Over a dozen craft beer breweries of various sizes operate around Cape May County. In addition, more than two dozen bars and restaurants serve craft beer. Thus, the cliche that Cape May is a Victorian town with a drinking problem might hold.
One could argue that Cape May is floating, if not saturated, with beer. Saturated, see what happened there? In reality, the craft beer breweries in this area are primarily mom-and-pop operations.
After years of home brewing, Catherine and Steven opened a brewery in 2022. After a year of writing a business plan, two years to secure financing and purchase a property, and another two years of construction and licensing, their dreams finally came to fruition. Behr Brewing is lovingly named after Catherine Behrens, whose husband now calls her Momma Behr. Located on Seashore Road across from Church’s Nursery, they also have one of the most beautifully decorated tasting rooms, with a black walnut bar top crafted by local woodworkers.
Cape May has become a craft beer destination. The arrival of breweries, wineries, and distilleries has added a new tourism demographic to our county. Customers and tourists drawn to this attraction have discriminating palates. Behr Brewing brings the small-town feel of a mom-and-pop, which is one of the things making it so attractive.
In 2011, Cape May Brewing Co., located near the airport, helped put New Jersey on the map for craft beer and has since offered refreshing brews as one of the region’s largest and most acclaimed craft breweries. Rumor has it that they approached a local establishment to serve their flagship Cape May IPA in their inaugural year and were refused because it did not have name recognition. The salesman and brewer walked around the corner, pitched another bar operation, and were welcomed with open arms. The rest is history.
“One of our first stops after our 3-plus-hour drive from Swoyersville, Pennsylvania, is lunch at the C-View Tavern in Cape May,” Jonathon Podlaski said. “Second stop is the Cape May Brewing tasting room before we check in to our hotel. It is common for us to visit several breweries throughout a vacation,” Jonathon said.
Slack Tide Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Clermont, New Jersey, near the Jersey Shore. It was founded in 2015 by Jason and Tadhg Campbell, who were inspired by the area’s laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty.
The brewery’s name, “slack tide,” refers to the moment of calm when the tide changes. This moment represents a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a cold beer, which is what Slack Tide Brewing Company aims to provide.
Slack Tide Brewing Company offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, Belgians, and sour ales. As well as seasonal and limited-edition beers throughout the year. “Our philosophy is simple. Create a diverse and high-quality line of beers made with all-natural ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. And, make Slack Tide Brewing Company a destination in Cape May County where locals feel at home and visitors look forward to returning.” Campbell said.
Hosting a good selection of local New Jersey Craft Beers is especially interesting to beer aficionados. It is essential to educate staff on the craft beer on tap and what the ABV is when you ask. A recent informal survey found that nearly three-quarters of establishments provide draft beer on the island of Cape May (below the canal).
Around town, the Mad Batter boasts 19 brews at 19 Jackson Street. At the top of the list are India Pale Ales (IPAs), which comprise a significant portion of the menu list. Mad Batter also taps a good selection of regional brews, such as Ludlam, Carton, and Cape May Brewing. They also feature a cask engine, with brews adapted just for the Mad Batter. Now, you can find new additions such as Behr and Wander Back beers on tap.
There are thirty handles on tap at Lucky Bones Backwater Grill. Thirty taps display craft beers, including stouts, porters, and imperial beers. Staff are knowledgeable and willingly provide menu descriptions on request. Lucky Bones goes out of its way to feature local beers such as Behr, Slack Tide, and Gusto.
Popular among surfers, dog-lovers, and locals. The Rusty Nail maintains a great craft beer selection. Frosted pints of trendy craft and mainstream beers make this a perfect after-beach watering hole. Newer selections from (initially) Rehoboth-based Dogfish Brewery make the list here. Of course, beer geeks know that Samuel Adams now owns Dogfish Brewery out of Boston.
“Of course, we come for the beach and beauty,” Jonathon Podlaski said. “But having dozens of craft breweries in such a compact area makes visiting Cape May County much more enjoyable.”
