gecko’s
The only place for southwestern cuisine. Sit outside, eat, drink and be merry! Where Is It? HALF a block from Congress Hall – it’s that little tropical oasis in the middle of Carpenter’s Lane, at the heart of Cape May’s famous Historic District. Why Should I Go? THERE are people in Cape May (quite a lot of people, actually) who equate the beginning of spring with the reopening of Gecko’s. It’s not difficult to understand why. Grab the opportunity to sit on the deck, which is surrounded by lush foliage and lit by tiki torches, sample the wonderful dishes and sauces concocted by chef Randy Bithell, who runs the place with wife Susi (who makes wonderful desserts), fill up a bucket of ice with Coronas or a fruity white, and watch the world go by. There is no better place for peoplewatching. Gecko’s is the only place in town for southwestern cuisine. It was voted Best Mexican by NJ Monthly in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Philadelphia magazine included it in their “Best Of The Shore 2006”, while the Press Of Atlantic City called Gecko’s “excellent.” Try chile-rubbed ribeye; chiles stuffed with shrimp, jicama, pumpkin seeds and cheese; and the three sister quesadilla, quite possibly the best veggie dish in town. And then there is Gecko’s rightlyfamous house salad, finished off with the secret onion-based dressing – with its sweet-and-tangy taste, and some seriously fresh veggies and crips greens, you’ll probably agree it’s the best salad you’ve tasted.
Some menu highlights GECKO’S HOUSE SALAD Field greens, with onion dressing, garnished with tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, onions, roasted corn, feta. THREE SISTER QUESADILLA Two flour tortillas filled with corn, squash, beans, onions, jalapenos, cheese and fresh cilantro, served with salsa, guacamole. Arguably the best vegeterian dish in town, along with the... VEGETARIAN BURRITO Not just for veggies, this is a substantial, satisfying and, oh yes, wonderfully-tasty, super-healthy treat! UTE TACO Fry bread topped with lamb adovado (chilemarinated, slow-roasted and shredded leg of lamb) and pinto beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a special salsa. CHILES RELLENOS CAMARONES Roasted poblano chiles stuffed with grilled shrimp, jicama, pumpkin seeds and cheese, oven baked and served with a roasted tomato cascabel sauce.
Anything Else I Need To Know? THE restaurant is BYOB, and even if you forget, Collier’s Liquor Store is a very short walk away.
gecko’s « carpenter’s square mall, cape may « (609) 898-7750