Every trip to Cape May requires a stop at the Ugly Mug. I gotta say that Covid sucks. Can't even sit at the bar. Enjoyed a nice lunch with wings, cheese fries and burgers. Food was what you'd expect from a "dive" bar. Service was spot on. Miss the old times.... read more

Ugly Mug - Australian Cheese Fries - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

We had a very fresh and delicious 1 1/2 lbs Lobster and the Lobster Roll, which was loaded with big pieces of Lobster! One of the best I ever had! And yes, in regards to a previous review, it had a little mayo in it, but I wouldn't have liked it as much without it ;) Our waitress was very nice and took great care of us. The outside seating also made it a very relaxing lunch on a sunny day. My only wish, cleaner restrooms with some lighting. read more

Service and food was good. I had scallops and my wife had crab cakes. My daughter had a corn beef Rubin. Everything was very good, but the prices were somewhat high. read more

I have not been here since it was owned by Bob M. place looks the same...dark and cluttered. Its a Cape May staple but not like it used to be. I got a hot roast beef on a kaiser that came with a 1/2 cup of potato salad. It was good. Just like if you bought it at a Deli for 1/2 the price... $18...for a freaking roast beed sandwich The wife got a $16 chicken panini that came with some corn garnish, guac, and sour cream. She enjoyed it. $8 for an Angry Orchard on tap. We drank water. 2 SANDWICHES and a drink...$45 w/tip $53 SMH‍ Server was cool. Id like to give 3 stars for the prices but I guess that the reality in many places. read more

Had a great experience at the Ugly Mug. The service was amazing. Great selection on the menu with great drink options. I recommend getting seafood, such as the clam chowder and the calamari. It does it crowded during peak times but worth the wait, with plenty of outdoor setting. read more

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We stopped by yesterday against my better judgement for a quick drink. Joe our bartender was wonderful. A completely different experience from the last time we were there! Thank you Joe! read more

Yeah, it's a dive bar. Ordered apps, salad and dinner. They all came out within 5 minutes of each other. Ordered the whole lobster special. It was small and overcooked. Waiter came over and asked if we'd like bibs, after we were done lol. Drinks remained empty even though the restaurant wasn't full. Won't be returning with so many other options in Cape May read more

BEWARE - this is a locals place - meaning if you're a tourist you will be taken advantage of. My husband and I were there for 3 hours to watch the NHL skill's competition - our bill came to $178 stating we had 17 beers altogether- ( we also had a grilled cheese and onion rings). When I told the bartender that this was a mistake she told me I was wrong. When I asked to see the itemized receipt she said there was none. Be careful and watch your receipt. read more

Best worker is George! Amazing drinks i recommended getting the "blow job shot". Very great environment and George is the best waiter i have ever had he is so nice. We went there 2 days in a row and asked for george because he is the best! Had a very good time definitely recommend! read more

I'm always surprised to see the poor reviews. I've been coming here for years and the experience has been consistently good and my Lobster Roll is OUTSTANDING. The Lobster Roll is what we always order. Nothing against The Ugly Mug, but if you took this off the menu, there would be no reason for me to come back. So please, please don't! This sandwich is available on the "special" insert so I'm not sure it's available all year. Emily was our server and she was very sweet, courteous and pleasant. We go here every year to enjoy the Lobster Roll! Delicious lobster on top of a buttery type of bread, served with drawn butter, lemon wedge and a small coleslaw. The lobster is chunky and very plentiful. At 18.99 it isn't cheap, but then again, you are getting what you're paying for here. The flavor of the lobster is unspoiled and we really enjoy it. It's pretty dark inside the restaurant. Nice and cool though and a good way to rejuvenate in order to do more shopping. If you love lobster like I do, you won't be disappointed! read more

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If I could give zero stars, it would be zero. Bring your own disinfectant, if you get through that; bring something for your stomach; you'll need it. If you get through all that, have plenty of cash for the $10 /16 ounce draft. Didn't stay long and the fresh air outside was refreshing. Btw, the place is very tight; walking sideways like a crab.... Can anybody say "tourist trap". Do yourself a favor and go to Congress Hall bar/restaurant. read more

