From the Bridge to the Backwater: Cape May’s Lucky Bones Serves Heart, Flavor, and Family
BY DAVE GARNER | For AC JosepH Media
CAPE MAY — Just before you roll into the historic seaside town of Cape May, crossing over the little bridge on Route 109, your eyes might be drawn to the iconic Lobster House.
But directly across the way sits a local favorite with a flavor all its own — Lucky Bones Backwater Grille. Owned and operated by the Craig family since 2005, Lucky Bones is more than just a restaurant — it’s a Cape May institution.
Known for its laid-back charm, bold bar menu, and flavorful coastal fare, this cozy, year-round eatery continues to win over both loyal locals and curious newcomers. Our Front Runner team arrived on a sun-drenched afternoon for lunch, and from the moment we were seated by Taylor, our spirited and attentive server.
We felt the warm buzz of a place where everyone seemed to belong. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, Lucky Bones has a way of making you feel like you’re home — just with better cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, a photo-worthy highlight of our visit was their signature drink: Mermaid Water. Made with Captain Morgan, Malibu Rum, Blue Curaçao, and pineapple juice, it’s as refreshing and vibrant as a Cape May sunset — and just as easy to fall in love with.
Lucky Bones boasts a large and lively bar area where flat screens rotate daily drink specials, and the draft list is rich with craft beers.
“Their bar menu is huge,” said Sharon and Ted, a couple from nearby South Jersey who have been coming for years. “Prices have gone up everywhere, but we have no problem here. The food is great, the portions are generous, and the cocktails are always on point.”
The menu itself is a celebration of familiar flavors done right — seafood-forward, burger-friendly, and with enough variety to keep everyone happy. Included in our order was the Rollins’ Bones Smash Burger, stacked high with Lucky Bones’ secret sauce, melted cheese, and all the classic fixings on a toasted brioche bun, the Crab and Shrimp Sandwich, where a perfectly fried seafood cake meets fresh toppings and golden fries.
Another outstanding selection was the Chicken Focaccia Sandwich, a medley of crisp chicken, soppressata, roasted red peppers, heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a red pepper aioli, absolutely delivered.
Yet, the food is only half the story. Lucky Bones runs on soul — and that spirit is anchored by its team. We spoke with Jason DeWaters, the general manager, who gave us a glimpse behind the curtain of what makes the restaurant tick.
“Lucky Bones is a family business, and we really run it that way,” he told us. “The Craigs are deeply rooted in the Cape May community. They also own the Washington Inn and Cape May Roasters. Everything we do here reflects that dedication to quality and community. We’re open year-round, and we’ve got folks who come back every season.”
When asked what keeps customers returning, Jason was candid.
“Consistency. Generous portions. Warm service. We’re proud of our food, but we’re just as proud of the environment we’ve created. It’s casual but thoughtful. We listen to feedback — this is a local place, and we treat it that way.”
Lucky Bones also keeps things exciting with seasonal specials and weekly traditions.
“Our Oyster Nights on Wednesdays during the winter are a big draw,” DeWaters added. “We want people to know they can come in and try something new, or just kick back with their favorite meal and a drink.”
In fact, creativity is alive and well in Lucky Bones’ kitchen. We caught up with Dallas, one of the restaurant’s pizza maestros.
“I’ve been making pizzas here for about six years,” Dallas told us. “This is the only place I’ve ever done it. I started off loving the food, and eventually, they trained me and let me run with it.”
His passion was palpable when he described one of his favorite creations — a special winter pizza built around their house-made cowboy chili.
“I drained out most of the sauce and used the chili as a base,” Dallas explained. “Then I layered on Monterey Jack and just a little of the chili sauce on top. It was amazing. That kind of stuff isn’t on the regular menu — it’s more like a staff special. But sometimes, we get to experiment and make something people talk about.”
While Lucky Bones serves breakfast on weekends only, its doors remain open through all four seasons — a rarity for many Cape May eateries. With ample parking, easy access and proximity to both the marina and the downtown shops, it’s the perfect launching pad for a day of exploration or a relaxing conclusion to an evening stroll.
If you’re heading down to Cape May, or even if you’re a longtime resident who hasn’t yet wandered across that bridge, make the stop at Lucky Bones. It’s not just about what’s on the plate (though that’ll be memorable). It’s about the people behind the plates, the stories in the kitchen, and the salt-air hospitality that stays with you long after your last bite.
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