Landing Point Tavern: Worth Every Minute of the Wait
If you’ve ever driven down Somers Point–Mays Landing Road, you know it’s lined with local legends like Sugar Hill Subs, The Inn at Sugar Hill, and now… a brand-new name ready to earn its spot on that list.
After months of “coming soon” signs and pushed-back opening dates, Landing Point Tavern finally flipped on their lights. And yes, it was absolutely worth the wait.
Joe dragged himself home after a long day of work, still fighting off a stubborn cold, craving one thing: comfort food. The night before, we had noticed that the old Riverside Tavern, one of his favorite pool hangouts, had reopened with a fresh new look. And we love checking out new spots, so off we went.
First Impressions
We pulled up to a glowing sign that read:
“Landing Point Tavern – Now Open. Serving Lunch & Dinner.”
A major upgrade from the dreaded “coming soon.”
The parking lot was packed, which is always a good sign. We parked in the back where Joe reminisced about making that exact walk “a hundred times” in his pool-playing days. A little extra lighting would’ve been nice, but hey, that’s part of the nostalgia.
Inside, the hostess welcomed us warmly. And then, cue angels singing, a framed sign on the table read: MOCKTAILS.
Not one.
Not two.
Five mocktail options! After the day I’d had, that was all I needed to see. So naturally… We ordered all five.
Mocktails: The Good, the Surprising, and the Canned
My excitement was real. My anticipation? Also real.
And then…. Five canned mocktails arrived at our table. Oof.
We were given cups of ice to dress them up a bit, and while I would’ve loved to see them poured into glasses with a cute garnish, I can’t complain. A mocktail is a mocktail, and options are everything.
These were from a brand I hadn’t tried before, Nitro Mocktails, who partnered with Mocktail Mixologists to create ready-to-sip drinks. Honestly? Pretty impressive for cans.
Here’s the quick rundown:
Moscow Mule: Sweet and smooth with a gingery kick and lemon twist.
Mockspolitan: Tart cranberry and lime, which hits the classic and crisp vibe.
Espresso Martini: Chocolatey, silky, vanilla-mocha deliciousness!!
Mockarita: Bitter, tart, very on-brand for margarita fans.
Sangria: Spicy, citrusy, and exactly as advertised.
I wasn’t blown away by the mocktail experience, but I enjoyed 5 different fun drinks! I’ll have to ask for a Shirley Temple next to see if they pass the cherry test!
Let’s Talk Food
As we eyed up the menu of crabcakes, pork chops, and comfort classics, the guests next to us started raving about their meals. Their top picks? French onion soup and chicken pot pie.
That was all Joe needed to hear.
I wasn’t super hungry, so I ordered the roasted veggie flatbread, planning to save some for later.
While we poured our drinks over ice, we were lucky enough to meet Dawn Golden, one of the owners, who was greeting guests and helping her staff with genuine pride. She talked so lovingly about her husband, Stephen- the chef behind the menu, a chef who’s worked at local favorites like Crab Trap and several casinos.
Now it’s his turn in the spotlight, and you can tell he puts his whole heart into the food. He even rolls his own cheesesteak egg rolls! We spoke to Chef Stephen who will only use fresh quality ingredients for his food, and the passion this chef has is refreshing.
For more on the Golden’s and our conversation check out my newest article published on Shorelocalnews.com!
The Dishes Arrive
By mocktail number two, our food hit the table with big portions, great prices, and leftovers guaranteed.
French Onion Soup: French onion soup can be hit or miss. I don’t like my soup overly salty. The soup here? It. was. PERFECT. Perfectly savory, caramelized soft onion, just pure comfort in a melty cheesy bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie: Celery, carrots, peas, potatoes, tender chicken all tucked under a HUGE flaky, buttery puff pastry. Pure heaven.
Roasted Veggie Flatbread: Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, provolone, parm, and a balsamic drizzle. Balanced and delicious.
A Cozy New Neighborhood Favorite
Before heading out, we took in the glow of the newly updated space: polished wood, brand-new TVs on every wall, a packed rectangular bar, and a room buzzing with laughter. The Goldens truly transformed the former Riverside Tavern into something warm, welcoming, and alive.
The next morning, my coworker Michael Shepherd (of Shep on Fishing) asked, “Have you been to the new spot on Mays Landing Road?”
I practically leaped out of my chair to tell him yes.
His take?
“It’s not fancy-shmancy. The food’s good, the price is right, and it’s my new neighborhood bar.”
And honestly? That’s exactly the charm.
Until next time,
The Sober Party Girl
Final Sober Party Girl Score: 9 out of 10!
🌟 Pros
🍽️ Comfort-food heaven — French onion soup, chicken pot pie, and flatbreads shine.
🥤 Five mocktail options — perfect for sober and sober-curious guests.
🤝 Friendly, hands-on owners who truly care about their customers.
🍛 Large portions with great prices — hello, leftovers!
🥗 Fresh, quality ingredients crafted by a seasoned local chef.
🎉 Lively atmosphere — full bar, happy crowd, great energy.
📍 Great location near other beloved local spots.
⚠️ Cons
🥫 Mocktails served in cans instead of poured with a garnish.
💡 Parking lot could use more lighting, especially toward the back.
- ⏳ Gets very busy, so expect some crowds during peak hours.
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