she could get us some help at the bar. Come to find out the help at the bar WAS the other manager. No apologies, no "here have one on me." So we drank up and left. Definitely go for the food. Look like a single guy and maybe, just maybe, you'll get served in the bar.
(4)
Susan O.
Mid-May, 2011: Grilled slices of pork tenderloin over carmelized onions, grilled asparagus, and mashed sweet potatoes, crisp ciabatta rolls. I requested and received a bowl of freshly prepared fruit (my dessert). Water to drink. The highlights for me were the rolls and the sweet potatoes, and I appreciated the willingness to put a small fruit bowl together for me.
(4)
Christine R.
This was our choice for brunch before we headed home this past weekend in Cape May. There was a bit of wait (they don't take reservations for brunch), but it went by fairly quickly, since we were able to take a brisk walk around the block to look at the beach and Congress Hall. Our waitress took our orders quickly. We got standard breakfast fare. My friend had the orange- almond french toast, which I tasted. It was pretty amazing, and I somewhat regretted going the 'savory' route for breakfast, but my eggs benedict were A+. So filling! The home fries were delicious. The entire meal cost us all 50 bucks, not bad! Definitely will come here for brunch again in the future. They also have brunch-y cocktails like mimosas, bloody mary's, and bellinis. I also hear they have a decent happy hour and live entertainment in the evenings. Might check that out during the next visit. Also part of the Caroll Villa hotel.
(4)
Daniel M.
My wife and I went here for brunch in August and while the food was adequately portioned, we were a bit disappointed by a place that claims to serve the best brunch in the area. Our wait was over 20 minutes at 11 am on a Sunday, which wasn't too bad, but the service was very slow on top of it. My wife ordered blueberry pancakes which were clearly made with frozen blueberries (in New Jersey in the summer? Isn't this where blueberries come from?) and the syrup wasn't even close to real maple syrup but some Aunt Jemima-like corn syrupy stuff that could ruin even the best pancakes, which these were not. I ordered eggs benedict and asked to substitute the Canadian bacon with with house-cured salmon. This proved too challenging for the kitchen, so I was given a side plate of the salmon (actually the best part of the meal) next to the eggs which were served on what I assume were store-bought Thomas's English Muffins. After passing over the box of Bigelow teas, the coffee was nothing to write home about either, and I had to ask for actual milk to replace the preservative-laden creamer cups they provided. Finally, my Bloody Mary was so full of peppercorns and horeradish to make it virtually undrinkable past the top layer. I'm not saying this place is overrated, but if you go here for brunch (assuming you actually get a seat) you may want to bring your own tea, coffee, half and half, pancake syrup and Bloody Mary mix.
(2)
Jim C.
Breakfast was excellent. I been here a few times. Pancakes are awesome and their signature. Eggs Benedict are very tasty and the juices are all fresh so be prepared for the tart apple juice lol.
(4)
Julia C.
We just ran the Ocean Drive Marathon on 3/27/2011 and we were starving. We had parked the car at the finish line in Sea Isle City, and drove back to Cape May to look for some recovery food. By the time we got into town, it was almost 3PM. We strolled into the Mad Batter. By now it's 3 PM. There were no customers. Four women were huddled around the hostess station, chatting. There was also a man standing near the women. The women saw us, but it was more like a NYC subway look. You know, when you see something unpleasant, and you look away real fast to pretend you didn't see it. The man kinda nudge one of the women, who finally acknowledged us with a very unwilling "YESSSSSSSS? May I help you?" We asked for a table, and at this point, they decide to tell us they closed at 3 ("we just missed it") and will re-open at 4PM. Um, no thanks. I can take the hint that the Mad Batter is just not that into us. I know we don't exactly look our best after running 26.2 miles, but we will not be returning even when we're clean and more presentable.
(1)
Altje H.
Probably the best meal I had in Cape May. A number of vegetarian options. I had the Black Bean Cake with guacamole. Yum!
(5)
Andrey B.
This is a very good restaurant. The prices are reasonable and the food is just fantastic. Chilean Sea Bass was heavenly good. Very interesting sauces on all dishes. I also ordered a pear martini that was very awesome and came with a thin slice of pear in the glass.
(5)
A L.
Great for kids. Awesome staff and food.
(5)
Bryce Q.
Ate breakfast here a couple of weeks ago. I had crab benedict that was quite good, but both my kids had pancakes and they were pretty mediocre. If your name is The Mad Batter, then you really should have awesome pancakes - or pretty good at the very least, which they were not.
(2)
Dan B.
Awesome. Go......now.
(5)
A B.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. Overall, most of the food was very good and the service was slow. We waited 30 minutes to be seated despite a reservation and being told it would be 5-10. I guess that is why they have a large waiting area. Another 20 minutes went by before they brought the fresh bread, which was delicious. The food came fairly quickly once we finally ordered, which was an hour after the time of our reservation. The apple salad was mediocre, there was something off about the dressing. I tried one of the Thai wings which were sweet with a little kick and, in my opinion, fantastic. The portions for the entrees were larger than I expected, good bang for your buck. I got the red snapper special which was topped with Panko and crabmeat and was exceptional. It came with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus which were also very good. The flank steak was a bit fatty but that may have more to do with the cut of meat than the way it was cooked. The dining room was loud and made normal dinner conversation difficult. The decor is very quaint. Not sure if I would return. Maybe at a less busy time.
(3)
City G.
Seated in 15 min despite the line on the sidewalk. Nice waitress, attentive. But the food is not more than just okay. Asked for eggs poached hard, which the waitress did note...they came runny. Sent them right back and received one soft, one hard. They only replaced the egg I poked to test?! Husband asked for eggs over easy and received scrambled. Very bland. Full sized drinking glasses would be nice since this is a very busy place and you will wait for a refill.
(2)
Stephen A.
Nice place. Ok breakfast. Grumpy staff. Reasonable prices. Nuff said?
(2)
Jeremy G.
My wife and some friends had breakfast at the Mad Batter this morning. I am gluten free and I was very impressed with their gluten free options. First, they offer a gluten free menu with a ton of choices. Second, they have gluten free bread. It's reminiscent of Three Bakers 7 Ancient Grain. I ordered the Croustade and a side of bacon. The Croustade was offered with gluten free bread. It was absolutely delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked. The bacon was exceptional. I cannot recommend the Mad Batter enough, particularly for gluten free patrons.
(4)
Suzy G.
This is such a nice place to eat breakfast. They offer freshly squeezed juice and the food is delicous. This place gets crowded in the summer so be prepared to wait a little while, but it is certainly worth the wait. Service was great too. Would love to come back and try dinner or lunch next time.
(5)
Jackie C.
This past weekend, my husband and I came here for our first dinner in Cape May. Our innkeeper recommended it to us (and we had heard about it from a few other people!) so we thought it would be a good option. The Mad Batter has these adorable yellow and white awnings, covering a front porch that is perfect for people watching. Although the wind picked up and a storm was brewing, we sat on the porch (the storm did eventually arrive, at full force, but we were protected by the Mad Batter's porch's "walls"). The entrees were more expensive than we expected, but quite good, so we were pleased with the value we were getting for our money. The menu itself didn't offer too many dishes, but there were definitely many specials being offered. I had the crab bisque to begin with (this was my favorite part -- very creamy, not bland like many bisques, and large chunks of lump crab meat, yum...) and the hanger steak with potatoes & bacon (tasty, but I would probably opt for maybe a salad or other appetizer to go with my soup next time). We also shared (ok my husband mostly ate) the thai-honey chicken wings (yum, big juicy wings, not too spicy, kind of spicy and sweet) and he had the vegetable wellington -- layers of vegetables wrapped in a puff pastry and surrounded by fresh tomato sauce and slices of cheese. I think the vegetable wellington was a better option than the hanger steak. The service was great -- very friendly and helpful. We decided to wait out the storm, eat slowly, and have a few beers...In any case, we were happy with our first dinner in Cape May. We'd likely come back, but probably try a few other places first.
(4)
Tricia F.
Breakfast/brunch here is great. The staff has never been particularly friendly over the years, but the atmosphere and food are worth the visit.
(4)
Mike G.
Had lunch, kind of pricy. My son ordered a peach smoothy, it was just syrup and crushed ice (disappointed)
(3)
John V.
One of the definitive breakfast and brunch locations located upon Cape May Island. My wife and daughter enjoyed their breakfast immensely, as did I. The service was friendly and efficent, the food was gormet, plentyfull. The downside, it gets crowded quickly after 9 AM, and it is pricey. Worth a visit if on the island, located in an aestheticaly appealing Victorian hotel. They offer porch, interior, and terrace dinning experiences. The decor is charmign and inviting, very Earthy. A must see.
(4)
Claire B.
Stopped by here around 9:30 for a drink on Saturday night. Great ambiance to sit out on their extended porch. We had Pinot Noir and a lemon cello martini. Both great.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
Great honest food, spectacular martini and drink menu, easy going and relaxed atmosphere. The entire wait staff was pleasant and accommodating. Based on all the reviews I've read about breakfast, I think my expectations were a little too high. Don't get me wrong, the breakfasts are excellent, but I thought it fell just short of the hype. My wife and I will certainly be back!
(4)
MaryAnn M.
Blueberry martinis are just one of the great things about this place. Awesome crabcakes. Wonderful salads and great atmosphere at the bar.
(5)
Holly L.
I enjoyed Sunday brunch here this past weekend. We arrived around 9:30 am and only waited about 15 minutes for a party of four. I ordered the blueberry pancakes with oatmeal batter - it was soooo good. I was nervous the pancakes would be dried out by the oats, but it was the exact opposite - so moist! And there was a plethora of blueberries. My family had the lobster frittata and said they really liked it, too. Their large orange juice is actually quite big, so you get your money's worth there :) We dined outside on a cute porch-like setting (since the Mad Batter is connected to a hotel/bed & breakfast place). Very quaint. Our server was attentive, but not a bother. The prices were a bit steep ($12 for the frittata), but I was prepared since it's Cape May in August
(4)
Tracy H.
Breakfast is the big hit at Mad Batter and it never disappoints. Try to Chesapeake Bay benedict and the oatcakes. They are delicious. If you go on Sundays they also serve some of the best bloody marys in Cape May. Parking in the area can be a little rough and the wait can be a little long on the weekends so bring quarters for the meters.
(4)
Jennie S.
GET THE CRAB EGGS BENEDICT & was it down with a CLASSIC MOMOSA! You will NOT be disappointed!
(5)
Noah B.
Great food! The service was a bit slow -- it took a while for my order to be taken -- but the friendliness of the staff compensated for the wait. The scallops were perfectly cooked and delicious. I had high hopes for the chicken wings, which were big, but overly breaded -- slightly disappointing. But I would definitely go back to try some of their other dishes.
(3)
T.J. R.
The best pancake I've had by a mile! Not one complaint on my behalf! Their holland daze makes me craze (yes, I'm cool like that)! If I was able to have this breakfast for every meal of my life, I would be content in life. LONG LIVE THE MAD BATTER!
(5)
James R.
Ordered the crab cake sandwich. Every aspect of the food was great: crab cake, remoulade, roll, fries. What spoiled the visit, though, was that Kelli, our server, seemed annoyed at having to serve us, though she did warm up slightly after a little while.
(3)
Elizabeth W.
We ate lunch here with our 2 boys and absolutely loved it. I regret waiting to the last day of our trip to eat there, because I would love to dine there again, but live no where near New Jersey, so not sure I'll ever get the chance. My sons keep asking when we can go back. My husband and I ordered from the lunch menu, which was good, but what we really loved was the breakfast food my boys ordered. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious. The french toast was unreal. We had a very friendly waitress. We sat in the back porch area which was very pleasant. If you are visiting Cape May this is a place you must visit.
(5)
Heidi C.
My husband and I stayed at the B&B attached to Mad Batter, Carroll Villas for one night and in the morning were given a voucher for $30 towards breakfast. We were seated on the porch and had a lovely breeze and some nice sunshine to accompany our meal. I ordered the oatmeal pancakes with fruit and my husband ordered a lobster omelet special. I got three huge fluffy pancakes, which were very good if WAY too much for one person, and a very nice selection of fruit. Hubby's omelet however was definitely of the heavy-brick-in-your-stomach variety. The omelet was topped with waxy shredded cheese and over-cooked lobster (left over from last night?) We got in just under the $30.
(3)
Johnny N.
Only been here for breakfast, but I can attest that their orange french toast and oatmeal pancakes will be something you wish you could find when you get back home. Great all around breakfast! Go there!
(4)
John H.
In 2011, I gave this place 4 stars...but I didn't want to mention the waitress took our 30% tip and made it 70%. I understand management let her go. We returned today with 2 other friends and were horrified at the server's treatment of us. She asked what we wanted to drink, and I mentioned we could order as well. She nodded, and when I asked for the chorizo with eggs, she nearly bit my head off, "NO! WE ARE OUT!" Then she said she wanted to take drink orders instead. She wouldn't give our table half and half so we got up to get some from another table. She returned to let us know our order was late because she forgot to submit one person's order. She spilled coffee all over the table and on my pants because she was careless --- and I wasn't drinking coffee -- it was my friend's coffee. She asked if we needed anything else while we were talking, and before we could respond she walked away saying in a snarky manner, "Well, I guess not." We are never coming back, especially since there are much better restaurants in this area.
(1)
Vincent R.
Insane good. The Belgian is a must. Enjoy!
(5)
Maura G.
only went here for breakfast so that's what this review covers. they made a great mimosa and a wonderful bloody mary-lots of horseradish. i had the chorizo & eggs and it was DELICIOUS! like a mexican egg burrito. and the portions were huge; i couldn't finish mine. they don't take reservation so there was a long wait, but it was worth it. we sat outside-didn't get a change to check out the inside, but it seemed a little cramped. service was ok, nothing memorable.
(3)
Dana Q.
I really like it here. I love going for lunch and getting their homemade soups. And they're not your normal chicken noodle, no we're talking roasted butternut squash soup and seafood bisque. Sooo good! Their crabcakes are also pretty excellent. I'm a bit of a crabcake snob, I'm not going to lie. Theirs are sweet and a little creamy with very minimal "filling." Everything is freshly prepared with great attention to detail in an adorable dining room. I love it.
(4)
Michele C.
My husband and I ate breakfast at the restaurant three days in a row, as it was comped if you stayed at the attached Carroll Villa hotel. I can only comment on the breakfasts, but they were very good. the first day i had the special -- omelet with marsala mushrooms and asiago cheese. I had it done with egg whites and I always marvel when a chef can make an egg white omelet fluffy and delicious. This one was outstanding. The mushrooms were savory and delicious. It came with whole grain toast and roasted potatoes. My husband had the orange almond french toast, which was delicious. Our second day I got the oatmeal pancakes with a side of fruit. The pancakes were savory and delicious. The fruit was boutiful and very fresh. My husband had the buttermilk pancakes which were equally good. Neither of us could finish the whole plate, though we definitely tried! The third morning, I had the granola with fresh fruit and yogurt. While the granola was delicious, the yogurt was just plain yogurt, meaning it had absolutely no taste. I didn't really like it. My husband had the cured salmon on a bagel (otherwise known as lox) and it was very good. The tomatoes were really red like they were fresh out of a garden. Service is great. The only drawback to breakfast is that there tends to be a long wait, even for hotel guests. But if you're going for breakfast, it's definitely the place to be. At night the inside bar opens up and there is great live music. Enjoy!
(3)
Nicky R.
Rain was in the forecast. We hoped for the best and ventured out of our hotel for a romantic dinner. Mad Batter is always the first restaurant of our annual Cape May vacation. It's non-negotiable for both of us. As soon as we were seated, rain came down in sheets. Consequently, we instantly craved soup and steak. We enjoyed their house red wine for $23. Great wines need not be expensive. I ordered the soup special: lobster bisque. Seafood bisques are a favorite. He ordered their famous seafood chowder. I was surprised we passed up the mussels, because they're perfect. My steak was NY strip, his steak was their hanger steak. I love the subtle mustard notes in the hanger steak. The heavy rain made us feel as though we were tucked away in a special world... and we were.
(5)
Ed M.
I'll always remember the Mad Batter for their sign urging you to eat dessert first. This shows a real sense of humor. But really have dinner (or lunch) first. The food is excellent, the service is good and the decor is very pleasant. And if you have any room left go ahead and have dessert.
(4)
Joyce W.
I was visiting Cape May for during a weekend getaway and was researching for a few places to eat. I came across The Mad Batter several times and had high hopes. However, when we got there .. the place was quiet empty .. unlike other places ( the blue pig tavern or Freda's). The food... was just mediocre. We had their signature clam chowder ( it was very fatty with chunks of bacon..interesting twist) and their crab cake entree.. it was just aite. Service wise .. can be much improved. We were seated for good 15 minutes before anyone even asked us about water. ... i dont think i will go back =/
(2)
Brian J.
Wow...after all the reviews I was disappointed. My wife's pancakes were big but really dry. Coffee and OJ was ok. My French toast was pretty good. We went in the off season when the whole town was dead (maybe 5 tables in the whole place) but still the waitress was still missing. We went to the Blue Pig the next day and had a better breakfast.
(2)
Robert E.
Be prepared to wait at this place, but its worth it. Other reviewers have hit the key points and menu items, but I will suggest the eggs benedict with crab meat on top. It will surprise you! If not, like another reviewer suggested, you can always get the regular eggs benedict. Both are exceptional. A true gem at the Cape.
(4)
Eric L.
My girlfriend and I have never been able to get in here for breakfast (which its known for), so we decided to try it out for dinner. There was no problem getting in and the place was really nice. We were seated outside on the balcony with a nice view of the street. I ordered the "award winning" crab cakes...they were outstanding. It came with two huge cakes, that were made up mostly of crab meat. There was some kind of creamy sauce on the plate, also delicious. I'm sure experiencing breakfast here will bump it up to 5 stars :)
(4)
Gary S.
Maybe this place does better "in season" or with dinner but having had breakfast/brunch here over the past Christmas/New Year's week, I have to say it was pretty bad, and when factoring price/value ratio, REALLY terrible. Staff was friendly, and the restaurant itself is fine, but the food was barely edible. I had crabmeat benedict with a caper hollandaise sauce, and my wife had a "Swiss-style" omelet, that also included crab meat. Each was about $12. My dish was basically a couple of ordinary English muffins with a mound of "out of the can" crabmeat pieces with what seemed like an "out of the jar" hollandaise with a few capers sprinkled on the top. Even the home fries were ordinary, and a very small portion to boot, and the orange slice garnish was old and dried out. My wife's omelet was no better - the eggs way overdone, no seasoning, no flair, no presentation - barely edible. After all the raves on Yelp we were VERY disappointed.
(1)
Rich I.
Place was decent. Staff was friendly. We had the crab cake sandwich and the vegetarian sandwich with Chicken (that's right, don't ask....). Both were good. The crab cake was served on a brioche that was waaaaay over sized for the circumference of the patty. I ditched the top bun and ate it with a knife and fork... The sandwich was very tasty with well placed ingredients. The spinach goat cheese salad was good but could have been dressed with less vinaigrette (it was kinda drenched) but still tasty. Decent spot to have a regular way meal!
(3)
Steve S.
Very pleasant breakfast place, though be prepared to wait for a table during busy times. Juice is fresh squeezed, fruit is fresh, and the menu has some interesting b'fast items to choose from. Service was very good when we were there, even though the place was packed. Would definitely return.
(5)
Ron B.
LOng wait but worth it. Blooody Mary was awesome, eggs benedict with crap was incredibly rich but great. Pancakes were good. I had eggs easy over and they had some cold uncooked egg white in them, very gross.Definitely a cool place to try.
(4)
Valerie d.
I really enjoy my meals here whenever I'm in Cape May, NJ. The restaurant is decorated with a very fun spirit that you have to have a martini. The food used to be exceptional but since all the good press I'm thinking it's above average now. I always go for the crab cake but all of their fish specials are pretty good. For lunch their sandwiches are tasty but I prefer the eggs benedict if you can catch brunch. In the summer, I'd make a reservation b/c there is a very long wait!
(4)
Ben J.
Yummy brunch ---though it was a much better meal and experience for us last yr. I'd go back
(4)
Ray H.
My wife and I have experienced Mad Batter several times - mostly dinners on the porch overlooking the street and always ending with a delightful white choc mousse and coffee/tea. Generally speaking the dinners have been average to above average - nothing that knocks your socks off but rarely a disappointment. Today, on our way out of the Cape we decided to stop and build on this new 'tradition' for us. Seated in the back garden room we asked for water - out came two 'shot glass' size glasses of water (you know - the size you get when you're drinking something else). We ordered wings to share, a burger and a crab cake sandwich. Our server brings out the mayo we'd requested with the burger - said she was sure she'd forget it if she didn't bring it now. Cool - nothing like room temp mayo that is growing bacteria by the second. Wings came out - very underwhelming - sauce was very thin. Sandwiches came out and they were so-so (this after waiting an incredibly long time - ostensibly because we had the nerve to ask for a well done burger). Then, and without warning, the check was slapped down with a cheery "I'll take this whenever you're ready". Ok - guess she decided for us that we're not having the mousse - the main reason we came there. I was pretty disappointed this time around - not what I expected.
(2)
Paul S.
Unfortunately, even though it was recommended by the B&B owner, this restaurant is over piced for what you get. Decidedly better meals at many other Cape May restaurants. Close to NYC prices but nowhere near the quality.
(2)
Casey K.
We went here for brunch and had a great meal. Not too crowded, so the service was good and so was the food. Wouldnt mind going back for dinner or night life.
(4)
Susan E.
We wandered in to The Mad Hatter looking for a late night dessert...was great. Went back in for Happy Hour...very happy with inexpensive martinis that even came with a metal jug with 'extra' martini! Stayed for dinner and were blown away with incredible dishes. Returned for breakfast another day...another incredible meal...shared breakfasts (two people) and had more than enough food. We ate at several restaurants while in Cape May last week of July 2008, and The Mad Hatter was the best!
(5)
Angelina W.
Having heard rave reviews of this restaurant, I wanted to try it out. There were many people waiting for tables and we had a tour to be at, so we sat at the bar. The service was fast enough so we were able to get to our tour on time. We had a delicious lunch there that lived up to their reputation! The lunch prices were very reasonable (much cheaper than eating dinner there); for three of us it cost about $50, including alcoholic beverages. One person in my party ordered the clam chowder and thought it was better than The Lobster House's version. The only reason I'm not giving The Mad Batter 5 stars is because it didn't appear to be handicapped-accessible. I watched a man struggle to get his wife and her wheelchair up the stairs and into the restaurant. Also, there was a bug in the bar area (luckily for me it appeared after we'd eaten, and the bartender killed it.) I wish I had been able to attend the dinner theatre ("Helpful Hints" is now showing); I've heard great things about the show, and I'd love to try more of the food there!
(4)
Andrea K.
The food here is great. The gluten-free menu leaves glutards happy. The service on the other hand is slow and full of prejudice. We had been traveling all day and looking for something to hit the spot and satisfy my dietary restrictions. Unfortunately we didn't have time to change because of travel and heavy rains and the service we received was pretty terrible. We did not receive the complimentary bread until after we ordered. Keep in mind we were not greeted or able to place our order until twenty minutes after we had been seated. Most of the time, our water glasses were empty and on top of it all the wait staff didn't know their beer menu, yet this is supposed to be a bar. When you ask someone if they have a specific drink and they ask you if you looked at the menu it seems like a pretty useless waiter. Also, no cider or gluten free beer for those of us who don't want a glass of wine or an obnoxious cocktail. Overall I have to say seeing everybody else around us being served more quickly seemed a little counterproductive. If you want to get rid of the "ugly" customers, don't serve them so slowly. Food 5/5 Ambience 4/5 Drinks 2/5 for lack of availability and knowledgeless wait staff Service 0/5
(3)
Anthony S.
We made a reservation through OpenTable. Menu - definitely overpriced for what we received. A $15 Charcuterie platter with prosciutto, Genoa, and three slices of cheese was paired with grapes, mustard, and store bought crackers. I was confused. My date ordered Vegetable Ravioli for $26. I had Shrimp & Scallop Ravioli (in the same sauce) for $32, which included only 2 scallops, 4 medium shrimp, and 3 ravioli. I might've paid $25-26 for it if it was seasoned properly, but neither the seafood nor sauce had much flavor at all. Drinks - The grapefruit martini was good, and earned the place a star. The server didn't know what wine my date was talking about when she said "Dessert Riesling" even though it's listed on the menu as such. Service - Our server seemed inexperienced for the style of restaurant. More of a diner / quick-eats approach. I wouldn't go back, nor would I recommend.
(1)
Jim S.
Love love love the atmosphere! The food is to die for and sitting in any area of The Mad Batter is awesome!
(5)
H Y.
Great waffles! Dinner and cocktails are good there too..not just a breakfast place! Service is good too. I can see why people line up for this place.
(5)
Theresa Z.
Love this place. We come here all the time. Although today I'm a little concerned about the fact that the server told us we couldn't have the mushroom taken off the veggie panini even tho the last 15 times we ate it they did it for us! Consistency is important in a good restaurant! Things like this put a bad taste in my mouth. I'm in this industry and I know that servers say no when they're just being lazy.
(3)
Jessica K.
I really like the little restaurant they've got here, I've been twice - once for lunch in the summer & once in the winter. Both experiences have been very pleasant & the prices are excellent for what you get. The menu offers options for everyone, from light to hearty, plus there's fun alcoholic drinks available too, which are seasonal & inventive. Very nice people work here, from the hosts, to the bartenders & servers. It's really a great quick stop spot on Jackson street, a few strides down from the mall toward the beach. I'd highly recommended it for a swift lunch during your stay, especially if you're walking around town taking in the sights.
(4)
Andrew C.
What a great spot for breakfast. My wife and I went here on a Saturday morning after a rough night! I ordered the Big Batter Breakfast that came with 3 eggs, Batter Home Fries, choice of toast, and 2 sides of meat (I chose sausage and scrapple). My wife ordered the Thick Sliced Orange and Almond French Toast which is thick sliced brioche dipped in a rich batter of heavy cream, eggs, fresh orange juice and almonds (wrote this right from the menu!). We split everything up (see pictures) because we both wanted a little bit of everything. I have to say, everything was prepared perfectly. The eggs were cooked to order, the meats were very tasty, the home fries with the onions and peppers were great, and the french toast was like nothing I've ever tasted (totally awesome!). We left very full and very satisfied. This is an excellent spot for breakfast, so don't miss it the next time you're in Cape May.
(4)
Lauren B.
Great pancakes! Day 1: got pancakes, bacon, eggs, and a waffle. Day 2: got blueberry pancakes, Bacon, vegan bacon and toast. Homemade lemonade is not homemade. Its minutemaid. The pancakes are great. The waffle is average-good. Vegan Bacon.. Not good at all. I like that they offer it but it wasn't tasty or crispy at all. Service could have been better. We would come back for the pancakes.
(4)
Amy K.
Showed up here without reservations...this must be something you normally shouldn't do. They told us we would have to sit outside which was actually quite fine. The outside seating is wonderful-like a charming oversized porch. We enjoyed watching Cape May from here. The service was good and the food was enjoyable. My husband really wants to try breakfast next time we are in town this July. I had the crab cakes. They were good, although my favorite crab cakes are still from the Cape May Fish Market. These were still tasty. Overall, the ambiance is good, the service is nice, and the food is good. Well worth the trip.
Breakfast was awesome! Very fresh and tasty. It didn't hurt that they had early morning bloody Mary's available
(4)
Chrissy T.
It's just ok. It wasn't bad and it wasn't good. Just ok. The price was way more than it should have been for what it was.
(3)
Angela G.
Burger was decent, service was pretty good. The prices were a little high for the quality. My table-mate had the pancakes, and they looked amazing. He said they were just okay. I'd come back, but next time I'll stick with breakfast.
(3)
Pasquale R.
We were looking for a cool place to grab lunch during the off season and noticed there were some good reviews about this place. I know they are known more for their music and casual dinner but we stopped in anyway. We were seated in the back with the open windows and a view of their fenced in garden. We were quickly greeted by our waitress and she brought out our drinks pronto (I had their margarita and the Mrs. stuck with aqua). Their lunch is merged with their breakfast menu so you have multiple options. Based on previous reviews, we ordered their bayberry wings (tossed in Thai honey hot sauce). They were money. They were large and had lots of meat on them. I ordered something off their special menu. Pulled pork sandwich which was very good. The pulled pork wasn't swimming in sauce or saturating the bun. Plus it tasted like it was just off the bone. A good choice. The Mrs. had the crabcake sandwich. It was good but nothing like having one in Baltimore. Their fries were decent. Prices were also respectable. The vibe was casual. We didn't have a chance to go in the evening but it could be a good stop to catch some tunes, grab a brew and relax. ENJOY!
(4)
Tracy B.
Going downhill fast. I've eaten here every summer for the past 15 years. But the last few years the quality is declining. They don't change the menu at all and the food preparation is inconsistent at best. I ordered the prime rib ($32) and asked for it cooked medium. It was charred well done and I was given a dull knife to hack away at it. The waitress (Carol) was rude. She dubiously inspected it when told her. The second time it came back cooked medium. It was ok. But my kid ordered a turkey burger on a pretzel bun. The burger was way over spiced and rude Carol insisted the kaiser roll was a pretzel bun. Delusional. Needless to say, I won't be coming back to this very pretty, but unsatisfying Cape May institution.
(2)
Ali H.
Went here for breakfast, next time I will try pancakes or french toast. I got the chorizo wrap; I was expecting a little kick but all I could taste was tortilla wrap. The whole thing was bland. For two orange juices it was $13, but it was good. Will try again and get something else.
(3)
R S.
Seriously overrated and they are racist! If you are not white, don't even bother because you will not only wait much longer for a table but you will also be ignored the entire time.
(1)
Al I.
Great breakfast! Generous portions, friendly wait staff and reasonably priced. Some unique dishes too, gluten free and vegan stuff.
(5)
Craig K.
My favorite in Cape May. Hey day drinking starts at 10:00 with Manmosas. Home cooked chips are a must
(5)
Michelle Y.
Two breakfasts in one weekend. Very good creative dishes. Reasonable prices, nice atmosphere. Service ws fine
(4)
James S.
Really cool restaurant located on the bottom floor of a beautiful hotel that feels like a bed and breakfast, The Carroll Villa. First experience was happy hour. This thing goes for three hours and everything but top shelf and this giant group sized drink is half priced. Yea. Think about that. My wife and I got 3 rum and cokes, a pumpkin beer, and a martini and our bill came to a whopping $16. Being used to Philly drink prices, I almost fell off my barstool when I saw this miniature check. Awesome. Also saw a ton of food coming out, like burgers and wings. It smelt like heaven, but we had dinner reservations elsewhere. The following morning we came down for breakfast with our voucher from The Carroll Villa for $30. That $30 went miles. We both got big breakfasts. I got my signature omelet of bacon, ham, tomato, onion, and cheddar, which basically was priced for each of my extra ingredients. Super fluffy and absolutely erupting with my ingredients. Hash browns were pretty darn tasty as well. Also got two free mimosa's with our Living Social deal. Our bill for an enormous breakfast was about $22. Only negative of this experience was on our arrival. We walked into the restaurant at 7:54. A server quickly approached us and stated "we're not open 'til 8." We were well aware, but she came off a little rude and could have added we would be with you in a minute or something of that nature. About two minutes later another couple walked in and were greeted by a different server who told them the same thing, but offered to seat them in the mean time. That's what I would have liked. The server who greeted us ended up being our server for breakfast and she was fine. Just that initial greeting rubbed us the wrong way. Otherwise, great experience and would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)
Billy P.
