Recently, I took my first trip to Cape May Brewing Co., and to say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. Tucked away in an industrial part of Cape May, New Jersey, this brewery initially threw me off from the outside. The building itself is part of a larger complex, and at first glance, you’d almost miss that this is home to one of the area’s most beloved craft breweries. But that low-key, industrial exterior is all part of the charm because once you step inside, you realize you’re in for a completely different experience.
The Layout: Welcoming and Well-Organized
As soon as you walk in, you’re welcomed by the sight of brewing tanks and the faint smell of hops in the air. A greeter stands by to help you find your way, which is actually really nice—he asked if I was interested in doing a flight, grabbing a pint, or heading straight to the bar. It’s not like you have to decide right then, but it gives you an idea of how you want to start.
To the left is the bar area where you can go straight for a pint. If you want a bit more variety, though, you can head to the right, where they’ve set up a designated area for filling out your flight card. This setup is perfect for first-timers like me. They have menus on the tables, pencils, and paper ready to go, so you can check out the selection and jot down your picks without any pressure. Once you’re ready, just take the card up to the bar and they’ll get your flight started.
The Beers: Diverse, Refreshing, and Unexpected Favorites
I opted for a flight to sample a range of what Cape May Brewing Co. has to offer. My picks included an IPA, a lager, and a sour—and surprisingly, it was the sour that stole the show. While I enjoy sours, they’re usually not my top choice, but Cape May’s version was on another level. It had a refreshing balance that wasn’t overly tart, making it unexpectedly enjoyable.
At $12 for a flight (plus tip), I found it to be very reasonable for the quality. The process was seamless, too. After filling out my flight card, I handed it to the bartender, paid up, and within a minute, I was off to enjoy my beers in the outdoor beer garden.
The Beer Garden: Perfect for Any Season
The beer garden was an absolute highlight. Despite it being November, the sun was shining, adding a cozy warmth to the chilly air. It was one of those crisp fall days where the sun feels like a warm blanket—a perfect setting to sip some beers and unwind. The beer garden was lively, with plenty of people enjoying their flights and pints. There was even a food truck on-site, offering up some great-looking bites. (I didn’t grab anything to eat this time, but judging by the crowd around it, it was a hit.)
For those planning a visit, Cape May Brewing Co. often has food trucks on weekends and sometimes live music too. Definitely check out their events page for what’s coming up.
The Shop: Branding Done Right
After finishing my beers, I wandered into the brewery’s shop. I didn’t expect much, but I was honestly impressed by their merch. Cape May Brewing Co. has nailed their branding, with hats, shirts, and other gear that you’d actually want to wear. The designs were well thought-out, not just another run-of-the-mill brewery logo slapped on a cap. I’d buy some of these hats even if they weren’t from a brewery—that’s how cool they looked. The shop was also busy with people grabbing beers to go, a testament to how much Cape May Brewing Co. has become a staple in the local community.
Where is Cape May Brewing Co. Located?
With my mom recently retiring to Cape May, I have a feeling Cape May Brewing Co. will become a regular stop whenever I’m in town. Located at 1250 Hornet Road in Cape May, New Jersey, the brewery sits just a short drive from the center of Cape May, making it an easy destination for both locals and tourists. The brewery is nestled in an industrial area within Cape May Airport, which adds to its unique, laid-back vibe.
Whether it’s grabbing a flight, enjoying a pint in the beer garden, or picking up a few cans to take home, Cape May Brewing Co. has quickly earned a spot on my must-visit list. I’m looking forward to making more memories here with friends and family. If you’re visiting the area, it’s definitely worth a stop, especially if you’re looking to experience Cape May’s craft beer scene in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Watch the Experience: My Daily Vlog
If you want to get an even closer look at my experience, I documented the day on ‘All Aboard with Joe‘. You’ll find many of the details I shared here, along with some extra footage of the beer garden, the flight process, and a peek at the merch. I’ll be embedding the video below, so you can see first-hand why Cape May Brewing Co. is worth a visit.
