Abby Auerbach (’26)

Betty’s Seafood Shack is a popular destination for Margate residents and outside visitors.

A common summer activity for many local residents is going to the Jersey Shore. Down in Margate, where I spend the majority of my summer, the restaurants and food play an essential role in elevating my experience. One restaurant in particular, Betty’s Seafood Shack, has been a popular choice for my family and I.

Betty’s Seafood Shack is a seafood restaurant that opened this summer in Margate, New Jersey. It is located on the bay around other well known restaurants, including Maynards, Sofias, Tomatoes and Steve & Cookies. Betty’s offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing its customers with a perfect view of the bay. Additionally, Betty’s Seafood Shack occasionally provides live entertainment for its customers and frequently hosts parties.

Betty’s was founded by Robin Kramer and Steve Marchel. The pair share a common love for all things New England. Even before meeting, the couple developed a deep appreciation for the small seafood shacks along the coast. About 35 years later, they took their love and passion for the famous New England cuisine and brought it to Margate, ultimately creating Betty’s.

Marchel is also a co-founder of Water Dog, another prominent restaurant down the shore. After opening in Ventnor, New Jersey during 2019, Water Dog decided its logo should resemble Marchel’s water dog, Betty, who passed away the year prior. Hence, the new seafood shack, Betty’s, is named in honor of his dog.

Popular items on Betty’s menu include the lobster rolls, crab cakes, clams, scallops, fried shrimp and more. Numerous local shore residents, including my family, enjoy the lobster rolls and shrimp. If customers are not interested in seafood, the restaurant also provides options such as a burgers and chicken fingers. Throughout the summer, my typical order would include their chicken fingers.

Around Margate and other local towns, Betty’s food has been enjoyed and loved by countless returning customers. One local Margate resident said a restaurant like Betty’s “that serves fresh seafood on the water is exactly what this town needs.” This statement can be supported by the frequent customers who line up outside the restaurant each night.

Betty’s Seafood Shack is a prime destination to visit when coming down the shore to Margate. The seafood restaurant is open on a daily basis until 9 p.m. and plans to remain open until October. Come down to the Margate bay to enjoy a delicious New England styled meal at Betty’s!