My wife went here twice. She had pancakes and french toast and loved them both. I had a peppers and onions with mushrooms omelette with home fries and rye toast. My food was good, but nothing incredible. Pretty pedestrian breakfast food. Atmosphere inside was nothing special. Our server was very nice and made a great suggestion for my wife to split her pancakes and french toast since she couldn't decide. It was a great idea and saved us a dollar. So, it's not all bad. My wife said her friends and her really enjoyed their food when they had dinner. A mixed bag overall.
(3)
Steve N.
The ambiance on the porch is wonderful. It was such a pleasure to sit outside looking onto the tree lined street on a sunny afternoon. My wife's turkey burger was overcooked. The fresh cut fries were excellent. My blackened fish sandwich was good, but not extraordinary. Two screwups by our waitress. First; we asked for water with our drink orders, which never showed up. Second; I asked the waitress if the fish chowder was white or red. She replied that it was red. It turned out to be a white, cream based soup. It was delicious, but I probably would not have ordered it had I known it was cream based.
(3)
Kathy N.
Highly recommended by the lingerie shop in town. The girl must be related to the owner. The food was horrible. My friend and I both had crab bisque. It was so think and floury I felt like I at a brick. Then the chicken Caesar salad came. I eat Caesar everywhere I go. I've never had radicchio in it. The dressing was old and tasted like it was scraped from the lid of a rancid mayonnaise jar. You know what that tastes like. Dry toast as croutons. The chicken was palatable but the salad was not Caesar. It was tasteless, except for the rancid mayo lid. My friend ate a mixed greens salad w shrimp. Also tasteless. No zing. Don't eat there. Very, very overpriced. 2 cups soup, 2 salads, 2 cups of tea. $39.95 and that was after a 15% coupon the lingerie shop gave us. Don't do it. There's much more to choose from in town!
(1)
Jana O.
Yes the Chesapeake Benedict was good the crab pieces were plentiful and the sauce didn't separate -the capers are usually something I dislike but just right with the crab. My husband ordered oatmeal pancakes with blueberries which were fresh and the serving was huge. Glad we have a fridge where we are staying to keep left overs! Even better was getting a large pint glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. On the pricey side but you are in the center of vacation city!
(4)
Sara L.
Service wasn't exceptional but was pretty good. The fish and chips - and pina colada - were amazing!
(5)
Beth G.
A must in Cape May!! Food is excellent. Cooked perfectly and was served hot with a smile. Only one complaint or inconvenience was their credit card machine was down but they had an ATM but of course a surcharge of $2. We will definitely be regulars when we vacation in Cape May!!!
(5)
Marissa C.
I recently went back to the Mad Batter their breakfast. My husband and I started with some Bloody Mary's and then I ordered the Chesapeake Bay Benedict and he ordered the Croustade. Both hit the spot, but every time some pancakes went by, I started to drool a little. I'm definitely going to have to try those next time!
(3)
Matthew F.
Really cool place right off the boardwalk in Cape May. Great porch offers cool outdoor dining and great people watching. Food was really tasty. Staff very friendly.
(4)
Benjamin M.
I popped in here for a quick drink on my way to somewhere else and ended up staying a little longer than planned. Was it the older gentlemen entertaining everyone by crooning out some classic tunes while strumming his acoustic guitar? Was it the entertaining Happy Hour crowd at the bar, laughing and carrying on? Was it the fairly decent beer selection or the fact that one of the March Madness games was showing on the overhead bar? Not entirely sure, but the combination of all of the above made for a fun visit. If I wouldn't have eaten dinner somewhere else, I might have stayed a bit longer. 3.5 Stars.
(3)
Herbie H.
I came here with my family for a nice Sunday breakfast during the off-season and was not disappointed. I was expecting something kind of touristy and kitschy, based on the name alone - but didn't find any of that in this nice, friendly, low-key restaurant with delicious food. I had a fantastic Bloody Mary that came in a mason jar. It was big, spicy, flavorful, and delicious. Not a bad way to start your morning at all. For breakfast, I ordered the Chorizo + Egg burrito with home fries. The menu said the chorizo is house made, so I gave it a try. All in all, it was a tasty burrito with chorizo, scrambled eggs, cheese, onions and pepers. Nothing really earth-shattering, but one of my favorite breakfast items. Everyone else in my family got sweet breakfasts, and they all loved their meals. I snuck a few bites and everything I tried was good. The service was friendly and happy. The restaurant was clean and not too loud or awkwardly quiet. I'd be curious to see how much more chaotic it gets in the summer.
(4)
Danielle N.
I absolute love this place! Have been going here for about 15 years! I cannot make a trip to Cape May without stopping here for breakfast! I love it so much I even had my rehearsal dinner here ten years ago. Impeccable service! Awesome food!
(5)
Pe C.
My husband and i ate here over a long wkend, we had a great tym dining in for breakfast & dinner. Bfast was d best one! The french toast wd almonds was d best and wr craving for it everyday haha! We hav a $30 voucher and 2 mimosa drinks courtesy of groupon! Downside of it was d waiters were not yet very familiar of how D voucher worked and how to take it off our check! Everything else was good!
(4)
Oliver V.
Went here for dinner. Nice decor. Food was good. Server was not very knowledgeable or helpful.
(3)
Rich H.
We had the crab cake sandwich and blackened fish sandwich and it was awesome. You can't go wrong. The outdoor seating was also really nice. If you like great stouts, try the Cape May Mop water. Awesome taste for the holiday season.
(4)
Pattie K.
SO glad to have found this place. I'm gluten sensitive so this was heaven.
(5)
Louis D.
Great bar beer selection. The wings are so good they run out. Staff is a bit chatty and not very attentive but very friendly. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Andrea F.
Mad Batter is in a great location but the service is just eh. The food is good but not spectacular. I usually get the blackened fish sandwich, very tasty.
(3)
Jeremy F.
Go here! Friendly service, amazing food. 15 minute wait for a late breakfast in october, but it was worth it. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, solid home fries and sausages. Scrambled eggs were on point as well. The coffee was great and the waitress was quick with the refills. Took some time to get our food because of a large party that got there ahead of us, but overall an excellent experience.
(4)
Angela H.
In historic Cape May there are quite a few tasty treats and shoppes to dig into. Well, add Mad Batter to the list for a lunch, dinner or a trip to the bar. Mad Batter serves an appetizing dinner to the tune of $15 - $30. Dinner is generally served after 5 pm and although hours may vary, the bar remains running for happy hour specials (excludes top shelf). One point to make is that between the artwork, mosaics and unique window detail TMB is worth a visit for that alone. If artsy-fartsy is your thing then you're in the right spot. There is a small capacity at The Mad Batter so reservations are suggested. In fact, the 5 pm dinner crowd arrived on time and took over a few sections while we enjoyed drinks at the bar. Besides a few hiccups, Mad Batter is worth a solid 4 star. There is a sample menu online but our order is not listed. I had a Chicken Waldorf Sandwich on croissant with substitution salad instead of the french fries ($13). My date had a Blackened Grouper Sandwich with french fries ($13). Along with our meal was a courtesy bread basket with butter and spices (mainly salt). The Chicken Waldorf was heavy on the dressing but still, very yummy with the fresh bread. The salad was of tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots on dark greens and a light dressing. My guest really enjoyed his dish; thick cut french fries accompanied his fish that was cooked to perfection.
(4)
Sarah J.
This has been an absolute FAVORITE restaurant of mine! I have been to this spot for many summers. Their breakfast is an absolute must have if you are in southern New Jersey! Very friendly staff, quaint, and delicious food! I would highly recommend the original buttermilk pancakes!
(5)
Aubrey M.
Our family has enjoyed breakfast at the Mad Batter for over 30 years! It is the ONLY place we will go for breakfast when on vacation in Cape May! The atmosphere is great and the food is amazing!!! The food is always hot and fresh. Definitely try the orange/almond French toast or the eggs benedict. They also have some vegan and gluten free choices too!
(5)
Petrie H.
Really not good place for dinner. Had clam chowder which was very runny. And worst was the crab cake sandwich. Soggy brioche bread, not too much crab meat. Not recommend.
(1)
Angi A.
Loved the breakfast here....had about a 20 minute wait to get in, but was worth it. Once we ordered, the food came really fast. We had yummy eggs benedict, great home fries, and amazing pancakes and bacon.
(5)
Kristen B.
Incredible breakfast. High quality ingredients. The best pancakes I've had in a long time. Yummy bacon. Don't miss this place.
(4)
Matthew S.
Service here is outstanding. Servers were friendly and funny. We got breakfast and it was absolutely delicious! Personally I got the buttermilk pancakes and they were to die for. I highly recommend this place for breakfast, as thats what its most well known for.
(5)
Christopher D.
Excellent and affordable breakfast with outside seating. A modern breakfast alternative to a pancake house.
(5)
Andrew M.
Only been here for breakfast. Good over all. No complaints. Sometimes a long wait. But good place at least for breakfast.
(4)
Alexia G.
I thought my first breakfast experience was phenomenal here! I shared scrambled eggs and blueberry buttermilk pancakes with my boyfriend. The sausages and bacon were cooked perfectly. The waitress was very friendly. A huge plus was that they offered almond milk for my coffee! Loved everything about this place!
(5)
Missa B.
Great happy hour! Every day from 3-6pm Half price martinis! :) 9 bucks for two plus we got side cars! Great atmosphere & great breakfast too!!!
(4)
Don D.
Went to Mad Batter for Father's Day breakfast. The food was very good. I got the lobster and crab omelet, and a chocolate martini - hey, it was fathers day, and I thought of it like chocolate milk with a kick. Overall the food was good, the service was prompt and friendly, and we enjoyed a great morning eating outside in beautiful Cape May. A good spot for breakfast, and will likely return.
(4)
Jeffrey S.
We had a great dinner. My wife had a scallop special and they were GIANT! and tasty. I had the crab cakes and they were good. We had some great drinks as well.
(4)
Jessica W.
Cute place, a lot of history. Good service. Enjoyed my anniversary dinner here very much. Fun night out but casual and homey.
(4)
Joanne T.
We came here for lunch this week and was able to get a seat on the patio within 10 minutes. We each ordered some frozen cocktail concoctions which were both too sweet. I ordered the soft shell crab special which came with size of sweet potato fries. Sad to say i enjoyed the fries more than the actual sandwich. I couldn't really taste crab. There was just too much batter and the crab was over fried. The bf enjoyed his chicken wrap. He mentioned that the sauce was a plus. This place was next to our hotel which was convenient.
(3)
Til T.
I really liked it here. There was no wait on a Saturday night and we had the nicest most welcoming server! He was so helpful and really attentive. The soup du jour was a seafood bisque and you could see actual chunks of lobster, shrimp and mussels. It was melt in your mouth seafood goodness. The crab cake was also very good. It was huge and very lightly breaded mostly crabmeat. It was a bit pricey though....$14 The poached pear was also noteworthy. It was stuffed with chocolate than dipped in chocolate! The ambiance was great. We sat inside and was able to really admire the victorian architecture. We were also treated to the sounds of a fantastic songstress. Next time we are in Cape May we will definitely stop by again.
(4)
Chris L.
Do not get what the rave is about... Breakfast was bland and tasteless. Could have made a better breakfast at home... Waitress was nice, prices were reasonable but ALL the food was terrible
(2)
Peter A.
Went for breakfast. A little crowded and the food was nothing special. Price was a little high for breakfast. Atmosphere was nice because you can sit in a porch-like setting or in the terrace (or inside of course). Location is good because it's only a block from the beach.
(2)
L C.
I had the Waldorf chicken salad with a side a fruit. Yummy, but HUGE! He had the crab cake sandwich & fries & said the sandwich & sauce were tasty. We only ended up here because it was after 2 & George's was closed. $37 for lunch without alcohol.
(4)
Jose T.
We went for dinner on 8/24/2013. We got the without reservation. So the next available reservation was an hour. Which was cool cause we wanted to walk around Cape May. They sat us in the rear of the restaurant. The waiter that attended us was really nice and gave us good great tips. Wish i remembered his name but im bad at that. Anyways we had for appetizer was the crab cakes. Really delicious. And also A fresh Mozzarella wit tomato. Also good. I Had a special which was Tuna with a cilantro and lemon sauce with rice and bean. Really damn good. My kids had spaghetti wit meatballs and they really loved it. Ate it all too. And for dessert a chocolate cake. I would go again if i lived closer.
(4)
Susan G.
If nothing else please go here for a mimosa! There are out of this world and I was only able to try two (the regular kind and the pomegranate one). My friend had the crab cakes and said the homemade tartar sauce is the best she's ever had. I am gluten free and had the margarita pizza which was good - a little bland though. But the crust was very good. Overall I definitely recommend and they have a separate gluten free menu - which is nice and makes me feel like they really understand what gluten is and why it's important for some people to avoid it.
(4)
Madhuvika M.
love the buttermilk pancakes and georgian eggs. The interior decor is pretty with multi-colored glass pebbles stuck to the windows.
(5)
Kat B.
Happy breakfast memory in a colorful busy Victorian mansion.
(5)
Kathleen M.
Just back from a ladies brunch. Local but hadn't been in years. Loved our brunch-won't be long before I return. One of us had a clam chowder-she thought it was delicious -tho different from the creamy white chowder- more brothy but great flavored. The other 3 if us had a breakfast special- lobster & shrimp frittata . Nice combination we all cleaned our plates . They had a great selection of mimosas' our waitress Luz recommended the chambord mimosa -excellent suggestions. Luz did a great job-warm friendly & not afraid to make suggestions!
(5)
Jeff A.
For dinner, we got two steak special entrees at $30 a piece and they were undercooked and extremely grisly. The description of the food did not match the meal and neither did the price. I bet this place is good for breakfast? Dinner menu and dinner cooking needs work.
(2)
April M.
What an awesome little nook practically hidden in the heart of Victorian Cape May! I recently visited Cape May (obviously offseason, which I highly recommend by the way), and my boyfriend and I decided to stop by Mad Batter for an early Saturday Happy Hour. Nothing we had or experienced deserved to be granted anything less than 5 stars. We sat at the bar which was slowly beginning to fill with friendly locals and respectful tourists. We were greeted by every staff member with a warm smile, and when I asked one of the bartenders if she was a fan of the Samuel Adams seasonal beer, she went right over to the tap and poured me a sample! The other bartender was a young guy who's knowledge about sports won me over instantly. I think the beers were between $3-4, which I was very willing to pay to soak up not only the alcohol, but the pleasant atmosphere as well. The skylight windows gave the place a cozy feel and really complimented the various shades of blue they had around the bar. They brought out some party mix to munch on shortly after we ordered our pints... a happy hour classic!
(5)
Raymond G.
Much smaller than I expected. I had the tuna salad on a croissant but I think they gave me chicken salad. It was good though. My wife had the gluten free blackened fish. It was a little too juicy and messy. Bread was ok but next time she will go with the burger.
(3)
Natalie M.
What a treat! My husband and I took a chance based on the Yelp reviews and were extremely pleased! My husband had the crabs eggs Benedict that he enjoyed and I fell in love with my almond orange French Toast. You have to get that, the batter is made with cream so the French Toast was fluffy and so flavorful, and with the almond orange mixed in with it, it was perfect! Coffee tasted freshly brewed and it was a cute place. We sat on the front porch and enjoyed the start of our day.
(4)
Veruca H.
Went here for breakfast with our party of 14...The service was very accommodating and friendly and the food great!...A little pricey, but since the food was so great its worth the few extra dollars!!
(4)
Kerry B.
Loved, loved, loved the food and building. If you can deal with the rude and seemingly miserable waitress (typical in this town for some reason), then I say go for it! A long wait to get seated but its totally worth it.
(4)
Kristen V.
It is a great place to eat in cape may and beautiful inside. The rooms are very nice too. Maybe one year I will stay there. I love the food and the wait is not that long :-)
(4)
TJ S.
Good food and generous portions. You could do way worse in Cape May.
(4)
Joe G.
I went for breakfast and got seated rather quickly on the outdoor front porch. (a little line formed thereafter) It has a very nice vibe sitting on the porch looking at the old houses along Jackson Street. My wife got a veggie omelet which was huge and I got a simple eggs and bacon. Mine was a bit over priced at $8 for 2 eggs and 3 slices of bacon. They had a lot of options for omelets including ones with lobster and shrimp. We got pancakes for our child. The service was good and the atmosphere nice. A pleasant breakfast. A bit pricey at $40 including tip. I would be open to going back for dinner on a nice Cape May night
(3)
Ellen P.
Fantastic!This cute little place is right by the main shopping area in Cape May. They have great outdoor dining on the front porch, as well as inside. We loved the atmosphere! The food was awesome. i had the seabass and it was so moist and flavorful. Me sister who is a vegan had the Vegan raviolis and raved about them. I wish we had time for dessert because it looked amazing. This is a must visit spot!
(5)
Christina C.
Our favorite restaurant in Cape May. We've only been here for lunch but I've heard the breakfast is amazing. Their porch is very charming and we love the food and drink menu.
(5)
Angelo R.
My girlfriend had been to this place several weeks earlier with her sisters and had such a great time she booked the bed n breakfast above it for my birthday. Unfortunately my eggs benedict with lump crabmeat smelled fishy. i sent it back and had a good egg breakfast, I wanted to try something different than eggs over easy that I could get at any diner. The service was great which can be difficult to find at a vacation spot. The juices were fresh squeezed. I will definitely try it again
(2)
Jacki K.
We were referred to this place from the Bed and Breakfast we were staying at. I was horribly disappointing with the actual food that came out. The only thing that tasted good was the crab bisque which we both really enjoyed. We also ordered the crab cake which tasted as though it had been thrown in a microwave and dropped on the plate. The sauce that came with it was not prepared well and the back fell apart once a fork was put into it. However, the salad appeared to be thrown on a plate from an opened bag purchased from a grocery store and the leaves were wilted. We order Chilean Sea Bass, never order top shelf fish from a diner I guess because it was served on a bed of overly soggy rice and the appearance was a mess. The fish was under cooked and for a $32 entree I would have expected it to taste and appear better than it did. We ordered the ganache cake and once more had expected it to be full of fudge however it was just a ganache overlay and the enter inside was just cake with little flavor. All in all I feel very disappointing that I wasted my 1 of 2 nights in cape may on this as my dinner instead of really getting to eat a great fish meal. The total bill was $96 before tax and tip and we left feeling as though we had just thrown that $96 dollars in the toilet... I am now forever more reading travelzoo's reviews which stated it was not for dinner!
(2)
Janine F.
We specifically made a reservation for 5 asking to be seated outside. The reason we made the reservation was just so we could sit outside. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to enjoy our meal outside. When we got there they said seating outside is only for 4 or less. They were not polite and did not care that we were going to leave. We left and enjoyed a wonderful meal elsewhere...outside.
(1)
Craig G.
Went there twice for breakfast in the same trip. Large variety of items on their menu. They even have a gluten free menu. I would definitely return to Mad Batter the next time I am in Cape May!
(4)
Danielle C.
Mad Batter fits into every quintessential Cape May trip... such a cute little cafe in the Carrol Hotel. Sit on the porch, feel the breeze, admire the Old Vicotrian Homes on the street, sip on sangria, enjoy a crab cake and ahhhhhhhhhhhh ..... this is vacation! Was able to find a table for two on the porch pretty easily for a Saturday afternoon (1:30pm). Crabcake sandwich was crab heavy and not too greasy. I substitted the fries with a side salad for no extra charge. Recommend making reservations for dinner.... great for a date... great for family meal...
(4)
Craig D.
We had our only bad meal in Cape May at the Mad Batter, but fortunately we at least paid a high price for the experience. My wife was actually ill that evening and the next morning from eating her Alfredo which was more sauce than pasta, and also served room temperature. My 23 year old son who usually eats not only his meal, but samples everyone else's, ate only half of his crabcake sandwich and fries. Amazing! I wanted to swap fries that came with my $33 steak out for any vegetable or salad, and they "upcharged" me $2.50 for that. That is patently ridiculous. And to round out the foursome, my youngest daughter picked the meat off her chicken wings to find something that didn't have the bad flavor of the Thai BBQ sauce on the outside. After my dry, overcooked, and pricey omelette in the morning, this dinner's poor food coupled with poor customer service (up charging even with exorbitant original prices) means we won't be throwing our money away at the Mad Batter next year when we vacation in Cape May again.
(1)
Dean H.
Great place to eat for family with baby. The staffs are very accommodating and the food was great.
(5)
Anna R.
My family and I come down to cape may all the time. This was our first visit to the Mad Batter. The whole family of 7 ate like kings. The food was out of this world. I had the 3 egg omelet it was done perfectly. I stole some of my husband's Almond - orange French toast soooo good. The pancakes were fluffy and light. Definitely worth the wait if there is a line.
(5)
Shane D.
I stopped in for breakfast based on a recommendation. However, I was disappointed in the quality & presentation of the meal. As with the shore trend, a bit overpriced for the overall meal. The potatoes were lackluster, the pancakes were a bit dry, and chilly to the taste. I will give a 3 star for the view, drinks, & bartending staff. We did have a nice view of the garden in the rear of the restaurant; and the breakfast cocktail menu is extensive and interesting. My mimosa was the best part of breakfast! I have stopped in for evening cocktails since my breakfast visit. Bartenders are friendly, professional, and can make a delicious drink!
(3)
Stefanie B.
Very good bloody mary's!! Didn't eat here but the place was packed and there was a wait.
Great breakfasts! Get there early because it get crowded fast! We called ahead for a table for 10+ people and they seated us when we arrived. Great food and great service.
(4)
K J.
Came in late & only at the bar....but came in with my mom & had a blast! The apps were great & the drinks were amazing! The live music is for the "older generation" but I loved it either way & found myself singing along while stuffing my face & enjoying my drink, plus the bartenders were very attentive! Will be going back in a day or two!
(4)
Robert O.
SO this place is in constant rotation with the wife and I. Great location, great building and part of the renaissance that has become Cape May. Portions are large and usually well seasoned. Always a hit is the bisque. This Saturday they had crab, and it was fantastic. Service average. It's fun and catchy right off of Jackson Mall. Go there to have fun, not get a 5 star meal. Live entertainment is usually available in the bar area.
(3)
Mike T.
I had breakfast here and it was fantastic. Coffee was really good. Service was also very friendly. I had the French toast, they make it with an almond spin to it and it blew me away. I would definitely be coming back here. Also. It seems like it would be expensive a but I was surprised by how inexpensive it was. Great place. I'd go again.
(5)
Jennica S.
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because our first attempt to eat here involved the hostess getting snippy, literally laughing at us for asking for a table for 4 when we hadn't made a reservation. It was a Sunday night and there were open tables on the front porch, so we figured there wasn't a wait. She told us we could've had a table within an hour, but was very rude about it. Like we should've known to make a reservation when very few other places in town require one for a small party. My dad didn't even want to go back, but the menu looked promising so we made a reservation two nights later. All of the food was delicious, as were the drinks. White zin was crisp and bloody Mary's were fresh and original. Salmon, scallops, and steak/crab cake combo were wonderful. I had the salmon and was stuffed by the time I was done. The avacado on top paired wonderfully and the homemade Redskin mashed potatoes and corn medley were tasty, too. My mom and boyfriend got the sirloin/crab cake combo. My boyfriend liked the crab cakes so much he wished he would've just got that meal instead. My dad is a scallop man and said they didn't disappoint. The tab was high, but it was really quality food and our waitress was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the fresh baked rolls too, still hot when delivered to our table. Most of us agreed that it was our best meal all week. The front porch dining was lovely in the evening, nice breeze from the fans and fun to watch people exploring.
(4)
Angela M.
I have been here several times now. We often sit at the bar for drinks and they have great happy hour specials. The bar service can be questionable depending who is working. We have been there enough times now to know who is going to be on their phone instead of waiting on you. As for the dinner service, the food is excellent and the staff is better. Highly recommend their wings as an appetizer and crab cakes for an entree.
(4)
Marlene O.
I made a Yelp account just to make this review! This restaurant is AMAZING!! The ambience is perfect for a date night. I visited Cape May for the first time and had my birthday dinner there. They started off the night with fresh baked bread and olive oil with crushed peppers. We ordered the steamed mussels as our appetizer. The best mussels I have ever had! We each had an entree I had the stuffed branzino. Whole fish stuffed with shrimp onions pepper sweet potatoes and avocados. He had the filet mingon with crab cakes! Everything cooked perfectly. Made my experience at Cape May that much better! It is by far the best meal I have ever had! Thank you Mad Batter for the best experience ever!
(5)
Greg T.
Good breakfast spot if you are not staying at a B&B or if you just want to mix it up. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Service is always nice and you can dine al fresco when the weather is good. Worth a stop in if you are staying on the island.
(4)
Sujay T.
Amazing breakfast/brunch!! Loved the pancakes, waffles and egg preparations. Huge portions!! Coffee is not very good.
(5)
Heather A.
Family breakfast on the porch. Have been here for dinner, as well. Had a fabulously fresh blueberry martini (dinner visit). Enjoyed their eggs Benedict and fresh fruit cup. Prompt & friendly service. Would visit again.
(5)
Ray F.
The food was very flavorful and good. Most places for breakfast offer the same menu but can be a miss if done the wrong way. Those who read my posting know how picky I can be, yes still like the annoying child I was when I was young to my parents. The sausage had a good flavor and the casing had a snap to it cooked right. Eggs were very fluffy! Got butter on the side for my toast which is a relief cause you say lightly butter in many places and you'd swear they use a paddle boat oar! The fries seemed home made which is a nice touch with sea salt. Compared to my dinner the previous night being here seemed like 5 star meal. Not that I'm taking away from what was a very well made and cooked meal. Bacon was crisp and not oily or flimsy like that stick of gum which sat in your hot pocket or bag. Obviously it must be good if they have people waiting for larger groups.
(3)
Thomas A.
Early morning we walk up to the Mad Batter (after heavy recommendations from trusted friends) which is surrounded by all of these beautiful old homes, the sun doing its best to pierce through the trees, and we knew we were in for a real treat as we were seated outside in the front. I like to think I make a damn fine batch of homefries and always appreciate them out for breakfast. I'm sad to report that my old favorite homefries (from The Greeks in Kearny) have been usurped by the Mad Batter. They are unreal. (The rest of the breakfast was top-notch as well... from coffee to fruitbreads to pancakes.) We came a few days later for dinner and it was just as good and this time we ate inside and it's really a stunning restaurant all around. Highly recommended.
(5)
Gene C.
Awesome happy hour! Nice martini selection, beer selection a little weak. I had the Bronzino stuffed with sweet potato and avocado. Very good. The whole fish, with the head and the tail, but happily it comes with the bones removed. Seating on the deck is nice for dinner, be sure to ask for a good spot so you don't get stuck by the kitchen door or something.
(4)
Julie T.
Came here for dinner. Food was decent, nothing outstanding. It was a little pricey for what we got. On the plus side . . . They have a full gluten free menu and there are also some vegan options. We'll be back to try it for breakfast or lunch,
(3)
Jennifer N.
Loved their breakfast!!! The bread was amazingly moist. The drinks were excellent! Make sure you go early in the morning so you don't have much of a wait!
(5)
Flo H.
We went for brunch, had a burger and eggs benedict. Very basic and bland. Actually, the eggs made me nauseous. The selection is so large, some may like it, we found it overwhelming. When a restaurant has too much to offer, it's not always a good sign that the cooks take the time to master each dish... Service was nice... We won't go back
(2)
jim m.
Very very good batter.. I was one of the best pancakes I Have ever had. GREAT cozy feel and great service. This rates on the top of my list of returns to make on my next trip to Cape May
(4)
Jennifer J.
We went this past Friday and our waiter was great! He was friendly, informative, made us laugh and brought us everything we needed. The food and drinks were great and nice portions. We sat out near the window in the back near the garden. I had the fish tacos. The Wings were Very Good! Was a nice fun lunch. No complaints. :)
(5)
David M.
A Cape May institution, very good for both breakfast and dinner. The sea bass is a standout. Lovely porch and very nice service. Expensive, but most Cape May places are. Frequent live music. The nice adjoining B&B offers substantial discounts here.
(4)
Tara S.
Girlfriend and I went here on Friday 8/21 based on a recommendation from a friend - she warned us to get there early otherwise we would end up waiting.... we woke up early, and planned our whole morning around this. We got there right at opening, and got a seat outside. There was only about 3 small families in front of us, so we were seated right away... It was perfect timing! We sat outside on the porch, and because it was earlier in the morning there was a nice breeze. As we ate breakfast, the line grew... and when we later pulled around the block it was all the way down the sidewalk!! -if you plan to go for breakfast, go early! Hostess was sweet, and our waitress was really really sweet! I had a mimosa to start, she had an iced coffee - both good choices. For breakfast, we were conflicted as the menu was separated into "eggs" or "batter" and all options looked amazing. Everyone raves about the batters, but the eggs were really speaking to me... I wanted both eggs and batter - luckily our waitress advised us that the pancakes can be ordered in short-stacks, which solved our dilemma. I ended up getting the "Croustade" (which our waitress recommended) and my girlfriend got the "Big Batter Breakfast" and we split a short stack of 2 regular pancakes. My eggs were amazing! They were like an egg scramble with all sorts of flavors in it, and piled onto this thick piece of bread. I ended up taking the eggs off the bread, and eating them plain. It was perfect, since we split the short stack. My girlfriend said her plate was very good too - and the pancakes were some of the best pancakes I have ever had... they tasted like cake batter, but not as sweet.. also, very fluffy!! Cannot wait to return next summer to try the blueberry batters!! *note: we rode by on bikes around late lunch time and the lunch food looked just as good as the breakfast food! Line was really long though. We will most definitely be back to try the blueberry batters and lunch!
(5)
Johnny C.
Pancakes, waffles were all tasty. Fresh squeeze OJ and apple juice were a must have. Wait staff was also very friendly and attentive.
(5)
Michelle C.
I had the pleasure of having Sunday brunch at the Mad Batter. boy oh boy is the food good! I visited Cape may this past weekend, and was asking some of the residents of a good restaurant. Couple of people had recommended the Mad Batter for their food. I didn't get to try dinner but made sure to stop in for brunch. Was at a table of 4, and each plate looked so delicious and everyone was raving. The almond /orange French toast is to die for! Definitely worth checking out while you are in Cape May! They have a little outside sitting area for anyone who wants fresh air and people watching.
(5)
Kate M.
DO NOT BOOK A GROUP HERE. I was extremely disappointed with the way we were treated this past weekend. We were a group of 20, but expected to be as quiet as a group of 2. They obviously do not want to accommodate a group, so please avoid booking one!!
(1)
Sandood A.
We had reservations for dinner Friday night. We arrived promptly at 5pm when they open for dinner (although the bar is open before that time). The staff were extremely courteous and helpful. I asked for the gluten-free menu (it was the only reason we chose to eat here). There were a lot of choices and I went with the GF cheese pizza. Everything else was pricier ($30-$40 range) and I didn't feel like spending that much. So I went with the pizza and unfortunately it was disappointing. The dough was "okay" for GF crust but the sauce and cheese had no flavor. I tried salt & pepper to give it more flavor but it was overall awful and almost inedible (for $18 that is!). Needless to say, I am very disappointed and won't be returning. The only reason I am giving the place 2 stars is because the service was excellent and our waitress was very professional! DON'T EAT HERE. I RECOMMEND YB PLACE. EXCELLENT FOOD AND THEY WILL MODIFY FOOD FOR GF Folk.
