Why Did This Iconic Sea Isle City Business Just Change Its Sale Price

Named one of New Jersey's most beautiful islands, Sea Isle City is also one of the most popular vacation destinations at the Jersey Shore.

Located off Garden State Parkway Exit 17, Sea Isle City is beloved by both South Jersey Locals and Celebrities, from Eagles Legend Jason Kelce to Barstool Sports' Dante the Don. In a world full of divisiveness and frivolous arguments, one thing almost everyone seems to agree on is visiting Sea Isle City's Fish Alley.

Many Italian Immigrant families came to Sea Isle City during the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, several of whom laid the foundations of the coastal community. Fishing became one of the top industries in the early years of the Shore Town, setting the stage for the legendary Mike’s Seafood to first open their doors for business on the bay in 1911.

Over the decades, other Sea Isle City staples began to open their businesses thanks to the sustained success of Mike's Seafood on the bay. The Conti Family opened Carmen's Restaurant in 1943, and the old commercial fishing warehouse was converted into a restaurant on 42nd Place in 1970.

Lobster Loft was famous for the massive figure on the bayside of the building so visitors traveling over the JFK Boulevard bridge would see it first thing when coming into Sea Isle City. After 36 years, the business was sold to veteran South Jersey businesman Jimmy Bennett.

Twelve years after buying the Lobster Loft, Bennett remodeled the property and rebranded the business, Oar House Pub. Around the same time, he began looking for buyers for his other famous property in town, LaCosta Lounge Bar and Nightclub.

Latest on the future of The Oar House Pub in Sea Isle City

After rumors circulated for the last few years, the property was finally publicly put up for sale in 2025. Along with the Oar House Pub and liquor license, the 110-year old building sale includes the adjacent modern apartment building.

The mixed-use property on 42nd Place is the only property on the island that sells alcohol on the bay. On the surface, this would be one of the most appealing properties on the market in South Jersey.

But sources tell Townsquare Media South Jersey that potential buyers have balked at the $6,999,999 price tag. The ongoing public battle between Bennett and his neighbors on the bay over drunken patrons wandering around Fish Alley, and accusations of noise ordinance violations, have given some people pause about if the property is worth the cost of redevelopment.

Keith Reidy, realtor associate for Sea Isle Realty, did not respond to my request for further information or clarification about the property's sale. But Reidy did confirm to another media outlet, Fideri News Network, that the property price has been slashed by One Million Dollars.

"We’ve had it on the market for a while...we have a couple of offers.” he explained to an interview published on August 19th. “Buying the Oar House Pub and liquor license and continuing the tradition of providing great food, beverages, and entertainment being one. The property is zoned commercial and residential so the development of residential units with commercial space is another option. This is a unique opportunity for the right buyers to own and operate an iconic piece of Sea Isle City history."

42nd Place has already undergone a makeover in recent years, in part as a result of a major fire that destroyed the building on the corner of Park Road. Bennett owned Casino Pizza and Casa Taco Bayfront Taqueria were both forced to close in August 2024. Casa Taco relocated to the corner of Landis Avenue and JFK Boulevard.

The popular Sea Isle City Pickleball courts were installed almost seven years ago on 42nd Place, and the mini-boardwalk along the bay has been a part of Fish Alley for over 13 years.

Sea Isle City has undergone numerous changes to the coastal community over the last four decades: