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Food

Don’t Pass By This Unassuming Quirky Restaurant Housed In An Old New Jersey Gas Station Without Stopping

Published Jan 25, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Cape May is a spectacular place to visit, maybe my favorite town on the Jersey Shore. And sometimes it feels like everyone in the state agrees, so there certainly are a lot of crowd-pleasing, tourist-friendly spots to eat in the town. While many of them do serve great food, I'm still glad that there are a few places in the town that do something a little different and keep some unique Jersey flair. A perfect example is Exit Zero Filling Station, a quirky gas station restaurant in NJ that serves maybe the state's most unique menu. Located in an old gas station - no longer operational, so don't come here looking to fill up the tank, just your belly - you'll find an offbeat '50s-themed restaurant that serves a menu fusing comfort food with daring international fare, including maybe the most eye-catching dish in all of New Jersey.

You might be fooled as you drive by, but this is no simple gas station - it's the most unique restaurant in Cape May.

A gas station with outdoor seating, red umbrellas, and a sign for food, drinks, gifts, and gas under a clear blue sky.
Vegas De Laroja/Google Local

Inside Exit Zero Filling Station, you'll find a quirky cafe filled with off-the-wall decor.

A cozy restaurant interior with a black chalkboard wall filled with colorful text and festive decorations.
Diana Andes/Google Local

The entire place has a distinct 50s/Doo-Wop vibe, paying tribute to the history of the shore.

A retro room with a vintage TV, a small table, a lamp, and a large window featuring colorful geometric patterns.
Twigg 053/Google Local

You can get some of the town's best burgers and fries, complete with crazy toppings, but that's just scratching the surface.

A burger with bacon on a plate next to a basket of crispy tater tots, set on a red outdoor table.
Clay Fawthorp/Google Local

The menu has a distinct international edge, meaning you can get some Mexican-accented fries...

A plate of loaded waffle fries topped with cheese, pickled onions, cilantro, and sliced peppers, next to a glass of water.
Scott Lerner/Google Local

But the real crown jewel is the menu's selection of curries and Asian-influenced soups, which is where you'll find...

A bowl of creamy red curry with rice, topped with green onions and black sesame seeds.
Tracy Soltesz/Google Local

The Kraken! Do you dare to take on this steaming bowl of spicy, squid-ink-loaded soup filled with shrimp and chicken and flavored with pineapple and rum?

A bowl of black seafood soup with shrimp, white rice, red chili slices, and green onions, garnished with sesame seeds.
Exit Zero/Google Local

Have you eaten at Exit Zero Filling Station in Cape May? What did you think of this unusual gas station restaurant in NJ? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu and the other offerings on the official Exit Zero Filling Station website, and check out the Facebook page of this Cape May gas station restaurant for upcoming specials and events. If you're in Cape May, check out the rest of the town - we think it's the state's best town for solo travelers. It's also home to what might be the most spectacular VRBO in New Jersey.

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