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The Rusty Nail

The Rusty Nail in Cape May, NJ, is a pet-friendly beach bar with many surf and turf dishes. They serve a dog menu that features an array of treats, including dog bowls filled with grilled chicken, veggies, hamburgers and hot dogs. Please note Fido is allowed to join you in the sand or at one of their picnic tables; the patio is not dog friendly. Visit Website

Or call (609) 884-0017 for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

The Rusty Nail has received a rating of 4.1 out of 5 bones by 33 canine critics on BringFido and 3.5 out of 5 by 759 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • Arden
    Oct 10, 2023
    We went back twice

    We went their twice during our visit at Cape May. we went on day 1 and day 6.

    The staff was awesome with us. They brought out water for the girls. They even got their own menu.

    When we returned the staff remembered us and our dogs. The waitress even remember we were there celebrating our anniversary. They brought out on our second visit ice cream for us and the girls in honor of our anniversary.
    We had a great time and would highly recommend them

  • Sharda
    Sep 5, 2023
    Horrible Service

    We were looking for a pet friendly spot to have some drinks and something to eat, saw the pics on the website showing dogs are allowed on the patio and thought this would be an ideal spot. First of all the greeter was very rude asking what are we there for, knowing that my husband went in before asking about bringing our dogs in and what entrance should we use. She told us that we are not allowed on the patio knowing that the pics on their website shows dogs on the patio and we have to sit on the sand, the seating was very low to the ground, the table was uneven that my drink kept sliding and the chairs and table were disgusting with alot of dust. Don't know how they expect to serve food on a nasty table, i had to ask for something to wipe it down myself. The guy who served us was also rude knowing that my husband tried to make conversation with him. He asked if we wanted a water bowl for our dogs but never brought it, good thing I had my own doggie bowl and iced water in my car for my dogs. They made us feel like they don't like colored people so we just ended up having one drink then left. We would never visit this place again...they definitely don't like animals and they're very rude and racial!!!!

  • Bryan
    Jun 30, 2022
    Great for dogs, ok for humans

    nice sandy area for dogs to lay down. water bowl brought out automatically, nice selection of dog treats. great place to chill, but the food was def a pass

  • Kathleen
    Oct 4, 2021
    Super Dog Friendly!

    fresh water in custom made water bowls for the doggies upon arrival! sat outside and listened to live music, enjoyed apps and brews!

  • Elaine
    May 19, 2021
    Great restaurant

    We were greeted with friendly staff immediately. We had 2 dogs with us and they were given a bowl of water right away. The food was plentiful and delicious and even had a section on the menu just for the dogs. Before leaving they even gave the pups dog cookies on their own plate.
    We had out of state family and their dog with us and I was so happy we chose The Rusty Nail for lunch.
    We will definitely return!

  • Kimberly
    Nov 11, 2020
    Great Doggy Spot

    Visited this restaurant in Sept 2020. We waited about 45 min bc we had no reservations (it was expected for a hot spot). There’s a bar where you can get drinks or sit on the benches across the street. as you wait you can see all the different types of doggies stroll in. The menu has a variety of choices for the hoomans and there was a separate doggy menu which we loved. my havapoo loved the burger. Water was brought out for our doggy along with our waters! it was our first time dining with our dog and we enjoyed it (except for this black bird who wouldnt stop bothering us). the restaurant is not that far from Cape May Peanut butter & Co - which is a MUST VISIT!!

  • Catherine
    Oct 3, 2020
    Very dog Friendly!

    Staff was super pleasant and happy to have our dog there. Brought out a water bowl and doggie menu with us even asking! Dogs are able to hang by picnic tables and fire pits and enjoy the live music.

  • Jean
    Aug 21, 2020
    Libby Is A Fan

    The human likes the food and service. Libby likes the water and attention!

  • Anne marie
    Jun 25, 2020
    AMAZING Location and Great Food

    My husband and I had a fantastic lunch (SO much food and the freshest salmon I have had in years!). The food was excellent and the view was amazing. The restaurant - floor, tables, restrooms, everything - was also VERY clean. Despite having to be masked in 88-degree weather (COVID-19), the staff was friendly, welcoming and just wonderful. Oh, and the menu Even has items for the dogs!! I love this place and will be back!

  • Chuck
    Sep 28, 2019
    Poor Service and attitudes by the staff

    I will never eat at this place again. The waitress never as much as acknowledged our dog after barley acknowledging my wife and I. She brought 2 glasses of water and took our order and that is the last we talked to her. 40 minutes later and still no food we decide to leave. While explaining to our hostess the situation, the waitress comes out and places the blame on us for ordering a cheeseburger. Then has the nerve to roll her eyes and say what ever when my wife tried to calmly explain to her that she could have at least came by and spoken to us. Please do not put your dog through this torture!!!

  • Kim
    Sep 9, 2019
    Great place!

    Great place to bring your dog to eat. Waitresses were great with my dog, made a fuss over her and brought out a water bowl without me even asking. Will definitely be back again.

  • Sandy
    Aug 11, 2019
    Rusty Nail

    Love this place very dog friendly staff amazing and they love Dogs food fabulous

  • Mathieu
    Aug 1, 2019
    Awesome Place

    Rusty Nail really nailed it when it comes to welcoming dogs. As soon as you’re seated your dog gets a bowl of iced water. They can lay in the sand and bath in the sun. The service is great and the food is delicious. They also have great drinks. It’s a must for anyone walking down the Beach avenue.

  • Angela
    Jul 1, 2019
    Great Place To Bring Your Dog

    Food is great, prices are good and staff is very welcoming to your dog.

