Discovering the Charm of Washington Inn & Wine Bar
Located in the heart of the historic district at 801 Washington St, Cape May, NJ 08204, the Washington Inn & Wine Bar stands as a testament to the enduring elegance of coastal hospitality. This landmark establishment captures the essence of Cape May, blending a rich architectural heritage with a refined approach to contemporary dining. For those wandering through the picturesque streets of this seaside town, the inn offers a sanctuary where history and culinary artistry converge, providing an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply welcoming to every guest who walks through its doors.
The building itself serves as a beautiful example of the area's storied past, reflecting the Victorian charm that defines Cape May. Guests are often drawn to the property not only for its reputation but for the seamless way it balances the grandeur of a bygone era with the comforts expected by modern travelers. Whether you are visiting for a quiet evening of conversation or seeking a memorable meal in a setting that feels like a home away from home, the Washington Inn & Wine Bar provides a backdrop that is as memorable as the experience of dining within its walls.
Distinguishing Features of the Experience
Historic Architectural Significance: The venue is housed in a meticulously preserved building that showcases the classic Victorian aesthetic synonymous with Cape May, offering visitors a unique opportunity to dine within a piece of local history.
Curated Wine Selection: The wine bar component of the establishment is designed for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, featuring a thoughtfully selected list that complements the diverse flavors found throughout the menu.
Atmospheric Versatility: With spaces that transition effortlessly from intimate dining nooks to more social bar areas, the inn caters to a wide range of occasions, ensuring that every visit feels tailored to the needs of the guest.
Commitment to Hospitality: The service philosophy at the Washington Inn is rooted in the tradition of warm, attentive care, aiming to create a seamless experience from the moment guests arrive until the conclusion of their visit.
Beyond the physical attributes of the location, the true spirit of the Washington Inn & Wine Bar lies in its ability to foster connection. The layout of the dining rooms and the bar area encourages a sense of community, making it a favored destination for both locals who appreciate the consistency of quality and visitors who are eager to experience the authentic flavor of New Jersey’s premier seaside resort. It is a place where the pace of life slows down, allowing guests to focus on the nuances of their meal and the company they keep.
The culinary philosophy here is guided by a respect for seasonal ingredients and the bounty of the surrounding region. By focusing on fresh components and balanced flavor profiles, the kitchen team strives to create dishes that resonate with the palate while honoring the classic traditions of American dining. This approach ensures that the menu remains relevant and exciting, inviting guests to return time and again to discover new favorites or revisit the reliable classics that have helped define the establishment's identity over the years.
Furthermore, the wine bar serves as a vital component of the overall experience, acting as a bridge between the casual nature of a neighborhood gathering spot and the formality of a fine dining destination. The staff is well-versed in the nuances of their offerings, providing guidance that enhances the overall meal and helps guests navigate the selection with confidence. This dedication to education and service elevates the experience, turning a simple glass of wine into a deeper exploration of viticulture and taste.
As you plan your visit to Cape May, the Washington Inn & Wine Bar remains a cornerstone of the local hospitality landscape. It represents a commitment to quality that is increasingly rare, standing as a proud representative of the town's dedication to preserving its cultural and culinary heritage. Whether you are a long-time resident or a first-time visitor to the Jersey Shore, the inn offers a distinctive perspective on what makes this region so special, inviting you to become a part of its ongoing story.
A Lasting Impression
In conclusion, the Washington Inn & Wine Bar is more than just a destination for food and drink; it is an integral part of the Cape May experience. By honoring its historic roots while embracing the expectations of modern diners, it maintains a unique position in the local community. We invite you to visit 801 Washington St to enjoy the ambiance, the service, and the carefully crafted atmosphere that makes this establishment a true landmark. Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or simply enjoying a night out, the inn promises an experience that is both timeless and thoroughly enjoyable.
