Backstreet Cafe, Cape May, NJ: A Restaurant Review
Back Street Cafe
600 Park Boulevard
West Cape May, NJ
Backstreet Cafe: Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Contemporary American
Price: Moderate
Food Quality: Very Good. Uses fresh local ingredients. The bread and desserts are made in house and served fresh each day.
Service: "homey" and friendly.
Ambiance/Decor: Unpretentious, bare bones amenities. The tables are covered with a clear plexiglass covering, stainless steel cutlery, and linen napkins.
Overall Rating: 2 stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class
Noise Level: Moderate
Dress: Very casual
Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy well prepared Contemporary American food without all the fine dining amenities
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer upscale fine dining with all the trimmings and amenities.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Flounder with Colossal Crab, The Crab Imperial with baked colossal crab in a white cream sauce; and The Lollipop Lamb Chops with rack of lamb encrusted with a Dijon mustard sauce and seasoned bread crumbs.
Liquor: BYOB
Nestled in West Cape May, the Backstreet Cafe stands as a cherished alternative to the area's many fine dining establishments.
Beloved by locals and returning tourists alike, it delivers high-quality cuisine at reasonable prices in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
Despite offering food that rivals fine dining in taste and presentation, the cafe forgoes extravagant amenities in favor of a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Tucked away on a quiet backstreet, its walls are adorned with artwork, contributing to its intimate charm.
Owner-chef Theresa McGlade, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, crafts well-prepared dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The house-made bread and desserts, baked fresh daily, add an extra touch of authenticity.
The standard menu is limited, but the best selections can be found on the chalkboard of daily specials. Guests can also opt for a reasonably priced prix fixe menu, adding to the cafe’s appeal.
Service is friendly and homestyle, reinforcing the establishment’s informal character.
Guests should not expect the usual fine dining details—tables are covered in clear plexiglass, set with stainless steel cutlery and linen napkins.
Coffee is served in an assortment of mismatched promotional mugs, paired with classic diner-style half-and-half creamers.
Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended during the bustling summer months.
The Backstreet Cafe operates seasonally, opening for dinner Wednesday through Sunday at 5:00 PM throughout the summer.
Conveniently, free on-site parking is available.
Updated September 2024
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