(2)
Dasha K.
First, a hostess yelled out that we can't bring in the stroller. Apparently the restaurants do not allow to bring in strollers, but we found out from another guest, not from the "friendly" staff. While she was doing that, she kept lifting up her finger at us so she can answer the phone. Then, the waitress cut us off when we tried to tell her that we actually know what we wanted - fish and chips. She was too eager to tell us the specials, which we weren't interested in. The food was ok. Not a big fish&chips eater, so when I order them, I want them to be good. The batter was kinda thick and a little over fried.
(3)
Jessica H.
Loved the atmosphere featuring live music and decor supporting local artists. Menu was fairly generic with predictable favorites, but everything was fresh and delicious. The pastas tasted homemade. The bread was warm, perfectly crusty, and delicious. Very family friendly, with stroller parking out front and plenty of room for high chairs and baby dancing in the back.
(5)
Ted M.
In Cape May for a casual wedding. On our first day we stopped at the The Mad Batter for breakfast and the food was splendid - fresh fruit, fresh eggs, fresh coffee! Later in the week we had a need for a celebratory dinner. We were having difficulty finding a restaurant that could accommodate a large party. When we returned to The Mad Batter, the reserved a table for 13 plus 2 infants. Our table was ready on time, the libations (prosecco, white wine and red wine) were excellent. The food was exquisite (steaks, crab cakes, tuna, salmon, pasta, etc...). Desserts were fabulous accompanied by coffee, tea and cappuccino. All while being excellently catered to by our wonderful waitress MaryAnn. Highly recommended for your dining pleasures while in Cape May!
(5)
Michael C.
Always enjoy breakfast/ brunch here. Try the French Toast or Pancakes. Yum!
(4)
Sharon W.
Come here every year at least once. I live in Scarsdale NY and wish we had one there. Delicious oatmeal pancakes..my favorite is the orange almond French toast though. Sooo good. Friendly staff too, it is always something I look forward to each visit. I am a huge fan of Cape May!!!
(5)
Dennis B.
I must say a great place for breakfast and a fun place to go for afternoon drinks and appetizers. ........dinner is another story........they do a great job with breakfast but dinner is just ok.......
(3)
Lisa S.
One of my favorite places in the summer (on the porch, eating crab cake- see previous review). However, made an off-season visit for lunch and I was not impressed. Waitress was a little snarky, my mom's salad was wilted and had a funky taste, and the rustic pizza ($11) was almost entirely onions and I could only eat it by scraping all the topics off, and it was still a bit mushy. My mom ordered a grand mimosa ($9), which was so sweet that neither of us could have more than a few sips. I had a beer on draft. We were pretty disappointed in our meal, which still ended up being an expensive lunch. Based on this experience, I probably wouldn't recommend coming here for lunch during the off-season.
(4)
Jamie C.
AMAZING! We ate breakfast there this morning & got really nervous when we walked up because there was a lot of people outside, but they said about 15 minutes & I don't think we waited that long. We tried the juice of the day: oj, blackberry, & guave. It was delicious! Top that yumminess with orange & almond french toast, belgian waffle, and battered home fries & you have a hit to make anyone 'mad' :)
(5)
Elissa Jane M.
This place is typical NJ Shore tourist town joint with pretty ok to decent food. The reason I'm writing this review is to APPLAUD our AWESOME WAITRESS Jamie who deserves a million stars for making our meal super fun. If the food matched Jamie's super great attitude and service I'd give this place 10 stars.
(4)
Tracy B.
Yay for brunch places with a gluten-free menu! Ate there twice during a long weekend. Sat inside both times, small wait times compared to a porch seating.
(4)
Dave F.
Came here for breakfast on a Monday and was so pleasantly surprised. The staff is friendly, the porch is a delightful setting, for food is delicious, and the value is solid. We had a basic dish of scrambled eggs, home fries, and toast, plus the Chesapeake bay Benedict's, and a side of scrapple. The plain eggs were cooked nicely. The Benedict's, man were they good. Loads of crab, perfectly poached eggs, and a creamy sauce. Perfectly prepared dish. The highlight of the meal for me was the scrapple. For those of you who don't know what scrapple is, it is basically all of the left over pork products that people don't actually eat, all ground together, formed into a loaf, sliced, and deep fried. The meat is crispy, and melt in your mouth delicious, and full of porky deliciousness. Great breakfast spot in Cape May, just be sure to go early because there will be a line by 9:30.
(4)
Sarah D.
Perfect breakfast. Fresh squeezed juice with a fluffy omelet (bacon, cheese and fresh broccoli), home fries perfectly crispy and toast. We sat outside and it was wonderful. I will most def be coming back next time we are in town. Favorite breakfast spot in Cape May.
(5)
Beka P.
Four stars for having vegan options. I loved the white bean ravioli. The vegan breakfast BLT was delicious and very filling, and the refreshing fruit salad was the perfect accompaniment. This place is worth it for the atmosphere alone. I love sitting on the porch! Service is generally pretty slow, but very friendly. The prices are weird, though. Some vegan items are strangely expensive. For example, it would cost $6 to get vegan cream cheese to put on your bagel. It will even cost you a dollar to get a splash of almond milk in your coffee! Ridiculous. But it's Cape May, I'm on vacation, whatever. Vegan food!
(4)
Kathleen S.
Love this place! We go here just about every Sunday for breakfast, and sit at the bar. Not a huge 5 page diner menu, but some really good stuff. Almond french toast is really good, oatmeal pancakes are really hearty (also buttermilk and blueberry I think). I tend to get the Batter Breakfast - 2 eggs, hash browns (really, it's potatoes/onions/peppers), toast and slab cut bacon. It's often more than I can eat - no gourmet portions here. Also, they have a great happy hour - even featuring $5 martinis, a wide selection of wines and beers. They have music just about every night too.
Excellent spot. Great decor very whimsical looking. Bar is great and for the area and quality of the food, prices are wonderful. Outdoor seating area is very nice and waitstaff all very friendly. We split the Belgium waffle. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside! We also got the mad batter breakfast. Everything was delicious! Hash browns have peppers as onions and are square cuts of potatoes, eggs were cooked perfect, the bacon was the best I've ever had,and the sausage was amazing. The bill was 18$ for the two meals! Pre breakfast we had a pineapple mimosa and a delicious spicy Bloody Mary. I will definitely go back here when I'm back in cape may!
(5)
Alison M.
I have only been to this place for dinner on a Saturday night, but I would not recommend it. The manager has HORRIBLE customer service, and the dinner was over priced for a bland plate of pasta. The atmosphere in the dining area is stuffy and pretentious. Take your business elsewhere.
(1)
Marty R.
The best crab cakes in town! This is not a fancy place but is great for breakfast and lunch. The food is very good, fish n chips are excellent (although too small a portion of fish and an overwhelming portion of chips). As mentioned the fish cakes are excellent and their breakfasts are really good. Try a side of their crab slaw which is quite good. Very nice porch dining on Jackson Street. I highly recommend you give it a try.
(4)
Billy Q.
This is the one of the best restaurants in Cape may county. Locals and tourists flood this place. Mark, the owner, goes above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect. Veteran and family owned business.
(5)
L M.
This place seems as if it would be charming, but most of the time the plastic seems to be down, so I felt as if I were eating in a plastic bubble. The service was a bit slow. The food was "okay"---nothing special. It's an option for breakfast, but it's not at the top of my list.
(2)
Elizabeth D.
Great little place that we just happened upon one Saturday in June. We were so pleasantly surprised! Had, maybe, some of the best fish and chips ever!! Can't wait to go back to try something else!!
(4)
Charles T.
My favorite place to go for amazing breakfast at the shore! The Oatmeal pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup is awesome! The omelettes are delicious. The fresh squeezed Oj is the best! The help at the Mad Batter are super nice and friendly.
(5)
Joseph L.
Another outstanding meal at the Mad Batter last night. Shared the best wings anywhere, with calamari and sliced tomato salad as appetizers. Alaska chad on the seafood menu was a first for me. Loved the presentation and preparation. Six or so meals each year for thirty years now, and always enjoyable. Great service, food and drinks whether morning, noon or night.
(5)
Michelle LS S.
Based on the Yelp Reviews and close Proximity to Congress Hall(where i had an event that day)...Mad Batter seemed like the perfect choice for breakfast. We were quickly seated and tended to by our waitress that was the first and only time i have anything positve to say about the service The Coffee, fresh squeezed OJ and breakfast selections were delicious The eggs, meats and pancakes all tasty and cooked perfectly. I dined with three others and everyone loved their food. The place was also very clean and quite busy for late October which I assume to be off season down the shore. Now let me get to the Service: Our Waitress had a HORRIBLE attitude I never felt so uncomfortable dining in my life!! Aside from her expressionless face, no mention of "good morning" and the fact we seemed to aggorvate her for no reason - She was hasty and rude. This is a service business! The first strike was her shoving my friends phone out of the way with her plate saying "Move this." Second strike - i was in the middle of a conversation and i didnt realize she was standing next to me for a coffee refill..i finished my sentence, looked up and said "yes please" ..she rolled her eyes at me, splashing the coffee all around my cup and on my saucer. Third strike- when i held up my credit card and said "now rush, we're all set" she said "i dont have three arms, ill come back when i do" ...When she delievered the card back after running it, she added on "im a school teacher and i get like that when children are demanding me" We were paying customers noone deserves that type of treatment, especially since this is CAPE MAY! A picturesque, fairytale city in a place called the "MAD BATTER" I wish i could give a higher rating because the food was very good, so don't let that stop you, just be weary of the mean waitress!
(1)
Tracey b.
I made the mistake of trying this at dinner time. It was ok. I heard that for breakfast this is the place to be. I got the crab cake and my husband got the restaurant week pasta selection. The crab cake was ok but not made with lump meat. But we were in NJ not Maryland so it was acceptable. Service was great and the atmosphere very nice.
(3)
Tricia M.
A Must!! This is one of our favorite places to eat in Cape May. Everything is delicious, the atmosphere is beautiful and the staff is always friendly. We had a party of 9 and called, they said they don't do reservations for breakfast but they took our name and time we were planning on coming in so it only took 5 minutes to get us seated. 3 of our party had waffles, they were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The pancakes you can get with an oatmeal batter but be warned they will fill you up fast!! I had the French Toast if was sooo good, it had a slight orange taste and had almonds on it. The bacon and sausage is thick and full of flavored. When we lived here we would always bring family here!
(5)
Ellen D.
Though we love their brunch and the dinner menu looks fabulous, it was only just ok. The pasta dish was better than the sword fish, and the swordfish along with the black beans and sweet potatoes, was without any zing. The red snapper was fair, though the accompanying rice dish was flavorful.
(2)
Allie E.
Eh... Ok food. not the best in cape may, but one of the better places for brunch. Place is cute but could use an update. Don't regret going, but probably wouldn't go again and I am a cape may local in the summers. prices are good.
(3)
Adam S.
My whole family enjoyed a lovely breakfast. Great service. Very friendly people. I really liked my scrambled eggs with chorizo, peppers and green onions.
(4)
Eric W.
The Mad Batter is a quaint casual restaurant tucked away between the beach and Washington Street Mall. I don't know what is like during the summer, but on November morning, it was pretty relaxed. I had the chrizo, egg and cheese wrap. It was excellent--no one flavor overpowering the others. They make the chrizo on site. My wife had the buttermilk pancakes, which I enjoyed as well. You have to pay extra, but real maple syrup is available. The staff was friendly and attentive. All in all, a good place for breakfast.
(4)
S H.
Fabulous breakfast! Relaxing atmosphere when you enjoy your meal on the porch! (I Suggest getting there right when it opens if you want a porch table for breakfast) (Note: they will not let parties larger than 4 on the porch). Servers are nice too....however, the reason for a lower rating is due to the rude hostesses. They are not welcoming...and seem rather put off when they have to seat you. I would never place a review after one bad run in with a hostess, but this type of awful greeting has happened each time we return (3 times). And in case you are thinking...."well, maybe it is her"...I am putting this review on based on how the hostesses treated other guests too. Other than the miserable and unwelcoming hostesses....this is a great place!
(2)
Emily A.
YUM. Yum. yummm. What a nice place to go for breakfast. I wish we would have gone for dinner too. Just loved the crab eggs benedict! The service was terrific and the ambiance, lovely and warm. We all enjoyed what we ordered.
(4)
Karl B.
Had lunch on a nice warm late summer day. We were seated quickly but service was brusk and impersonal. I had the crab cake sandwich. Possibly the smallest crabcake patty I have ever seen and made with too much filler. I had to eat through half the sandwich bread before I got to the patty even though I had smashed it into a thin disk. Basically it was aweful. My wife had a hamburger that was totally bland. Go for the setting, not for the food.
(2)
Brian B.
We started the evening getting engaged so this meal was the perfect end of the evening. The ambience was great with the live music. The musician was a blues guitarist. The waitress was lovely and the food was a delight. I tried a local Cape May IPA the waitress talked me into. Glad she did. It was tasty. We started with the soup of the day, a pumpkin apple bisque topped with candied walnuts and a brie baked in a croissant crust with strawberry jam. Both were amazing. The subtle flavors in the soup were delectable. I could have eaten the pot. The baked brie was perfectly made and melted in your mouth. My fiance got the shrimp and scallop saute. Very good but not as good as the apps. I got the filet and crabcakes . The filet was made to order and had an amazing sauce. The drawbacks, while not a MD crabcakes had nice flavors. The asparagus was perfect. My only complaint was the Mac n cheese was not warm. All in all it was a great experience. I will definitely return!
(4)
Anne A.
You'll wait for breakfast, but it's worth it! The sun-lit dining areas are decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and panels. Lots of the artwork is for sale! Bloody Mary and Mimosas are yummy, the oj is fresh, and the plates are big. Everything is delicious. Be warned, you'll pay $2.50 for maple syrup. I love their egg dishes like the benedicts and the croustade. The oatmeal pancakes are fluffy and flavorful, but who can eat 3 of these!? The almond orange french toast is moist and tangy. Service can be a little rude and rushed, but overall the staff is friendly and want you to enjoy your time there.
(4)
Mike S.
As a gluten-free person, this place was perfect. Their menu is fantastic and offers bread, rolls and pizza -- and it's all delicious! I had the Tuscan Pasta dish with shrimp -- unbelievable! You'd never know it was gluten-free. The service was great -- friendly, helpful, etc., and the menu is perfectly priced. I'd definitely go back!
(5)
Kristin B.
So disappointed. Finally went back to try The Mad Batter for breakfast and found it to be dishearteningly bad and overpriced. Service was NOT good, that muffin was NOT fresh and the eggs were diner quality. I expected better things from a place of this caliber, especially after experiencing a great dinner here.
Don't know what the fuss is about. Very average food.
(2)
John K.
Been here on every visit to Cape May. Starting to become a tradition. One of the better places to eat in Cape May. Good, consistent food.. Crab Cakes one of the best.
The food was horrible!!!! Waited for 30 mins for a table, finally sat down the waitress was completely spaced out... Did not want to take our order... Finally got our food and almost puked from the over use of salt in my chicken... Save yourself time and money, don't go here....
(1)
Nash W.
Mad Batter, Cape May NJ Well spring is here and I decided to head down to Cape May for the day to enjoy some sunshine, the sights and of course food! I had two restaurants chosen, but upon my arrival my first stop is closed until dinner. I need to eat now!! (as usual) So I stopped in here at Mad Batter. Parking is non existent here on this block so I found a pay lot a few blocks away and enjoyed the sights. This place is people watching heaven!! Lets just say eclectic is close. The Mad Batter has a patio that has clear plastic surrounding it to let light in. You can kind of see through it, its pleasant enough. The service was quick as the place was only about 1/3 full. I ordered a bowl of their clam chowder and fish and chips (once I verified they were freshly battered here). A few short minutes later both arrive. The clam chowder isn't your typical blend. It has a buttery broth with chunks of clams and bacon in it. I really like my soups think....very thick....but this was an exceptional surprise. It was very good. I would definitely order it again! My fish and chips arrived nuclear hot..... The steak fries were cooked well and it had 3 decent sized pieces of fish mixed in the basket. The fish tasted fresh and had an excellent blend in the tempura mix. Not too heavy, but enough to give it crunch. The last thing I want is doughy breading on my fish..... I enjoyed every bit of this. It's not a huge meal, but I would order both of these items again without hesitation! All in all it was a wonderful quick lunch at the Mad Batter. As nosey as I am there was a table next to me that had quite the colorful crew finishing their lunch and it made for good entertainment! The service is quick and friendly. If your in Cape May and you stumble upon the Mad Batter give it a shot, you will be pleasantly surprised! I know I was! Mad Batter 19 Jackson St Cape May, NJ
(3)
Tala T.
On the latest trip to Cape May we had lunch at the recommended Mad Batter. The restaurant is located in one of the charming, quaint and cozy victorian houses on Jackson street which is also home to the Carroll Villa Hotel. We went after the brunch rush with the restaurant half empty. Yet our server seemed rushed and rude. Her attitude however, did not ruin our meal which started off with the one of the tastiest bloody marys I've had to date, it was followed by several rounds of lime margaritas. Our meal consisted of the lobster egg benedict, hamburger served with a slice of camembert cheese and fries, blackened fish sandwich, and crab meat omelet. The lobster benedict was really delicious with generous pieces of fresh lobster topped with hollandaise sauce on two pieces of english muffin. The only complaint at the table was the blackened fish which was too dry and flavorless. Ending the meal with bellies full, we all left feeling quite satisfied. Overall, a good brunch spot if you can get past the service.
(3)
Maria K.
Mad Batter for a late lunch hit the spot during our vacation. I had the salad with fresh strawberries in a light balsamic dressing. Very nice portion and very fresh greens. Husband had the burger and he was very satisfied. It was juicy despite his liking of well done meat. The daughters had crab cake sandwiches and they said they were prepared with just enough spice...not overdone and placed on a fresh roll. Great lemonade too. Very good service.
(4)
Alexander M.
MB is certainly in the top 3 choices for brunch in the Cape May area. The consistent quality of the food means that there are some things you always need to get. For instance, the bread basket is a must whenever we go. Normally I'd sing the praises of the Orange French Toast, but the Eggs Benedict I had last time may become my new go-to dish. The home fries were also outstanding, which made this meal an overall winner. My only complaint would be the coffee, which seemed pretty weak the last couple times I've been there. What this place does well, however, is Bloody Marys. George's is still my personal favorite, for overall quality and pricing, but the French Toast fanatic in me always cheers when I go into the Batter.
(4)
Ryan L.
We decided to make this our first stop during our week vacation in Cape May. It was a great start to our week! The decor was odd but hip and the ambience was inviting and bright. I got the Chesapeake Eggs Benedict and was literally licking the plate clean. Awesome breakfast, friendly staff - great way to start a vacation day at the Jersey shore!
(4)
Devon J.
There is absolutely no reason to eat here. It does not deserve its reputation. The hostess is rude. The entire staff will treat you like you should be thanking them for letting you eat there. Customers are taken for granted. High prices for below average food. Don't order your kids the smoothies! They are actually crushed ice infused with a colored flavored syrup. This place is a huge disappointment. I felt taken advantage of and ripped off.
(1)
Justin N.
Can't get much better than this! This is luxourious bar food at its best. While Cape May is covered with bar restaruants, the Mad Batter is located in its own bed and breakfast called the Carrol Villa Hotel. I give the wine/beer list a B (on the Cape May curve). Wine list was pricey on some wines but had some interesting selections. The beer list was likewise. The menu was very nice. I always grab try to grab the house favorites on the menu, and they had several. I choose the Bayberry Wings, they where fantastic! Crispy, sweet, and tangy! Since they where lightly crispy, they held in a ton of juices - FABULOUS - A+! For my main entree I had the Marinated Skirt Steak, mostly because I read bacon in the course, as it was with the potatoes. I wasn't let down, the chef had prepared it medium rare and was full of flavor! For beer I had the Flying Fish Summer Ale, of course from NJ! I also heard from some other folks staying nearby that this place was one of the best for breakfast!
(4)
Vijay N.
Friendly service.
(5)
Mei M.
This was a very cute and quaint place. I came here for brunch with four other people and we got the following 1. Crab meat eggs Benedict - lacking in flavor, eggs were nicely poached, crab had a slightly tinny flavor 2. Orange French toast - this was an example of a good standard French toast. I couldn't taste the orange flavor but the bread was nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside 3. Croustade - this was probably the best dish of all, it was an omelet with sausage served on a piece of brioche bread. Quite tasty flavorful and filling! 4. Chorizo and eggs- pretty much a breakfast wrap, filling with a little bit of spice 5. Morgan Rostie -this sounded awesome but it was the biggest letdown of all. The Swiss cheese hid the flavor of the crab. It almost smaller like feet. Nobody at the table liked this dish. I guess Swiss cheese and crab don't mix at all. Overall it was a decent brunch place, however if I do return to cape may, I will be eating at George's place instead.
(3)
Johanna B.
Went here with my husband on our last night of our honeymoon... We got muscles for appetizer which were great. He got seafood pasta and I got the crab cakes. Both were really good, service was excellent, really cut ambiance on the porch BUT my husband ended up with Terrible food poisoning ALL night and next day!!!!!! It's a shame because the food was good, but that was the only thing we had not shared in days so we have to pin it to this place. GROSS
(2)
David G.
My better half and I ate here at least once a day for our 4 day stay in Cape May (Unintentional rhyming, I assure you). I can honestly say that each time provided a pleasant experience. The menu has a decent enough selection that you can weigh your options; yet not so much that you're just confused to the point of being unable to decide on anything. The food is delicious and well prepared. Breakfasts there are an excellent starter to your day. The sausages are what I found especially satisfying. Mmmmmmm. Dinners were always pretty fantastic. Not to mention filling. I think all of their plates; be it breakfast, lunch OR dinner, were more than adequately sized. The waitstaff were always friendly and attentive, despite how busy they got. We will most certainly be back. And I can only imagine that it will be just as lovely as when we were there before.
(4)
Jennifer K.
Over rated!!!!! Food was not good, we waited forever and they sat us in the corner with bad food. Not worth the wait at all.
(1)
Danan R.
The crabcakes here are very good, but the brunch is what keeps me coming back. I love the lump crab eggs benedict and Belgian waffle. The waffle is crispy on the exterior but warm and buttery on the inside. Perfect with powdered sugar and butter! The omelettes here are very fluffy and I love that they offer options with crabmeat and hollandiase. Sooo good. We always come here for our first breakfast whenever we're in Cape May, but you won't be disappointed if you get dinner or lunch here. I would recommend making reservations in the summer because it can get rather busy.
(4)
Brett T.
We arrived early for our 6PM reservation. We knew they had a happy hour, so we wanted to get some of that action. We were told that we could only have happy hour at the bar. OK. So we went to the bar, got a gin & tonic, long island, and a cranberry juice for the kid. That was $10.50. I can't imagine paying $21 for that (happy hour is half off everything but top shelf). The bartender informed us, that we couldn't sit at the bar with our kid. They were really nice about it, I guess it is a local law. Silly, but I'm sure there is good reason for it. So we asked to be seated early, with our drinks. They seated us just fine. One thing that I did think that was kind of weird was the front of house staff was drinking soda and eating (bar snacks?) like they were starved. I mean really scarfing it down. That didn't seem professional. Anyway, our waitress was attentive. We ordered both soups; the clam chowder and the shrimp bisque, which I heard described as lobster bisque at least once. The soups were delicious, but 2 spoons into mine, I came across a curly black hair. Yeah, it kind of looked like a pube. I told the waitress that I really like the soup, then I showed her the hair, and asked for a replacement bowl. It was brought out quickly. The bread was delicious, especially the spice mix they gave. We had (at the table) the vegetable wellington and the braised short ribs. Both dishes were VERY tasty, if just a bit expensive. We got water when we needed it, the food was delicious. But... I don't know. If I was running a restaurant like this, and a diner noticed something and QUIETLY brought it to our attention, I'd comp the soup. It would have turned a nasty event, into a non-event. Instead, here I am writing about it. So... Eh, I guess. If you want to sit outside, and this is the only place left. Yeah, I'd say go ahead. But I have to imagine the same quality of food (and the food was good) with a lower price, and a few polished edges on the service could be found elsewhere.
(2)
Matt E.
The Mad Batter is considered by many to be the best breakfast in Cape May. Judging by the long lines of people waiting to hear their name being called outside it was apparent that this wasn't a secret. The restaurant is quite large and very beautiful (especially the back sunroom seating area). The prices are a bit high ($6 for a large OJ for example) but I found the prices to be well worth it. I've been here a couple times and the first time my waitress wasn't too friendly and the second time I had a very sweet waitress. The blueberry pancakes were among the best I've ever had but they had very little blueberries in them, on the plus side they definitely used big fresh blueberries in the batter and the smooth and fluffy pancakes were cooked perfectly and served with warm maple syrup on the side. The orange juice was pricey but was freshly squeezed and had just enough pulp without being too much. Overall the meal was fantastic and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area. UPDATE: Came here for the same meal but also had a side order of their corned beef hash. The blueberry pancakes still could have used a bit more blueberries but were perfectly fluffy and fresh. I also could have used much more syrup then the tiny amount they give you. The OJ is still the best ever and also still very expensive. The corned beef hash is what prompted the review update. It was absolutely amazing, possibly the best I've ever had. The seasonings were a bit more unusual but in a good way and next time I'm here I may just have to make a meal of this.
(4)
Krsna V.
My in-laws take us on a family vacation every year. And we always hold our breath in trepidation when it is time for family dinner, because my mother-in-law picks places that are (to say politely) atrocious. She picks the most waspy, bland, and old places... what can I say, she is from East Hampton? Needless to say, we were terrified on this family vacation also. At least she didn't put us on a godawful cruise with 3000 people who were chowing down food as if they just survived the great famine (hello, family vacay last year!!). She means well, but her execution is a big failblog.com She rented a beach house in Cape May this year, and we went to spend some time with her. I told her I am in no mood for an adventurous vacation after returning from bathing and riding elephants in Sri Lanka only a week ago. She decided we all need a relaxing vacation and decided to rent a house in Cape May for a week. Praise the Lord!!! We had reservations for 7:30pm on Friday. We were quickly seated by a gentle hostess. I ordered the frozen mojito (what the heck was I thinking?), while the others ordered a bottle of wine, and my father-in-law ordered scotch as usual. My mojito was made with mint flavoring (what the f*ck is that?). It was too sweet (probably because of mint syrup) compared to a regular mojito, but it wasn't horrible. I switched to wine after a few sips. The husband and I got clam chowder. I am on the east coast, of course I am going to get clam chowder. My arteries probably cried all through the night. It was the richest chowder I've ever had. Cream, butter, bacon, and clams. Say hello to heart attack in a bowl. Delicious. Be strong my poor little arteries, I need you to handle this! Father-in-law ordered the mussels. Loads of mussels cooked in a spicy broth with sausage. Both the clam chowder and mussels are 5 star dishes. Sis-in-law ordered the pear salad, which I did not taste because I am not a fan of salads. I ordered the sea bass special, the husband got the lobster special, mother-in-law got crab cakes, sis-in-law and father-in-law got scallops, and sis-in-law's husband got the skirt steak. The scallops emerged as the winner, followed by the lobster, crab cakes, and skirt steak. The scallops were sauteed in sage-butter and served with lobster ravioli giving me another heart attack. I also ate part of the lobster dish that was served with gnocchi. It was perfect. The crab cakes were good. I did not taste the steak. My sea bass was overcooked. It is very easy to f*ck up sea bass, and the chef should have known that. It was good piece of fish, I could tell it was fresh from the taste. However, overcooked fish is not cool. It was served with ginger jasmine rice which was dry. Another fail on their part. No wonder I ended up eating the other dishes. Finally, after all these years, my mother-in-law redeems herself by selecting a decent restaurant for dinner. I no longer have to hold my balls in fear whenever she mentions the word 'dinner' (what, don't most men do that when they are afraid?)
(4)
Colleen B.
What a charming place! We went in here in April over a girls weekend. So the crowds were probably not the same as in season. We also went at 8:30 at night. Loved the decor and the fireplace. We couldn't take our eyes off the windows. They glued glass beads to the lead stained glass panes. The decorating diva in me was on high alert. Back to the food. This review is ONLY for dessert! The key lime pie is not as tart as I like but still good. I like my lips to pucker and my eyes to water. They didn't. The caramel bread pudding came out very hot and delicious. The chocolate cake was divine. Very funky and a fun wait staff to boot.
(4)
Jeff F.
After perusing the Cape May strip and consulting yelp to find a quality, not-too-fancy pants seafood establishment for dinner, we ended up at the Mad Batter and pleasantly so. Even on a holiday w'end, this place was relatively calm and we breezed in around 8p with no issue getting a scenic table on the deck. It's situated in the Victorian Carroll Villa Hotel and the restaurant offers a spacious deck, indoor seating and bistro bar. Dinner menu is an assortment of high-quality seafood, meat & pasta dishes. We opted for the crab cakes & fish n chips and both were some of the best we've ever had. Cakes were hockey puck in size stuffed with a perfect crab meat to bindings ratio. Fish Batter was supremely light n flaky so you could really taste the white hot cod not just deep fried shell you get in most places. One really badass thing to note is their commitment to being green. I mean seriously green...solar panels, radiant heating, recycling policy, environmentally friends paints and carpets made from corn apparently, Mmmmmmm pass the salt n butter pls. How fricking cool is that?! So delish food, great vibe, art, live music and a conscience. What more can you ask for in a restaurant?
(4)
Robert O.
Admittedly, I am biased about this place as I worked here for several years back in the 1980s. At that time, it was THE place to dine in Cape May. I am not certain it still holds that title, but it is the finest place to have breakfast, that is for sure. Our last visit here was on Mother's Day. Not surprisingly, there was a wait. I think it was about 25 minutes. We were seated inside, which is not ideal, imo. It was comfortable enough. Our waitress was no great shakes. She delivered the food okay, I guess, but there was no personality. Our party of five was comprised of three adults and two children, one of whom did not eat. A bread basket, a fruit bowl, French Toast, pancakes, a bowl of muesli, and beverages came to $80. Wow! Cape May is not cheap and dining out is expensive, but wow! The Batter defines dining in Cape May. It is a must-visit place. Bring your wallet as you'll need it, but relax and enjoy. For dinner, the Crab Mappatello is their signature dish. It is excellent! I love their New England clam chowder too. The saffron makes the dish! Desserts, baked on the premises, are delicious too.
(4)
Christine C.
I don't think we could love this place more! The atmosphere is great and the service is exceptional! Our bartender Nicole was so sweet. Happy hour from 3-6 is great and the fish and chips are really good!!
(5)
Amanda F.
Ate here twice during our visit to Cape May! We were lucky and got seated on the front porch each time - perfect people watching :) Ordered the Cheasapeake bay benedict and loved it - huge chunks of crab with a superb hollandaise sauce. Quick, friendly service!
(4)
Christopher P.
