Elaine’s Dinner Theater

I can’t express how horrible this place is. We went for valentines day dinner last night we had 4 people in our party. We were to pay $ 47 per person. We were rudely told to wait by bar to be seated. Then we were first ones seated we were at the very back of the room with our backs to the stage and the name plate on table wasn’t ours. The waiter said it didn’t matter who’s name but he’d move us. We moved over one table so we could all see the stage. It took 35mins to get our drinks then everyone around us was seated way after us already had bread salads and appetizers. I had to flag down my waiter who had 3 other tables which is absolutely nothing. I’ve been a waitress in the past and had way more then 4 tables with a fixed menu none the less.
Our service couldn’t have been worse. We were served our salads over an hour after being seated and had our appetizers before salad. Our entrees were also last in room to be served. Thank god the food was actually good. My fiancé and myself had the steak and the other couple had eggplant Parm and chicken marsala. They both liked their meal as well. We waited so long I think anything would have tasted good at that point. I finally had to complain to Joan at the check in desk that we hadn’t had our entrees n right away another server brought them out.
Our server had the most disgusting breath I ever smelt in my life and kept breathing on us. He would come back with one drink at a time and he even once said I’ll be back in a second to ask how things are… Um? Never came back. Forgot refills multiple times. He gave us all the wrong desserts in complete darkness because the show had already started and it was pitch black. He then brought ice cold coffee. And disappeared.
The show was painfully brutual to sit through. Its entirely too long and cheesy. We had a start time of 730pm we didn’t get out of there until 1130pm.
Then our bill was $ 229 appetizers and drinks not included. Still thought was way too high. We went to pay because we couldn’t find our server and were rudely told we had to wait for our server. I waited 15mins and couldn’t take it anymore and demanded to pay so I could leave. Our server was outside smoking according to another person in our party. He comes back ran our card n gave us receipt to sign and runs off. We go to sign it and they ran it for $ 269. I freaked out. Manager comes out and says sorry he rang it up wrong and this is the amount. That would have been fine had he told us BEFORE running my card with no explanation.
I spoke to a male and female manager neither were helpful or apologetic. They ruined our valentine’s night and wasted our time. After much arguing she handed us $ 40 n said a quick sorry.
I have never in my life not left a tip. I still can’t believe how terrible Mark the waiter was or how awful the show and service was all around. I will never ever go back and I’ll let everyone I know to never go to this rip off scam of an establishment. Please do not waste your time or money!!! HORRIBLE!!!

This was my second trip to Elaine’s Dinner theater. The first was in 2007, it was just my husband and I and we enjoyed it. Tonight we brought the kids. What a great time! They really had a lot of fun.

We have been here before, but I’ve never written a review. I give it five stars not just for the food, but also the show. Certainly, when you walk in, they push the drinks and appetizers as they are extra on the bill. No biggie, every restaurant does it. I ordered the short ribs and my wife was undecided, she really likes salmon, but was thinking the pork loin. Our waiter (also an actor in the play) suggested if she didn’t like the pork, he’d bring her the salmon. Comes with salad and a roll, dressing was good, a balsamic, the roll was warm and fresh. Our dinners were brought out quickly. The short ribs were very tender with Jersey corn and a twice baked potato. My wife hated the pork, and as promised, the waiter brought her the salmon, which she loved. It also came with coffee and dessert, I ordered the cheesecake and the wife got the key lime pie. Cheesecake was great, the key lime pie tasted good, but I think our minds were more fixated on the fact it wasn’t green. Kinda like eating white mint chocolate chip ice cream, tastes good, but something’s not right here. As for the show, don’t expect a lavish Broadway production. The best advice is to lighten up and have a good time. The cost is $ 47, a meal in Cape May is $ 30 – 35, so the theater is $ 17 – 15 value. Relax, have fun and enjoy it. Take it for what it is and you’ll have a good time.

My friends and I came here for the dinner and show, The Mostly Dead. Upon entering we accidentally walked passed the hostess and headed towards the dining area. One of the staff members told us we had to check in with the hostess so one of us went to see her while the rest of my group headed for the bar. We were then stopped and yelled at for standing in the hallway. We were so shocked how rude and unprofessional this woman was and that sort of set the tone for the rest of the night for us.
Dinner was to be served at 7:30pm and we were seated closer to 8pm. The meal was ok, nothing to rave about. I had the short ribs, which tasted more like a bland pot roast. My other friends had the salmon and chicken parm, which was just ok too. The rest of the meal we felt rushed, since the show was to start at 9pm. The show was also just ok, it could have been about a half-​hour shorter. It was very expensive also. I feel like you can get a better meal somewhere else for the price.
I would not go back for the dinner/​theater experience, however their outside bar area seemed really nice and I would probably go to check that out.

Good dinner. Would have liked a choice of salad dressing. Had boneless short ribs, which I liked. Noticed on menu that chicken parmigiana came with baked potato instead of pasta, which is unusual combo. My husband enjoyed his salmon.
The play was cheesy but witty. It’s not great theater, nor is it intended to be. But it was fun and I would go again to a different show.

