This year, Carney’s is celebrating 40 fantastic years of “fun,” “food,” “drink,” and live entertainment! A long time standing staple in the Cape May Community, Carney’s features top bands and delicious, quality food for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a reliable moderately priced meal or a night out on the town, Carney’s is for all.
The Carney family’s love for the restaurant business originally started in a tavern on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Jack and Marie Carney owned the tavern and their children, Ree, Patti, Tom, and Joe, all helped in the kitchen and took on responsibilities for the restaurant. When their father Jack suddenly passed away, the family wanted to carry on his legacy and took over the family business. In fact, immediately after their father’s funeral, the brothers and sisters went straight to cleaning the bar and picked up operations where he left off. “The show goes on” highlights the family’s dedication to the family business, which is still very apparent 40 years later.
In 1978, Marie Carney sent her son Joe to look into a bar called Sid’s in Cape May with the hopes of expanding their business. Having one of those amazing Cape May weekends, Joe immediately fell in love with the location and the idea of opening a bar down the shore. Shortly thereafter, he and his siblings took over Sid’s and Carney’s was up and running. Joe followed in his parent’s footsteps and continued the tradition of having family fingerprints on the business, raising his family working in the restaurant and bar while instilling a strong work ethic from an early age. He wanted his children, Joe Jr., Sean, James, Jackson, and Michael, to leave their own fingerprints as well, so they started as dishwashers and worked their way up to management.
“Over the years the faces have changed, but nothing has changed about our mission to serve the public providing a family-friendly experience for our guests,” said Joe.
Today, Sean Carney is the operator in charge and has spent the past two winters renovating the family business with a couple of loyal friends. The newly renovated “Main Room” and “Other Room” provide innovative & refreshing drinks along with non-stop entertainment guaranteed to make this your favorite spot in Cape May. New this season at Cape May’s beloved Live Music Mecca is the Terri O’Brien Tribute Band: Beatles, Billy Joel & Bruce Springsteen. You can see them every Sunday Night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Amazingly extensive, the menu offers large portioned lunch and dinners at reasonable prices. Rounding out their menu choices and new this season are the homemade brick oven pizzas. Carney’s uses the state of the art Forza Forni oven, ensuring every pizza is fast, hot, and authentic. For those looking for a great deal, enjoy 3 courses for $20 with the exclusive mouthwatering prix fixe menu available from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you visit during happy hour you can enjoy $1 Buck-a-Shuck oysters from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Pair your meal with a cocktail or a popular beer on tap for an all-around great meal.
With 40 years behind them, Carney’s is ready to take on another season! Make it a point to experience all of the love and hard work the Carney family has shown through their new renovations, incredible menu, and live music. Become part of the family and visit one of the longest running family-owned establishments in Cape May!