Lobster House Fisherman’s Wharf

Do not show up at 7 p.m. or you will be informed of a one-hour wait and be handed a vibrating beeper. Though you can skip the dining room and settle for gluey chowder and mangled clams from the outdoor grill and raw bar, you'd be better off taking a stroll on the beach — or through Cape May — and arriving at the Lobster House at 8:45 p.m. By then there is no competition for a seat at the handsome bar, and you'll have the undivided attention of professional, white-jacketed bartenders. Order local oysters on the half shell, chilled lobster, and cold Dogfish Head beers.