Happy hour was perfect for the hours (3-6pm - even on Sunday !!), the prices (1/2 on most drinks), the choices and the congenially. A peach martini for Sue and a bombay gin martini for me, which the bartender made to be properly cold and properly balanced. We left to watch the sun set over the south end of the beach, then came back for dinner and a little of the open mic night. Except for the draft coming through the doors on a chilly November evening, everything was great. Not haute cuisine or fancy surroundings, but we're at the shore, right? 5 stars for the bar and 3.5 stars for the dinner. It should be noted that my review was for an off-season evening - no summer insanity, mugginess, excitable children and stressed-out staff. The temps are gone (meaning, degrees fahrenheit AND college kids) and I'm guessing with the, a certain calm has been restored. Much of the bad reviews I've read sound like they had something to do with one or more of those factors -- which I expect will be the wild cards that will distribute themselves again next season.
(4)
Joeyjojojunior S.
Considering they were not very busy the service was so very slow but at least friendly. Food was good but didn't blow us away. Scallop special was bland and expensive but the fish and chips was fantastic.
(3)
Edward B.
We had been to the Mad Batter once a couple of years ago, and reminisced often of how awesome their breakfast, and in particular their corned beef hash were. So my wife and I anxiously awaiting our visit to Cape May to have it again. That opportunity came on our vacation just over a week ago. We stayed and the Caroll Villa which seems to be under the same ownership as the Batter, since they share a porch and the walkway between the hotel and restaurant. They also grant a $30 daily breakfast credit to be used at the MB as well as a 30% off voucher on their dinner menu. Our first morning we got up fairly early and went straight down to enjoy the long awaited corn beef dish. Boy were we ever let down! They have taken a dish that was fabulous, and made it look as if it came out of a can of Science Diet . . . Now if you like corned beef out of a can go for it by all means, however for me they have ruined it. To me it seems that someone in their infinite wisdom, or greed, decided to stretch the fresh hash with the canned variety making it INEDIBLE! Since we were a captive audience for breakfast the next morning, due to the $30 credit, the following morning I had the lobster and crab meat omelet which was good but not fabulous and my wife had a simple eggs and bacon breakfast - nothing special. In between the breakfasts discussed above, we decided to try the dinner menu, being that as mentioned the hotel offered a 30% discount. I had the crab cakes -supposedly a signature dish, and my wife had a pasta dish with shrimp and artichokes. The crab cakes were ho-hum and the pasta dish, as per my wife, was edible . . . Even with the discount the cost far exceeded the value . . . :-( It is important to point out that in general the hostesses were extremely rude, the servers tried hard to be pleasant but they were just so plastic it was sad. The one bright spot was the bar. The bar tenders were very pleasant and courteous. The happy hour with 1/2 priced drinks is a real deal. We had some sort of green tea drink in mason jars that was fantastic, so much so that we had one each day of our trip. We used to consider the MB the only place we would consider for breakfast while in Cape May. We are saddened that this is no longer the case.
(2)
Rich T.
Truly, a dinner for the books. We selected the Mad Batter for dinner because of its reputation and because we had two vegetarians among us and they had a very veg-friendly menu. The meal was terrific. Two great appetizer salads and a wonderful crab bisque for the non-vegetarian. Entrees were absolutely delicious, as well. The Chilean sea bass with a sweet miso sauce, a pasta dish, and the vegetarian Wellington (which could hold its own against the more established beef version). All great. Service was excellent and the ambiance was really nice, sitting on a porch on a narrow street with loads of historic Victorian houses. Definitely the dining highlight of our weekend in Cape May.
(5)
Tessa M.
we went here for brunch one day and i loved it! now, i didn't even look at their full menu, so i don't know what the other meals are like, but definitely a good brunch spot. the place itself is super cute, but pretty crowded. you don't feel crowded at the table, but getting there, to the restrooms, and back is a little overwhelming. i got a pineapple mimosa to start and my boyfriend got a bloody mary. i'm not a huge fan of mimosas, but there were so many flavors, i just had to have one, and it was pretty good. he loved his bloody mary and it was huge! i ordered the croustade, not really knowing what to expect. it was a sort of mixed scrambled egg dish with peppers, sausage, and cheese served over a brioche slice with a side of potatoes. super tasty. not incredibly filling, but i left satisfied. my boyfriend got some sort of egg dish, but the kicker for him was the option of scrapple as a side. if you don't know what scrapple is, you probably don't want to, but you do want to try it. i tried his and loved it. we even thought about coming back for dinner while we were in cape may for the week, but wanted to explore new places too.
(4)
Scott S.
I love this place. One of the best breakfast places ever! This time I had blueberry pancakes (I would challenge Adam Richman to finish the whole plate of them) and the chorrizo egg wrap. Just incredible. and the fresh squeezed orange juice... Like I said, def waaayyy up there on my top breakfast food places ever..and probably at the top for ambiance. Its really chill sitting out on the porch and having breakfast/lunch here..
(5)
Jhoanna T.
The restaurant and view were quintessential Cape May. The food was nothing special. We had thai style chicken wings, fish and chips, and the crab cake sandwich for lunch. The service was excellent.
(3)
Adam L.
Pretty good spot for noshing in Cape May. Breakfast. 9:30 am on a snowy, cold Sunday in February. Coffee. Waffles. The crazy eggs concoction called the Croustade. It was all pretty good. Service was quite good. Amazing? No. But very good. The waffles were perfectly cooked and aromatic. They came with accompanying butter and syrup. The wife loved it, though she did remark "bring me a plate full of butter and syrup and I'll be happy." Haha... she still wolfed it down without a problem.
(4)
Jenifer W.
Based on the reviews from other yelpers, we tried Mad Batter for breakfast our first day in Cape May. I expected more than we got, and left dissapointed somewhat. ATMOSPHERE: Nice enough, though a bit dated. We were seated on the outdoor porch, which was worlds better than eating inside! PRO - Plenty of people watching while you dine. CONS - (1) The porch is small, and the tables closely set. There was a heavier gentleman at the table behind us (why we were on top of each other, I don't know, as we were the only 2 tables there), and when they were sat I had to move the TABLE to get out. (2) The porch and motel are badly in need of a paint job, and (3) while there is people watching, the restaurant itself is on a side street well away from main activity, with no beach view. Picture sitting on your own front porch looking at your neighbors, and that's what you get here. FOOD: Meh. the kids got chocolate chip pancakes, which were passable. My husband and I had egg dishes, and mine smelled a little funny (something sour?), so I didn't eat much, nor did he. His was the Cheasapeake benedict, and it was very fishy smelling, we were dissapointed. The topper - the coffee was very, very weak, it was like brown water... they missed BIG time on execution here. SERVICE: Indifferent, which is to me the worst thing to be. The servers didn't seem to care if we were there, they were order takers and plate bringers, and that was it. Our server didn't come back to check on us, nor fill coffee (not that I'd have drank it anyway, see the note above). She stood in their coffee station with another server and was more interested in the conversation than us. VALUE: Poor, given the first two categories. The prices were exaggerated, and the quality of food and service were major turnoffs. We won't be returning, and I encourage others to skip this place in favor of just about anywhere else in Cape May - you'll be much happier. I'm willing to acknowledge that maybe breakfast isn't their strong suit, but with a name like "Mad Batter", I had a right to expect more. I think personally, this place is living on reputation alone, and it's a shame. They have a great opportunity, and they're missing it.
(1)
Tyler K.
Beautiful little place. There was a little bit of a wait, but it was worth it. Lunch was delicious. Crab cake sandwich and Grilled Shrimp Taco were both excellent as were the sweet potato fries that accompanied the taco. I must say though the breakfast looked amazing as it passed. I will be returning to try breakfast or dinner soon.
(4)
John T.
This place is one of the best breakfast spots around. The blueberry oatmeal pancakes are EXCELLENT, as is the Orange Juice French Toast. Come early for breakfast, otherwise you'll be waiting for a while. Also, sit on the porch if you can ... nice little hangout along Jackson Street.
(4)
Scott B.
A great spot in Cape May for breakfast, especially if one requires Gluten-free options. We went on Saturday morning, with my GF wife remarking that we hadn't been out for breakfast in years due to celiac disease. She had the country breakfast, and enjoyed the GF toast w/ grape jelly, eggs and ham. Alas, the Batter Home fries come with onions and peppers, and can't be ordered without, so onion-haters are in trouble. I had the Country breakfast with a thick cut ofscrapple, which was superbly done (crispy outside, soft and creamy inside). Service was fair, ambience was unique and eye-pleasing.
(4)
Meghan H.
I don't really have any complaints about the Mad Batter, but I also didn't find anything particularly noteworthy about my experience there. After reading about the weekend wait, we decided to go on Monday for a late breakfast. We were seated immediately and although the place was busy, it was not full. I say this because I wasn't happy about how rushed I felt throughout the meal. Our waitress stopped offering coffee refills when she brought our meals, and ultimately she brought us our check without asking if we wanted anything else. The food was fine. Completely solid breakfast food. I would recommend the oatmeal pancakes if you go. But the prices are a bit high; a typical vacation spot. I'm not sorry we went, but we probably won't be back.
(3)
Sona C.
We stayed at the lovely Carroll Villa bed and breakfast, so stopped in here for a dinner and a brunch. The grouper sandwich was a pleaser, and the kid liked her chicken fingers just fine. Brunch with Mimosas was okay -- the crousade, well-done, but my husband didn't love the texture of his crab and lobster stuffed omelet, although he did eat all of the crab and lobster, which was plentiful.
(3)
Lew M.
I ordered a beer and was brought a bottle covered in mold. Green fuzzy mold. I asked the waitress for a clean one and was given all kinds of attitude. The management was even ruder and I walked out. Never again will I eat here,I had enjoyed many fine meals here but the last one sucked.
(1)
Chris A.
We came to the Mad Batter on a friends suggestion. Loved it. I ordered the chorizo and eggs which was a great dish, but my wife ordered the croustade and I could not help but pick from hers. Kids loved their French toast and pancakes. Will definitely come back.
(4)
Claudine S.
So today I wanted brunch food... starving at 2:30 and yelped... Found the Mad Batter. When I first walked (today was a beautiful and clear day in CP), I was overwhelmed with some sort of "funk" smell... couldn't quite put my keen senses on it, but nonetheless it was a level one funk.... After being engulfed with the smell, I just assumed it was marsh/ocean smell or something - inside the restaurant only. The hostess chose not to say hello or acknowledge me right away, she was having a laugh with who ever and then complained about how he "broke" her nail... gross. The overall joint is "quaint" and not too bad, but because it is off season, I think the staff is less enthused. My table was a sticky mess of a plastic table cloth... no worries, just moved my place mat. My waiter was great! He even made me laugh, which if you know me, you'd understand when it comes to my dining experiences. I ordered the Grand Mimosa, Cappuccino, water and the eggs Benedict. Meh, I've had better all the way around. My Mimosa was warm, my capp was a capp, the water was good (some water makes me gag), but the eggs Benedict was a real let down... It was warm at best, the sauce was more of a foam (gastric) and lacked greatly in taste and amount, English muffin barely toasted, ham luke warm, standard flavor and the potato's were old... dried out and lacked any kind of real flavor. I'm someone that hates ketchup and I opted to use it for flavor. If it wasn't for the waiter, this place would have received a one.
(2)
Christopher S.
We walked in to the Mad Batter on a Monday for breakfast. After seeing the lines on the weekend, we realized we needed to stop by with our two year old in tow while the restaurant was a little less busy. Surprisingly there were many families enjoying breakfast with their children. Atmosphere is great and the staff was attentive. I went out on a limb and ordered a special omelet with lobster, crab, avocado, mushrooms, etc.. Well worth the minimal $12.50 it cost. Orange juice is fresh squeezed and I'd imagine its the equivalent of crack cocaine because its that addictive. Other orders were pancakes and eggs Benedict. Everything was great and proved to be a perfect way to start off the day.
(4)
Natalie C.
Yummy!!!! We come to Cape May every September and the visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Mad Batter!!!
(5)
Don Y.
IIf you are looking for a snoby pretensious dinning experience where the customer is always wrong look no further! No parking, waited over 30 min to get in and when we asked to have 2 separate checks was told not it's to inconvenient for them and that's their policy! In fairness the food was ok but way over priced, belgian waffle, omlette & 1 coffee 19.00!
(1)
Natalie M.
First let me tell you that I'm a HUGE breakfast/brunch lover. to me nothing better than pancakes or waffles in the AM. We went on a Monday morning so no wait, thank God cause if I had to wait for this food I would be so mad. The breakfast was mediocre. Not the best pancakes, the only thing I liked was a fried egg seriously how bad can you fry an egg? Not impressed with the food at all. The pancakes were so thick and dry. I usually like a thicker pancake but these had no flavor and they were blueberry oatmeal!! My daughter had the plain pancakes, eh still no flavor. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Aruna A.
I love brunch. Brunch is possibly my favorite thing about the weekend. Mad Batter is definitely one of my favorite brunch spots - it is seriously one of the neatest little brunch spots I've been to outside of a major city in a while. The restaurant is HUGE and is part of a B&B that is probably fun to stay at. We got there around 10 on a Saturday - and were told that for a party of 6, there would be a 25 minute wait. We probably waited no more than 15 minutes, which is great. Our server was decent, and the ambiance was nice. The best part, was quite frankly, the food. They offer a number of different pancake and waffle and french toast varities, all made with different combo's of batters, and fruit options. Everyone at the table seemed to really like their food. From the yogurt and granola, to the pancakes. Well enjoyed. Definitely go here!
(5)
Ivelisse C.
I wish it were possible to give negative stars bc that's what this "restaurant" deserves. Everything about our experience was negative. We sat at the bar until our table was ready. We waited and waited for the bartender to ask us what we wanted... the people directly to our left and to our right were being served mind you... but we were completly and obviously ignored. Then our table was ready. The waitress was snotty and curt. The drinks took way too long... draft beer and white wine... not mixed drinks. The appetizer was ok, we had the wings. The main courses were mediocre to say the least... fries were mushy. The crab burger would of been better if it were made from a can from the grocery store. It was definitely overpriced. All in all a bad experience we wish we could take back. Never coming here again.
(1)
Chris M.
The high rating of this place is solely due to the breakfast/brunch. If you are considering dinner here then please read on: We have eaten at the Mad Batter many times before but hadn't been there in a few years. We reviewed the menu which was much more "family friendly" than we had remembered and it also had a lighter fair menu which sounded appealing. That being said, we should have taken it as a hint that there were so many open reservations on a Thursday night in the middle of August. The food was some of the worst food we have had in Cape May in the last 25+ years. One of our party had the pizza for their starter that wouldn't have been passable at a public school cafeteria and another person's Caesar salad appetizer had horribly bitter lettuce. Enough so that another person changed their entree order as they had ordered the chicken Caesar salad. The $33 rib eye steak came out way over cooked (ordered rare) and there wasn't enough ketchup in the restaurant to make the turkey burger moist. The two pasta dishes we had tasted like they used jar sauce on them and had seafood that was tough and overcooked. They only two things that got any positive reviews where the bread before dinner and the clam chowder. This would normally have gotten a 2 star review but considering the prices that they are charging for this food I have to give it a 1. For these prices there are plenty of much better places in Cape May to try for dinner.
(1)
Alan S.
Great place for breakfast. Brunch was great except you they don't open the bar until 10AM which is a city thing I guess. We sat in the back garden room and it was very whimsical and nicely decorated. Food was very good and staff very friendly.
(4)
Angela E.
We were happy this place was open in January, but I must say, I wish we'd held out for something else. The hubby ate just a few bites of his blackened grouper sandwich and did not feel well, so I was able to taste it and it was just 'meh'. I had the lobster and shrimp roll and that was just okay, as well. It's funny to read Michelle's review because I think we had the same old bag serving us. She was definitely lacking in the charm department. I'd say the staff need a lesson on how to behave. When we walked in, there were two servers chatting in a booth. They were loud and unobservant pretty much the entire time we were sitting on the patio. I hope this place is better in the summertime. Either way, we'll probably go elsewhere.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kate D.
I have never been to the mad batter for lunch or dinner, but I have for breakfast! I usually sit on the front porch, and there is a nice breeze. Although, it gets quite annoying when the hostess is constantly barking out people's names! Otherwise, I like the food here! The bacon is e.x.c.e.l.l.e.n.t! It is the right mix between crispy, fatty, and savory. It is very good. I had the kid's french toast, and it was a small serving size, so I gulped it down. It was very tasty, a good plate of old fashioned french toast.
(4)Sue P.
Best breakfast place in Cape May! Hands down!! Try to croustade! It is a meal on top of a meal!!. Also try a little grey poupon on the side!! The lunch is also great too!!
(5)Katherine D.
We had fond memories of this place when we came to Cape May two summers ago, so we decided to come back and bring the troops. We made a reservation ahead of time because we had 8 hungry heads, which was a very good call. We got there a few minutes early and they were able to seat us pretty much right away. This place is definitely kid friendly - they had the high chair set up right away, a mad hatter coloring page and crayons, and I even noticed that they had removed the fork and knife from the place setting - a very thoughtful touch. Let's do this in list form: THE GOOD -The crabcakes -The service - our waitress was on her game with refills and timing our order / food delivery - THE BAKED BRIE APPETIZER (but we could have used some crackers to spread the cheese on) - The margarita (so says my sister in law) THE BAD -The pizza was not the best. Cheese a bit rubbery. Two-year old said "Not very good mama." - Parking. The restaurant next door has valet, but alas - we had to park 0.8 miles away. THE... WEIRD There was live music at the bar, which my daughter was very excited about. The music wasn't bad. But it was kind of strange. I felt like all the musicians may have been perma-stuck in a flowerchild LSD flashback. There were some interesting sounds being made. But it wasn't awful - just... interesting. A little loud when you're right at the bar. All in all, we had a nice meal. Good for groups, good for kids.
(4)Hilary S.
We've been traveling by motor home for 5 months now. We went through Canada and the northeast. We've had many lobster rolls in Nova Scotia and Maine, but none compares to the lobster salad sandwich at the Mad Batter. Loaded with lobster and full of flavor, I was glad I had enough leftover to enjoy it again later in the day. My boyfriend had the lobster and crab omelet. It was equally delicious and plentiful. The leftover heated up great for breakfast the next morning. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. We were seated at a sunny table on the patio, and before I could ask if there was a shadier place to sit, she asked if we wanted to change tables to get out of the sun. Very considerate!
(5)Ron C.
In a word: Delightful We spent a week in Cape May and after a few disappointing dinner meals we were very pleased with The Mad Batter. The hostess and server were pleasant and we were seated immediately at our reservation time. The drinks were creative and very good. We had a Grapefruit Gimlets and others in our party had a bourbon-base cocktail that they really enjoyed. We ordered calamari for the table and it was outstanding. It was tender, crispy and tasted freshly made. A genius move was the addition of red and yellow peppers to the dish. They were spicy and added just the right kick. We all ordered seafood dishes and everyone was very happy with all selections. Each one tasted fresh, bright and delicious. The amount of each dish was enough without being skimpy or too much. We would definitely go back. My only criticism is that at an average price of $30 per entree, there should have been tablecloths. There was nothing on the table, not even placemats, but there were cloth napkins. They don't need anything white and formal but the bare lamintae tables were not the right backdrop for nicely plated great food.
(4)Rula R.
The mad batter is located in a very good spot in Cape May, It is close to all the shops, to the beach and more other bars and restaurants. We came here for dinner before heading to Craney's. I started with a Margarita and it was pretty good, a bit strong as it should be. I had turkey burger with blue cheese and a side salad instead of fries. My burger was pretty good, I just thought the bun was too big for the actual burger so it was more bread than meat. But i ended up finishing the burger by itself. The service was fast and everything was done right and came out right on time. I would probably go back again, the prices were reasonable and the drinks were decent.
(4)Kristen H.
I thought this place was really hyped up. I saw all the reviews and pics and really wanted to try it, but overall, it's ok. We were starving by the time we sat because we waited for like 45 minutes. The patio only accommodates tables of four or less, so we had to sit inside. I ordered the crabs Benedict with spinach and sweet potato fries. It was good but not out of this world. I did enjoy my orange crush drink, though. I would overall describe this place as a cute, greasy spoon place with fun drinks. I like the idea of the "Mad Batter" next to the Lewis Carrol Inn, but the menu could step up its creative game and the food could be even tastier!
(4)Amy U.
Another wonderful lunch at the Mad Batter! My mother and I came down to Cape May for the day for her birthday. We enjoyed a lovely leisurely lunch on the front porch. My mom enjoyed a mimosa and the avocado & bacon grilled cheese (a lunch special that day) with fries and I enjoyed a glass of prosecco and a big salad with cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese and an order of grilled chicken on the side. It was a beautiful lunch and we weren't rushed at all.
(4)Dave A.
Wife and I came here because of the reviews. Boy am I glad. Best french toast I've ever had, and I eat a lot of french toast. I would recommend the "man-mosa", very refreshing and drinks like a shandy. Wait staff were very friendly and service was top notch. Would definitely come back again!!
(5)Dan S.
Came here at 8:30am and the porch was only available for parties of 4 or less so my family of 5 was led to the back of the restaurant. At least there's a good amount of natural light and a view of a small garden with fish pond. Our server was pleasant and helpful. We ordered blueberry pancakes, cheese omelette, bacon & spinach omelette, kids pancakes, and the special lobster and spinach eggs Benedict. The portions were generous and the food came out in a timely manner. Everyone enjoyed their meal except for me (lobster Benedict). I wish I'd asked if the spinach was fresh. It wasn't. It was steamed which made the English muffin very soggy. And the lobster was somewhat dried out. All in all an okay 3 star experience.
(3)I Adore Food B.
Came here on a whim for Happy Hour! The bar tenders are everything! Great selection of drinks and beer! We ordered mussels and an all White pizza, both were delicious!!! The best mussels I've had in a while! Great food, great drinks and a fun atmosphere!! Love it!
(5)Kayleigh M.
Stopped in last night for happy hour and was impressed by the selection of martinis on the menu. I enjoyed the Sexy Lexy and my boyfriend had the Peach Martini. It was a fun local spot with great prices and wonderful service--5 stars! THEN--we ventured back for breakfast after hankering for some eggs Benedict and mimosas. Sadly, our happy hour experience was a one hit wonder. I ordered the Chesapeake Bay Benedict. My English muffin was burnt and ruined the whole taste of my Benedict. The egg was WAY over-cooked and there was little crab on my burnt muffin. My waitress only offered to bring me a new muffin, only after I had my plate for almost 10+ minutes and my boyfriend had already finished his breakfast. It was super disappointing because I had such a great experience the night before. When we got the check the waitress told us she "comp'd" the English muffin part of my sub par $12.95 breakfast. In any other restaurant they would take off my drink or 10% for an unsatisfactory meal. But instead they took off $1.75 for the English muffin--bizarre. I wish they would had offered to remake the breakfast because the heart and soul of a good eggs Benedict is sopping up the runny yolk in muffin. But with a burnt muffin ruining the taste of the hollandaise, And no yolk to sop...that's not a way to start your day. 2 STARS only for the mimosas and home fries
(3)Robin L.
A family favorite breakfast spot. Fun place with great atmosphere and consistent good service Always a wait time - your entire party must be present before they will seat you. My husband loves the MANmosas. Great way to start your day before headed to the beach!
(5)Wendy W.
Their grilled fish taco is amazinggggg!! Fish is soft and flaky with sauce and avocado, so good. It comes as one big taco instead of two small ones.
(4)Jason H.
We had been to this restaurant three years in a row but our most recent trip was very average. The tuna and pasta dishes were just okay. The drinks were terrible. On a good note, the Chilean sea bass was very good. The service was adequate but not excellent, and the atmosphere is dry. This restaurant will no longer be in our dinner rotation.
(3)Nicole J.
I ordered fish and chips from the Mad Batter. In terms of crunchiness and batter, I've had better. But the vegetarian tofu dish with seafood dish is quite possibly one of the best vegetarian dishes I've had in a while. The seafood pizza (w/ lobster, crab, and shrimp) is also delicious but I'm not sure if it was worth $20. I thought they did a great job with providing fresh hot dinner rolls with olive oil and herbs/pepper flakes. Truly one of the best dinner rolls I've had. The frozen drinks are great. I loved my pina colada. I'd definitely recommend outdoor seating to appreciate the victorian ambience.
(3)Michael K.
Terrific breakfast with friendly staff. The line to get in tells you everything you need to know. We were so impressed, we ate there twice!! A gem!
(5)Nicole D.
I loved it. Eaten here twice and both times it was great. The oatmeal blueberry pancakes are incredible. Also had a great mojito. The Bloody Mary has too many peppercorns in it for my liking, but still delicious.
(5)Dana N.
I ordered the grilled salmon with warm corn salad, mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was delicious. My sister ordered the filet and crab cake with Mac and cheese, which was also delicious. The service was very good. I want to go back tomorrow night.
(5)Cory P.
Had the Bronzino stuffed with chorizo, shrimp, sweet potatoes, and avocado. Very delicious!
(4)Sheila R.
This is an amazing deal for happy hour. 2 martinis off their list: the sexy lexy and limoncello for $9. Can't beat it. Didn't order food, but eyed others yummy looking salad and pizzas. Ate breakfast there this morning. Bf loved the house made corned beef. I loved the omelet with crab and mushrooms. Both served with home fries (which could be crispier) and Multigrain toast. Also, they have multiple vegan and gf options.
(5)Michael Y.
Good food, but the waitress didn't come around often, breakfast took 30+ minutes from the time of ordering, and when it did, I received the wrong omelette. At that point it wasn't worth complaining because I didn't want to wait another 30 minutes for my food.
(2)Tyler L.
I like the Mad Batter, just like I like Cape May. I don't want this review to discourage people from going to Mad Batter as I always enjoy myself there. It is a bit of an institution in Cape May...part of the revival story. So I will always like the Mad Batter. That said, I have come a little ways in my travels and tastes and I have to be honest with myself: the Mad Batter is an okay restaurant but not as great as my heart wants it to be. The food is gluttonous...the portions are beyond generous. The quality... Overall just know you are eating at a place with a lot of history and if you can appreciate that, then the mediocre food is an afterthought.
(3)Dee M.
We've only ever eaten breakfast here on their delightful porch which overlooks a water feature but tonight we had dinner here for Victorian Christmas weekend. I am glad i made a 5:15 reservation because by 545 they were mobbed. Meal: Chicken Fettucine in a blush sauce with Basil for my companion. He devoured it in record time so he loved it For myself i chose a standard fish n chips. Large pieces of breaded Cod more than satisfied my winter's day down the shore appetite. The Mad Batter has Manhattan prices most of the time and tonight was no exception for the Chicken but the fish n chips was reasonably priced. Service is quick, responsive, pleasant and friendly.
(4)Jacqueline O.
Just got back from biking here for breakfast. This place is what coming to cape may is all about. It is a little old house where you can sit outside on the porch and enjoy your breakfast with delicious alcoholic drinks. I enjoyed a delicious eggs Benedict with fresh avocado. The food was great and the setting was even better. Me and my sister had a lovey time with amazing service. We will be coming back for sure.
(5)Stephanie E.
This place was so good! My husband and I enjoyed everything. The wings were incredible, not battered but so crunchy and the flavor of the sauce with the real honey was just amazing. So happy we have this place a try!
(5)Lorin F.
Went here tonight for the 4th time, 4"3rd for dinner and yet again it was amazing! We had 6 adults and a picky 3 y/o in our party an every plate was cleaned. The bayberry wings and crab bisque were outstanding appys. I had the mingon and crab cake entree. Their crab cakes are really well made, good meat light texture. Everyone at the table thoroughly enjoyed the meal from bread to the dessert that we were too full to partake in! The service was great as well, we were very well tended to with a smile!
(5)Brandon C.
Wife had the Mimosa, I had the Manmosa. I'm barely enough of a man for that one. It was.... Awesome. Oh, and the pancakes were good too. :)
(5)Kaitlyn L.
Stopped in for breakfast before heading back home today. Best decision made all trip. We arrived at a great time this morning, before the morning rush, sometime just after 8 am. People were already lined up outside when we were leaving sometime around 9-9:15. I had the chorizo and eggs, which was delicious! The home fries were the best home fries I've ever tasted. The rest of my company equally enjoyed their choices of the corned beef hash, country breakfast, and croustade. I wish we went to the Mad Batter earlier in our getaway because we would've went back for lunch, dinner, or both!
(5)Carolyn T.
I wish I had better things to say about the Mad Batter. Our stay at the B & B was nice overall, but after hearing other Yelpers rave about the breakfasts here, I was completed disappointed by the food and service. My husband and I ate three meals there during our stay. The first meal was lunch: I had a salad and my husband had the grouper sandwich. My salad was full of little slimey bits of bad lettuce in the clearly not picked over mesclun greens and covered in a too sweet house vinaigrette which I wished I had asked for more details about. Our service was slow but sufficient. I think our server at breakfast was what put us off on eating there again. She was harried and indifferent. While we were ordering drinks, she walked away in the middle of my husbands order. When she realized he wasn't finished she exasperatedly turned around and nodded at him when he ordered a Bloody Mary. When our food arrived, no Bloody Mary, and he had to ask for it again, she said she didn't hear him order it the first time. You sure didn't, you were moving on to the next table you didn't care about. The food: I ordered blueberry pancakes, because as others have mentioned, THEY ARE CALLED THE MAD BATTER, and found them dry, firm and filled with very few blueberries (be warned real maple syrup is an up charge). My husband had a very unremarkable omelet. The coffee, which other people reviewed as watery must have changed, because I found it really bitter and heavy. Why did we go back for meal #3? Well, we had a breakfast voucher from the inn and we were leaving early our last day and it seemed convenient. I took the "order simple and hope they can't screw it up" approach and get a bagel and coffee (Maybe the first breakfast someone burned the pot? Nope, still awful.) and my husband ordered the chorizo wrap. The food was fine and totally unremarkable. Our server was pleasant, though clearly very busy. I know that we set our expectations high for food, we like to eat, we like to cook and and when we travel we put a lot of thought into where we go. Overall I would say eat at the restaurant if you are staying at the inn, but I wouldn't make a special trip to go there. In fairness, we didn't eat dinner there, so maybe dinner is better?
(2)Tracy A.
Since we stayed at the Carroll Villa, we had free breakfasts here each day. I am so glad that we did. Their food was delicious, the wait staff lovely, and the prices were pretty decent. The restaurant was too crowded for my taste, but that was minor. I do wish they had more choices for their omelets and breakfast menu.
(4)Marc G.
This place is charming. Sorry, but it is. I did not say cute, I said charming. We sat on the back porch, which was delightful. We had oatmeal batter pancakes, waffles and I had an omelette with crab and lobster. It was all delicious. The service was great, coffee and water were always refilled and the bill was very reasonable, especially with a coupon from some tourist/rest stop off the GS Pkwy. They had a bunch of "guides" with coupons for Mini Golf (Putt Putt), souvenirs and restaurants... Good thing I had to stretch. The place is classic Victorian and just really cool.
(4)Mary S.
Mad Batter has an exceptional brunch. Like, other-worldly. I'm originally from Cape May, but have lived in Philadelphia for 8 years, and I still maintain, there are few places that rival MB when it comes to brunch. The Chesapeake Bay Benedict is my favorite thing on the menu, but my friends have ordered just about everything else that they serve up and never had a single complaint, because it all is very good. Grab a MB Bloody Mary and have a great meal- or if you're having trouble getting a table, check out the beautiful bar, made with recycled sea shells, you can have breakfast there and get in and out pretty quickly! Sad to say, I've never actually been here for dinner, but I've heard a million great things about it- so I'd definitely try it if I get the chance- and you should too!