Just had breakfast for the second time and it was awesome so was the service a must to go to.

I liked the show downtown stabby… the food was not so great. bread and appetizers and soup were packed with extra salt. which made you need to drink more than usual. i had three glasses of water with the appitizer alone. glad i was not drinking anything else. .main dish was so plain tasting. probably will not attend again. I rather go to eat a place I like and then go to a show that does not serve dinner. srff was super friendly. .Michael was very helpful. .manager was so upbeat and welcoming, waitress at the show so super nice. I did enjoy myself…

Used to be funny, entertaining, and an enjoyable night out while down the shore. NOT ANYMORE! It used to be a vacation staple that was always highly anticipated, but with the «fan favorites»” from the cast all not there anymore (do to the joke that you may call «management»), there is NO reason to go here anymore. The shows were full of great improv due to the fact that the cast all knew each other for years — you take away that, you take away one of the true charms of this establishment. Never spending money at this establishment again. What used to be a Cape May «diamond» is now just a sad pebble on the side of the road.

Stopped into Elaine’s this Halloween night 2014. The bartender was extremely overwhelmed and rude. Sad thing was that there were only three people at the bar. We’ve stayed there several, several times but since the changes, never ever again. We’ve referred so many business and family friends to go there because of the great atmosphere, never again, The bartender’ attitude stunk. Maybe she needed a nap. If I could rate it lower then one star I would. Bring back Anita… FAST

Me and my boyfriend got to the Cutter’s Revenge show about 45 minutes early so we sat at the bar and relaxed. Loved the bartender! She made us Backyard teas which is Elaine’s Iced tea vodka with lemonade. Then we got a pitcher of margarita which was excellent. We got called into the dining room and were seated by the greeter. Included in the $ 45 was a soup or salad, main entrée, dessert, and coffee/​tea.
I got seafood chowder-​good
Salmon with double green beans-​excellent
brownie with ice cream-​amazing (had chocolate chips inside)
coffee-​good
Service was excellent, show was hysterical! I do not recommend children. I will definitely be going back the next time I’m in Cape May.

Had a blast!!!
The meal is AMAZING for a dinner theater! However be aware, it is high in price ($ 70ish a person with a drink or two).
The show was funny, low budget but if you have a good sense of humor you will absolutely LOVE it. It’s something to try for sure!

We have been coming to the shore for the past 10+ years. Since we’ve found Elaine’s we come every year (about 5 – 6).
The people are friendly and show is always funny/​entertaining. As for servers, as with any restaurant some are better than others. But there are a bunch running around, so on the one particular occasion when ours was sub par, we were able to ask another server.
Food is better in the main dinner theatre than the haunted mansion. However, if you are expecting 5 star dining and a Broadway production you will be disappointed (and are probably too uptight to have fun here anyway). The price for food and show is more than reasonable. It is a quaint setting for a family friendly fun night. Come with a good sense of humor and you are bound to have a good time (as you may become part of the show/​joke)!!! As far as the dinner food, I think it’s comparable to most of the restaurants around — good no complaints but nothing to rave about. Dessert on the other hand is always great!

Im actually impressed. At 50 bucks a head, I was very skeptical. The food was sort of standard catering hall type but the show, ah the show. It was actually really funny. They spoofed my husband and nephews constantly which made it extra hilarious. Acting was good too! Definitely a go once if youre in Cape May type of place.

I have been coming here for years. It is always a blast and I always leave laughing. However do not come here if up are expecting an amazing meal or high end theater. This is a small dinner theater where your waitresses are your actors.
They serve your first two courses before the show starts and desert comes right when the show is starting so you have something to nibble on. You can always get up during the show to get a drink from the bar too (however expect to be called out by the actors if you get up during the performance)
What makes this place a blast are the way the performers engage with the audience. Try to get a table up close because they will almost pull you into the show. There always seems to be a bald guy that gets his head rubbed or an older lady they give a whistle too.
Always a good time but expect this to be your whole night because it can get a bit long

The dinner theater experience was fun since my husband and I have never been to one. We saw Monster’s Clue October 2013. It was a little campy and started off slow but it picked up. The staff was great and the people who served you were the ones in the play. They really do work hard for their money. I think kids would find it enjoyable.
The food was ok but you’re not really there for the food, but for the experience and to support the local actors who works so hard to make your stay enjoyable.
Not only did we go to the dinner theater but we also stayed at the B&B and for that we give it 5 Stars! Great staff, great accommodations and a great time though we didn’t see any spirits. Will definitely go back!

Dinner THEN a show. So as everyone else said here, first they serve you dinner, for about 2 hours, then the show comes on. We didn’t even make it to the show, which doesn’t seem like a big deal according to the reviews. Dinner is average. You sit pretty much right next to other diners, which was fine, as it made for fun conversation. But that could suck depending on who you were next to.
Sadly, will not be going back.