We're here in Cape May with friends - this is our 3rd year to visit and Ugly Mug has become a bit of a tradition for us. Atmosphere- (3/5). Yes, it's a divey local bar, sometimes filed with people singing a bit too loud, but there's something nostalgic about the mugs hanging in the bar that makes this an unusual spot. Food (4/5) - thin, fried clams (not fat bottom bellies) are hard to find and these never disappoint. The crab melt was a bit overwhelming- the cream cheese was a bit odd on the limp English muffin but the crab itself was good. I asked for old bay on the side. Friend had the pastrami Ruben which was super large and the onion rings ($10.99 side) were huge! The lobster roll was a hit, though the lobster itself was cut up too fine with a bit too much mayo. read more

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Located on the main strip of Cape May, this place should definitely be a contender when you're figuring out where to go! There's so many options and this one is definitely a good one. Our server Michael ("Meekayelle") was great! They are strict about masks, even at the podium out front when asking for a table. They have a separate table out front with the menus on it so you can look at it before you go in. They prefer you to be ready to order as soon as you sit down so you can make the most out of your table time. They don't take reservations and told us it would be a 10 minute wait for our six person party but it was more like 40 minutes. Our appetizer was served extremely quickly! I mean it was only salsa and guacamole and chips? And it was delicious! Served really quickly and we needed it! Our drinks for surgery promptly as well! Everyone seemed to be satisfied with what they ordered. I ordered the spinach apple walnut salad with balsamic vinegar rat and they are artisan burger on top. It's one of my favorite burger combos: Beef chuck and short rib! It definitely wasn't the best I had but it was OK. I found myself wanting more salt. We also got The filet tip and mushroom open faced sandwich And the bread was definitely super soggy. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be an open faced sandwich? But that was the way we had to eat it. Everything else was pretty typical! One of the things we loved was that they cater to gluten-free guests really well! Gluten-free bread and gluten-free toast and plenty of options. They have an impossible burger for vegans but we didn't try it. Definitely pricey but it's Cape May, so I wasn't surprised. Thank you for coming in clutch for us on a busy Sunday brunch time, ugly mug! read more

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Stopped in for lunch on a busy Saturday. Place was crowded but maintained a strong, positive energy. They had tables both inside and outside, but we were taken inside when offered the option. The menu here is heavy on the fried foods and sandwiches. A lot of people here appear to expect more, but, in reality, it's generally bar food with an extra seafood twist. The clam chowder was awesome. Some of the best I've had down there shore. See the attached picture. The salad, on the other hand, was just ok. Way too many apples...and I didn't even know that was possible! The Maryland Burger features crab meat and was pretty sizable. Nothing special about the burger or bun, however. This was just a burger with a layer of crab and cheese. Overall, great place to stop in for a quick bite or drink. It's very casual and delivers exactly as intended. read more

Ugly Mug - Apple walnut salad - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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The wait was a bit long, but there's a bunch of things to see and stores to go shop while you wait! We ordered burgers and all of three were great! And the salad was fabulous! Outdoor seating was pretty with patio lights and quick! Very efficient, however they did forget our side. read more

Ugly Mug - Salad - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

When your charged $11.00 for a Cape May draft beer is totally outrageous. I can't recommend gouging.......

BEWARE. Unfortunately, a zero rating is not available. I used my credit card there on 9-12-2024 for an afternoon meal. That evening my credit card company fraud department started sending me text messages and phone calls concerning fraud charges on my card. The Ugly Mug was not listed as fraud, but someone started setting up accounts with my card number that day with PILSPACE.com and making charges to that account. I called the next day and spoke to a manager at the Ugly Mug who took my name and phone number and said that he would investigate and get back to me. Ha-ha, that never happened. I explained to him that his establishment was the only place that I used that card during the 5 days that I was in New Jersey. I had to cancel my card, cancel all of the recurring monthly charges that went to that card and wait 10 working days to get a new card. read more

Good overall experience. The chicken nachos were very tasty and filling. As entrees we got grilled cheese which was massive and pretty good as well as the crab cake sandwich. Waiter was very attentive. Definitely a little high on pricing as the food was nothing spectacular. read more

Cool looking place. Good location. Average service, average food, overpriced beer. When all the condiments come in the little plastic containers with the foil lids, that's probably not a good sign. Odd at a sit down restaurant. This is the kind of place you go to just to say you've been there. read more

