Friends and I wanted to get away for a couple of days but we were concerned about being irresponsible and traveling during a pandemic. We gave it some thought and decided to take a short trip from our homes in Lancaster, PA, to Atlantic City,...NJ.
It was such a pretty day for November and we were hungry so we decided to take a short drive down the coast to Somers Point, NJ.
We're glad that we did.
Just off the end of the 9th Street bridge, we found a true gem: The Crab Trap.
We arrived at 200pm and there was a slight wait due to social distancing and previous guests still eating their lunch. The tables were nicely spaced and the restaurant was spotless with a very attractive nautical theme.
We were seated and reviewed the extensive menu. It was very nice to see such a large selection of items to fulfill anyone's needs. I started with French Onion Soup, a rich broth loaded with savory onions and topped with just the right amount of cheese. It was truly the very best that I had ever eaten. Jim had Manhattan Clam Chowder: a tomato base brimming with tender ocean clams; he throughly enjoyed it. Kathy had Tomato Mozzarella Salad with red, ripe juicy tomatoes topped with Buffalo mozzarella, roasted red peppers, two kinds of olives and sliced red onions. This was over field greens and lovingly draped with balsamic vinaigrette.
Our bowls and plates were cleared and we moved onto Round Two of our lunchtime adventure. I selected the same Tomato Mozzarella Salad that Kathy enjoyed so much. I did too. Even though it is listed on the menu as Smaller Side Salad, it was large enough for my big appetite. Both Kathy and Jim decided upon Fried Oysters and Chicken Salad. Those of you from Philadelphia will recognize this as a home town favorite: large, plump hand breaded oysters golden fried to perfection served along with creamy, homemade chicken salad. Kathy and Jim were more than satisfied with their selection.
Finally, I ordered an Onion Blossom served with creamy (and sinus opening) horseradish sauce. So satisfying. In fact, in the excitement of seeing this beautiful creation, I forgot to take a picture of it.
Our server, Jessica P, was everything that you could want in a server: cordial, gracious, well informed of items on the menu and extremely courteous. Jessica P is a lovely, lovely, lovely lady who is a huge asset to The Crab Trap. Other than the food, she is the number one reason that we will be coming back.
The Crab Trap, thanks for a wonderful afternoon. All of us enjoyed our meal. We will be back ... and all of you out there in TripAdvisor land should plan a stop here too.
Rick, Kathy and JimMore
