Washington Inn

Here we are, celebrating another “Cape May Classic” restaurant, this time at the wonderful and lovely Washington Inn on Washington Street. It’s always been on everyone’s Top Two list, at least it’s always been on mine. Talk to people you know, locals or visitors, and ask them where they go for a special occasion and the answer is often The Washington Inn. The reasons are clear: atmosphere, location, impeccable service, and exquisite fare from table bread to dessert.

At the heart of Washington Inn is the rock-solid dedication of the Craig family, who opened the restaurant in 1979—that’s 46 years of excellence. If you sit with that for a minute, a revelation occurs: in a difficult industry, the Craigs have beaten every odd there is. Because they’re them! For some context: what the Craig family touches blossoms into excellent things, e.g. Lucky Bones, Cape May Winery, Love the Cook, and the Washington Inn. While the restaurant is managed Michael Craig, his siblings David and Betsy are at the helm of the other businesses.

Once again, my dining partner was the lovely AnnMarie, a fellow foodie who joins me whenever possible. When I asked her if she would join me at the Washington Inn, she answered with an ambiguous “Yes! Yes! And yes!” Okay then. Through Open Table, I made a reservation for a weekday evening at 5pm. (Open Table is so neat and painless that I’m glad to see so many restaurants availing themselves of this portal.)

We requested an inside table because the skies were a bit iffy. Upon arrival we were led to a four-top in the main dining room, situated in a corner with a window overlooking the garden. The garden seating is really quite sparkly and comfy with nice lighting, a full brick patio, and lots of greenery. There are a number of other seating options, including in the Wine Bar area, perfect for libations and appetizers or really, anything on the menu. There are also tables in the enclosed sun porch.

Our server, Chris, was friendly and well-versed in all aspects of the menu. Since we were there so early, she also gave us the Early Bird Menu, a three-course affair for a reasonable $54 per person. Lots to choose from in the appetizer and entrée sections, and a few dessert selections. Everything looked amazing, but given my task, I chose the Escargot appetizer, the Braised Short Rib entrée, plus an a la carte serving of the Wild Mushroom Soup. I mean, how could I not?

In all my years, I’ve never thought of ordering escargot, and now I don’t know why! These were not served in the shell, but rather in a stainless dish with little dips for each snail-y bit, and made with Pernod, garlic, and melted gruyere served with crostini. There’s a slight chance AnnMarie tasted one, but I’m not altogether sure. They were delish and tender and perfect.

AnnMarie ordered one of the special apps of the evening: two types of oysters—both Jersey shore varieties—which you could order in whatever amount you wanted. She ordered two of each, so we had one of each, topped with a little lemon for one and cocktail sauce for the other. Pure, sweet, and though they really did taste like more, we restrained ourselves.

Next came the Roasted Wild Mushroom Soup. I knew it would be divine and rich, and honestly, the crispy prosciutto and gruyere crostini did interest me deeply. The soup was as I imagined, with a delicate hint of thyme. I was happy to share with AnnMarie because we are, innately, dippers and the dipping opportunities alone were most memorable.

Prior to the arrival of our entrées we wondered, how on earth can we take one more bite? We’d already filled up with buns and butter, soup and such. Well, we took more than one more bite. AnnMarie’s Cape May Seafood Cioppino was a very generous bowl of scallops, shrimp, mussels, little neck clams, white wine and tomato broth, topped with grilled focaccia bread. She nibbled and made yummy noises and took more than half of it home.

I’ve ordered the braised short ribs in the past. So. Darned. Good. A butter-soft short rib with pureed potatoes, haricot vert, baby carrots and a red wine demi-glace that was rich and delicious. I, too, made yummy noises and took most of it home.

Believe it or else, dessert was on our minds, but at this point, there was absolutely no possible way to take another bite. I usually opt for Bananas Foster or a Crème Brûlée, but we both chose the Chocolate Brownie Sundae to go, sans the ice cream. At about 3am, while I rambled around my quiet apartment, the brownie clearly called my name. It was the best brownie in the history of ever.

There are so many reasons to dine at The Washington Inn, not the least of which is the Wine Bar, offering signature cocktails and happy hour appetizers. At the Washington Inn you will notice the details while you dine—how the servers serve and exchange silverware—everything is well thought out and purposeful.

As we are in high season, be sure to visit their website, peruse the menu and make your reservation well in advance!