(5)Peter G.
Breakfast on the Porch is heavenly, watching Cape May's social scene stroll by. Returned after a year off and still offers unique flavors, although after the Orange Almond French Toast, there is a drop in taste and variety. I add orange juice to my pancakes at home because of this restaurant.
(3)Jane G.
My husband and I went here on a Friday night for dinner. We had never been to Cape May before, but had heard good reviews about this place. It did not disappoint! It was not very crowded, so we were served pretty quickly. Our waitress was super sweet, and helpful with selecting a beer I would like. She even brought me a sample of one that I hadn't heard of. I had the turkey burger - very good although I wouldn't say that it's any better than a turkey burger from anywhere else. My husband had the crab cakes and they were FANTASTIC! We both loved them :) The next day was a street fair and I got the crab cake sandwich from Mad Batter - it was excellent!
(4)Rule B.
I really want to give it 2 1/2 stars, which is average. Nice seating out on the porch, and efficient service. Mimosas were not made properly, too much champagne and not enough OJ. The wife's potatoes were cold, that came with her creamed chipped beef, which was good. My orange almond french toast was good at best, not moist, no hints of orange, only the almond flavor was detectable. Two pieces of the french toast were coated with slivered almonds, while the other two pieces were bare. The syrup was good and the butter and confectioners sugar helped the french toast. I expected better from reputation alone. And the french toast is on the menu as Mad Batter Recommended.
(3)S. P.
Great place to have breakfast. Obviously, you come here for the pancakes but if you are a twosome, I would advise against it (or get a short stack). I had trouble finishing one of their large, fluffy pancakes. My internal system is just not used to the buttermilk. I immediately felt like going to sleep. Everything was great and the service was excellent. Nice venue as well.
(4)Fred K.
Came here for a work function with spouses. Wow! Great food. The seared scallop special was outstanding; tender, sweet sea scallop drizzle with a superb sauce. The file and crabcake combo was a hit by all 4 of 8 of us ordered it. Lamb loin special - mmmm. Dessert tray was outstanding, especially the triple chocolate cake. Live music in background did not inhibit conversation. A very nice evening out.
(4)Jennifer C.
My boyfriend and I were recommended to come to this place for brunch but we came for dinner instead. The setting is very ideal, right next to the beach and the open air mall. We loved the ambiance and the outdoor porch seating. The food was delicious. We had calamari with heirloom tomatoes and shared a pear salad and shrimp pasta. The prices for the food was a bit steep. I suppose that is the norm at the Cape. The only not so great part of this experience was our main waitress. She seemed very impatient with us even though we were one of the few customers at the restaurant. She also seemed a little annoyed at us for sharing our dishes (the portions were enough for two). However, other waiters and waitresses who served us were very lovely. Perhaps our main waitress was just having a bad day? One last remark: the Mad Batter does have happy hour but it is only at the bar. No discounts if you are seated at the table for dinner.
(3)Alison H.
I give them credit for an original vegetarian item called a Vegetable Wellington. This is a puff pastry, with portobello, spinach, and roasted red peppers and eggplant inside. It also came with some sort of an orange sauce which I think was tomato flavored, but was basically just there for looks. I'd give it a solid 3 stars, pretty tasty, though the sauce was basically tasteless and the eggplant was very runny. My parents seemed to enjoy their meals fairly well too. The atmosphere was slightly chilly, and there was a live singer, who wasn't bad, but was way too loud for a small quiet restaurant like this one. He was singing Elvis tunes, which is fine if you like that kind of thing... it's not really my bag though. For dessert we ordered your standard kind of chocolate lava cake, to share, and my mom has explained to me what a vanilla creme anglaise was, and I got excited about it. Then the cake came and it just had chocolate sauce on top of it. Luckily, they did provide a scoop of vanilla ice cream on request, though I am unsure if they charged us for it or not. At the end of the night, we walked out and there was a policeman putting a ticket on our car. They have a new meter system where you pay at the machine, and apparently my mom's credit card did not go through. We totally could have walked to this restaurant, so it was very frustrating. I would advise walking or biking if you can to avoid any issue with parking, since apparently they are enforcing this carefully, even late night on a side street, during the off season!
(3)Dani H.
We read lots of great reviews about this place, and we're so glad we did. We've been visiting Cape May for many summers now and we're so glad we found this restaurant. At first, the main draw to the place was its gluten free menu, but then we kept hearing how good it was for its regular menu too. we had the Blackened Grouper sandwich, both off the GF menu and the regular menu. Both were EXCELLENT. We cannot wait to visit again and try something new on their menu. Tip.... make reservations....it gets crowded.
(5)Coffee B.
Went during July 4th weekend. Went late morning and the wait was ok, maybe 20 minutes. The food was good. I remember that I wanted to take a picture of all the dishes on my table.
(4)James D.
I was worried walking up to The Mad Batter because there was a line of people waiting to get in. However, when I asked how long the wait would be for two I was told 5 minutes. And it was about that long of a wait. The staff was very friendly. We were seated outdoors on the porch. The seats were spaced enough so you don't feel like you are right up against everyone. I love breakfast. It is my favorite meal of the day. So when I find a great breakfast place, I am as happy as a pig in a blanket. I ordered a ham and cheese omelet and Sarah ordered a veggie omelet. The omelets were FAT. I usually finish everything on my plate but this was so filling I couldn't finish my omelet. Sarah and I loved this place. I'm looking forward to trying more from their breakfast menu in the future.
(5)Karen M.
Nastiest staff ever!!!
(1)Vee G.
The name of this place is so deceiving. My boyfriend and I were expecting to see a menu of "fried [whatever]". We were so pleasantly surprised! The food was awesome! And we were so happy to see they had veg*n options as well. We are still raving about the dinner we had last night. Totally worth the money.
(5)J S.
Great little place. Doesn't have much variety for food, so you're pretty much stuck with the same choices if you come here multiple times. They added a few new things to their menu this year that are delicious. Takes reservations, which is a plus since waits for restaurants in this area tend to be steep (especially during the summer). Service is professional, and I've never had a bad experience here. I would highly, highly recommend their bayberry wing appetizer. I have yet to find wings like them anywhere else which stinks because I live 3 hours away from Cape May. They are fantastic and definitely worth it.
(4)elisa e.
We read the reviews from Yelp decided we had to give this place a try. No complaints on our breakfast choices - from your typical eggs to their specials - each meal was delicious and FOUR STARS for the Mimosa's!!!! The restaurant is very busy so the servers are running to keep up - still worth it.
(4)Paul V.
Pancakes.... Awesome. Our sandwiches were delicious and the service was great. Stop here when you are in town. We're glad we did.
(5)Nancy L.
We were in Cape May for a weekend getaway and stopped by this place for dinner. The service was great and our dishes were delicious. We ordered the Maryland Crabcakes and the off-menu Chilean Sea Bass Special; both were very well-prepared and the portions were just enough. We also ordered the raspberry Martini for fun, which wasn't bad at all; a bit fruity, but pleasantly interesting. Overall, we were very satisfied with our meal and would definitely visit again if in the area.
(5)Andrew M.
Sorry... going to downgrade by 2 stars from my previous review. I think the difference (at least 1 star of it) was the fact that we were seated inside, rather than on the front or back porch area. Our group was also quite hungry and some people may not have ordered well. My wife's chipped beef was tasty. My corned beef hash was so-so, though the tobasco sauce added a nice kick. My dish was totally lacking in fruits and veggies (as was my wife's... potatoes don't count as a vegetable). The waffle (someone else at our table ordered) came out with nothing on it and no sides; rather disappointing. No one at my table got the eggs benedict, but they still looked good! This place is a little on the pricey side for what you get... not very creative presentation and few sides. And as always, parking in the area isn't much fun. Not sure if I'll go back. If you do decide to go here, definitely request to sit on the porch out front or in the enclosed patio area out back. On the plus side, this place is kid friendly. Oh, also, they don't take reservations for breakfast/brunch/lunch; only for dinner.
(2)AbJo E.
This place looks more pleasant than it turned out to be and seems to be a bit overrated. The staff seemed to be having some trouble. There was a line of people waiting outside even though there were lots of free tables inside. The host and bussing service were extremely slow and one host in particular was a bit rude to a group who didn't want to sit at a wet table in the corner (it was raining). However, our server was quite friendly. The fish and chips tasted fine but were nothing special and overpriced. The lobster and crab frittata special was just good, but was a bit too greasy and left me wishing I had just gotten pancakes instead.
(2)Julia G.
Mad Batter is one of my top favorite restaurants on Earth. Brunch is delicious, staff is friendly and helpful. I tend to put as much stock in atmosphere as in quality and taste of food, and Mad Batter is awesome in both areas. I even love the way the soap in the bathroom smells. I've also recently become a fan of enjoying my post-work drink at the bar. Low-key but always interesting, it's tough for me to pass up. Now to the point, I am here to review veggie burgers. The burger itself was not stellar. Boring in comparison to the usual Batter specialties, it is the only time I have ever wished I'd ordered something else while dining there. The Tempura Eggplant served alongside went a really long way to make up for the blah burger. (The delicious Stoli-O and OJ didn't hurt either)
(5)Kathy S.
One of the best meals i have had this year. Have the salmon if you love it like i do.
(5)J J.
My lord was I happy as a clam at this place!!! Food was fantastic, service was helpful and on point, seating was good and I can't wait to go back. My breakfat eggs benidict over crabmeat...the blend of it all in my mouth was like heaven. A must try for anyone passing through.
(4)Jeff H.
Late dinner outside on a great shore evening. Perfect place to sit on the beautiful deck and relax. The meal itself was a little uneven. The bread was amazing, as was the hummus plate. But the wings (award winning?) were really sweet. The striped bass was a little on the mushy side and lacked seasoning. For the prices (which were a little high) I have come to expect more in terms of food preparation. I would be willing to give lunch another try.
(3)David F.
came here for breakfast with 6 adults and 1 baby. Service was quick and attentive. Food was very good. The special, crab and lobster frittata was the clear winner. The bloody mary was strong and spicy. Note the picture of my sister - in law as she is thoroughly enjoying her meal (she had the special). mmmmmmmmmm......taste so good!!!!
(4)Grumpy G.
You know a place is good when you have several on-menu entrees you really want to try, then the off-menu specials win your favor. This is what happened to Mrs. G and me last Saturday night. My sea bass was a large portion cooked perfectly and Mrs. G's wahoo was divine. Salad was great and dessert was decent. We got an exceptional waiter who took good care of us. We wanted to catch the jazz singer in the bar after dinner, so we listened to a song or two while we waited to be served. Then the singer took a break and the female bartender became enthralled with the only other two guys in the bar. "We're obviously invisible!" exclaimed Mrs. G. I remembered the face of the manager in the dining room so I hunted her down to see if she could get us some help at the bar. Come to find out the help at the bar WAS the other manager. No apologies, no "here have one on me." So we drank up and left. Definitely go for the food. Look like a single guy and maybe, just maybe, you'll get served in the bar.
(4)Susan O.
Mid-May, 2011: Grilled slices of pork tenderloin over carmelized onions, grilled asparagus, and mashed sweet potatoes, crisp ciabatta rolls. I requested and received a bowl of freshly prepared fruit (my dessert). Water to drink. The highlights for me were the rolls and the sweet potatoes, and I appreciated the willingness to put a small fruit bowl together for me.
(4)Christine R.
This was our choice for brunch before we headed home this past weekend in Cape May. There was a bit of wait (they don't take reservations for brunch), but it went by fairly quickly, since we were able to take a brisk walk around the block to look at the beach and Congress Hall. Our waitress took our orders quickly. We got standard breakfast fare. My friend had the orange- almond french toast, which I tasted. It was pretty amazing, and I somewhat regretted going the 'savory' route for breakfast, but my eggs benedict were A+. So filling! The home fries were delicious. The entire meal cost us all 50 bucks, not bad! Definitely will come here for brunch again in the future. They also have brunch-y cocktails like mimosas, bloody mary's, and bellinis. I also hear they have a decent happy hour and live entertainment in the evenings. Might check that out during the next visit. Also part of the Caroll Villa hotel.
(4)Daniel M.
My wife and I went here for brunch in August and while the food was adequately portioned, we were a bit disappointed by a place that claims to serve the best brunch in the area. Our wait was over 20 minutes at 11 am on a Sunday, which wasn't too bad, but the service was very slow on top of it. My wife ordered blueberry pancakes which were clearly made with frozen blueberries (in New Jersey in the summer? Isn't this where blueberries come from?) and the syrup wasn't even close to real maple syrup but some Aunt Jemima-like corn syrupy stuff that could ruin even the best pancakes, which these were not. I ordered eggs benedict and asked to substitute the Canadian bacon with with house-cured salmon. This proved too challenging for the kitchen, so I was given a side plate of the salmon (actually the best part of the meal) next to the eggs which were served on what I assume were store-bought Thomas's English Muffins. After passing over the box of Bigelow teas, the coffee was nothing to write home about either, and I had to ask for actual milk to replace the preservative-laden creamer cups they provided. Finally, my Bloody Mary was so full of peppercorns and horeradish to make it virtually undrinkable past the top layer. I'm not saying this place is overrated, but if you go here for brunch (assuming you actually get a seat) you may want to bring your own tea, coffee, half and half, pancake syrup and Bloody Mary mix.
(2)Jim C.
Breakfast was excellent. I been here a few times. Pancakes are awesome and their signature. Eggs Benedict are very tasty and the juices are all fresh so be prepared for the tart apple juice lol.
(4)Julia C.
We just ran the Ocean Drive Marathon on 3/27/2011 and we were starving. We had parked the car at the finish line in Sea Isle City, and drove back to Cape May to look for some recovery food. By the time we got into town, it was almost 3PM. We strolled into the Mad Batter. By now it's 3 PM. There were no customers. Four women were huddled around the hostess station, chatting. There was also a man standing near the women. The women saw us, but it was more like a NYC subway look. You know, when you see something unpleasant, and you look away real fast to pretend you didn't see it. The man kinda nudge one of the women, who finally acknowledged us with a very unwilling "YESSSSSSSS? May I help you?" We asked for a table, and at this point, they decide to tell us they closed at 3 ("we just missed it") and will re-open at 4PM. Um, no thanks. I can take the hint that the Mad Batter is just not that into us. I know we don't exactly look our best after running 26.2 miles, but we will not be returning even when we're clean and more presentable.
(1)Altje H.
Probably the best meal I had in Cape May. A number of vegetarian options. I had the Black Bean Cake with guacamole. Yum!
(5)Andrey B.
This is a very good restaurant. The prices are reasonable and the food is just fantastic. Chilean Sea Bass was heavenly good. Very interesting sauces on all dishes. I also ordered a pear martini that was very awesome and came with a thin slice of pear in the glass.
(5)A L.
Great for kids. Awesome staff and food.
(5)Bryce Q.
Ate breakfast here a couple of weeks ago. I had crab benedict that was quite good, but both my kids had pancakes and they were pretty mediocre. If your name is The Mad Batter, then you really should have awesome pancakes - or pretty good at the very least, which they were not.
(2)Dan B.
Awesome. Go......now.
(5)A B.
I have very mixed feelings about this place. Overall, most of the food was very good and the service was slow. We waited 30 minutes to be seated despite a reservation and being told it would be 5-10. I guess that is why they have a large waiting area. Another 20 minutes went by before they brought the fresh bread, which was delicious. The food came fairly quickly once we finally ordered, which was an hour after the time of our reservation. The apple salad was mediocre, there was something off about the dressing. I tried one of the Thai wings which were sweet with a little kick and, in my opinion, fantastic. The portions for the entrees were larger than I expected, good bang for your buck. I got the red snapper special which was topped with Panko and crabmeat and was exceptional. It came with mashed sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus which were also very good. The flank steak was a bit fatty but that may have more to do with the cut of meat than the way it was cooked. The dining room was loud and made normal dinner conversation difficult. The decor is very quaint. Not sure if I would return. Maybe at a less busy time.
(3)City G.
Seated in 15 min despite the line on the sidewalk. Nice waitress, attentive. But the food is not more than just okay. Asked for eggs poached hard, which the waitress did note...they came runny. Sent them right back and received one soft, one hard. They only replaced the egg I poked to test?! Husband asked for eggs over easy and received scrambled. Very bland. Full sized drinking glasses would be nice since this is a very busy place and you will wait for a refill.
(2)Stephen A.
Nice place. Ok breakfast. Grumpy staff. Reasonable prices. Nuff said?
(2)Jeremy G.
My wife and some friends had breakfast at the Mad Batter this morning. I am gluten free and I was very impressed with their gluten free options. First, they offer a gluten free menu with a ton of choices. Second, they have gluten free bread. It's reminiscent of Three Bakers 7 Ancient Grain. I ordered the Croustade and a side of bacon. The Croustade was offered with gluten free bread. It was absolutely delicious. The eggs were perfectly cooked. The bacon was exceptional. I cannot recommend the Mad Batter enough, particularly for gluten free patrons.
(4)Suzy G.
This is such a nice place to eat breakfast. They offer freshly squeezed juice and the food is delicous. This place gets crowded in the summer so be prepared to wait a little while, but it is certainly worth the wait. Service was great too. Would love to come back and try dinner or lunch next time.
(5)Jackie C.
This past weekend, my husband and I came here for our first dinner in Cape May. Our innkeeper recommended it to us (and we had heard about it from a few other people!) so we thought it would be a good option. The Mad Batter has these adorable yellow and white awnings, covering a front porch that is perfect for people watching. Although the wind picked up and a storm was brewing, we sat on the porch (the storm did eventually arrive, at full force, but we were protected by the Mad Batter's porch's "walls"). The entrees were more expensive than we expected, but quite good, so we were pleased with the value we were getting for our money. The menu itself didn't offer too many dishes, but there were definitely many specials being offered. I had the crab bisque to begin with (this was my favorite part -- very creamy, not bland like many bisques, and large chunks of lump crab meat, yum...) and the hanger steak with potatoes & bacon (tasty, but I would probably opt for maybe a salad or other appetizer to go with my soup next time). We also shared (ok my husband mostly ate) the thai-honey chicken wings (yum, big juicy wings, not too spicy, kind of spicy and sweet) and he had the vegetable wellington -- layers of vegetables wrapped in a puff pastry and surrounded by fresh tomato sauce and slices of cheese. I think the vegetable wellington was a better option than the hanger steak. The service was great -- very friendly and helpful. We decided to wait out the storm, eat slowly, and have a few beers...In any case, we were happy with our first dinner in Cape May. We'd likely come back, but probably try a few other places first.
(4)Tricia F.
Breakfast/brunch here is great. The staff has never been particularly friendly over the years, but the atmosphere and food are worth the visit.
(4)Mike G.
Had lunch, kind of pricy. My son ordered a peach smoothy, it was just syrup and crushed ice (disappointed)
(3)John V.
One of the definitive breakfast and brunch locations located upon Cape May Island. My wife and daughter enjoyed their breakfast immensely, as did I. The service was friendly and efficent, the food was gormet, plentyfull. The downside, it gets crowded quickly after 9 AM, and it is pricey. Worth a visit if on the island, located in an aestheticaly appealing Victorian hotel. They offer porch, interior, and terrace dinning experiences. The decor is charmign and inviting, very Earthy. A must see.
(4)Claire B.
Stopped by here around 9:30 for a drink on Saturday night. Great ambiance to sit out on their extended porch. We had Pinot Noir and a lemon cello martini. Both great.
(4)Jeffrey P.
Great honest food, spectacular martini and drink menu, easy going and relaxed atmosphere. The entire wait staff was pleasant and accommodating. Based on all the reviews I've read about breakfast, I think my expectations were a little too high. Don't get me wrong, the breakfasts are excellent, but I thought it fell just short of the hype. My wife and I will certainly be back!
(4)MaryAnn M.
Blueberry martinis are just one of the great things about this place. Awesome crabcakes. Wonderful salads and great atmosphere at the bar.
(5)Holly L.
I enjoyed Sunday brunch here this past weekend. We arrived around 9:30 am and only waited about 15 minutes for a party of four. I ordered the blueberry pancakes with oatmeal batter - it was soooo good. I was nervous the pancakes would be dried out by the oats, but it was the exact opposite - so moist! And there was a plethora of blueberries. My family had the lobster frittata and said they really liked it, too. Their large orange juice is actually quite big, so you get your money's worth there :) We dined outside on a cute porch-like setting (since the Mad Batter is connected to a hotel/bed & breakfast place). Very quaint. Our server was attentive, but not a bother. The prices were a bit steep ($12 for the frittata), but I was prepared since it's Cape May in August
(4)Tracy H.
Breakfast is the big hit at Mad Batter and it never disappoints. Try to Chesapeake Bay benedict and the oatcakes. They are delicious. If you go on Sundays they also serve some of the best bloody marys in Cape May. Parking in the area can be a little rough and the wait can be a little long on the weekends so bring quarters for the meters.
(4)Jennie S.
GET THE CRAB EGGS BENEDICT & was it down with a CLASSIC MOMOSA! You will NOT be disappointed!
(5)Noah B.
Great food! The service was a bit slow -- it took a while for my order to be taken -- but the friendliness of the staff compensated for the wait. The scallops were perfectly cooked and delicious. I had high hopes for the chicken wings, which were big, but overly breaded -- slightly disappointing. But I would definitely go back to try some of their other dishes.
(3)T.J. R.
The best pancake I've had by a mile! Not one complaint on my behalf! Their holland daze makes me craze (yes, I'm cool like that)! If I was able to have this breakfast for every meal of my life, I would be content in life. LONG LIVE THE MAD BATTER!
(5)James R.
Ordered the crab cake sandwich. Every aspect of the food was great: crab cake, remoulade, roll, fries. What spoiled the visit, though, was that Kelli, our server, seemed annoyed at having to serve us, though she did warm up slightly after a little while.
(3)Elizabeth W.
We ate lunch here with our 2 boys and absolutely loved it. I regret waiting to the last day of our trip to eat there, because I would love to dine there again, but live no where near New Jersey, so not sure I'll ever get the chance. My sons keep asking when we can go back. My husband and I ordered from the lunch menu, which was good, but what we really loved was the breakfast food my boys ordered. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious. The french toast was unreal. We had a very friendly waitress. We sat in the back porch area which was very pleasant. If you are visiting Cape May this is a place you must visit.
(5)Heidi C.
My husband and I stayed at the B&B attached to Mad Batter, Carroll Villas for one night and in the morning were given a voucher for $30 towards breakfast. We were seated on the porch and had a lovely breeze and some nice sunshine to accompany our meal. I ordered the oatmeal pancakes with fruit and my husband ordered a lobster omelet special. I got three huge fluffy pancakes, which were very good if WAY too much for one person, and a very nice selection of fruit. Hubby's omelet however was definitely of the heavy-brick-in-your-stomach variety. The omelet was topped with waxy shredded cheese and over-cooked lobster (left over from last night?) We got in just under the $30.
(3)Johnny N.
Only been here for breakfast, but I can attest that their orange french toast and oatmeal pancakes will be something you wish you could find when you get back home. Great all around breakfast! Go there!
(4)John H.
In 2011, I gave this place 4 stars...but I didn't want to mention the waitress took our 30% tip and made it 70%. I understand management let her go. We returned today with 2 other friends and were horrified at the server's treatment of us. She asked what we wanted to drink, and I mentioned we could order as well. She nodded, and when I asked for the chorizo with eggs, she nearly bit my head off, "NO! WE ARE OUT!" Then she said she wanted to take drink orders instead. She wouldn't give our table half and half so we got up to get some from another table. She returned to let us know our order was late because she forgot to submit one person's order. She spilled coffee all over the table and on my pants because she was careless --- and I wasn't drinking coffee -- it was my friend's coffee. She asked if we needed anything else while we were talking, and before we could respond she walked away saying in a snarky manner, "Well, I guess not." We are never coming back, especially since there are much better restaurants in this area.
(1)Vincent R.
Insane good. The Belgian is a must. Enjoy!
(5)Maura G.
only went here for breakfast so that's what this review covers. they made a great mimosa and a wonderful bloody mary-lots of horseradish. i had the chorizo & eggs and it was DELICIOUS! like a mexican egg burrito. and the portions were huge; i couldn't finish mine. they don't take reservation so there was a long wait, but it was worth it. we sat outside-didn't get a change to check out the inside, but it seemed a little cramped. service was ok, nothing memorable.
(3)Dana Q.
I really like it here. I love going for lunch and getting their homemade soups. And they're not your normal chicken noodle, no we're talking roasted butternut squash soup and seafood bisque. Sooo good! Their crabcakes are also pretty excellent. I'm a bit of a crabcake snob, I'm not going to lie. Theirs are sweet and a little creamy with very minimal "filling." Everything is freshly prepared with great attention to detail in an adorable dining room. I love it.
(4)Michele C.
My husband and I ate breakfast at the restaurant three days in a row, as it was comped if you stayed at the attached Carroll Villa hotel. I can only comment on the breakfasts, but they were very good. the first day i had the special -- omelet with marsala mushrooms and asiago cheese. I had it done with egg whites and I always marvel when a chef can make an egg white omelet fluffy and delicious. This one was outstanding. The mushrooms were savory and delicious. It came with whole grain toast and roasted potatoes. My husband had the orange almond french toast, which was delicious. Our second day I got the oatmeal pancakes with a side of fruit. The pancakes were savory and delicious. The fruit was boutiful and very fresh. My husband had the buttermilk pancakes which were equally good. Neither of us could finish the whole plate, though we definitely tried! The third morning, I had the granola with fresh fruit and yogurt. While the granola was delicious, the yogurt was just plain yogurt, meaning it had absolutely no taste. I didn't really like it. My husband had the cured salmon on a bagel (otherwise known as lox) and it was very good. The tomatoes were really red like they were fresh out of a garden. Service is great. The only drawback to breakfast is that there tends to be a long wait, even for hotel guests. But if you're going for breakfast, it's definitely the place to be. At night the inside bar opens up and there is great live music. Enjoy!
(3)Nicky R.
Rain was in the forecast. We hoped for the best and ventured out of our hotel for a romantic dinner. Mad Batter is always the first restaurant of our annual Cape May vacation. It's non-negotiable for both of us. As soon as we were seated, rain came down in sheets. Consequently, we instantly craved soup and steak. We enjoyed their house red wine for $23. Great wines need not be expensive. I ordered the soup special: lobster bisque. Seafood bisques are a favorite. He ordered their famous seafood chowder. I was surprised we passed up the mussels, because they're perfect. My steak was NY strip, his steak was their hanger steak. I love the subtle mustard notes in the hanger steak. The heavy rain made us feel as though we were tucked away in a special world... and we were.
(5)Ed M.
I'll always remember the Mad Batter for their sign urging you to eat dessert first. This shows a real sense of humor. But really have dinner (or lunch) first. The food is excellent, the service is good and the decor is very pleasant. And if you have any room left go ahead and have dessert.
(4)Joyce W.
I was visiting Cape May for during a weekend getaway and was researching for a few places to eat. I came across The Mad Batter several times and had high hopes. However, when we got there .. the place was quiet empty .. unlike other places ( the blue pig tavern or Freda's). The food... was just mediocre. We had their signature clam chowder ( it was very fatty with chunks of bacon..interesting twist) and their crab cake entree.. it was just aite. Service wise .. can be much improved. We were seated for good 15 minutes before anyone even asked us about water. ... i dont think i will go back =/
(2)Brian J.
Wow...after all the reviews I was disappointed. My wife's pancakes were big but really dry. Coffee and OJ was ok. My French toast was pretty good. We went in the off season when the whole town was dead (maybe 5 tables in the whole place) but still the waitress was still missing. We went to the Blue Pig the next day and had a better breakfast.
(2)Robert E.
Be prepared to wait at this place, but its worth it. Other reviewers have hit the key points and menu items, but I will suggest the eggs benedict with crab meat on top. It will surprise you! If not, like another reviewer suggested, you can always get the regular eggs benedict. Both are exceptional. A true gem at the Cape.
(4)Eric L.
My girlfriend and I have never been able to get in here for breakfast (which its known for), so we decided to try it out for dinner. There was no problem getting in and the place was really nice. We were seated outside on the balcony with a nice view of the street. I ordered the "award winning" crab cakes...they were outstanding. It came with two huge cakes, that were made up mostly of crab meat. There was some kind of creamy sauce on the plate, also delicious. I'm sure experiencing breakfast here will bump it up to 5 stars :)
(4)Gary S.
Maybe this place does better "in season" or with dinner but having had breakfast/brunch here over the past Christmas/New Year's week, I have to say it was pretty bad, and when factoring price/value ratio, REALLY terrible. Staff was friendly, and the restaurant itself is fine, but the food was barely edible. I had crabmeat benedict with a caper hollandaise sauce, and my wife had a "Swiss-style" omelet, that also included crab meat. Each was about $12. My dish was basically a couple of ordinary English muffins with a mound of "out of the can" crabmeat pieces with what seemed like an "out of the jar" hollandaise with a few capers sprinkled on the top. Even the home fries were ordinary, and a very small portion to boot, and the orange slice garnish was old and dried out. My wife's omelet was no better - the eggs way overdone, no seasoning, no flair, no presentation - barely edible. After all the raves on Yelp we were VERY disappointed.
(1)Rich I.
Place was decent. Staff was friendly. We had the crab cake sandwich and the vegetarian sandwich with Chicken (that's right, don't ask....). Both were good. The crab cake was served on a brioche that was waaaaay over sized for the circumference of the patty. I ditched the top bun and ate it with a knife and fork... The sandwich was very tasty with well placed ingredients. The spinach goat cheese salad was good but could have been dressed with less vinaigrette (it was kinda drenched) but still tasty. Decent spot to have a regular way meal!
(3)Steve S.
Very pleasant breakfast place, though be prepared to wait for a table during busy times. Juice is fresh squeezed, fruit is fresh, and the menu has some interesting b'fast items to choose from. Service was very good when we were there, even though the place was packed. Would definitely return.
(5)Ron B.
LOng wait but worth it. Blooody Mary was awesome, eggs benedict with crap was incredibly rich but great. Pancakes were good. I had eggs easy over and they had some cold uncooked egg white in them, very gross.Definitely a cool place to try.
(4)Valerie d.
I really enjoy my meals here whenever I'm in Cape May, NJ. The restaurant is decorated with a very fun spirit that you have to have a martini. The food used to be exceptional but since all the good press I'm thinking it's above average now. I always go for the crab cake but all of their fish specials are pretty good. For lunch their sandwiches are tasty but I prefer the eggs benedict if you can catch brunch. In the summer, I'd make a reservation b/c there is a very long wait!
(4)Ben J.
Yummy brunch ---though it was a much better meal and experience for us last yr. I'd go back
(4)Ray H.
My wife and I have experienced Mad Batter several times - mostly dinners on the porch overlooking the street and always ending with a delightful white choc mousse and coffee/tea. Generally speaking the dinners have been average to above average - nothing that knocks your socks off but rarely a disappointment. Today, on our way out of the Cape we decided to stop and build on this new 'tradition' for us. Seated in the back garden room we asked for water - out came two 'shot glass' size glasses of water (you know - the size you get when you're drinking something else). We ordered wings to share, a burger and a crab cake sandwich. Our server brings out the mayo we'd requested with the burger - said she was sure she'd forget it if she didn't bring it now. Cool - nothing like room temp mayo that is growing bacteria by the second. Wings came out - very underwhelming - sauce was very thin. Sandwiches came out and they were so-so (this after waiting an incredibly long time - ostensibly because we had the nerve to ask for a well done burger). Then, and without warning, the check was slapped down with a cheery "I'll take this whenever you're ready". Ok - guess she decided for us that we're not having the mousse - the main reason we came there. I was pretty disappointed this time around - not what I expected.