Service was okay. Food was mediocre. The server who took the job of keeping the birds away with his squirt gun was the best part of the whole experience. read more

This was such a cool place. The drinks were delish and the food was good too! I love the history of the place it's so cool and the waiter that we had was the best. Very friendly and great service! If you can stop here you definitely should read more

Ugly Mug - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

I have eaten here often during the past 20 years and the food was good; however, our family ate there last Friday night and I was extremely disappointed with the food. read more

OK I have been coming to this bar for about 50 years. At least it seems that way. It is pretty consistent over that time. The burgers and sandwiches are a four. Especially roast beef, corned beef, etc. The wings and fries are good. The quesadillas are better at Rusty Nail. The grilled cheese is absolutely so good-- that gets a 5. The cheese fries--no. And the whole lobster is a great value at 24.95. If you want a truly authentic old Cape May experience, this is the place. You kinda have to go. read more

I literally never leave a negative review like this, but this by far takes the cake for being the worst experience I've ever had in a business and I just feel like I have to share. Firstly, I am local to the area and have lived here my whole life and I've patronized this place for years. But tonight I accidentally forgot my ID which is a common mistake, and I understand why we can't stay in the establishment without ID, but I was waiting by the bathrooms right by the side door because it is 20° (feels like 5° according to weather app) outside with snow on the ground. I had no drinks, wasn't causing a scene, and I politely walked away after being told I couldn't stay. As me and my friends are patiently waiting for a ride to pick us up, we were then yelled and spoken down at for waiting inside by the same man asking for ID at the door. We literally were only waiting inside because we didn't want to freeze the death. It made me feel so disrespected by the abuse of power and being treated like I was less than human, being forced to wait outside in the cold like an animal. I will never return because of this. Do better. Have some compassion and treat people like human beings. read more

this place is underwhelming. the atmosphere was cold and outdated. the boothe was probably the most uncomfortable one i've ever sat in- no cushion. i got the maryland burger, which was okay but definitely not worth 18$ (fries not included). one positive is that drinks and food came out of the bar and kitchen quickly. read more

Ugly Mug - Maryland Burger - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

PROS: The place had a usual bar atmosphere that you expect and want out of a pub. Their servers are nice and helpful as well. The place is clean, offers inside and outside seating, and has an extensive menu. The food tasted nice and came out on time! CONS: The place was overpriced for a Cape May bar. They were also very cramped inside, especially by the bar area OVERALL: Definitely a bar I would hit up if you were down there. It's been around the longest and it's a great place to grab a beer and watch a game or get a bite to eat with the family read more

Ugly Mug - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

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A great place in Cape May to grab a drink and bar food. Great service and lots of locals.

Have gone here frequently when at the shore over the years. Food is good but not fancy. Prices are typical for the shore community.

Don't know what the fuss was about! Wasn't my cup of tea! We wanted food more than drinks and this wasn't the best place for us! Definitely better places in cape may then here! But it was on my list and I wanted to try! Definitely needs some more warmth in the place, training and quality control! But like I said was packed so I guess why change anything if ur making bank? read more

First time visit Eating inside No wait for a table on Sunday at 1 pm Trying a Cheeseburger and Diet Coke read more

Nice place for good drinks, great service, and super food. Indoor and outdoor seating. Heated outdoor seating area was great. read more

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Far and away the nastiest "pizza" I've ever had. There wasn't even real crust, it's was made on some sort of a pita or flatbread. The cheese was a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella and was horrible quality. Also, the cheese wasn't even fully melted. read more

Ugly Mug - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

I have eaten here for years when we come to Cape May. Tonight we had the beef nachos and they were underwhelming. My daughter had the lobster and loved it. We also had the pretzel with beer cheese and it didn't really have any taste to it. read more

I'll never go there again. My children's fathers mug is no longer there. his name was Dan Barrow. He lost his life on the Tammy D 2. A clamming boat at of Cape May. Lost right before Christmas in 1998. I would have loved my son to get his mug, but when these owners bought the Mug they removed many mugs of those lost at sea. they should have at least kept the turned mugs. Disgusting and a lost to many. no excuse. So i would not to advise buying any mug there. read more