  • Alex
    Jun 12, 2019
    Extremely Dog Friendly

    The hostess and waitress were super nice towards our dog! They gave him a water bowl right away. They even have a menu for the dog! Definitely worth a visit.

  • Maddy
    May 30, 2019
    Nice spot

    Came down with our two dogs on Memorial Day weekend. It was packed but was seated right away. The human food wasnt very good but tolerable, but we really enjoyed ordering off the doggy menu. We got the biscuit and hot dog and the dogs loved both.

    There were many other dogs there too. Friendly staff, though they were pretty busy rushing around due to so many customers. Big space, live music, okay beer menu, great location!

  • Ace
    May 12, 2019
    Great Experience, I highly recommend!

    We went on a really nice day in the spring. It was so amazing. We got seated right away even though there were lots of people, and pups there too. Dogs are allowed in both the sand areas and the picnic tables outside on the patio, so going a rainy or cold day wouldn’t be ideal. They gave our Dog, Carter a bowl of Water and we ordered him a doggie biscuit from their specialty dog menu. The human service and food was great as well! It’s in a great location with easy access to the beach. We had a great experience and I highly recommend this restaurant, but only on a nice day.

  • Teash
    More than a year ago
    dog angry

    Barked at by the rude bartender. Service poor. No water brought for our pooches. Skip it.

  • Sue
    More than a year ago
    Very Dog Friendly

    We were seated immediately on a busy Saturday at noon. We were pleased to see a doggie menu that had healthy choices for our girls. They had the grilled chicken and steamed vegetables and gobbled them up. So good they forgot their manners. The staff brought water for our dogs immediately, and stopped to pet them numerous times throughout lunch. We enjoyed our sandwiches, and were happy to see the extensive beer and wine lists. A summer shandy on a hot day was a welcome treat. Overall a very pleasant experience for both humans and canines.

  • Madison
    Jul 30, 2018
    Decent

    Dog friendly (we went on a sunny day) and the food was decent. The dog menu was super cute but for our picky dog a bowl full of steamed veggies wasn't exactly ideal. Overall, cute place and Stark enjoyed his bowl of cold water.

  • Hailey
    More than a year ago
    cool spot

    Our shih Tzu, Kacey, was the star of the show. All of the waiters and waitresses gave her a ton of attention and told stories about their own pups at home. We loved the fact that there was a doggie menu! This place was really neat. The human food was average.

  • James
    More than a year ago
    Been going for years

    New policy you can only sit at picnic tables and on the beach sand areas. So when October comes and the outside closes they will be totally not dog friendly

  • Enzo, Mona Lisa and Mommy and Daddy
    More than a year ago
    Love the place

    We stay here a couple times a year. Great location across from beach. We literally walk from our room to their outdoor eating area (it's like a beach), have snacks and a cocktail in the afternoon. The doggies get to eat off their own menu and lay in the sand while we eat. We all love it. Oh Rusty Nail is the restaurant for the Beach Shack.

  • Audrey
    More than a year ago
    Barktastic

    This will be our 3rd year going to Capy May, NJ and the RUSTY NAIL is always a stop we make at least 3 times in our week long stay. Luna loves the attention here, not a fan of the Bowser beer on the dog menu but she is a spoiled biatch. Luvs the hot dog and the hamburger. Highly reccomend for outdoor, live music loving dog owners.

  • Mia
    More than a year ago
    terrible

    We were looking forward to coming to this restaurant since we got our puppy! She is 4 years old we finally got the opportunity to do a day trip (because an overnight stay cost an arm and a leg) We still were so excited to go to the rusty nail because of the dog friendly nature and menu. Well it was a drizzly day we get there with our 15 month old and we were told "oh a dog and a baby sorry can't seat you" Can you imagine if we paid the over the top expense to stay there with our dog and then be told we can't eat there. There was still outdoor seating it was just under an awning. The dog was not allowed there. So don't book plans here. If it's raining the dogs aren't allowed under the awning. So it's not so dog friendly. We did find a true dog friendly place not to far away at harpoon Henry's.

  • Trish Fronczkowski
    More than a year ago
    Buster loves this place!!

    All I can say is they are the best dog friendly restaurant we have been to!! That is very important if you have a social pup!! Food is great, even a doggy menu!!

  • Cat Cardinale
    More than a year ago
    best restaurant for dogs ever

    Great food. Great atmosphere. They have a dog menu. How great is that. My dog ordered the burger. Two paws up!

  • Travlin Saint
    More than a year ago
    Very dog friendly!!

    Great place!! Great food. Loved the doggie menu

  • Jerrie
    More than a year ago
    Great Place

    Good food and great atmosphere. Loved that they had a menu for the dogs. My options were more limited, as a vegetarian, but I'm not rating based on that since it's my restriction. .

  • Sibahan S.
    More than a year ago
    doggie location at it's best

    Loved being able to bring my rottie with me to lunch. It only got 4 stars because it was the most expensive lunch I had ever had, but it was nice to have my dog with me.

  • Crystal
    More than a year ago
    Great Time!!

    Very pleased with the food and atmosphere. Very dog friendly... even have merchandise to offer for the dogs.. They have a menu for dogs and overall very friendly... we will definitely go back.

  • Gina & Bob
    More than a year ago
    Charlie

    We have been down here for the past 4 days and have had breakfast for the past 3 days.
    We are looking to have lunch and dinner with our dog Charlie. Great service and for charlie he has had his morning brew and turkey. and loved it.
    THIS IS A MUST FOR YOU PET OWNERS

  • Arden
    More than a year ago
    Great Food and Pawsome with Pets

    They had great food and even have a doggy menu. This was the only place we visited that had a menu just for dogs.

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