(2)Paul S.
Unfortunately, even though it was recommended by the B&B owner, this restaurant is over piced for what you get. Decidedly better meals at many other Cape May restaurants. Close to NYC prices but nowhere near the quality.
(2)Casey K.
We went here for brunch and had a great meal. Not too crowded, so the service was good and so was the food. Wouldnt mind going back for dinner or night life.
(4)Susan E.
We wandered in to The Mad Hatter looking for a late night dessert...was great. Went back in for Happy Hour...very happy with inexpensive martinis that even came with a metal jug with 'extra' martini! Stayed for dinner and were blown away with incredible dishes. Returned for breakfast another day...another incredible meal...shared breakfasts (two people) and had more than enough food. We ate at several restaurants while in Cape May last week of July 2008, and The Mad Hatter was the best!
(5)Angelina W.
Having heard rave reviews of this restaurant, I wanted to try it out. There were many people waiting for tables and we had a tour to be at, so we sat at the bar. The service was fast enough so we were able to get to our tour on time. We had a delicious lunch there that lived up to their reputation! The lunch prices were very reasonable (much cheaper than eating dinner there); for three of us it cost about $50, including alcoholic beverages. One person in my party ordered the clam chowder and thought it was better than The Lobster House's version. The only reason I'm not giving The Mad Batter 5 stars is because it didn't appear to be handicapped-accessible. I watched a man struggle to get his wife and her wheelchair up the stairs and into the restaurant. Also, there was a bug in the bar area (luckily for me it appeared after we'd eaten, and the bartender killed it.) I wish I had been able to attend the dinner theatre ("Helpful Hints" is now showing); I've heard great things about the show, and I'd love to try more of the food there!
(4)Andrea K.
The food here is great. The gluten-free menu leaves glutards happy. The service on the other hand is slow and full of prejudice. We had been traveling all day and looking for something to hit the spot and satisfy my dietary restrictions. Unfortunately we didn't have time to change because of travel and heavy rains and the service we received was pretty terrible. We did not receive the complimentary bread until after we ordered. Keep in mind we were not greeted or able to place our order until twenty minutes after we had been seated. Most of the time, our water glasses were empty and on top of it all the wait staff didn't know their beer menu, yet this is supposed to be a bar. When you ask someone if they have a specific drink and they ask you if you looked at the menu it seems like a pretty useless waiter. Also, no cider or gluten free beer for those of us who don't want a glass of wine or an obnoxious cocktail. Overall I have to say seeing everybody else around us being served more quickly seemed a little counterproductive. If you want to get rid of the "ugly" customers, don't serve them so slowly. Food 5/5 Ambience 4/5 Drinks 2/5 for lack of availability and knowledgeless wait staff Service 0/5
(3)Anthony S.
We made a reservation through OpenTable. Menu - definitely overpriced for what we received. A $15 Charcuterie platter with prosciutto, Genoa, and three slices of cheese was paired with grapes, mustard, and store bought crackers. I was confused. My date ordered Vegetable Ravioli for $26. I had Shrimp & Scallop Ravioli (in the same sauce) for $32, which included only 2 scallops, 4 medium shrimp, and 3 ravioli. I might've paid $25-26 for it if it was seasoned properly, but neither the seafood nor sauce had much flavor at all. Drinks - The grapefruit martini was good, and earned the place a star. The server didn't know what wine my date was talking about when she said "Dessert Riesling" even though it's listed on the menu as such. Service - Our server seemed inexperienced for the style of restaurant. More of a diner / quick-eats approach. I wouldn't go back, nor would I recommend.
(1)Jim S.
Love love love the atmosphere! The food is to die for and sitting in any area of The Mad Batter is awesome!
(5)H Y.
Great waffles! Dinner and cocktails are good there too..not just a breakfast place! Service is good too. I can see why people line up for this place.
(5)Theresa Z.
Love this place. We come here all the time. Although today I'm a little concerned about the fact that the server told us we couldn't have the mushroom taken off the veggie panini even tho the last 15 times we ate it they did it for us! Consistency is important in a good restaurant! Things like this put a bad taste in my mouth. I'm in this industry and I know that servers say no when they're just being lazy.
(3)Jessica K.
I really like the little restaurant they've got here, I've been twice - once for lunch in the summer & once in the winter. Both experiences have been very pleasant & the prices are excellent for what you get. The menu offers options for everyone, from light to hearty, plus there's fun alcoholic drinks available too, which are seasonal & inventive. Very nice people work here, from the hosts, to the bartenders & servers. It's really a great quick stop spot on Jackson street, a few strides down from the mall toward the beach. I'd highly recommended it for a swift lunch during your stay, especially if you're walking around town taking in the sights.
(4)Andrew C.
What a great spot for breakfast. My wife and I went here on a Saturday morning after a rough night! I ordered the Big Batter Breakfast that came with 3 eggs, Batter Home Fries, choice of toast, and 2 sides of meat (I chose sausage and scrapple). My wife ordered the Thick Sliced Orange and Almond French Toast which is thick sliced brioche dipped in a rich batter of heavy cream, eggs, fresh orange juice and almonds (wrote this right from the menu!). We split everything up (see pictures) because we both wanted a little bit of everything. I have to say, everything was prepared perfectly. The eggs were cooked to order, the meats were very tasty, the home fries with the onions and peppers were great, and the french toast was like nothing I've ever tasted (totally awesome!). We left very full and very satisfied. This is an excellent spot for breakfast, so don't miss it the next time you're in Cape May.
(4)Lauren B.
Great pancakes! Day 1: got pancakes, bacon, eggs, and a waffle. Day 2: got blueberry pancakes, Bacon, vegan bacon and toast. Homemade lemonade is not homemade. Its minutemaid. The pancakes are great. The waffle is average-good. Vegan Bacon.. Not good at all. I like that they offer it but it wasn't tasty or crispy at all. Service could have been better. We would come back for the pancakes.
(4)Amy K.
Showed up here without reservations...this must be something you normally shouldn't do. They told us we would have to sit outside which was actually quite fine. The outside seating is wonderful-like a charming oversized porch. We enjoyed watching Cape May from here. The service was good and the food was enjoyable. My husband really wants to try breakfast next time we are in town this July. I had the crab cakes. They were good, although my favorite crab cakes are still from the Cape May Fish Market. These were still tasty. Overall, the ambiance is good, the service is nice, and the food is good. Well worth the trip.
(4)Scott B.
Great food, good service! We went here three times over the course of a weekend visit to Cape May. This place came highly recommended by friends. We went there for brunch on our second day and had an excellent experience. Service was great, I got a delicious Bloody Mary and my fiancé got an equally excellent Bellini. We both really enjoyed our meals! We came back that night for drinks and apps before dinner. We sat at the bar and got the cheese plate, which was awesome! Bartenders were busy but very attentive! And we had brunch there on our last day before we left. The waitress forgot to put our food in. She told us that the kitchen was backed up, but myself and my fiancé both having been servers, we know that means she forgot. Especially when everyone else was getting food on time. And the waitress was looking stressed. But we were in no rush and we didn't hold it against her. She was very nice and apologetic. And when our food did come, it was good! Great place, good vibes, fun setting! Definitely recommend!
(4)The R.
Breakfast was awesome! Very fresh and tasty. It didn't hurt that they had early morning bloody Mary's available
(4)Chrissy T.
It's just ok. It wasn't bad and it wasn't good. Just ok. The price was way more than it should have been for what it was.
(3)Angela G.
Burger was decent, service was pretty good. The prices were a little high for the quality. My table-mate had the pancakes, and they looked amazing. He said they were just okay. I'd come back, but next time I'll stick with breakfast.
(3)Pasquale R.
We were looking for a cool place to grab lunch during the off season and noticed there were some good reviews about this place. I know they are known more for their music and casual dinner but we stopped in anyway. We were seated in the back with the open windows and a view of their fenced in garden. We were quickly greeted by our waitress and she brought out our drinks pronto (I had their margarita and the Mrs. stuck with aqua). Their lunch is merged with their breakfast menu so you have multiple options. Based on previous reviews, we ordered their bayberry wings (tossed in Thai honey hot sauce). They were money. They were large and had lots of meat on them. I ordered something off their special menu. Pulled pork sandwich which was very good. The pulled pork wasn't swimming in sauce or saturating the bun. Plus it tasted like it was just off the bone. A good choice. The Mrs. had the crabcake sandwich. It was good but nothing like having one in Baltimore. Their fries were decent. Prices were also respectable. The vibe was casual. We didn't have a chance to go in the evening but it could be a good stop to catch some tunes, grab a brew and relax. ENJOY!
(4)Tracy B.
Going downhill fast. I've eaten here every summer for the past 15 years. But the last few years the quality is declining. They don't change the menu at all and the food preparation is inconsistent at best. I ordered the prime rib ($32) and asked for it cooked medium. It was charred well done and I was given a dull knife to hack away at it. The waitress (Carol) was rude. She dubiously inspected it when told her. The second time it came back cooked medium. It was ok. But my kid ordered a turkey burger on a pretzel bun. The burger was way over spiced and rude Carol insisted the kaiser roll was a pretzel bun. Delusional. Needless to say, I won't be coming back to this very pretty, but unsatisfying Cape May institution.
(2)Ali H.
Went here for breakfast, next time I will try pancakes or french toast. I got the chorizo wrap; I was expecting a little kick but all I could taste was tortilla wrap. The whole thing was bland. For two orange juices it was $13, but it was good. Will try again and get something else.
(3)R S.
Seriously overrated and they are racist! If you are not white, don't even bother because you will not only wait much longer for a table but you will also be ignored the entire time.
(1)Al I.
Great breakfast! Generous portions, friendly wait staff and reasonably priced. Some unique dishes too, gluten free and vegan stuff.
(5)Craig K.
My favorite in Cape May. Hey day drinking starts at 10:00 with Manmosas. Home cooked chips are a must
(5)Michelle Y.
Two breakfasts in one weekend. Very good creative dishes. Reasonable prices, nice atmosphere. Service ws fine
(4)James S.
Really cool restaurant located on the bottom floor of a beautiful hotel that feels like a bed and breakfast, The Carroll Villa. First experience was happy hour. This thing goes for three hours and everything but top shelf and this giant group sized drink is half priced. Yea. Think about that. My wife and I got 3 rum and cokes, a pumpkin beer, and a martini and our bill came to a whopping $16. Being used to Philly drink prices, I almost fell off my barstool when I saw this miniature check. Awesome. Also saw a ton of food coming out, like burgers and wings. It smelt like heaven, but we had dinner reservations elsewhere. The following morning we came down for breakfast with our voucher from The Carroll Villa for $30. That $30 went miles. We both got big breakfasts. I got my signature omelet of bacon, ham, tomato, onion, and cheddar, which basically was priced for each of my extra ingredients. Super fluffy and absolutely erupting with my ingredients. Hash browns were pretty darn tasty as well. Also got two free mimosa's with our Living Social deal. Our bill for an enormous breakfast was about $22. Only negative of this experience was on our arrival. We walked into the restaurant at 7:54. A server quickly approached us and stated "we're not open 'til 8." We were well aware, but she came off a little rude and could have added we would be with you in a minute or something of that nature. About two minutes later another couple walked in and were greeted by a different server who told them the same thing, but offered to seat them in the mean time. That's what I would have liked. The server who greeted us ended up being our server for breakfast and she was fine. Just that initial greeting rubbed us the wrong way. Otherwise, great experience and would recommend it to anyone in the area.
(4)Billy P.
My wife went here twice. She had pancakes and french toast and loved them both. I had a peppers and onions with mushrooms omelette with home fries and rye toast. My food was good, but nothing incredible. Pretty pedestrian breakfast food. Atmosphere inside was nothing special. Our server was very nice and made a great suggestion for my wife to split her pancakes and french toast since she couldn't decide. It was a great idea and saved us a dollar. So, it's not all bad. My wife said her friends and her really enjoyed their food when they had dinner. A mixed bag overall.
(3)Steve N.
The ambiance on the porch is wonderful. It was such a pleasure to sit outside looking onto the tree lined street on a sunny afternoon. My wife's turkey burger was overcooked. The fresh cut fries were excellent. My blackened fish sandwich was good, but not extraordinary. Two screwups by our waitress. First; we asked for water with our drink orders, which never showed up. Second; I asked the waitress if the fish chowder was white or red. She replied that it was red. It turned out to be a white, cream based soup. It was delicious, but I probably would not have ordered it had I known it was cream based.
(3)Kathy N.
Highly recommended by the lingerie shop in town. The girl must be related to the owner. The food was horrible. My friend and I both had crab bisque. It was so think and floury I felt like I at a brick. Then the chicken Caesar salad came. I eat Caesar everywhere I go. I've never had radicchio in it. The dressing was old and tasted like it was scraped from the lid of a rancid mayonnaise jar. You know what that tastes like. Dry toast as croutons. The chicken was palatable but the salad was not Caesar. It was tasteless, except for the rancid mayo lid. My friend ate a mixed greens salad w shrimp. Also tasteless. No zing. Don't eat there. Very, very overpriced. 2 cups soup, 2 salads, 2 cups of tea. $39.95 and that was after a 15% coupon the lingerie shop gave us. Don't do it. There's much more to choose from in town!
(1)Jana O.
Yes the Chesapeake Benedict was good the crab pieces were plentiful and the sauce didn't separate -the capers are usually something I dislike but just right with the crab. My husband ordered oatmeal pancakes with blueberries which were fresh and the serving was huge. Glad we have a fridge where we are staying to keep left overs! Even better was getting a large pint glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. On the pricey side but you are in the center of vacation city!
(4)Sara L.
Service wasn't exceptional but was pretty good. The fish and chips - and pina colada - were amazing!
(5)Beth G.
A must in Cape May!! Food is excellent. Cooked perfectly and was served hot with a smile. Only one complaint or inconvenience was their credit card machine was down but they had an ATM but of course a surcharge of $2. We will definitely be regulars when we vacation in Cape May!!!
(5)Marissa C.
I recently went back to the Mad Batter their breakfast. My husband and I started with some Bloody Mary's and then I ordered the Chesapeake Bay Benedict and he ordered the Croustade. Both hit the spot, but every time some pancakes went by, I started to drool a little. I'm definitely going to have to try those next time!
(3)Matthew F.
Really cool place right off the boardwalk in Cape May. Great porch offers cool outdoor dining and great people watching. Food was really tasty. Staff very friendly.
(4)Benjamin M.
I popped in here for a quick drink on my way to somewhere else and ended up staying a little longer than planned. Was it the older gentlemen entertaining everyone by crooning out some classic tunes while strumming his acoustic guitar? Was it the entertaining Happy Hour crowd at the bar, laughing and carrying on? Was it the fairly decent beer selection or the fact that one of the March Madness games was showing on the overhead bar? Not entirely sure, but the combination of all of the above made for a fun visit. If I wouldn't have eaten dinner somewhere else, I might have stayed a bit longer. 3.5 Stars.
(3)Herbie H.
I came here with my family for a nice Sunday breakfast during the off-season and was not disappointed. I was expecting something kind of touristy and kitschy, based on the name alone - but didn't find any of that in this nice, friendly, low-key restaurant with delicious food. I had a fantastic Bloody Mary that came in a mason jar. It was big, spicy, flavorful, and delicious. Not a bad way to start your morning at all. For breakfast, I ordered the Chorizo + Egg burrito with home fries. The menu said the chorizo is house made, so I gave it a try. All in all, it was a tasty burrito with chorizo, scrambled eggs, cheese, onions and pepers. Nothing really earth-shattering, but one of my favorite breakfast items. Everyone else in my family got sweet breakfasts, and they all loved their meals. I snuck a few bites and everything I tried was good. The service was friendly and happy. The restaurant was clean and not too loud or awkwardly quiet. I'd be curious to see how much more chaotic it gets in the summer.
(4)Danielle N.
I absolute love this place! Have been going here for about 15 years! I cannot make a trip to Cape May without stopping here for breakfast! I love it so much I even had my rehearsal dinner here ten years ago. Impeccable service! Awesome food!
(5)Pe C.
My husband and i ate here over a long wkend, we had a great tym dining in for breakfast & dinner. Bfast was d best one! The french toast wd almonds was d best and wr craving for it everyday haha! We hav a $30 voucher and 2 mimosa drinks courtesy of groupon! Downside of it was d waiters were not yet very familiar of how D voucher worked and how to take it off our check! Everything else was good!
(4)Oliver V.
Went here for dinner. Nice decor. Food was good. Server was not very knowledgeable or helpful.
(3)Rich H.
We had the crab cake sandwich and blackened fish sandwich and it was awesome. You can't go wrong. The outdoor seating was also really nice. If you like great stouts, try the Cape May Mop water. Awesome taste for the holiday season.
(4)Pattie K.
SO glad to have found this place. I'm gluten sensitive so this was heaven.
(5)Louis D.
Great bar beer selection. The wings are so good they run out. Staff is a bit chatty and not very attentive but very friendly. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Andrea F.
Mad Batter is in a great location but the service is just eh. The food is good but not spectacular. I usually get the blackened fish sandwich, very tasty.
(3)Jeremy F.
Go here! Friendly service, amazing food. 15 minute wait for a late breakfast in october, but it was worth it. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious, solid home fries and sausages. Scrambled eggs were on point as well. The coffee was great and the waitress was quick with the refills. Took some time to get our food because of a large party that got there ahead of us, but overall an excellent experience.
(4)Angela H.
In historic Cape May there are quite a few tasty treats and shoppes to dig into. Well, add Mad Batter to the list for a lunch, dinner or a trip to the bar. Mad Batter serves an appetizing dinner to the tune of $15 - $30. Dinner is generally served after 5 pm and although hours may vary, the bar remains running for happy hour specials (excludes top shelf). One point to make is that between the artwork, mosaics and unique window detail TMB is worth a visit for that alone. If artsy-fartsy is your thing then you're in the right spot. There is a small capacity at The Mad Batter so reservations are suggested. In fact, the 5 pm dinner crowd arrived on time and took over a few sections while we enjoyed drinks at the bar. Besides a few hiccups, Mad Batter is worth a solid 4 star. There is a sample menu online but our order is not listed. I had a Chicken Waldorf Sandwich on croissant with substitution salad instead of the french fries ($13). My date had a Blackened Grouper Sandwich with french fries ($13). Along with our meal was a courtesy bread basket with butter and spices (mainly salt). The Chicken Waldorf was heavy on the dressing but still, very yummy with the fresh bread. The salad was of tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots on dark greens and a light dressing. My guest really enjoyed his dish; thick cut french fries accompanied his fish that was cooked to perfection.
(4)Sarah J.
This has been an absolute FAVORITE restaurant of mine! I have been to this spot for many summers. Their breakfast is an absolute must have if you are in southern New Jersey! Very friendly staff, quaint, and delicious food! I would highly recommend the original buttermilk pancakes!
(5)Aubrey M.
Our family has enjoyed breakfast at the Mad Batter for over 30 years! It is the ONLY place we will go for breakfast when on vacation in Cape May! The atmosphere is great and the food is amazing!!! The food is always hot and fresh. Definitely try the orange/almond French toast or the eggs benedict. They also have some vegan and gluten free choices too!
(5)Petrie H.
Really not good place for dinner. Had clam chowder which was very runny. And worst was the crab cake sandwich. Soggy brioche bread, not too much crab meat. Not recommend.
(1)Angi A.
Loved the breakfast here....had about a 20 minute wait to get in, but was worth it. Once we ordered, the food came really fast. We had yummy eggs benedict, great home fries, and amazing pancakes and bacon.
(5)Kristen B.
Incredible breakfast. High quality ingredients. The best pancakes I've had in a long time. Yummy bacon. Don't miss this place.
(4)Matthew S.
Service here is outstanding. Servers were friendly and funny. We got breakfast and it was absolutely delicious! Personally I got the buttermilk pancakes and they were to die for. I highly recommend this place for breakfast, as thats what its most well known for.
(5)Christopher D.
Excellent and affordable breakfast with outside seating. A modern breakfast alternative to a pancake house.
(5)Andrew M.
Only been here for breakfast. Good over all. No complaints. Sometimes a long wait. But good place at least for breakfast.
(4)Alexia G.
I thought my first breakfast experience was phenomenal here! I shared scrambled eggs and blueberry buttermilk pancakes with my boyfriend. The sausages and bacon were cooked perfectly. The waitress was very friendly. A huge plus was that they offered almond milk for my coffee! Loved everything about this place!
(5)Missa B.
Great happy hour! Every day from 3-6pm Half price martinis! :) 9 bucks for two plus we got side cars! Great atmosphere & great breakfast too!!!
(4)Don D.
Went to Mad Batter for Father's Day breakfast. The food was very good. I got the lobster and crab omelet, and a chocolate martini - hey, it was fathers day, and I thought of it like chocolate milk with a kick. Overall the food was good, the service was prompt and friendly, and we enjoyed a great morning eating outside in beautiful Cape May. A good spot for breakfast, and will likely return.
(4)Jeffrey S.
We had a great dinner. My wife had a scallop special and they were GIANT! and tasty. I had the crab cakes and they were good. We had some great drinks as well.
(4)Jessica W.
Cute place, a lot of history. Good service. Enjoyed my anniversary dinner here very much. Fun night out but casual and homey.
(4)Joanne T.
We came here for lunch this week and was able to get a seat on the patio within 10 minutes. We each ordered some frozen cocktail concoctions which were both too sweet. I ordered the soft shell crab special which came with size of sweet potato fries. Sad to say i enjoyed the fries more than the actual sandwich. I couldn't really taste crab. There was just too much batter and the crab was over fried. The bf enjoyed his chicken wrap. He mentioned that the sauce was a plus. This place was next to our hotel which was convenient.
(3)Til T.
I really liked it here. There was no wait on a Saturday night and we had the nicest most welcoming server! He was so helpful and really attentive. The soup du jour was a seafood bisque and you could see actual chunks of lobster, shrimp and mussels. It was melt in your mouth seafood goodness. The crab cake was also very good. It was huge and very lightly breaded mostly crabmeat. It was a bit pricey though....$14 The poached pear was also noteworthy. It was stuffed with chocolate than dipped in chocolate! The ambiance was great. We sat inside and was able to really admire the victorian architecture. We were also treated to the sounds of a fantastic songstress. Next time we are in Cape May we will definitely stop by again.
(4)Chris L.
Do not get what the rave is about... Breakfast was bland and tasteless. Could have made a better breakfast at home... Waitress was nice, prices were reasonable but ALL the food was terrible
(2)Peter A.
Went for breakfast. A little crowded and the food was nothing special. Price was a little high for breakfast. Atmosphere was nice because you can sit in a porch-like setting or in the terrace (or inside of course). Location is good because it's only a block from the beach.
(2)L C.
I had the Waldorf chicken salad with a side a fruit. Yummy, but HUGE! He had the crab cake sandwich & fries & said the sandwich & sauce were tasty. We only ended up here because it was after 2 & George's was closed. $37 for lunch without alcohol.
(4)Jose T.
We went for dinner on 8/24/2013. We got the without reservation. So the next available reservation was an hour. Which was cool cause we wanted to walk around Cape May. They sat us in the rear of the restaurant. The waiter that attended us was really nice and gave us good great tips. Wish i remembered his name but im bad at that. Anyways we had for appetizer was the crab cakes. Really delicious. And also A fresh Mozzarella wit tomato. Also good. I Had a special which was Tuna with a cilantro and lemon sauce with rice and bean. Really damn good. My kids had spaghetti wit meatballs and they really loved it. Ate it all too. And for dessert a chocolate cake. I would go again if i lived closer.
(4)Susan G.
If nothing else please go here for a mimosa! There are out of this world and I was only able to try two (the regular kind and the pomegranate one). My friend had the crab cakes and said the homemade tartar sauce is the best she's ever had. I am gluten free and had the margarita pizza which was good - a little bland though. But the crust was very good. Overall I definitely recommend and they have a separate gluten free menu - which is nice and makes me feel like they really understand what gluten is and why it's important for some people to avoid it.
(4)Madhuvika M.
love the buttermilk pancakes and georgian eggs. The interior decor is pretty with multi-colored glass pebbles stuck to the windows.
(5)Kat B.
Happy breakfast memory in a colorful busy Victorian mansion.
(5)Kathleen M.
Just back from a ladies brunch. Local but hadn't been in years. Loved our brunch-won't be long before I return. One of us had a clam chowder-she thought it was delicious -tho different from the creamy white chowder- more brothy but great flavored. The other 3 if us had a breakfast special- lobster & shrimp frittata . Nice combination we all cleaned our plates . They had a great selection of mimosas' our waitress Luz recommended the chambord mimosa -excellent suggestions. Luz did a great job-warm friendly & not afraid to make suggestions!
(5)Jeff A.
For dinner, we got two steak special entrees at $30 a piece and they were undercooked and extremely grisly. The description of the food did not match the meal and neither did the price. I bet this place is good for breakfast? Dinner menu and dinner cooking needs work.
(2)April M.
What an awesome little nook practically hidden in the heart of Victorian Cape May! I recently visited Cape May (obviously offseason, which I highly recommend by the way), and my boyfriend and I decided to stop by Mad Batter for an early Saturday Happy Hour. Nothing we had or experienced deserved to be granted anything less than 5 stars. We sat at the bar which was slowly beginning to fill with friendly locals and respectful tourists. We were greeted by every staff member with a warm smile, and when I asked one of the bartenders if she was a fan of the Samuel Adams seasonal beer, she went right over to the tap and poured me a sample! The other bartender was a young guy who's knowledge about sports won me over instantly. I think the beers were between $3-4, which I was very willing to pay to soak up not only the alcohol, but the pleasant atmosphere as well. The skylight windows gave the place a cozy feel and really complimented the various shades of blue they had around the bar. They brought out some party mix to munch on shortly after we ordered our pints... a happy hour classic!
(5)Raymond G.
Much smaller than I expected. I had the tuna salad on a croissant but I think they gave me chicken salad. It was good though. My wife had the gluten free blackened fish. It was a little too juicy and messy. Bread was ok but next time she will go with the burger.
(3)Natalie M.
What a treat! My husband and I took a chance based on the Yelp reviews and were extremely pleased! My husband had the crabs eggs Benedict that he enjoyed and I fell in love with my almond orange French Toast. You have to get that, the batter is made with cream so the French Toast was fluffy and so flavorful, and with the almond orange mixed in with it, it was perfect! Coffee tasted freshly brewed and it was a cute place. We sat on the front porch and enjoyed the start of our day.
(4)Veruca H.
Went here for breakfast with our party of 14...The service was very accommodating and friendly and the food great!...A little pricey, but since the food was so great its worth the few extra dollars!!
(4)Kerry B.
Loved, loved, loved the food and building. If you can deal with the rude and seemingly miserable waitress (typical in this town for some reason), then I say go for it! A long wait to get seated but its totally worth it.
(4)Kristen V.
It is a great place to eat in cape may and beautiful inside. The rooms are very nice too. Maybe one year I will stay there. I love the food and the wait is not that long :-)
(4)TJ S.
Good food and generous portions. You could do way worse in Cape May.
(4)Joe G.
I went for breakfast and got seated rather quickly on the outdoor front porch. (a little line formed thereafter) It has a very nice vibe sitting on the porch looking at the old houses along Jackson Street. My wife got a veggie omelet which was huge and I got a simple eggs and bacon. Mine was a bit over priced at $8 for 2 eggs and 3 slices of bacon. They had a lot of options for omelets including ones with lobster and shrimp. We got pancakes for our child. The service was good and the atmosphere nice. A pleasant breakfast. A bit pricey at $40 including tip. I would be open to going back for dinner on a nice Cape May night
(3)Ellen P.
Fantastic!This cute little place is right by the main shopping area in Cape May. They have great outdoor dining on the front porch, as well as inside. We loved the atmosphere! The food was awesome. i had the seabass and it was so moist and flavorful. Me sister who is a vegan had the Vegan raviolis and raved about them. I wish we had time for dessert because it looked amazing. This is a must visit spot!
(5)Christina C.
Our favorite restaurant in Cape May. We've only been here for lunch but I've heard the breakfast is amazing. Their porch is very charming and we love the food and drink menu.
(5)Angelo R.
My girlfriend had been to this place several weeks earlier with her sisters and had such a great time she booked the bed n breakfast above it for my birthday. Unfortunately my eggs benedict with lump crabmeat smelled fishy. i sent it back and had a good egg breakfast, I wanted to try something different than eggs over easy that I could get at any diner. The service was great which can be difficult to find at a vacation spot. The juices were fresh squeezed. I will definitely try it again
(2)Jacki K.
We were referred to this place from the Bed and Breakfast we were staying at. I was horribly disappointing with the actual food that came out. The only thing that tasted good was the crab bisque which we both really enjoyed. We also ordered the crab cake which tasted as though it had been thrown in a microwave and dropped on the plate. The sauce that came with it was not prepared well and the back fell apart once a fork was put into it. However, the salad appeared to be thrown on a plate from an opened bag purchased from a grocery store and the leaves were wilted. We order Chilean Sea Bass, never order top shelf fish from a diner I guess because it was served on a bed of overly soggy rice and the appearance was a mess. The fish was under cooked and for a $32 entree I would have expected it to taste and appear better than it did. We ordered the ganache cake and once more had expected it to be full of fudge however it was just a ganache overlay and the enter inside was just cake with little flavor. All in all I feel very disappointing that I wasted my 1 of 2 nights in cape may on this as my dinner instead of really getting to eat a great fish meal. The total bill was $96 before tax and tip and we left feeling as though we had just thrown that $96 dollars in the toilet... I am now forever more reading travelzoo's reviews which stated it was not for dinner!
(2)Janine F.
We specifically made a reservation for 5 asking to be seated outside. The reason we made the reservation was just so we could sit outside. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to enjoy our meal outside. When we got there they said seating outside is only for 4 or less. They were not polite and did not care that we were going to leave. We left and enjoyed a wonderful meal elsewhere...outside.
(1)Craig G.
Went there twice for breakfast in the same trip. Large variety of items on their menu. They even have a gluten free menu. I would definitely return to Mad Batter the next time I am in Cape May!
(4)Danielle C.
Mad Batter fits into every quintessential Cape May trip... such a cute little cafe in the Carrol Hotel. Sit on the porch, feel the breeze, admire the Old Vicotrian Homes on the street, sip on sangria, enjoy a crab cake and ahhhhhhhhhhhh ..... this is vacation! Was able to find a table for two on the porch pretty easily for a Saturday afternoon (1:30pm). Crabcake sandwich was crab heavy and not too greasy. I substitted the fries with a side salad for no extra charge. Recommend making reservations for dinner.... great for a date... great for family meal...
(4)Craig D.
We had our only bad meal in Cape May at the Mad Batter, but fortunately we at least paid a high price for the experience. My wife was actually ill that evening and the next morning from eating her Alfredo which was more sauce than pasta, and also served room temperature. My 23 year old son who usually eats not only his meal, but samples everyone else's, ate only half of his crabcake sandwich and fries. Amazing! I wanted to swap fries that came with my $33 steak out for any vegetable or salad, and they "upcharged" me $2.50 for that. That is patently ridiculous. And to round out the foursome, my youngest daughter picked the meat off her chicken wings to find something that didn't have the bad flavor of the Thai BBQ sauce on the outside. After my dry, overcooked, and pricey omelette in the morning, this dinner's poor food coupled with poor customer service (up charging even with exorbitant original prices) means we won't be throwing our money away at the Mad Batter next year when we vacation in Cape May again.
