It's 2026, and if you’re strolling down Lafayette Street in Cape May, you can’t miss it. The massive Victorian mansion with the wrap-around porch and the sound of live music spilling onto the sidewalk. That’s Elaine’s Cape May.
Honestly, most people think it’s just another "haunted" dinner theater or a stiff, old-fashioned B&B. They couldn’t be more wrong. While it definitely leans into that historic Jersey Shore vibe, Elaine’s has morphed into this weirdly perfect hybrid of a boutique hotel, a high-energy bar, and a local hangout that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap.
Located at 513 Lafayette Street, it’s basically the gateway to the historic district. You’ve got the Washington Street Mall a block away and the beach just a five-minute walk. But if you’re heading there expecting the same experience your parents had twenty years ago, you need to catch up.
The Dinner Theater Identity Crisis
For decades, the "Dinner Theater" tag was the biggest draw. People came for the campy shows and the "Haunted Mansion" theme. But here’s the thing: while they still do incredible entertainment, the focus has shifted.
The current owners, the Phinney family, did some serious soul-searching during the pandemic years. They realized people wanted more than just a scripted show; they wanted a vibe. They took that time to gut parts of the building, reclaiming old wood from local fishing businesses to renovate the dining room. Now, it feels less like a stage set and more like a high-end pub with a lot of soul.
Don't get me wrong, the entertainment is still top-tier. You’ll find live music almost every night on the patio. We’re talking everything from acoustic sets and blues to rock and "solid gold oldies." It’s become a bit of a social hub for locals who want to avoid the madness of the beachfront bars but still want a drink and a good band.
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What It’s Actually Like to Stay at 513 Lafayette Street
Staying at Elaine’s Cape May on Lafayette Street isn't like staying at a Marriott. It’s a Victorian mansion. That means quirks.
- No elevators. If you’re on the third floor, you’re getting a workout.
- The "Nests." The rooms aren't cookie-cutter. Some are traditional Victorian (think floral and lace), while others have been modernized with sleek finishes.
- The Veranda Life. This is the big sell. Many rooms have access to the grand veranda. Sitting out there with a coffee while the town wakes up? That’s the real Cape May experience.
There’s one room—I won't name the number, but it’s on the third floor—where they actually had to remove the ceiling just to fit the massive queen-size Renaissance bed. You literally need a stepstool to get into it. It’s ridiculous, but honestly, it’s also kinda cool. It’s that "fairy princess" vibe that a lot of the historic inns try for but rarely execute this well.
The Food: Hits, Misses, and the Limoncello Dip
Let’s be real about the food. Because Elaine’s is so busy, the reviews can be a bit of a rollercoaster.
If you go for breakfast, you’re usually in for a win. Their Eggs Benedict is legendary—local experts often cite it as some of the best in the county. They also do a "Breakfast of Champions" that’ll keep you full until dinner.
The dinner menu is solid American fare. People rave about the Limoncello Spinach Dip. It sounds weird, but the citrus cut through the heavy creaminess in a way that just works. The shrimp tacos and the veggie burger are also safe bets.
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A Quick Tip for 2026: If you’re staying at the hotel, you often get a voucher for breakfast (sometimes $15 off per person). Make sure to use it. It’s one of the few places where the "on-site breakfast" isn't just a stale bagel and a carton of juice.
However, because the patio gets packed, service can occasionally lag during the height of July. If you’re in a rush to catch a trolley tour or a whale watching boat, maybe don’t pick the busiest Friday night to sit down for a three-course meal. It’s a "sit and stay a while" kind of place.
The "Best Bar" Reputation
The outdoor bar at Elaine’s Cape May is frequently voted one of the best in town. Why? Because it’s dog-friendly and kid-friendly.
In a town that can sometimes feel a bit "precious" or exclusive, Elaine’s is welcoming. You’ll see families with strollers at one table and bikers at the next. It’s a weirdly democratic space for a Victorian estate. The patio bar has big screens for sports, too. If the Phillies are in a pennant race, this is where you’ll find the loudest (and funkiest) crowd on Lafayette Street.
Things to Know Before You Book
If you're planning a trip to Elaine's Cape May on Lafayette Street, there are a few practicalities that catch people off guard.
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- Parking is a nightmare in Cape May, but not here. They have a private lot behind the building. In a town where you usually have to hunt for a spot for 45 minutes, having a guaranteed space is worth the price of the room alone.
- Noise is a factor. If you’re a light sleeper, don’t get a room directly over the patio. The live music is great, but it goes until late in the evening. Ask for a room toward the back or on a higher floor if you want peace and quiet.
- The Boutique is actually good. Usually, hotel gift shops are full of overpriced sunscreen and postcards. The shop at Elaine’s is curated by people who actually know fashion. Locals actually go there to buy clothes.
- Accessibility. As mentioned, it’s a historic building. While they have made efforts to offer some ground-floor accessible units, much of the house is still "stairs only." Always call and verify if you have mobility concerns.
Making the Most of the Location
One of the best things about being on Lafayette Street is that you're slightly removed from the humidity and salt spray of the immediate beachfront, but you're still in the thick of the action.
Across the street is the Cape May Stage, which hosts incredible professional theater. A block away is the Washington Street Mall, a pedestrian-only zone with all the shops and taffy you can handle. You’re also a short walk from the Emlen Physick Estate, which is the "holy grail" for Victorian architecture nerds.
Is It Still Worth It?
There are dozens of places to stay in Cape May. You’ve got the grand old hotels like Congress Hall and the tiny, quiet B&Bs on the side streets. Elaine’s Cape May sits right in the middle.
It’s for the person who wants the history but doesn't want the "shush, there are people sleeping" vibe of a traditional bed and breakfast. It’s for the traveler who wants a drink, a song, and a comfortable bed without having to drive anywhere.
If you’re looking for a quiet, monastic retreat, this isn't it. But if you want to feel like you’re at the center of the party in the most beautiful town on the Jersey Shore, you’re in the right place.
Your Next Steps
- Check the Entertainment Schedule: Before you go, look at their website or Facebook page. They post the lineup for the patio bar weekly.
- Book Early for Holidays: Cape May goes all-out for Christmas and Halloween. Elaine’s is known for its "over-the-top" decorations, and rooms sell out months in advance for these seasons.
- Walk, Don't Drive: Once you park in their lot, leave the car. Everything you want to see—from the beach to the lighthouse shuttle—is within walking distance.
- Try the Brunch: Even if you aren't staying there, grab a table on the porch for Sunday brunch. Order the French toast. You won't regret it.