the merion inn « 106 decatur street @ columbia avenue, cape may « (609) 884-8363 « www.merioninn.com

THE MERION INNGreat food, great drinks and great music are always guaranteed at the cool and classy Merion

Where Is It?A block from the beach and Washington Street Mall.

Why should I Go?ThiS quintessentially cape May seafood and steak-house and piano lounge, circa 1885, has delighted gener-ations of locals and visitors. Newcomers discovering this gem for the first time and those “coming home” to the Merion are drawn by its well-executed menu, relaxed ambiance, cozy candlelit dining rooms and elegant turn-of-the-century bar – the oldest in cape May and “the best place… to get a martini,” according to Philadelphia magazine. There is a covered outdoor patio for people-watchers. George Mesterhazy plays nightly on his Stein-way. on weekly “Jazz Night”, he is joined by his trio and guest singers and instrumentalists.

The menu includes Merion traditions (stuffed lobster tail, two kinds of crab cakes and the decadent foods – the Merion potato cup) as well as creative daily addi-tions highlighting local catches and Jersey produce, many offered as Early bird and Night owl specials.

AnythInG else I need to KnoW?ThE Merion serves dinner from 5:00pm with live piano music nightly from 5:30pm and a weekly late-night jazz jam (usually on Tuesday or Thursday). The last seating is at 9pm (10pm on Saturdays). late-night café Menu features light fare and desserts and is served 8:30-10pm (9:30-11pm on Saturdays). And check out the Early bird and Night owl prix fixe specials before 5:30pm and after 8:30 (after 9:30pm on Saturdays). There is also free parking and a children’s menu.

CAPE MAY FARMERS’ MARKET SALAD A cornucopia of seasonal veggies and herbs from local farms (changes weekly).

CAPE MAY SALTS Succulent local oysters, served raw or breaded to order, deep fried with jalapeño rémoulade sauce.

PAN-SEARED LOCAL SCALLOPS With smoked tomato sauce and warm Jersey succotash salad (change seasonally).

MERION CRAB CAKE DUET One Maryland-style crab cake and one Merion deviled crab cake, with roasted red pepper and rémoulade sauces and fresh corn and tomato salad.

FLATIRON STEAK or RIBEYE Available straight-up, blackened, au poivre, Roquefort, scampi or imperial.

ROAST BISTRO CHICKEN With buttery herb bread pudding and Dijon pan gravy.

Some menu highlights