(1)Dean H.
Great place to eat for family with baby. The staffs are very accommodating and the food was great.
(5)Anna R.
My family and I come down to cape may all the time. This was our first visit to the Mad Batter. The whole family of 7 ate like kings. The food was out of this world. I had the 3 egg omelet it was done perfectly. I stole some of my husband's Almond - orange French toast soooo good. The pancakes were fluffy and light. Definitely worth the wait if there is a line.
(5)Shane D.
I stopped in for breakfast based on a recommendation. However, I was disappointed in the quality & presentation of the meal. As with the shore trend, a bit overpriced for the overall meal. The potatoes were lackluster, the pancakes were a bit dry, and chilly to the taste. I will give a 3 star for the view, drinks, & bartending staff. We did have a nice view of the garden in the rear of the restaurant; and the breakfast cocktail menu is extensive and interesting. My mimosa was the best part of breakfast! I have stopped in for evening cocktails since my breakfast visit. Bartenders are friendly, professional, and can make a delicious drink!
(3)Stefanie B.
Very good bloody mary's!! Didn't eat here but the place was packed and there was a wait.
(4)C K.
We ate here twice for dinner because it was close to where we were staying and easy. I had halibut both times. It was good but the sauces were heavy. I prefer lighter more flavorful sauces that don't just rely on cream and butter. My husband had the scallop and shrimp sauté with lobster ravioli. He didn't like it at all, it was drowned in too much sauce and the lobster ravioli were bland. Cesar salads were just ok. He really liked the crab cakes. Wait staff was friendly and efficient. Worth a trip, but only if you order the right thing. Our waitress was honest and told us what NOT to order which helped.
(4)Gary K.
Great breakfasts! Get there early because it get crowded fast! We called ahead for a table for 10+ people and they seated us when we arrived. Great food and great service.
(4)K J.
Came in late & only at the bar....but came in with my mom & had a blast! The apps were great & the drinks were amazing! The live music is for the "older generation" but I loved it either way & found myself singing along while stuffing my face & enjoying my drink, plus the bartenders were very attentive! Will be going back in a day or two!
(4)Robert O.
SO this place is in constant rotation with the wife and I. Great location, great building and part of the renaissance that has become Cape May. Portions are large and usually well seasoned. Always a hit is the bisque. This Saturday they had crab, and it was fantastic. Service average. It's fun and catchy right off of Jackson Mall. Go there to have fun, not get a 5 star meal. Live entertainment is usually available in the bar area.
(3)Mike T.
I had breakfast here and it was fantastic. Coffee was really good. Service was also very friendly. I had the French toast, they make it with an almond spin to it and it blew me away. I would definitely be coming back here. Also. It seems like it would be expensive a but I was surprised by how inexpensive it was. Great place. I'd go again.
(5)Jennica S.
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because our first attempt to eat here involved the hostess getting snippy, literally laughing at us for asking for a table for 4 when we hadn't made a reservation. It was a Sunday night and there were open tables on the front porch, so we figured there wasn't a wait. She told us we could've had a table within an hour, but was very rude about it. Like we should've known to make a reservation when very few other places in town require one for a small party. My dad didn't even want to go back, but the menu looked promising so we made a reservation two nights later. All of the food was delicious, as were the drinks. White zin was crisp and bloody Mary's were fresh and original. Salmon, scallops, and steak/crab cake combo were wonderful. I had the salmon and was stuffed by the time I was done. The avacado on top paired wonderfully and the homemade Redskin mashed potatoes and corn medley were tasty, too. My mom and boyfriend got the sirloin/crab cake combo. My boyfriend liked the crab cakes so much he wished he would've just got that meal instead. My dad is a scallop man and said they didn't disappoint. The tab was high, but it was really quality food and our waitress was very pleasant and helpful. I loved the fresh baked rolls too, still hot when delivered to our table. Most of us agreed that it was our best meal all week. The front porch dining was lovely in the evening, nice breeze from the fans and fun to watch people exploring.
(4)Angela M.
I have been here several times now. We often sit at the bar for drinks and they have great happy hour specials. The bar service can be questionable depending who is working. We have been there enough times now to know who is going to be on their phone instead of waiting on you. As for the dinner service, the food is excellent and the staff is better. Highly recommend their wings as an appetizer and crab cakes for an entree.
(4)Marlene O.
I made a Yelp account just to make this review! This restaurant is AMAZING!! The ambience is perfect for a date night. I visited Cape May for the first time and had my birthday dinner there. They started off the night with fresh baked bread and olive oil with crushed peppers. We ordered the steamed mussels as our appetizer. The best mussels I have ever had! We each had an entree I had the stuffed branzino. Whole fish stuffed with shrimp onions pepper sweet potatoes and avocados. He had the filet mingon with crab cakes! Everything cooked perfectly. Made my experience at Cape May that much better! It is by far the best meal I have ever had! Thank you Mad Batter for the best experience ever!
(5)Greg T.
Good breakfast spot if you are not staying at a B&B or if you just want to mix it up. My favorite is the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. Service is always nice and you can dine al fresco when the weather is good. Worth a stop in if you are staying on the island.
(4)Sujay T.
Amazing breakfast/brunch!! Loved the pancakes, waffles and egg preparations. Huge portions!! Coffee is not very good.
(5)Heather A.
Family breakfast on the porch. Have been here for dinner, as well. Had a fabulously fresh blueberry martini (dinner visit). Enjoyed their eggs Benedict and fresh fruit cup. Prompt & friendly service. Would visit again.
(5)Ray F.
The food was very flavorful and good. Most places for breakfast offer the same menu but can be a miss if done the wrong way. Those who read my posting know how picky I can be, yes still like the annoying child I was when I was young to my parents. The sausage had a good flavor and the casing had a snap to it cooked right. Eggs were very fluffy! Got butter on the side for my toast which is a relief cause you say lightly butter in many places and you'd swear they use a paddle boat oar! The fries seemed home made which is a nice touch with sea salt. Compared to my dinner the previous night being here seemed like 5 star meal. Not that I'm taking away from what was a very well made and cooked meal. Bacon was crisp and not oily or flimsy like that stick of gum which sat in your hot pocket or bag. Obviously it must be good if they have people waiting for larger groups.
(3)Thomas A.
Early morning we walk up to the Mad Batter (after heavy recommendations from trusted friends) which is surrounded by all of these beautiful old homes, the sun doing its best to pierce through the trees, and we knew we were in for a real treat as we were seated outside in the front. I like to think I make a damn fine batch of homefries and always appreciate them out for breakfast. I'm sad to report that my old favorite homefries (from The Greeks in Kearny) have been usurped by the Mad Batter. They are unreal. (The rest of the breakfast was top-notch as well... from coffee to fruitbreads to pancakes.) We came a few days later for dinner and it was just as good and this time we ate inside and it's really a stunning restaurant all around. Highly recommended.
(5)Gene C.
Awesome happy hour! Nice martini selection, beer selection a little weak. I had the Bronzino stuffed with sweet potato and avocado. Very good. The whole fish, with the head and the tail, but happily it comes with the bones removed. Seating on the deck is nice for dinner, be sure to ask for a good spot so you don't get stuck by the kitchen door or something.
(4)Julie T.
Came here for dinner. Food was decent, nothing outstanding. It was a little pricey for what we got. On the plus side . . . They have a full gluten free menu and there are also some vegan options. We'll be back to try it for breakfast or lunch,
(3)Jennifer N.
Loved their breakfast!!! The bread was amazingly moist. The drinks were excellent! Make sure you go early in the morning so you don't have much of a wait!
(5)Flo H.
We went for brunch, had a burger and eggs benedict. Very basic and bland. Actually, the eggs made me nauseous. The selection is so large, some may like it, we found it overwhelming. When a restaurant has too much to offer, it's not always a good sign that the cooks take the time to master each dish... Service was nice... We won't go back
(2)jim m.
Very very good batter.. I was one of the best pancakes I Have ever had. GREAT cozy feel and great service. This rates on the top of my list of returns to make on my next trip to Cape May
(4)Jennifer J.
We went this past Friday and our waiter was great! He was friendly, informative, made us laugh and brought us everything we needed. The food and drinks were great and nice portions. We sat out near the window in the back near the garden. I had the fish tacos. The Wings were Very Good! Was a nice fun lunch. No complaints. :)
(5)David M.
A Cape May institution, very good for both breakfast and dinner. The sea bass is a standout. Lovely porch and very nice service. Expensive, but most Cape May places are. Frequent live music. The nice adjoining B&B offers substantial discounts here.
(4)Tara S.
Girlfriend and I went here on Friday 8/21 based on a recommendation from a friend - she warned us to get there early otherwise we would end up waiting.... we woke up early, and planned our whole morning around this. We got there right at opening, and got a seat outside. There was only about 3 small families in front of us, so we were seated right away... It was perfect timing! We sat outside on the porch, and because it was earlier in the morning there was a nice breeze. As we ate breakfast, the line grew... and when we later pulled around the block it was all the way down the sidewalk!! -if you plan to go for breakfast, go early! Hostess was sweet, and our waitress was really really sweet! I had a mimosa to start, she had an iced coffee - both good choices. For breakfast, we were conflicted as the menu was separated into "eggs" or "batter" and all options looked amazing. Everyone raves about the batters, but the eggs were really speaking to me... I wanted both eggs and batter - luckily our waitress advised us that the pancakes can be ordered in short-stacks, which solved our dilemma. I ended up getting the "Croustade" (which our waitress recommended) and my girlfriend got the "Big Batter Breakfast" and we split a short stack of 2 regular pancakes. My eggs were amazing! They were like an egg scramble with all sorts of flavors in it, and piled onto this thick piece of bread. I ended up taking the eggs off the bread, and eating them plain. It was perfect, since we split the short stack. My girlfriend said her plate was very good too - and the pancakes were some of the best pancakes I have ever had... they tasted like cake batter, but not as sweet.. also, very fluffy!! Cannot wait to return next summer to try the blueberry batters!! *note: we rode by on bikes around late lunch time and the lunch food looked just as good as the breakfast food! Line was really long though. We will most definitely be back to try the blueberry batters and lunch!
(5)Johnny C.
Pancakes, waffles were all tasty. Fresh squeeze OJ and apple juice were a must have. Wait staff was also very friendly and attentive.
(5)Michelle C.
I had the pleasure of having Sunday brunch at the Mad Batter. boy oh boy is the food good! I visited Cape may this past weekend, and was asking some of the residents of a good restaurant. Couple of people had recommended the Mad Batter for their food. I didn't get to try dinner but made sure to stop in for brunch. Was at a table of 4, and each plate looked so delicious and everyone was raving. The almond /orange French toast is to die for! Definitely worth checking out while you are in Cape May! They have a little outside sitting area for anyone who wants fresh air and people watching.
(5)Kate M.
DO NOT BOOK A GROUP HERE. I was extremely disappointed with the way we were treated this past weekend. We were a group of 20, but expected to be as quiet as a group of 2. They obviously do not want to accommodate a group, so please avoid booking one!!
(1)Sandood A.
We had reservations for dinner Friday night. We arrived promptly at 5pm when they open for dinner (although the bar is open before that time). The staff were extremely courteous and helpful. I asked for the gluten-free menu (it was the only reason we chose to eat here). There were a lot of choices and I went with the GF cheese pizza. Everything else was pricier ($30-$40 range) and I didn't feel like spending that much. So I went with the pizza and unfortunately it was disappointing. The dough was "okay" for GF crust but the sauce and cheese had no flavor. I tried salt & pepper to give it more flavor but it was overall awful and almost inedible (for $18 that is!). Needless to say, I am very disappointed and won't be returning. The only reason I am giving the place 2 stars is because the service was excellent and our waitress was very professional! DON'T EAT HERE. I RECOMMEND YB PLACE. EXCELLENT FOOD AND THEY WILL MODIFY FOOD FOR GF Folk.
(2)Dasha K.
First, a hostess yelled out that we can't bring in the stroller. Apparently the restaurants do not allow to bring in strollers, but we found out from another guest, not from the "friendly" staff. While she was doing that, she kept lifting up her finger at us so she can answer the phone. Then, the waitress cut us off when we tried to tell her that we actually know what we wanted - fish and chips. She was too eager to tell us the specials, which we weren't interested in. The food was ok. Not a big fish&chips eater, so when I order them, I want them to be good. The batter was kinda thick and a little over fried.
(3)Jessica H.
Loved the atmosphere featuring live music and decor supporting local artists. Menu was fairly generic with predictable favorites, but everything was fresh and delicious. The pastas tasted homemade. The bread was warm, perfectly crusty, and delicious. Very family friendly, with stroller parking out front and plenty of room for high chairs and baby dancing in the back.
(5)Ted M.
In Cape May for a casual wedding. On our first day we stopped at the The Mad Batter for breakfast and the food was splendid - fresh fruit, fresh eggs, fresh coffee! Later in the week we had a need for a celebratory dinner. We were having difficulty finding a restaurant that could accommodate a large party. When we returned to The Mad Batter, the reserved a table for 13 plus 2 infants. Our table was ready on time, the libations (prosecco, white wine and red wine) were excellent. The food was exquisite (steaks, crab cakes, tuna, salmon, pasta, etc...). Desserts were fabulous accompanied by coffee, tea and cappuccino. All while being excellently catered to by our wonderful waitress MaryAnn. Highly recommended for your dining pleasures while in Cape May!
(5)Michael C.
Always enjoy breakfast/ brunch here. Try the French Toast or Pancakes. Yum!
(4)Sharon W.
Come here every year at least once. I live in Scarsdale NY and wish we had one there. Delicious oatmeal pancakes..my favorite is the orange almond French toast though. Sooo good. Friendly staff too, it is always something I look forward to each visit. I am a huge fan of Cape May!!!
(5)Dennis B.
I must say a great place for breakfast and a fun place to go for afternoon drinks and appetizers. ........dinner is another story........they do a great job with breakfast but dinner is just ok.......
(3)Lisa S.
One of my favorite places in the summer (on the porch, eating crab cake- see previous review). However, made an off-season visit for lunch and I was not impressed. Waitress was a little snarky, my mom's salad was wilted and had a funky taste, and the rustic pizza ($11) was almost entirely onions and I could only eat it by scraping all the topics off, and it was still a bit mushy. My mom ordered a grand mimosa ($9), which was so sweet that neither of us could have more than a few sips. I had a beer on draft. We were pretty disappointed in our meal, which still ended up being an expensive lunch. Based on this experience, I probably wouldn't recommend coming here for lunch during the off-season.
(4)Jamie C.
AMAZING! We ate breakfast there this morning & got really nervous when we walked up because there was a lot of people outside, but they said about 15 minutes & I don't think we waited that long. We tried the juice of the day: oj, blackberry, & guave. It was delicious! Top that yumminess with orange & almond french toast, belgian waffle, and battered home fries & you have a hit to make anyone 'mad' :)
(5)Elissa Jane M.
This place is typical NJ Shore tourist town joint with pretty ok to decent food. The reason I'm writing this review is to APPLAUD our AWESOME WAITRESS Jamie who deserves a million stars for making our meal super fun. If the food matched Jamie's super great attitude and service I'd give this place 10 stars.
(4)Tracy B.
Yay for brunch places with a gluten-free menu! Ate there twice during a long weekend. Sat inside both times, small wait times compared to a porch seating.
(4)Dave F.
Came here for breakfast on a Monday and was so pleasantly surprised. The staff is friendly, the porch is a delightful setting, for food is delicious, and the value is solid. We had a basic dish of scrambled eggs, home fries, and toast, plus the Chesapeake bay Benedict's, and a side of scrapple. The plain eggs were cooked nicely. The Benedict's, man were they good. Loads of crab, perfectly poached eggs, and a creamy sauce. Perfectly prepared dish. The highlight of the meal for me was the scrapple. For those of you who don't know what scrapple is, it is basically all of the left over pork products that people don't actually eat, all ground together, formed into a loaf, sliced, and deep fried. The meat is crispy, and melt in your mouth delicious, and full of porky deliciousness. Great breakfast spot in Cape May, just be sure to go early because there will be a line by 9:30.
(4)Sarah D.
Perfect breakfast. Fresh squeezed juice with a fluffy omelet (bacon, cheese and fresh broccoli), home fries perfectly crispy and toast. We sat outside and it was wonderful. I will most def be coming back next time we are in town. Favorite breakfast spot in Cape May.
(5)Beka P.
Four stars for having vegan options. I loved the white bean ravioli. The vegan breakfast BLT was delicious and very filling, and the refreshing fruit salad was the perfect accompaniment. This place is worth it for the atmosphere alone. I love sitting on the porch! Service is generally pretty slow, but very friendly. The prices are weird, though. Some vegan items are strangely expensive. For example, it would cost $6 to get vegan cream cheese to put on your bagel. It will even cost you a dollar to get a splash of almond milk in your coffee! Ridiculous. But it's Cape May, I'm on vacation, whatever. Vegan food!
(4)Kathleen S.
Love this place! We go here just about every Sunday for breakfast, and sit at the bar. Not a huge 5 page diner menu, but some really good stuff. Almond french toast is really good, oatmeal pancakes are really hearty (also buttermilk and blueberry I think). I tend to get the Batter Breakfast - 2 eggs, hash browns (really, it's potatoes/onions/peppers), toast and slab cut bacon. It's often more than I can eat - no gourmet portions here. Also, they have a great happy hour - even featuring $5 martinis, a wide selection of wines and beers. They have music just about every night too.
(5)P F G.
I've been coming to Cape May for almost 20 years. This past Saturday was the first time I was ever in the Bar at the Mad Batter. We were on our way to another well known establishment when a passerby mentioned it was happy hour, 3-6 PM. I'm in!!! We sat at the bar, ordered several rounds of the specialty Martini's, which were all tasty. I had a couple of Bloody Mary's which were just the right amount of spicy. Best off - everything was half price for happy hour! We loved the décor, the Bartenders were very good, and attentive. Who knew this little gem was hiding away in a B&B?
(4)Andi V.
Excellent spot. Great decor very whimsical looking. Bar is great and for the area and quality of the food, prices are wonderful. Outdoor seating area is very nice and waitstaff all very friendly. We split the Belgium waffle. Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside! We also got the mad batter breakfast. Everything was delicious! Hash browns have peppers as onions and are square cuts of potatoes, eggs were cooked perfect, the bacon was the best I've ever had,and the sausage was amazing. The bill was 18$ for the two meals! Pre breakfast we had a pineapple mimosa and a delicious spicy Bloody Mary. I will definitely go back here when I'm back in cape may!
(5)Alison M.
I have only been to this place for dinner on a Saturday night, but I would not recommend it. The manager has HORRIBLE customer service, and the dinner was over priced for a bland plate of pasta. The atmosphere in the dining area is stuffy and pretentious. Take your business elsewhere.
(1)Marty R.
The best crab cakes in town! This is not a fancy place but is great for breakfast and lunch. The food is very good, fish n chips are excellent (although too small a portion of fish and an overwhelming portion of chips). As mentioned the fish cakes are excellent and their breakfasts are really good. Try a side of their crab slaw which is quite good. Very nice porch dining on Jackson Street. I highly recommend you give it a try.
(4)Billy Q.
This is the one of the best restaurants in Cape may county. Locals and tourists flood this place. Mark, the owner, goes above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect. Veteran and family owned business.
(5)L M.
This place seems as if it would be charming, but most of the time the plastic seems to be down, so I felt as if I were eating in a plastic bubble. The service was a bit slow. The food was "okay"---nothing special. It's an option for breakfast, but it's not at the top of my list.
(2)Elizabeth D.
Great little place that we just happened upon one Saturday in June. We were so pleasantly surprised! Had, maybe, some of the best fish and chips ever!! Can't wait to go back to try something else!!
(4)Charles T.
My favorite place to go for amazing breakfast at the shore! The Oatmeal pancakes with real Vermont maple syrup is awesome! The omelettes are delicious. The fresh squeezed Oj is the best! The help at the Mad Batter are super nice and friendly.
(5)Joseph L.
Another outstanding meal at the Mad Batter last night. Shared the best wings anywhere, with calamari and sliced tomato salad as appetizers. Alaska chad on the seafood menu was a first for me. Loved the presentation and preparation. Six or so meals each year for thirty years now, and always enjoyable. Great service, food and drinks whether morning, noon or night.
(5)Michelle LS S.
Based on the Yelp Reviews and close Proximity to Congress Hall(where i had an event that day)...Mad Batter seemed like the perfect choice for breakfast. We were quickly seated and tended to by our waitress that was the first and only time i have anything positve to say about the service The Coffee, fresh squeezed OJ and breakfast selections were delicious The eggs, meats and pancakes all tasty and cooked perfectly. I dined with three others and everyone loved their food. The place was also very clean and quite busy for late October which I assume to be off season down the shore. Now let me get to the Service: Our Waitress had a HORRIBLE attitude I never felt so uncomfortable dining in my life!! Aside from her expressionless face, no mention of "good morning" and the fact we seemed to aggorvate her for no reason - She was hasty and rude. This is a service business! The first strike was her shoving my friends phone out of the way with her plate saying "Move this." Second strike - i was in the middle of a conversation and i didnt realize she was standing next to me for a coffee refill..i finished my sentence, looked up and said "yes please" ..she rolled her eyes at me, splashing the coffee all around my cup and on my saucer. Third strike- when i held up my credit card and said "now rush, we're all set" she said "i dont have three arms, ill come back when i do" ...When she delievered the card back after running it, she added on "im a school teacher and i get like that when children are demanding me" We were paying customers noone deserves that type of treatment, especially since this is CAPE MAY! A picturesque, fairytale city in a place called the "MAD BATTER" I wish i could give a higher rating because the food was very good, so don't let that stop you, just be weary of the mean waitress!
(1)Tracey b.
I made the mistake of trying this at dinner time. It was ok. I heard that for breakfast this is the place to be. I got the crab cake and my husband got the restaurant week pasta selection. The crab cake was ok but not made with lump meat. But we were in NJ not Maryland so it was acceptable. Service was great and the atmosphere very nice.
(3)Tricia M.
A Must!! This is one of our favorite places to eat in Cape May. Everything is delicious, the atmosphere is beautiful and the staff is always friendly. We had a party of 9 and called, they said they don't do reservations for breakfast but they took our name and time we were planning on coming in so it only took 5 minutes to get us seated. 3 of our party had waffles, they were crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The pancakes you can get with an oatmeal batter but be warned they will fill you up fast!! I had the French Toast if was sooo good, it had a slight orange taste and had almonds on it. The bacon and sausage is thick and full of flavored. When we lived here we would always bring family here!
(5)Ellen D.
Though we love their brunch and the dinner menu looks fabulous, it was only just ok. The pasta dish was better than the sword fish, and the swordfish along with the black beans and sweet potatoes, was without any zing. The red snapper was fair, though the accompanying rice dish was flavorful.
(2)Allie E.
Eh... Ok food. not the best in cape may, but one of the better places for brunch. Place is cute but could use an update. Don't regret going, but probably wouldn't go again and I am a cape may local in the summers. prices are good.
(3)Adam S.
My whole family enjoyed a lovely breakfast. Great service. Very friendly people. I really liked my scrambled eggs with chorizo, peppers and green onions.
(4)Eric W.
The Mad Batter is a quaint casual restaurant tucked away between the beach and Washington Street Mall. I don't know what is like during the summer, but on November morning, it was pretty relaxed. I had the chrizo, egg and cheese wrap. It was excellent--no one flavor overpowering the others. They make the chrizo on site. My wife had the buttermilk pancakes, which I enjoyed as well. You have to pay extra, but real maple syrup is available. The staff was friendly and attentive. All in all, a good place for breakfast.
(4)S H.
Fabulous breakfast! Relaxing atmosphere when you enjoy your meal on the porch! (I Suggest getting there right when it opens if you want a porch table for breakfast) (Note: they will not let parties larger than 4 on the porch). Servers are nice too....however, the reason for a lower rating is due to the rude hostesses. They are not welcoming...and seem rather put off when they have to seat you. I would never place a review after one bad run in with a hostess, but this type of awful greeting has happened each time we return (3 times). And in case you are thinking...."well, maybe it is her"...I am putting this review on based on how the hostesses treated other guests too. Other than the miserable and unwelcoming hostesses....this is a great place!
(2)Emily A.
YUM. Yum. yummm. What a nice place to go for breakfast. I wish we would have gone for dinner too. Just loved the crab eggs benedict! The service was terrific and the ambiance, lovely and warm. We all enjoyed what we ordered.
(4)Karl B.
Had lunch on a nice warm late summer day. We were seated quickly but service was brusk and impersonal. I had the crab cake sandwich. Possibly the smallest crabcake patty I have ever seen and made with too much filler. I had to eat through half the sandwich bread before I got to the patty even though I had smashed it into a thin disk. Basically it was aweful. My wife had a hamburger that was totally bland. Go for the setting, not for the food.
(2)Brian B.
We started the evening getting engaged so this meal was the perfect end of the evening. The ambience was great with the live music. The musician was a blues guitarist. The waitress was lovely and the food was a delight. I tried a local Cape May IPA the waitress talked me into. Glad she did. It was tasty. We started with the soup of the day, a pumpkin apple bisque topped with candied walnuts and a brie baked in a croissant crust with strawberry jam. Both were amazing. The subtle flavors in the soup were delectable. I could have eaten the pot. The baked brie was perfectly made and melted in your mouth. My fiance got the shrimp and scallop saute. Very good but not as good as the apps. I got the filet and crabcakes . The filet was made to order and had an amazing sauce. The drawbacks, while not a MD crabcakes had nice flavors. The asparagus was perfect. My only complaint was the Mac n cheese was not warm. All in all it was a great experience. I will definitely return!
(4)Anne A.
You'll wait for breakfast, but it's worth it! The sun-lit dining areas are decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and panels. Lots of the artwork is for sale! Bloody Mary and Mimosas are yummy, the oj is fresh, and the plates are big. Everything is delicious. Be warned, you'll pay $2.50 for maple syrup. I love their egg dishes like the benedicts and the croustade. The oatmeal pancakes are fluffy and flavorful, but who can eat 3 of these!? The almond orange french toast is moist and tangy. Service can be a little rude and rushed, but overall the staff is friendly and want you to enjoy your time there.
(4)Mike S.
As a gluten-free person, this place was perfect. Their menu is fantastic and offers bread, rolls and pizza -- and it's all delicious! I had the Tuscan Pasta dish with shrimp -- unbelievable! You'd never know it was gluten-free. The service was great -- friendly, helpful, etc., and the menu is perfectly priced. I'd definitely go back!
(5)Kristin B.
So disappointed. Finally went back to try The Mad Batter for breakfast and found it to be dishearteningly bad and overpriced. Service was NOT good, that muffin was NOT fresh and the eggs were diner quality. I expected better things from a place of this caliber, especially after experiencing a great dinner here.
(2)DezandJohn P.
This was my valentines day gift to my fiancé took him away to cape may for a relaxing weekend. this was our first stop. the food was amazing.
(5)Diva D.
Don't know what the fuss is about. Very average food.
(2)John K.
Been here on every visit to Cape May. Starting to become a tradition. One of the better places to eat in Cape May. Good, consistent food.. Crab Cakes one of the best.
(4)matt r.
This was our first visit here on recommendation from the inn keepers at The John F Craig House(a separate review for them also). Keep in mind this was during Victorian Weekend so if anything the place would be busier due to non-locals like us visiting for the festivities. Had 6pm reservations on a Friday thru opentable.com . Had just a brief wait as the front/bar area was very busy. We were seated on the "porch". Now, I'm not usually a fan of outdoor dining but the weather was perfect(with a bit of a breeze), the people who passed didnt stare(must have been different passersby than the other reviewer had). The bread was warm & fresh, there was a jar of a plethora of dried spices which we didnt try but it packed a strong scent--we stuck with oil & butter. I got a expresso martini--very tasty & at $10 a good value as they leave the mixer so you get about 1.5 drinks. My companion didnt drink anything. I had shrimp bisque & a crab cake sandwich which came with fries, she had just the crab cake appetizer. Soup was ULTRA thick & creamy, tasty--shrimp a bit hard so maybe a bit overcooked. Crab cake sandwich was very moist, roll fresh, decent amount of crabmeat & very good remoulade(almost as good as what I make at home). For desserts I had the white chocolate mousse in a cut with strawberries & she had cheesecake. Mine was very rich & creamy--couldn't finish it--wish strawberries were in season. Her cheesecake was pretty good though it had almost as much crust as cheesecake. I got a cappucino which was virtually a coffe with not even a full layer of froth(guess expecting an Italian coffee in south Jersey is a bit much to expect esp from a non-Italian restaurant). She didnt drink anything else. Our waitress Kelli was very pleasant & informative--pretty good spacing & though the porch area was nearly full we were never rushed & Kelli never hovered. Also, it would have been tight timing to go back to our B&B then go to see a play(since they were in opposite directions & in Cape May 95% of the time you're walking to your destinations esp when your B&B doesn't have private parking) so we asked if they could store our dessert & we would pick it up later which they cheerfully did. So for 1 soup, 1 appetizer, 1 entree, 2 desserts & 1 cappucino with tax/tip came to $78 which is a bit high(esp considering the most expensive thing was my $17 sandwich & that was from the "light menu" as other regular entree items ran from $27 - $42). I prefer to give a detailed rating as opposed to just saying I liked it or I didn't. For me I rate a restaurant in 4 categories in order of importance: Food Service Value Décor/ambience/misc If you're wondering why this is the order for me I rather have great food & so-so service than the other way around. You can always plan around a slower evening to make it just as enjoyable but not around mediocre food whether it's fast or slow paced. My 3rd item I call value instead of price because based on the taste & serving portion of the item compared to similar items at other restaurants tells me if it's a good value. For instance the best steak I've ever had to date runs about $44 but besides being delicious(a way to tell is it stands on its own w/o adding any sauces) it is boneless & about 24oz so you get two good meals. Food(2.0), service(1.5), value(1.0) & décor/ambience/misc(0.5) I then take the # stars for each category & multiply by the # in parentheses then divide by 5 to get my final rating. If the final average is exactly 1/2 I'll round up or down depending on other reviews. So my calculations are as follows: FOOD 3.5 x 2 = 7 SERVICE 4.5 x 1.5 = 6.75 VALUE 2.5 x 1 = 2.5 AMBIENCE/OTHER 4 x .5 = 2 Total pts 18.25 divided by 5 = 3.65 which rounds to 4
(4)Tamara P.
The food was horrible!!!! Waited for 30 mins for a table, finally sat down the waitress was completely spaced out... Did not want to take our order... Finally got our food and almost puked from the over use of salt in my chicken... Save yourself time and money, don't go here....
(1)Nash W.