This place has some of the BEST food in Cape May and Wildwood. It's a bar/restaurant and it looks like it too, but don't let that deter you from dining here. The place is super clean to start and the service was great. We had the crab meat appetizer and that could have been a meal in itself. The wings for appetizer were the best we've ever had. Burgers, lobster rolls were all amazing. Highly recommend. read more

Ugly Mug - Crab meat appetizer - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Cape May, New Jersey

I love coming to this place. Friendly wait staff, cool environment, really neat ambiance. Food is pretty good, it's always a stop when I come down to exit zero. read more

Although several restaurants in the Washington Street mall advertise the same $20 lobster special, the quality is very different. This time around, while in Cape May, we decided on the Ugly Mug, noting their advertised lobster special (salad, 1.5 lb lobster, fries for $20). I had been waiting to come back to Cape May for the lobster specials ever since the time we ate at the Cape May Fish Market. Was looking forward to it but so disappointed this time. The salad that it came with is a Caesar salad, which my husband dislikes. Would have been better if they served a plain salad with dressing on the side. He also commented on the lobster being dried out because it was baked instead of steamed. To me, the lobster was ok albeit on the smaller side (definitely didn't look like it was 1.5 lbs). It was drier than the one I had at Cape May Fish Market. Note there is no starter bread served at this restaurant. The kid's meals were unimpressive with dishes like overcooked kraft Mac and cheese. We also ordered the mozzarella stick appetizer (6 sticks for $12), probably of the frozen variety. Our waitress was attentive and friendly despite a busy evening and a not-so-clean atmosphere. When she brought out a stack of 5 plates, I distributed the top plate and noticed leftover marinara sauce between the 2nd and 3rd plates. Our waitress came back and took those away. I should have checked the other plates because after I lifted the next one, I noticed leftover rice between the 4th and 5th plates. Our waitress came back to remove those plates. I told her we didn't want any plates after all (for fear of finding anything worse). We won't return here again. We'll stick with the Cape May Fish Market next time. read more

It's on the main rd so they get plenty of hungry people stopping in. I can say I liked this place but can't say I hate it either. The burgers were mediocre to say the least. Don't ask me about service because it was no different from you going to McDonald's and them asking to take your order. Do yourself a favor go have a burger some place else. read more

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We stopped into the Ugly Mug for lunch last Friday afternoon (4-13-12) - it was a gorgeous sunny day and the outside was packed so we opted to sit inside (which had no wait time - score!). The hostess and our server (both were young women) were not very friendly at all, they looked annoyed and bored but whatever...we were hungry and this review is simply for the food. Our meals consisted of: cheeseburger which was very juicy and cooked to order (medium rare and it was cooked perfectly) - cheesesteak with onions and mushrooms which was described as "very tasty but wishing it was actually a bit greasier" (cheese steak lovers will understand) and could have had more cheese on it, other than that it was good but not great - crab cake sandwich which was perfectly cooked and very tasty (esp with tarter sauce on top, ask for extra) and some kids meals which were all just fine. Fries for the table (the orders all come with chips - boooo!) and one plate of fries was good for 2 people to share. Despite the unfriendly awkward service, we would definitely come back to the Ugly Mug for lunch again as it's quick, tasty and fun. read more

So much nostalgia. The Ugly Mug was my childhood bar of choice in Cape May. Which...I realize sounds odd, but little-me knew what she liked! Every time I came here growing up, I ordered the SAME platter: the chicken salad sandwich, on white bread, with chips. It had been almost a decade since my last visit, but you can bet I still ordered that chicken salad sandwich on Saturday night. This time I just asked for it to be topped with bacon. It was still just as good as I remembered! They sure do pack the chicken salad in. Don't expect the healthy stuff, either. This is a classic, mayonnaise-filled chicken salad. Their beer list is, um, unfortunate for the most part. Unless you like terrible domestics. Then you're in great luck! They carry every brand of water that you could possibly desire, and their current "Ugly Mug Seasonal," in case you were wondering, is the Leinenkugel summer shandy. Woo-hoo. They did have Cape May Brewing Company's Blonde *and* Coastal Evacuation DIPA, so props there. I just feel like they could pull so many more people in if they added a even just few more solid craft options. read more

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