Winding Down at The Windjammer: Brunch, Mocktails & Jersey Vibes
New Jersey has been called the “Diner Capital of the World.” Honestly, I can’t imagine life without a hometown spot where you can order chicken parm and pancakes at 2 a.m. In South Jersey, we’re lucky—there’s no shortage of great diners and delis.
This time, we took a drive to a diner-meets-bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The smell of fresh coffee hit me before I even opened The Windjammer’s door in Somers Point, New Jersey.
A Family Story in Every Bite
Every great diner has a story. The Windjammer’s began with Steve Tiniakos, who came to the U.S. from Athens in 1972 and started as a dishwasher. Over decades, he worked his way through the restaurant ranks—running family-owned diners, co-owning the Shore Diner, and finally, in 2023, opening The Windjammer with his wife Virginia and sons Stratis and Jimmy.
They took over a former T.G.I. Friday’s, completely renovated it, and created a space that blends fresh energy with that classic diner warmth. Their recipe for success? Attention to detail, high standards, and an unshakable family work ethic.
The Mocktail Moment
What’s brunch without a fun drink? The menu had a small non-alcoholic section—bonus points already. I ordered the blood orange elderberry mimosa mocktail (emphasizing the mock part, because mistakes happen).
The waitress smiled and promised to bring me the fruity drink… but instead, I got a can labeled Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini. Turns out, my first choice wasn’t available.
The only mocktails they carry are from Mingle Mocktails—tall, bubbly cans with 60 calories, organic sugar, juice concentrate, and natural flavors. Their founder calls herself a “boozefree badass”—my kind of gal. The flavor wasn’t super bold, but it was refreshing, crisp, and perfect for brunch.
The Comfort Food
Time to Dine! The main event: Avocado Caprese Toast.
Two massive slabs of toast, smothered in creamy mashed avocado and piled high with mozzarella cubes, fresh tomatoes, and a balsamic drizzle. The bread was both fluffy and crunchy—holding up perfectly under the rich avocado. The mix of herbs, fresh tomato, tangy balsamic, and cool mozzarella made every bite satisfying.
Simple? Yes. But also wholesome, filling, and absolutely satisfying that I found myself thinking, “I should eat like this more often.”
From Diner to Backyard "Lazy River"
New Jersey diners never disappoint. Even though I didn’t get my first-choice mocktail, the caprese toast and bubbly drink made for a great brunch.
My group rolled out of the restaurant with full tummies as we dreamed of the backyard pool waiting for us. As soon as we got home, we changed into our bathing suits and sat in our lazy river… which was the clearance pool from Big Lots during their liquidation sale still going strong. No fancy bells and whistles, just good company, good food, and the simple things in life and, of course, Mocktails!
The Takeaway
Even without my first-choice mocktail, The Windjammer delivered—fresh food, warm service, and a reminder of what makes Jersey diners special. If you’re in Somers Point, put it on your brunch list.
Until next time,
The Sober Party Girl
This post was originally written on June 30th
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