The food was good. We ordered chicken fingers, shrimp & pasta & steak. Our stay in Cape May was based on Halloween so I thought this would be a great place to start. It was so so… What I would suggest to management is to remind staff; they work as part of a theme «Haunted Mansion» and asking dinner guest w kids to arrive ½ hr early to watch football at a quite bar does not give the customer what they expect. Especially the weekend before/​after Halloween. As the winter approaches and shore business slows; you would think this place would give it 100%.

Nice selection of drinks, great bar and bartender, the food and service is five stars all the way.
The format of the show and the show itself is what deducted the stars.
You sit for 2 hours eating, which is fine if you’re a slow eater… but basically we were sitting for an hour and fifteen minutes talking and drinking before the show started– which would have been alright but I’d of liked to enjoy cape may a little longer on our short vacation.
The show started, it was. interesting, the actors kept mentioning some inside joke that only 3 people understood in the audience and the story had. no story. Wouldn’t go again for the theater, would go again for the food an drinks!

This placed is saved by the strong and creative drink specials they offer. I would highly suggest loading up on these if you do decide to watch a show here. Actually, I would suggest not watching a show and just drinking the cocktails here.
Went here on a Saturday night to watch their presentation of Cinderelvis — an Elvis themed show based on Cinderella’s story — in case that wasn’t painfully obvious.
They actually serve all 3 courses of dinner before starting the show. I’m not used to this format, and I can’t say I thoroughly enjoy it. Not only do you have to sit through the show on a full stomach, you can’t order any more drinks while the show is going on.
Overall the food was very average for all three courses. Nothing too unappetizing, but nothing stands out either. Flavors were decent. The steak was a bit too dry, though.
The staff was very hospitable. Definitely made it a point to make guests feel welcome and add a bit of a personal touch to it.
* Now for the 1 star worthy part. The theater portion of the show. *
This show was painfully uncomfortable. My favorite part was when a bride-​to-​be at a table nearby had to give up her drunken heckling in order to throw up outside. She was so annoying.
As for the actual show. Elvis was pretty bad. HE DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO PUT ON AN ELVIS VOICE! And it’s not like he has a good voice. I guess they didn’t think you’d hear through the static filled PA.
The female lead had a strong voice and presence.
And then there was the flamboyant gay character. The only one who really got any sort of reaction. Unfortunately for me, that act’s been done to death. The double entendres are pretty much what you’d expect from a production like this.
The show ran not much more than an hour. It felt like much more as I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
And to set the record straight, I’m no theater snob. I’ve been highly entertained and delighted before by school productions, cruise and resort productions and other low budget productions. This one just isn’t good — a sentiment shared by our entire party.

7÷8÷15 Update
Went last night and while they made vast improvements in service and fixed the place up a bit the food has declined and is downright revolting! The salad they don’t even make a dressing for they just pour vinegar over it, the Chicken Parmesan was tough and cold, Rigatoni Bolognese was most likely leftover hamburgers in water.
In my last review I thought the place was just poorly managed and that still seems the case as depending on where you get your drinks, outside bar, inside bar or dining room you will pay a different price each time.
The other issue you will face is the late start, 7:30 dinner, it is hard on the kids to still be up by the time the show starts.
Dropping it a star due to the food while never good being so terrible.
Original review below
Tough call…
Décor/​Atmosphere ** Housed in a large Victorian house so it has the Cape May charm. Elaine’s has two main dining rooms, one is for haunted dinner the other for dinner theatre. We sat in the more modest dinner theatre room (more on that later) which has a strong old musty smell to it, I needed to get air twice but it did not seem to bother others.
Service * Seasonal help strikes again, the reality is that the place is very poorly managed. I made reservations for a very large group of adults and kids months in advance for the haunted dinner. Unfortunately we were booked for the dinner theatre which was a musical spoofing on 80’s movies. I was worried that the kids would not get it but as the manager pointed out there was nothing we could do about it. The servers are all from Europe that barely speak English so it made no sense why they would not have printed menus for the 5 or so entrees you can choose from! Instead you are forced to order something that just sounds remotely familiar and hope for the best. Everything is haphazard, some will get drinks, some will not, some will get food, others will wait, some will have food dumped on them. Nobody even seems to care, it is get them in, get them out.
Food *** Not nearly as bad as I expected but certainly not something to get excited about. Think of really cheap wedding food.
Value ** Tough to judge, flat rates of $ 45 for adults and $ 25 for kids is terrible for the food but you get the show as well. For this exercise I will split it between dinner and show so the dinner cost of $ 22.50 and kids of $ 12.50 isn’t outrageous for salad, entrée and dessert but is not great either. By the way none of this includes drinks. With tip a family of four cost $ 200.
Overall *** There is a lot not to like, management, service and food leave much to be desired but with all that being said one 8 year old turned to me and said «this is the greatest thing I have ever seen»! As we group we dealt with the bad service, survived the food and grimaced at the bill but we left smiling and with happy children, ’nuff said.