Amenities and More
Menus
Photos
Reviews Washington Inn & Wine Bar
Amanda Reynolds
30-05-2026
The Washington Inn hosted our private micro-wedding dinner in their wine cellar room. From start to finish everything was incredible. Lindsey helped us from day one to plan/organize the dinner for us. She was so helpful and patient, answering all of our questions quickly. When we arrived for the dinner the room was beautiful. Gabriella was just one of the amazing servers that night but she went above and beyond to make sure my husband and I had everything we needed for our day. The food was absolutely incredible. Days have gone by and people are still talking about the food. Everyone was so incredible and we’re so happy we chose the Washington Inn for our intimate dinner. It was absolutely perfect!
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Elizabeth
28-05-2026
Food was excellent and service was so professional and upscale. Everything we ordered was phenomenal -- highlights were the panzanella salad, foie gras, seabass, and creme brulee! They brought out a delicious, complimentary amuse bouche for … More
Pam Spelker
25-05-2026
The Washington Inn provides a wonderful dining experience on all fronts. The Inn, located in the gorgeous historic town is not only historic, but provides a secluded, romantic environment with customer centric service and definitely food that is well prepared, presented and simply delish! Their wine list is beyond comprehensive. Pricey? ..yes. Worth it?...yes.
Trip type
Holiday
Service: 5
Location: 5
Joselin Pineda
19-05-2026
Wow—what an unforgettable experience! Everything about this place was absolutely amazing—from the moment we walked in until the moment we left. The food was outstanding, and the service was truly next-level. Our server, Irene, was … More
Brendan Black
05-05-2026
Went here for my MIL’s 60th birthday and was treated like royalty! Very upscale place with a great variety of wine to choose from. Service was excellent and food all paired perfectly with the wine/drink suggestions. They have many different seasonal menu items to choose from that span many food groups. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a nice night out for some good food and great drinks!
Trip type
Holiday
Travel group
Family
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Hotel highlights
Luxury
Grace Acevedo
24-03-2026
I have to give full credit to my besties hubby for planning all the reservations while we stayed in Cape May earlier this summer. We dined at Washington Inn on our first night & it was fantastic. Very elegant but never obnoxious. Highly … More
Nikki
11-03-2026
We ate dinner here one night staying in Cape May on vacation. It was excellent! All of the food we had was delicious - burrata app, seafood cioppino, short rib, cheesecake and bananas Foster. Cocktails and wine also excellent. But the service was above and beyond. A really fine dining experience but the prices were so reasonable. Even the bathrooms were exceptionally nice. 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
giftzy_nana
30-01-2026
Came here to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday and had a great experience. The food was delicious and the service was excellent — everything felt warm and welcoming. A lovely spot for a special occasion in Cape May! More
Tess Folkman
29-01-2026
Went for the first time the other evening and it was truly the best experience. The service, food, and atmosphere were fabulous. Not exaggerating when I say I have not been able to stop thinking about the Washington Inn. Obsessed is an understatement More
Jeffrey Drozynski
28-01-2026
We recently dined at Washington Inn and were seated in the wine cellar, a small and cozy space with just three tables. It's a unique, intimate setting that some may find charming, though it might not be for everyone. If you're looking for a … More
Frederick Bianco
07-01-2026
We dined on Friday, 10.31.25 supporting the Cape May Restaurant Weekend. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her Red Snapper Alla Plancha that was impeccably simmered in a tomato-saffron cream sauce along with the delectable additions of mussels, rock shrimp, creamer potatoes and confit fennel. I had the wonderful opportunity to sample the Grilled Duroc Pork Chop with aged gouda potato purée, ginger glazed vegetables, sherry wine cream sauce and seasonal mostarda that was done to absolute perfection. I haven't cleaned my plate like that for years! My wife echoed that it was one of the top three dinners that we have ever had as a couple....Our service was second to none from the expediters, bussers and our very warm and personable server, Anna, who just added to the overall dining experience. A five star event for sure!
Service: 5
Location: 5
David Hall
04-01-2026
We had dinner at the Washington Inn for my Birthday. The food was delicious. The service was amazing. Shayna was our server. She was fantastic and made my evening very special. I would ask for her if you go there. More
Timothy Vattima
28-12-2025
My wife and I had an exquisite dinner at The Washington Inn. Ask for Miles the waiter, he's fantastic. My wife had the seafood bisque, stuff flounder and crab. I had the buratta, then swordfish and calamari entree. Then the desserts we ordered were fabulous. Very nice, upscale atmosphere in Cape May, with excellent, and absolutely delicious dining.
