Oyster Creek Inn Inc

Experience South Jersey-In the hometown of the Jersey Devil

by joehawk7

My folks started taking me to Oyster Creek back in the 60's. Back then we used to boat right up to their dock. I've never had a bad meal. Now that I've moved to California I make it a point for at least one meal at Oyster Creek every time I visit South Jersey.

I'd recommend arriving early if you are the "must sit down right away" type. Otherwise plan for and enjoy a very relaxing drink on the dock. Sunset time is very peaceful (except for the time that a clamming boat caught fire while refueling a little ways up the creek).

My wife and I frequently go for the Two - 1 1/4 lb main lobsters special. At various times runs about $30 +-$5.

Another great meal is the crab cake platter. Or enjoy a little of everything on the Oyster Creek Combo.

The asparagus is always a favorite side dish and the bar has a nice selection of beer on tap. The kids love the free pop-corn which is always available.

A lot of people enjoy the outdoor patio in the summer where fresh cooked crabs are served with pitchers of beer.

Over the years I've had quite a range of "service". It may well be that the service is simply left up to each individual server rather than focused restaurant training but I'm learning not to sweat the small stuff. I don't let a little imperfection detract from a very enjoyable meal or my lovely experience with family and friends. It's always just seemed like a little of the South Jersey personality anyway. Never has anyone been rude to us.

The hours of operation may in fact be a bit confusing but the experience is worth figuring out this little puzzle. One just has to remember that there is an "in" and "out of" season schedule at the Oyster Creek Inn. If my memory serves me right Mon, Tues and Wed are added "IN" season only.

All-in-all this is one of only a couple of restaurants that I make a point of visiting and I would recommend that you do too!

Jan 2011

~~~INFO~~~

by oyster creek

So here is some Info for any other Customers that would like to come to O.C.I~ Oyster Creek Inn is a Family owned Restaurant and has been since 1938. THEY ARE NOT OPEN MONDAYS BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY OR AFTER LABOR DAY. Winter hours are as follows-

(INSIDE) Nov- April - open THURSDAY- SUNDAY 4-9. Open for rest of September and ALL of October TUESDAY- SUNDAY

(Outside Deck) Open Tues- Sunday thru September.~ Open first Two weekends in October for the Octoberfest weekend(Oct 2-3) in the town Of Smithville 7 for Irishfest Weekend (Oct 8-9). The Restarant is Closed down Completely for a Wedding on FRIDAY OCTOBER 1st. Call Any day besides Monday( After 2 pm) to speek to Someone who can help you with any questions you may have (609) 652-8565.

NOT EVEN THE DECENCY TO BE OPEN DURING BUSINESS HOURS

by RoyD

I have been going to Oyster Creek Inn for almost 38 years. While the place never won any awards for style, the food was always excellent and the service very good or better. Well...it used to be anyway.

However, today (9/13/10) I went there for dinner with my wife. We arrived just before 4pm and noticed the parking lot was empty. We waited ten minutes and walked inside. The place was unlocked but EMPTY (published hours are 4pm to 9pm). The chairs were still up on the table, the bar fully stocked, but every light in the building was off except for the neon lights in the windows.

We yelled 'hello' a dozen times or more...and no answer. No smell of food cooking...nothing.

There was a couple that arrived just after us from Pennsylvania. They had heard great things about the place...but were as stymied as we were as to where everyone was. IS THIS PLACE IN BUSINESS OR WHAT?? The sign outside stated "dinner served from 4 to 9 pm.

In the time we were waiting for the restaurant to open my wife and I noticed how run down it had become. While it was never high society, it now resembles a crack house in the inlet in AC than a restaurant tucked away in the reeds of Leeds Point.

I wasted 90 minutes of my life going to a restaurant that wasn't even open to serve me. We will not return.

We did find an EXCELLENT Mexican restaurant where Senior Rattlers used to be on Route 9...just minutes away from Oyster Creek. THEIR FOOD AND SERVICE WAS EXQUISITE, AND THE PLACE WAS SPOTLESS.

The restaurant is called La Hacienda. 609-652-6050

I guess the restaurant changed hands and the new owners don't need the money. Or...maybe they got an Obama bailout like the mortgage companies.

PS I HAD to rate this dive one star or I could not post my review. I rate it zero stars.

Oyster Creek Fun and worth it..

by debra sherwood

Lots of atmosphere. The building almost like I remember as a child--only now updated. Oyster, fish great. Service friendly and quick. The Italian Rum Cake is baked on the premises is the best I ever had.

Poor

by erinfucker

food comes out late and is piss poor. the kupells suck at the hospitality business. not like it was. too pricey. goto smittys in somers point for better seafood. byob.

• Pros: Waterfront
• Cons: attitude, not sustainable and not fresh