Cape May is well-loved for its Victorian charm and shoreline beauty, but locals know the real magic happens in its neighborhood eateries—especially in Frog Hollow. Tucked just west of the bustling Washington Street Mall and running along tree-lined Lafayette Street, Frog Hollow buzzes with a mix of historic houses and fresh flavors that food lovers adore. Whether you’re searching for a refined date night, a quick doughnut fix, or a plate of seafood with a side of live local lore, Frog Hollow’s food scene never disappoints.
The Heart of the Neighborhood: Lafayette Street Eats
One stroll down Lafayette Street and you’ll discover Frog Hollow’s vibrant food corridor. This is where you’ll find many of the neighborhood’s culinary gems, in everything from old-school storefronts to innovative food trucks.
*The Rusty Anchor Coastal Grill*
- Location: Corner of Lafayette Street & Elmira
- Cuisine: Upscale New American, Seafood
- Price Range: $$$
- Why Go: The Rusty Anchor is a staple for both locals and in-the-know visitors. Expect white-tablecloth service in a cozy, nautical-inspired dining room, with dishes like pan-seared scallops over truffled risotto and the signature Shore Crab Cake Stack. Their rotating selection of local oysters is a don’t-miss, especially with a glass of Cape May Vineyard white.
*Frog Hollow Café*
- Location: 720 Lafayette Street
- Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch, Café Fare
- Price Range: $$
- Why Go: This charming spot is the neighborhood’s go-to for breakfast and brunch. The stuffed French toast—made with brioche from a local bakery and Jersey strawberries—wins raves. Pair a piping hot cappuccino with their savory breakfast sandwiches for the full experience. Arrive early for a window seat overlooking the leafy block!
*Bella’s Bakehouse*
- Location: 699 Lafayette Street
- Cuisine: Bakery, Coffee, Sweets
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Nestled in a sunny corner storefront, Bella’s is that hidden treasure locals hesitate to share. Their blueberry scones and chocolate babka fly off the counter by 10am. The key lime tart is a summer highlight, and don’t skip the house cold brew for a caffeine kick. In the fall, pumpkin donuts draw a dedicated crowd.
Hidden Gems and Quick Bites
*The Oyster Shed Food Truck*
- Location: Parked at Howe & Lafayette (Weekends, May–September)
- Cuisine: Seafood, Street Food
- Price Range: $–$$
- Why Go: No summer stroll through Frog Hollow is complete without a stop at The Oyster Shed. Watch the shuckers work while you munch on a cup of spicy shrimp boil or a half-dozen raw catches, all sourced from South Jersey waters. Their lobster roll, stuffed and lightly dressed, is arguably the best value in Cape May.
*Anna’s Little Italy*
- Location: 514 Madison Avenue (just off Lafayette)
- Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Sandwiches
- Price Range: $$
- Why Go: Tucked beneath an ivy-covered porch, Anna’s is wildly popular for its wood-fired pizzas and oversized sandwiches. Locals line up for the eggplant parmesan and the garlic knot baskets. On Thursday nights, look for Anna’s “Italian Street Food” menu—arancini, fried mozzarella, and panelle—best enjoyed al fresco at one of the shaded picnic tables.
Sweet Traditions and Special Treats
*Frog Hollow Ice & Custard*
- Location: Lafayette & Perry Street
- Cuisine: Ice Cream, Frozen Custard
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: A summer institution, Frog Hollow Ice & Custard draws families and sweet tooths every night. Their rotating custard flavors—peach, salted caramel, watermelon—merge with locally made toppings. Don’t miss their signature “Hollow Swirl,” a fun mix of lemon water ice and vanilla custard, available only here.
*Sunday Market at Emerson Park*
- Location: Emerson Park, Sundays May–October
- Cuisine: Farmers Market
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Frog Hollow hosts a beloved Sunday market by Emerson Park, featuring food vendors, farm stands, and pop-up bakeries. It’s your spot for fresh Jersey tomatoes, local honey, and bakery gems like cinnamon rugelach. Stick around for live music and friendly faces.
A Neighborhood of Food Traditions
Frog Hollow’s food scene thrives on community and history. From family-run kitchens to multi-generational recipes, you’ll find a passion for genuine hospitality and local sourcing.
- Most restaurants proudly highlight Cape May seafood, Jersey produce, and South Jersey farms.
- Many bakeries and cafés hand-pick their coffee beans and shop at the Sunday Market themselves.
- Annual food-themed block parties—like the Frog Hollow Seafood Boil—unite neighbors and visitors over heaping bowls of fresh blue crab, steamed corn, and buttery potatoes.
Planning Your Culinary Adventure
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or lucky enough to call Cape May home, Frog Hollow’s dining scene rewards curious eaters. For the best experience:
- Plan a progressive meal—start with pastries at Bella’s Bakehouse, lunch at The Rusty Anchor, an afternoon bite at The Oyster Shed, and dinner at Anna’s Little Italy.
- Don’t shy away from the food trucks—they’re favorites for a reason.
- Explore side streets like Madison, Perry, and Elmira for surprise finds and quiet local spots.
And always ask your server: “What’s local today?”—you’ll usually get an enthusiastic answer and maybe a friendly tip for your next meal.
Frog Hollow proves that Cape May’s culinary spirit is alive and thriving beyond the tourist hotspots. So bring your appetite—and a sense of adventure—and taste all the flavor this neighborhood has to offer!