Trip type
Holiday
Travel group
Couple
Service: 5
Location: 5
Максим Шорохов
21-12-2025
My wife and I visited the restaurant, the service is top notch, the staff is very pleasant, the cuisine is incredible.
We will definitely visit it again ! More
Lily Paschoal
16-12-2025
This spot is perfect for a romantic date night, my husband & I celebrated our 2 year anniversary here. ❤️ … More
Kayla Conner
11-12-2025
Dinner was amazing! Shayna was absolutely amazing and we loved her. The food was delicious and we really enjoyed our dinner.
Trip type
Holiday
Travel group
Family
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Frank L
10-12-2025
Another extraordinary dinner for two at Washington Inn , Cape May, NJ.
Australian prawn with curried squash remoulade appe was a hit.
Miles, our waiter was knowledgeable and enthusiastic , yet maintained a non-intrusive distance. In other words-- perfect. More
John Colvin
01-12-2025
Special lunch for tour group. Had chicken, rice, greenbeans. Sauce was especially good with grapes. Salad. Cheese cake for dessert. Great meal. Friendly staff. More
Colleen O'Connell
27-11-2025
Went here for the first dinner as a married couple after our wedding. No less than four wedding guests screamed and said “you’re gonna have a great time” when we told them where we were headed for dinner the following day. We did in fact, … More
Jay Phillips
17-11-2025
We had lovely night and the staff was great. The escargot was delicious and the entrees we had were very good. The only part that fell flat was the bananas foster. It was missing the best part of the bananas in a butter and brown sugar sauce finished off with rum flambé. Other than that it was a good night.
Rebecca P
08-11-2025
Washington Inn has several delicious, inventive vegan options on their menu. It is so nice to be able to order off the menu and not have to ask a million questions and maybe receive something that I can eat. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience! More
Chris McCabe
10-10-2025
Wow! Excellent dining experience. We attended for a party for 32 people and the meal and space was over the top. And gluten free was amazing. No issues for a celiac even in the hustle and bustle if serving that many people. Don't miss this location while in Cape May. Really a gem and amazing!
Trip type
Holiday
Travel group
Friends
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Dave Johnson
29-09-2025
Incredible service and the food was DELICIOUS!!! Our server Nora was incredible!! Me and my wife were celebrating our wedding anniversary with a dinner here and we couldn’t have been more satisfied with the food and service. Definitely will be returning everytime we come into cape may!!!
Service: 5
Location: 5
Hotel highlights
Luxury, Romantic, Great value
Taylor Fischer
28-09-2025
We had the most amazing time at the Inn wine bar with bartenders Robin and Justin. They gave us all of the local tips and made us feel like regulars, even though it was our first time. We’ve already taken them up on their recommendations and it’s made our stay in Cape May so special! We can’t wait to come back More
EDWIN VELEZ
10-09-2025
It has been a few years since we have visited the Washington Inn restaurant in Cape May NJ. The last time we were there was during the holiday season, everything was picture perfect. We love the table in the back overseeing the front door and just seems like a perfect Christmas setting. The few times that we have been there the food and the servers were topnotch, we never stopped at the bar area, but everyone seemed to be having a great time. Looking forward to going there this year (2026) during the holidays. It must be great, especially if we are traveling over two hours just to dine at this restaurant. To all who attend, bon appétit!
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Mariposita Konkel
06-09-2025
I really loved the vibe of this place, especially how elegant it felt set in such a classic, historic house. The wine list was super impressive and had something for every taste, which made the evening feel extra special. The food was definitely high quality and prepared with care, though I felt the portions were a little bit on the smaller side for the price. It is still a beautiful spot for a nice dinner out when you want to treat yourself.