Mad Batter, Cape May NJ Well spring is here and I decided to head down to Cape May for the day to enjoy some sunshine, the sights and of course food! I had two restaurants chosen, but upon my arrival my first stop is closed until dinner. I need to eat now!! (as usual) So I stopped in here at Mad Batter. Parking is non existent here on this block so I found a pay lot a few blocks away and enjoyed the sights. This place is people watching heaven!! Lets just say eclectic is close. The Mad Batter has a patio that has clear plastic surrounding it to let light in. You can kind of see through it, its pleasant enough. The service was quick as the place was only about 1/3 full. I ordered a bowl of their clam chowder and fish and chips (once I verified they were freshly battered here). A few short minutes later both arrive. The clam chowder isn't your typical blend. It has a buttery broth with chunks of clams and bacon in it. I really like my soups think....very thick....but this was an exceptional surprise. It was very good. I would definitely order it again! My fish and chips arrived nuclear hot..... The steak fries were cooked well and it had 3 decent sized pieces of fish mixed in the basket. The fish tasted fresh and had an excellent blend in the tempura mix. Not too heavy, but enough to give it crunch. The last thing I want is doughy breading on my fish..... I enjoyed every bit of this. It's not a huge meal, but I would order both of these items again without hesitation! All in all it was a wonderful quick lunch at the Mad Batter. As nosey as I am there was a table next to me that had quite the colorful crew finishing their lunch and it made for good entertainment! The service is quick and friendly. If your in Cape May and you stumble upon the Mad Batter give it a shot, you will be pleasantly surprised! I know I was! Mad Batter 19 Jackson St Cape May, NJ
(3)Tala T.
On the latest trip to Cape May we had lunch at the recommended Mad Batter. The restaurant is located in one of the charming, quaint and cozy victorian houses on Jackson street which is also home to the Carroll Villa Hotel. We went after the brunch rush with the restaurant half empty. Yet our server seemed rushed and rude. Her attitude however, did not ruin our meal which started off with the one of the tastiest bloody marys I've had to date, it was followed by several rounds of lime margaritas. Our meal consisted of the lobster egg benedict, hamburger served with a slice of camembert cheese and fries, blackened fish sandwich, and crab meat omelet. The lobster benedict was really delicious with generous pieces of fresh lobster topped with hollandaise sauce on two pieces of english muffin. The only complaint at the table was the blackened fish which was too dry and flavorless. Ending the meal with bellies full, we all left feeling quite satisfied. Overall, a good brunch spot if you can get past the service.
(3)Maria K.
Mad Batter for a late lunch hit the spot during our vacation. I had the salad with fresh strawberries in a light balsamic dressing. Very nice portion and very fresh greens. Husband had the burger and he was very satisfied. It was juicy despite his liking of well done meat. The daughters had crab cake sandwiches and they said they were prepared with just enough spice...not overdone and placed on a fresh roll. Great lemonade too. Very good service.
(4)Alexander M.
MB is certainly in the top 3 choices for brunch in the Cape May area. The consistent quality of the food means that there are some things you always need to get. For instance, the bread basket is a must whenever we go. Normally I'd sing the praises of the Orange French Toast, but the Eggs Benedict I had last time may become my new go-to dish. The home fries were also outstanding, which made this meal an overall winner. My only complaint would be the coffee, which seemed pretty weak the last couple times I've been there. What this place does well, however, is Bloody Marys. George's is still my personal favorite, for overall quality and pricing, but the French Toast fanatic in me always cheers when I go into the Batter.
(4)Ryan L.
We decided to make this our first stop during our week vacation in Cape May. It was a great start to our week! The decor was odd but hip and the ambience was inviting and bright. I got the Chesapeake Eggs Benedict and was literally licking the plate clean. Awesome breakfast, friendly staff - great way to start a vacation day at the Jersey shore!
(4)Devon J.
There is absolutely no reason to eat here. It does not deserve its reputation. The hostess is rude. The entire staff will treat you like you should be thanking them for letting you eat there. Customers are taken for granted. High prices for below average food. Don't order your kids the smoothies! They are actually crushed ice infused with a colored flavored syrup. This place is a huge disappointment. I felt taken advantage of and ripped off.
(1)Justin N.
Can't get much better than this! This is luxourious bar food at its best. While Cape May is covered with bar restaruants, the Mad Batter is located in its own bed and breakfast called the Carrol Villa Hotel. I give the wine/beer list a B (on the Cape May curve). Wine list was pricey on some wines but had some interesting selections. The beer list was likewise. The menu was very nice. I always grab try to grab the house favorites on the menu, and they had several. I choose the Bayberry Wings, they where fantastic! Crispy, sweet, and tangy! Since they where lightly crispy, they held in a ton of juices - FABULOUS - A+! For my main entree I had the Marinated Skirt Steak, mostly because I read bacon in the course, as it was with the potatoes. I wasn't let down, the chef had prepared it medium rare and was full of flavor! For beer I had the Flying Fish Summer Ale, of course from NJ! I also heard from some other folks staying nearby that this place was one of the best for breakfast!
(4)Vijay N.
Friendly service.
(5)Mei M.
This was a very cute and quaint place. I came here for brunch with four other people and we got the following 1. Crab meat eggs Benedict - lacking in flavor, eggs were nicely poached, crab had a slightly tinny flavor 2. Orange French toast - this was an example of a good standard French toast. I couldn't taste the orange flavor but the bread was nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside 3. Croustade - this was probably the best dish of all, it was an omelet with sausage served on a piece of brioche bread. Quite tasty flavorful and filling! 4. Chorizo and eggs- pretty much a breakfast wrap, filling with a little bit of spice 5. Morgan Rostie -this sounded awesome but it was the biggest letdown of all. The Swiss cheese hid the flavor of the crab. It almost smaller like feet. Nobody at the table liked this dish. I guess Swiss cheese and crab don't mix at all. Overall it was a decent brunch place, however if I do return to cape may, I will be eating at George's place instead.
(3)Johanna B.
Went here with my husband on our last night of our honeymoon... We got muscles for appetizer which were great. He got seafood pasta and I got the crab cakes. Both were really good, service was excellent, really cut ambiance on the porch BUT my husband ended up with Terrible food poisoning ALL night and next day!!!!!! It's a shame because the food was good, but that was the only thing we had not shared in days so we have to pin it to this place. GROSS
(2)David G.
My better half and I ate here at least once a day for our 4 day stay in Cape May (Unintentional rhyming, I assure you). I can honestly say that each time provided a pleasant experience. The menu has a decent enough selection that you can weigh your options; yet not so much that you're just confused to the point of being unable to decide on anything. The food is delicious and well prepared. Breakfasts there are an excellent starter to your day. The sausages are what I found especially satisfying. Mmmmmmm. Dinners were always pretty fantastic. Not to mention filling. I think all of their plates; be it breakfast, lunch OR dinner, were more than adequately sized. The waitstaff were always friendly and attentive, despite how busy they got. We will most certainly be back. And I can only imagine that it will be just as lovely as when we were there before.
(4)Jennifer K.
Over rated!!!!! Food was not good, we waited forever and they sat us in the corner with bad food. Not worth the wait at all.
(1)Danan R.
The crabcakes here are very good, but the brunch is what keeps me coming back. I love the lump crab eggs benedict and Belgian waffle. The waffle is crispy on the exterior but warm and buttery on the inside. Perfect with powdered sugar and butter! The omelettes here are very fluffy and I love that they offer options with crabmeat and hollandiase. Sooo good. We always come here for our first breakfast whenever we're in Cape May, but you won't be disappointed if you get dinner or lunch here. I would recommend making reservations in the summer because it can get rather busy.
(4)Brett T.
We arrived early for our 6PM reservation. We knew they had a happy hour, so we wanted to get some of that action. We were told that we could only have happy hour at the bar. OK. So we went to the bar, got a gin & tonic, long island, and a cranberry juice for the kid. That was $10.50. I can't imagine paying $21 for that (happy hour is half off everything but top shelf). The bartender informed us, that we couldn't sit at the bar with our kid. They were really nice about it, I guess it is a local law. Silly, but I'm sure there is good reason for it. So we asked to be seated early, with our drinks. They seated us just fine. One thing that I did think that was kind of weird was the front of house staff was drinking soda and eating (bar snacks?) like they were starved. I mean really scarfing it down. That didn't seem professional. Anyway, our waitress was attentive. We ordered both soups; the clam chowder and the shrimp bisque, which I heard described as lobster bisque at least once. The soups were delicious, but 2 spoons into mine, I came across a curly black hair. Yeah, it kind of looked like a pube. I told the waitress that I really like the soup, then I showed her the hair, and asked for a replacement bowl. It was brought out quickly. The bread was delicious, especially the spice mix they gave. We had (at the table) the vegetable wellington and the braised short ribs. Both dishes were VERY tasty, if just a bit expensive. We got water when we needed it, the food was delicious. But... I don't know. If I was running a restaurant like this, and a diner noticed something and QUIETLY brought it to our attention, I'd comp the soup. It would have turned a nasty event, into a non-event. Instead, here I am writing about it. So... Eh, I guess. If you want to sit outside, and this is the only place left. Yeah, I'd say go ahead. But I have to imagine the same quality of food (and the food was good) with a lower price, and a few polished edges on the service could be found elsewhere.
(2)Matt E.
The Mad Batter is considered by many to be the best breakfast in Cape May. Judging by the long lines of people waiting to hear their name being called outside it was apparent that this wasn't a secret. The restaurant is quite large and very beautiful (especially the back sunroom seating area). The prices are a bit high ($6 for a large OJ for example) but I found the prices to be well worth it. I've been here a couple times and the first time my waitress wasn't too friendly and the second time I had a very sweet waitress. The blueberry pancakes were among the best I've ever had but they had very little blueberries in them, on the plus side they definitely used big fresh blueberries in the batter and the smooth and fluffy pancakes were cooked perfectly and served with warm maple syrup on the side. The orange juice was pricey but was freshly squeezed and had just enough pulp without being too much. Overall the meal was fantastic and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in the area. UPDATE: Came here for the same meal but also had a side order of their corned beef hash. The blueberry pancakes still could have used a bit more blueberries but were perfectly fluffy and fresh. I also could have used much more syrup then the tiny amount they give you. The OJ is still the best ever and also still very expensive. The corned beef hash is what prompted the review update. It was absolutely amazing, possibly the best I've ever had. The seasonings were a bit more unusual but in a good way and next time I'm here I may just have to make a meal of this.
(4)Krsna V.
My in-laws take us on a family vacation every year. And we always hold our breath in trepidation when it is time for family dinner, because my mother-in-law picks places that are (to say politely) atrocious. She picks the most waspy, bland, and old places... what can I say, she is from East Hampton? Needless to say, we were terrified on this family vacation also. At least she didn't put us on a godawful cruise with 3000 people who were chowing down food as if they just survived the great famine (hello, family vacay last year!!). She means well, but her execution is a big failblog.com She rented a beach house in Cape May this year, and we went to spend some time with her. I told her I am in no mood for an adventurous vacation after returning from bathing and riding elephants in Sri Lanka only a week ago. She decided we all need a relaxing vacation and decided to rent a house in Cape May for a week. Praise the Lord!!! We had reservations for 7:30pm on Friday. We were quickly seated by a gentle hostess. I ordered the frozen mojito (what the heck was I thinking?), while the others ordered a bottle of wine, and my father-in-law ordered scotch as usual. My mojito was made with mint flavoring (what the f*ck is that?). It was too sweet (probably because of mint syrup) compared to a regular mojito, but it wasn't horrible. I switched to wine after a few sips. The husband and I got clam chowder. I am on the east coast, of course I am going to get clam chowder. My arteries probably cried all through the night. It was the richest chowder I've ever had. Cream, butter, bacon, and clams. Say hello to heart attack in a bowl. Delicious. Be strong my poor little arteries, I need you to handle this! Father-in-law ordered the mussels. Loads of mussels cooked in a spicy broth with sausage. Both the clam chowder and mussels are 5 star dishes. Sis-in-law ordered the pear salad, which I did not taste because I am not a fan of salads. I ordered the sea bass special, the husband got the lobster special, mother-in-law got crab cakes, sis-in-law and father-in-law got scallops, and sis-in-law's husband got the skirt steak. The scallops emerged as the winner, followed by the lobster, crab cakes, and skirt steak. The scallops were sauteed in sage-butter and served with lobster ravioli giving me another heart attack. I also ate part of the lobster dish that was served with gnocchi. It was perfect. The crab cakes were good. I did not taste the steak. My sea bass was overcooked. It is very easy to f*ck up sea bass, and the chef should have known that. It was good piece of fish, I could tell it was fresh from the taste. However, overcooked fish is not cool. It was served with ginger jasmine rice which was dry. Another fail on their part. No wonder I ended up eating the other dishes. Finally, after all these years, my mother-in-law redeems herself by selecting a decent restaurant for dinner. I no longer have to hold my balls in fear whenever she mentions the word 'dinner' (what, don't most men do that when they are afraid?)
(4)Colleen B.
What a charming place! We went in here in April over a girls weekend. So the crowds were probably not the same as in season. We also went at 8:30 at night. Loved the decor and the fireplace. We couldn't take our eyes off the windows. They glued glass beads to the lead stained glass panes. The decorating diva in me was on high alert. Back to the food. This review is ONLY for dessert! The key lime pie is not as tart as I like but still good. I like my lips to pucker and my eyes to water. They didn't. The caramel bread pudding came out very hot and delicious. The chocolate cake was divine. Very funky and a fun wait staff to boot.
(4)Jeff F.
After perusing the Cape May strip and consulting yelp to find a quality, not-too-fancy pants seafood establishment for dinner, we ended up at the Mad Batter and pleasantly so. Even on a holiday w'end, this place was relatively calm and we breezed in around 8p with no issue getting a scenic table on the deck. It's situated in the Victorian Carroll Villa Hotel and the restaurant offers a spacious deck, indoor seating and bistro bar. Dinner menu is an assortment of high-quality seafood, meat & pasta dishes. We opted for the crab cakes & fish n chips and both were some of the best we've ever had. Cakes were hockey puck in size stuffed with a perfect crab meat to bindings ratio. Fish Batter was supremely light n flaky so you could really taste the white hot cod not just deep fried shell you get in most places. One really badass thing to note is their commitment to being green. I mean seriously green...solar panels, radiant heating, recycling policy, environmentally friends paints and carpets made from corn apparently, Mmmmmmm pass the salt n butter pls. How fricking cool is that?! So delish food, great vibe, art, live music and a conscience. What more can you ask for in a restaurant?
(4)Robert O.
Admittedly, I am biased about this place as I worked here for several years back in the 1980s. At that time, it was THE place to dine in Cape May. I am not certain it still holds that title, but it is the finest place to have breakfast, that is for sure. Our last visit here was on Mother's Day. Not surprisingly, there was a wait. I think it was about 25 minutes. We were seated inside, which is not ideal, imo. It was comfortable enough. Our waitress was no great shakes. She delivered the food okay, I guess, but there was no personality. Our party of five was comprised of three adults and two children, one of whom did not eat. A bread basket, a fruit bowl, French Toast, pancakes, a bowl of muesli, and beverages came to $80. Wow! Cape May is not cheap and dining out is expensive, but wow! The Batter defines dining in Cape May. It is a must-visit place. Bring your wallet as you'll need it, but relax and enjoy. For dinner, the Crab Mappatello is their signature dish. It is excellent! I love their New England clam chowder too. The saffron makes the dish! Desserts, baked on the premises, are delicious too.
(4)Christine C.
I don't think we could love this place more! The atmosphere is great and the service is exceptional! Our bartender Nicole was so sweet. Happy hour from 3-6 is great and the fish and chips are really good!!
(5)Amanda F.
Ate here twice during our visit to Cape May! We were lucky and got seated on the front porch each time - perfect people watching :) Ordered the Cheasapeake bay benedict and loved it - huge chunks of crab with a superb hollandaise sauce. Quick, friendly service!
(4)Christopher P.
Happy hour was perfect for the hours (3-6pm - even on Sunday !!), the prices (1/2 on most drinks), the choices and the congenially. A peach martini for Sue and a bombay gin martini for me, which the bartender made to be properly cold and properly balanced. We left to watch the sun set over the south end of the beach, then came back for dinner and a little of the open mic night. Except for the draft coming through the doors on a chilly November evening, everything was great. Not haute cuisine or fancy surroundings, but we're at the shore, right? 5 stars for the bar and 3.5 stars for the dinner. It should be noted that my review was for an off-season evening - no summer insanity, mugginess, excitable children and stressed-out staff. The temps are gone (meaning, degrees fahrenheit AND college kids) and I'm guessing with the, a certain calm has been restored. Much of the bad reviews I've read sound like they had something to do with one or more of those factors -- which I expect will be the wild cards that will distribute themselves again next season.
(4)Joeyjojojunior S.
Considering they were not very busy the service was so very slow but at least friendly. Food was good but didn't blow us away. Scallop special was bland and expensive but the fish and chips was fantastic.
(3)Edward B.
We had been to the Mad Batter once a couple of years ago, and reminisced often of how awesome their breakfast, and in particular their corned beef hash were. So my wife and I anxiously awaiting our visit to Cape May to have it again. That opportunity came on our vacation just over a week ago. We stayed and the Caroll Villa which seems to be under the same ownership as the Batter, since they share a porch and the walkway between the hotel and restaurant. They also grant a $30 daily breakfast credit to be used at the MB as well as a 30% off voucher on their dinner menu. Our first morning we got up fairly early and went straight down to enjoy the long awaited corn beef dish. Boy were we ever let down! They have taken a dish that was fabulous, and made it look as if it came out of a can of Science Diet . . . Now if you like corned beef out of a can go for it by all means, however for me they have ruined it. To me it seems that someone in their infinite wisdom, or greed, decided to stretch the fresh hash with the canned variety making it INEDIBLE! Since we were a captive audience for breakfast the next morning, due to the $30 credit, the following morning I had the lobster and crab meat omelet which was good but not fabulous and my wife had a simple eggs and bacon breakfast - nothing special. In between the breakfasts discussed above, we decided to try the dinner menu, being that as mentioned the hotel offered a 30% discount. I had the crab cakes -supposedly a signature dish, and my wife had a pasta dish with shrimp and artichokes. The crab cakes were ho-hum and the pasta dish, as per my wife, was edible . . . Even with the discount the cost far exceeded the value . . . :-( It is important to point out that in general the hostesses were extremely rude, the servers tried hard to be pleasant but they were just so plastic it was sad. The one bright spot was the bar. The bar tenders were very pleasant and courteous. The happy hour with 1/2 priced drinks is a real deal. We had some sort of green tea drink in mason jars that was fantastic, so much so that we had one each day of our trip. We used to consider the MB the only place we would consider for breakfast while in Cape May. We are saddened that this is no longer the case.
(2)Rich T.
Truly, a dinner for the books. We selected the Mad Batter for dinner because of its reputation and because we had two vegetarians among us and they had a very veg-friendly menu. The meal was terrific. Two great appetizer salads and a wonderful crab bisque for the non-vegetarian. Entrees were absolutely delicious, as well. The Chilean sea bass with a sweet miso sauce, a pasta dish, and the vegetarian Wellington (which could hold its own against the more established beef version). All great. Service was excellent and the ambiance was really nice, sitting on a porch on a narrow street with loads of historic Victorian houses. Definitely the dining highlight of our weekend in Cape May.
(5)Tessa M.
we went here for brunch one day and i loved it! now, i didn't even look at their full menu, so i don't know what the other meals are like, but definitely a good brunch spot. the place itself is super cute, but pretty crowded. you don't feel crowded at the table, but getting there, to the restrooms, and back is a little overwhelming. i got a pineapple mimosa to start and my boyfriend got a bloody mary. i'm not a huge fan of mimosas, but there were so many flavors, i just had to have one, and it was pretty good. he loved his bloody mary and it was huge! i ordered the croustade, not really knowing what to expect. it was a sort of mixed scrambled egg dish with peppers, sausage, and cheese served over a brioche slice with a side of potatoes. super tasty. not incredibly filling, but i left satisfied. my boyfriend got some sort of egg dish, but the kicker for him was the option of scrapple as a side. if you don't know what scrapple is, you probably don't want to, but you do want to try it. i tried his and loved it. we even thought about coming back for dinner while we were in cape may for the week, but wanted to explore new places too.
(4)Scott S.
I love this place. One of the best breakfast places ever! This time I had blueberry pancakes (I would challenge Adam Richman to finish the whole plate of them) and the chorrizo egg wrap. Just incredible. and the fresh squeezed orange juice... Like I said, def waaayyy up there on my top breakfast food places ever..and probably at the top for ambiance. Its really chill sitting out on the porch and having breakfast/lunch here..
(5)Jhoanna T.
The restaurant and view were quintessential Cape May. The food was nothing special. We had thai style chicken wings, fish and chips, and the crab cake sandwich for lunch. The service was excellent.
(3)Adam L.
Pretty good spot for noshing in Cape May. Breakfast. 9:30 am on a snowy, cold Sunday in February. Coffee. Waffles. The crazy eggs concoction called the Croustade. It was all pretty good. Service was quite good. Amazing? No. But very good. The waffles were perfectly cooked and aromatic. They came with accompanying butter and syrup. The wife loved it, though she did remark "bring me a plate full of butter and syrup and I'll be happy." Haha... she still wolfed it down without a problem.
(4)Jenifer W.
Based on the reviews from other yelpers, we tried Mad Batter for breakfast our first day in Cape May. I expected more than we got, and left dissapointed somewhat. ATMOSPHERE: Nice enough, though a bit dated. We were seated on the outdoor porch, which was worlds better than eating inside! PRO - Plenty of people watching while you dine. CONS - (1) The porch is small, and the tables closely set. There was a heavier gentleman at the table behind us (why we were on top of each other, I don't know, as we were the only 2 tables there), and when they were sat I had to move the TABLE to get out. (2) The porch and motel are badly in need of a paint job, and (3) while there is people watching, the restaurant itself is on a side street well away from main activity, with no beach view. Picture sitting on your own front porch looking at your neighbors, and that's what you get here. FOOD: Meh. the kids got chocolate chip pancakes, which were passable. My husband and I had egg dishes, and mine smelled a little funny (something sour?), so I didn't eat much, nor did he. His was the Cheasapeake benedict, and it was very fishy smelling, we were dissapointed. The topper - the coffee was very, very weak, it was like brown water... they missed BIG time on execution here. SERVICE: Indifferent, which is to me the worst thing to be. The servers didn't seem to care if we were there, they were order takers and plate bringers, and that was it. Our server didn't come back to check on us, nor fill coffee (not that I'd have drank it anyway, see the note above). She stood in their coffee station with another server and was more interested in the conversation than us. VALUE: Poor, given the first two categories. The prices were exaggerated, and the quality of food and service were major turnoffs. We won't be returning, and I encourage others to skip this place in favor of just about anywhere else in Cape May - you'll be much happier. I'm willing to acknowledge that maybe breakfast isn't their strong suit, but with a name like "Mad Batter", I had a right to expect more. I think personally, this place is living on reputation alone, and it's a shame. They have a great opportunity, and they're missing it.
(1)Tyler K.
Beautiful little place. There was a little bit of a wait, but it was worth it. Lunch was delicious. Crab cake sandwich and Grilled Shrimp Taco were both excellent as were the sweet potato fries that accompanied the taco. I must say though the breakfast looked amazing as it passed. I will be returning to try breakfast or dinner soon.
(4)John T.
This place is one of the best breakfast spots around. The blueberry oatmeal pancakes are EXCELLENT, as is the Orange Juice French Toast. Come early for breakfast, otherwise you'll be waiting for a while. Also, sit on the porch if you can ... nice little hangout along Jackson Street.
(4)Scott B.
A great spot in Cape May for breakfast, especially if one requires Gluten-free options. We went on Saturday morning, with my GF wife remarking that we hadn't been out for breakfast in years due to celiac disease. She had the country breakfast, and enjoyed the GF toast w/ grape jelly, eggs and ham. Alas, the Batter Home fries come with onions and peppers, and can't be ordered without, so onion-haters are in trouble. I had the Country breakfast with a thick cut ofscrapple, which was superbly done (crispy outside, soft and creamy inside). Service was fair, ambience was unique and eye-pleasing.
(4)Meghan H.
I don't really have any complaints about the Mad Batter, but I also didn't find anything particularly noteworthy about my experience there. After reading about the weekend wait, we decided to go on Monday for a late breakfast. We were seated immediately and although the place was busy, it was not full. I say this because I wasn't happy about how rushed I felt throughout the meal. Our waitress stopped offering coffee refills when she brought our meals, and ultimately she brought us our check without asking if we wanted anything else. The food was fine. Completely solid breakfast food. I would recommend the oatmeal pancakes if you go. But the prices are a bit high; a typical vacation spot. I'm not sorry we went, but we probably won't be back.
(3)Sona C.
We stayed at the lovely Carroll Villa bed and breakfast, so stopped in here for a dinner and a brunch. The grouper sandwich was a pleaser, and the kid liked her chicken fingers just fine. Brunch with Mimosas was okay -- the crousade, well-done, but my husband didn't love the texture of his crab and lobster stuffed omelet, although he did eat all of the crab and lobster, which was plentiful.
(3)Lew M.
I ordered a beer and was brought a bottle covered in mold. Green fuzzy mold. I asked the waitress for a clean one and was given all kinds of attitude. The management was even ruder and I walked out. Never again will I eat here,I had enjoyed many fine meals here but the last one sucked.
(1)Chris A.
We came to the Mad Batter on a friends suggestion. Loved it. I ordered the chorizo and eggs which was a great dish, but my wife ordered the croustade and I could not help but pick from hers. Kids loved their French toast and pancakes. Will definitely come back.
(4)Claudine S.
So today I wanted brunch food... starving at 2:30 and yelped... Found the Mad Batter. When I first walked (today was a beautiful and clear day in CP), I was overwhelmed with some sort of "funk" smell... couldn't quite put my keen senses on it, but nonetheless it was a level one funk.... After being engulfed with the smell, I just assumed it was marsh/ocean smell or something - inside the restaurant only. The hostess chose not to say hello or acknowledge me right away, she was having a laugh with who ever and then complained about how he "broke" her nail... gross. The overall joint is "quaint" and not too bad, but because it is off season, I think the staff is less enthused. My table was a sticky mess of a plastic table cloth... no worries, just moved my place mat. My waiter was great! He even made me laugh, which if you know me, you'd understand when it comes to my dining experiences. I ordered the Grand Mimosa, Cappuccino, water and the eggs Benedict. Meh, I've had better all the way around. My Mimosa was warm, my capp was a capp, the water was good (some water makes me gag), but the eggs Benedict was a real let down... It was warm at best, the sauce was more of a foam (gastric) and lacked greatly in taste and amount, English muffin barely toasted, ham luke warm, standard flavor and the potato's were old... dried out and lacked any kind of real flavor. I'm someone that hates ketchup and I opted to use it for flavor. If it wasn't for the waiter, this place would have received a one.
(2)Christopher S.
We walked in to the Mad Batter on a Monday for breakfast. After seeing the lines on the weekend, we realized we needed to stop by with our two year old in tow while the restaurant was a little less busy. Surprisingly there were many families enjoying breakfast with their children. Atmosphere is great and the staff was attentive. I went out on a limb and ordered a special omelet with lobster, crab, avocado, mushrooms, etc.. Well worth the minimal $12.50 it cost. Orange juice is fresh squeezed and I'd imagine its the equivalent of crack cocaine because its that addictive. Other orders were pancakes and eggs Benedict. Everything was great and proved to be a perfect way to start off the day.
(4)Natalie C.
Yummy!!!! We come to Cape May every September and the visit wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Mad Batter!!!
(5)Don Y.
IIf you are looking for a snoby pretensious dinning experience where the customer is always wrong look no further! No parking, waited over 30 min to get in and when we asked to have 2 separate checks was told not it's to inconvenient for them and that's their policy! In fairness the food was ok but way over priced, belgian waffle, omlette & 1 coffee 19.00!
(1)Natalie M.
First let me tell you that I'm a HUGE breakfast/brunch lover. to me nothing better than pancakes or waffles in the AM. We went on a Monday morning so no wait, thank God cause if I had to wait for this food I would be so mad. The breakfast was mediocre. Not the best pancakes, the only thing I liked was a fried egg seriously how bad can you fry an egg? Not impressed with the food at all. The pancakes were so thick and dry. I usually like a thicker pancake but these had no flavor and they were blueberry oatmeal!! My daughter had the plain pancakes, eh still no flavor. I would not recommend this place.
(2)Aruna A.
I love brunch. Brunch is possibly my favorite thing about the weekend. Mad Batter is definitely one of my favorite brunch spots - it is seriously one of the neatest little brunch spots I've been to outside of a major city in a while. The restaurant is HUGE and is part of a B&B that is probably fun to stay at. We got there around 10 on a Saturday - and were told that for a party of 6, there would be a 25 minute wait. We probably waited no more than 15 minutes, which is great. Our server was decent, and the ambiance was nice. The best part, was quite frankly, the food. They offer a number of different pancake and waffle and french toast varities, all made with different combo's of batters, and fruit options. Everyone at the table seemed to really like their food. From the yogurt and granola, to the pancakes. Well enjoyed. Definitely go here!
(5)Ivelisse C.
I wish it were possible to give negative stars bc that's what this "restaurant" deserves. Everything about our experience was negative. We sat at the bar until our table was ready. We waited and waited for the bartender to ask us what we wanted... the people directly to our left and to our right were being served mind you... but we were completly and obviously ignored. Then our table was ready. The waitress was snotty and curt. The drinks took way too long... draft beer and white wine... not mixed drinks. The appetizer was ok, we had the wings. The main courses were mediocre to say the least... fries were mushy. The crab burger would of been better if it were made from a can from the grocery store. It was definitely overpriced. All in all a bad experience we wish we could take back. Never coming here again.
(1)Chris M.
The high rating of this place is solely due to the breakfast/brunch. If you are considering dinner here then please read on: We have eaten at the Mad Batter many times before but hadn't been there in a few years. We reviewed the menu which was much more "family friendly" than we had remembered and it also had a lighter fair menu which sounded appealing. That being said, we should have taken it as a hint that there were so many open reservations on a Thursday night in the middle of August. The food was some of the worst food we have had in Cape May in the last 25+ years. One of our party had the pizza for their starter that wouldn't have been passable at a public school cafeteria and another person's Caesar salad appetizer had horribly bitter lettuce. Enough so that another person changed their entree order as they had ordered the chicken Caesar salad. The $33 rib eye steak came out way over cooked (ordered rare) and there wasn't enough ketchup in the restaurant to make the turkey burger moist. The two pasta dishes we had tasted like they used jar sauce on them and had seafood that was tough and overcooked. They only two things that got any positive reviews where the bread before dinner and the clam chowder. This would normally have gotten a 2 star review but considering the prices that they are charging for this food I have to give it a 1. For these prices there are plenty of much better places in Cape May to try for dinner.
(1)Alan S.
Great place for breakfast. Brunch was great except you they don't open the bar until 10AM which is a city thing I guess. We sat in the back garden room and it was very whimsical and nicely decorated. Food was very good and staff very friendly.
(4)Angela E.
We were happy this place was open in January, but I must say, I wish we'd held out for something else. The hubby ate just a few bites of his blackened grouper sandwich and did not feel well, so I was able to taste it and it was just 'meh'. I had the lobster and shrimp roll and that was just okay, as well. It's funny to read Michelle's review because I think we had the same old bag serving us. She was definitely lacking in the charm department. I'd say the staff need a lesson on how to behave. When we walked in, there were two servers chatting in a booth. They were loud and unobservant pretty much the entire time we were sitting on the patio. I hope this place is better in the summertime. Either way, we'll probably go elsewhere.
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