The Anchorage Tavern
Somers Point
823 Bay Avenue
609-926-1776
Open: Lunch and dinner daily
Price: $$
Style: Historic tavern featuring seafood and pasta, maritime touches, a large bar area, two pool tables and a separate, Victorian-style dining room. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Scoop: The three-story building—originally a hotel—dates to the late 19th century. After a 2006 fire, the front section was rebuilt true to the original. Among Anchorage fans: The Food Network’s Guy Fieri, who visited in February 2015 for a segment of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
The Menu: Seafood gets top billing, but chef/owner Don Mahoney populates the diner-length menu with his “favorite dishes from everywhere.” Appetizers include plump oyster shooters and crispy, sweet clam strips. Large chunks of beer-battered grouper were served as an entrée over a generous house salad. Crab cakes were fresh and meaty. Mahoney’s recommendation: Shrimp fra diablo, with eight jumbo shrimp sautéed and served over linguini.
Heads Up: The 10 tables on the all-weather veranda provide a wide-angle view of Great Egg Harbor Bay.
What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine Type:American - European - Italian - Seafood
- Price Range:Moderate
- Ambience:Historic tavern featuring seafood and pasta, maritime touches, a large bar area, two pool tables and a separate, Victorian-style dining room.