Trip type
Business
Travel group
Friends
Rooms: 4
Service: 4
Location: 4
Hotel highlights
Great view, Kid-friendly, Great value
Daphne Speck Bartynski
28-08-2025
We have celebrated birthdays here. A wonderful location. The food was great. The people are nice. An overall good experience each time we dined here. More
Lee Chaix McDonough
24-08-2025
Easily one of my top five dining experiences ever - better than some Michelin-starred restaurants I’ve enjoyed. Even their simple garden salad was extraordinary. Do not pass on the Mediterranean sea bass - the fish was perfectly prepared, and the salsa verde was one of the most complex, unctuous sauces I’ve ever had. The flavors of the sorbet were so concentrated and clear - I couldn’t stop eating them, especially the mango. The service was outstanding, and the price performance was excellent. This was a transcendent meal - can’t wait to come back.
Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5
Clay Rossner
10-08-2025
The Inn is always a pleasure, the food is amazing and the service is top notch. Robin always does creative things with the drink menu and Tyler really makes sure everyone is comfortable while they're there. Probably the best bet in town to be honest.
Service: 5
arieltorranceful
25-07-2025
One of the best meals I’ve had in my life with amazing service. The shrimp were to die for, the seabass is a must and miles the waiter was amazing, we were given the best dessert suggestions and even gifted a cookbook by our waiter. 1000000 percent will return and will be dinning with Miles again. Can’t express how great it all was More
Chuck Welsh
06-07-2025
Fabulous! Great food, excellent service, and convenient location in Cape May. They make every occasion special. More
Mariel DiDato
02-07-2025
This place is a MUST!!! Each dish is perfect, the cocktails and mocktails are perfectly balanced, and the service is warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. The building itself is gorgeous and decorated beautifully, feels so inviting. Shayna … More
Ashley Glazer
16-06-2025
We had an 8:30 reservation and arrived a bit early. Right away, the host let us know we’d be seated closer to our reserved time and invited us to relax at a bar table. A bar waiter quickly took our drink order, and we were seated right on … More
Allison Saniscalchi
02-06-2025
“Wow worthy” service and food. My husband and I celebrated our Anniversary here and we loved the ambiance of the restaurant, (beautiful flowers and foliage outside of the large windows), exceptional service, and delicious food. … More
Raul Hernandez
24-05-2025
Dinner at The Washington Inn was one of the highlights of our visit to Cape May.
We started by sharing the Cow’s Milk Burrata—fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to begin the evening.
For our entrées, I had the Creekstone Ranch Short Rib, which was incredibly tender and full of flavor. My wife ordered the Seared Faroe Island Salmon, beautifully prepared and cooked to perfection. Both dishes were exceptional and showcased the quality of the kitchen.
We finished with the Crème Brûlée and Fromage Blanc (our favorite), along with a latte. The desserts were outstanding and the perfect ending to a memorable meal.
Great food, elegant atmosphere, and impeccable service. The Washington Inn is the kind of restaurant that makes an evening in Cape May feel special.
Trip type
Holiday
Travel group
Couple
Geoff Beers
24-05-2025
My wife and I had a delicious dinner here last night. The food was incredible, well presented, and the pace was perfect. I had the rack of lamb which was perfectly done. My wife had the crab cakes which were huge! For dessert was … More
Francheska Marte
22-05-2025
Had an amazing dinner here. Appetizers did not disappoint. I’d recommend the Rockefeller Oysters and Escargot. For entrees we had the scallops and rack of lamb from their specials and both were really good. Well made cocktails also. Nice … More
Chris Talarico
22-05-2025
The Washington Inn came highly recommended to myself and my wife. After having dinner there I can say that the reputation is well deserved! The food was excellent, the wine list was extensive, and the service was courteous and professional. … More
J. G.
14-05-2025
Great ambiance, but that's where it ended foe me. The lamb chops were very fatty, not cooked to medium as requested, and tasted very gamey. More
Teresa O'Neill
03-05-2025
My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Washington Inn last night. I ordered the crab cakes and was very disappointed. The "crab" or should I say "filler" cakes were terrible. When you spend $44, you expect to find at … More
Reviews Washington Inn & Wine Bar