Mocktails, Bay Views, and Brunch at Caroline’s by the Bay: A Perfect Taste of Summer in Somers Point

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Is it? Could it be? IT’S SUMMER!!!

Okay… not quite. We were played like a fiddle again. This past week was just another little teaser of what’s coming in a month or so. But honestly, I’ll take a few warm, sunny days over none at all. It gives me hope, and an excuse to chase mocktails, waterfront views, and good food.

Earlier this week, we spent the first truly beautiful day doing exactly that. We headed to Somers Point to soak up the sunshine and enjoy brunch right on the bay at Caroline’s by the Bay, and we arrived at the sweet spot: brunch time.

For more than 25 years, Caroline’s by the Bay has been a go-to destination for locals and visitors looking for bayfront dining, live entertainment, and year-round indoor and outdoor seating. They host trivia nights, karaoke, and special events, making this spot feel like more than just a restaurant; it’s a full-on social hub.

In late 2023, Las Olas Taqueria teamed up with Caroline’s to bring a fresh Cali-style Mexican twist to the menu, alongside classic American favorites. Translation: lots of choices and plenty of reasons to come hungry.

And of course, the first thing this party girl noticed?
Mocktails are on the menu!

The Mocktail Moment: A Sweet Escape by the Bay

It seems like many Somers Point spots are embracing the mocktail trend, and I am absolutely here for it. A girl loves options.

We skipped the canned options this time and went straight for a pina colada mocktail, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. These were more slushie than smoothie. Icy, coconutty, and just sweet enough with a hint of pineapple.


For a few minutes, I forgot I was sitting on the bay. If I closed my eyes, maybe I was on a Caribbean cruise.


Okay… maybe not. But a girl can dream.

My only complaint?
The ice chunks were a bit too big for the straw. Next time, I’m bringing my wish list: either a McDonald’s straw or a boba tea straw. Problem solved.

Still, this mocktail is a fun, flirty, and sweet choice if you’re looking for a festive non-alcoholic drink while enjoying waterfront dining in Somers Point.

The Food: Brunch Decisions Are Hard (But Delicious)

There were so many tempting options on the brunch menu. From classic pancakes and eggs to hearty sandwiches and creative Mexican-inspired dishes. After some serious deliberation, we landed on a lineup of absolute winners.

Philly Cheesesteak

This was a solid Philly cheesesteak. The meat was chopped perfectly. Juicy, flavorful, and packed with that satisfying cheese pull we all love. The seeded roll was fresh with just the right crunch.

 Would we order it again? Absolutely.

The Philly Jawn

Not in the mood for a full sandwich? Meet the Philly Jawn. A cheesesteak quesadilla that delivers all the same flavors in a slightly less messy format.

This thing was huge. The cheese was ooey, gooey, and stretched for miles. Whatever blend they’re using, I’m officially a fan.

10 out of 10. No notes.

Shrimp Empanada

This one came out looking like a work of art. The empanada shell was sliced open and piled high with cheese, avocado, lettuce, and tomato, with a drizzle of a creamy chipotle-style sauce.

The shell was fresh and crunchy, and there was shrimp in every single bite, which is exactly what you want.

Fair warning: this is definitely a fork-and-knife situation.

Breakfast Tacos

These crunchy-shell breakfast tacos were clearly homemade and unlike any I’ve had before. The eggs were cooked perfectly and filled with turkey bacon, avocado, pico, and a sprinkle of cheese.

They were a little messy, but the best foods usually are.
 I’ll be ordering these again.



A Quick Getaway: Cape May Ferry to Lewes, Delaware

After our lovely brunch, I spotted the bottom of my pina colada and knew it was time to call it a day, for now.

But the week didn’t stop there.

We wrapped things up with a spontaneous overnight trip to Lewes, Delaware, and once again, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry came in clutch. The ride is easy, relaxing, and honestly part of the adventure.

We visited The Big Oyster Brewery with my family (our new favorite spot from Joe's B-day weekend), enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise on the Delaware Bay, and made it back home the next day just in time for Joe to settle in and watch his favorite show: Jeopardy!

Balance, right?

Final Thoughts: Summer Is Coming (And So Are the Mocktails)

This week felt like the unofficial kickoff to summer: sunshine, waterfront brunch, family trips, and plenty of mocktails along the way.

I’m already looking forward to more bay views, spontaneous getaways, and new places to explore as the weather warms up.

Keep the party going. Summer is almost here.

Until Next Time,
 The Sober Party Girl

Final Sober Party Score: 10 out of 10! 

👍 Pros

  • 🌊 Beautiful bayfront views — hard to beat on a sunny day
  • 🍹 Mocktails on the menu — always a win for the sober party crowd
  • 🌮 Creative brunch options thanks to the Las Olas Taqueria partnership
  • 🧀 Cheesy, satisfying comfort food (that Philly Jawn is a star)
  • 🎶 Fun atmosphere with events like trivia and karaoke
  • ☀️ Great indoor and outdoor seating year-round

👎 Cons

  • 🧊 Large ice chunks in the frozen mocktail made sipping a little tricky
  • 🍽️ Some dishes are messy (fork-and-knife required for the empanada)
  • ⏳ Decision overload — too many tempting menu options
  • 🚗 Can get busy during peak brunch times

Location: Somers Point, NJ, USA

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