Steve & Cookies: A Jersey Shore Dining Icon With Heart

For generations of Jersey Shore diners, the name Steve & Cookies has meant far more than dinner. It’s a ritual. A memory. A place where celebrations unfold, traditions take root, and the flavors of the coast come alive with every plate.

Nestled in the charming bayside community of Margate, Steve & Cookies is one of those rare restaurants that feels both timeless and ever-evolving. It’s a place where locals gather year-round and visitors plan their trips around a reservation. At the center of it all is restaurateur Cookie Till, whose vision and dedication have transformed this establishment into a beloved culinary institution.

Where Classic Meets Contemporary

Walking into Steve & Cookies feels like stepping into a coastal supper club with soul. Warm light, bustling energy, and the comforting clink of glassware create an atmosphere that is refined without pretension. It’s the kind of place where the menu is rooted in tradition, yet always refreshed with seasonal ideas and locally sourced ingredients.

From the raw bar to the perfectly grilled seafood to the iconic desserts (yes, that blueberry pie), every dish reflects a commitment to quality and a deep respect for the region’s culinary landscape.

A Menu That Honors the Shore

Steve & Cookies has earned its reputation by showcasing the very best of what the Jersey Shore has to offer.

Signature Favorites Include:

Lobster Mac & Cheese

Creamy, indulgent, and layered with generous chunks of lobster.

Clams Casino

A beloved classic made with precision and packed with flavor.

The Crab Cakes

Perfectly seared, lightly bound, and full of sweet lump crab.

Steaks & Chops

For diners who crave something hearty and impeccably prepared.

And of course…

The Famous Blueberry Pie

Legendary, handmade, and unforgettable. The perfect ending, no matter the season.

A Heart for Community

What truly sets Steve & Cookies apart is the heartbeat behind the hospitality. Cookie Till has built her career not just on exceptional food, but on a genuine love for people, service, and community impact.

Her philanthropic efforts and commitment to local partnerships have shaped the restaurant into a force for good:

• The annual Margate Farmers Market, founded and curated by Cookie, supports local growers and fosters a culture of healthy, sustainable eating.

• Downbeach arts, culture, and community events often find a home or sponsor in Steve & Cookies.

• Cookie’s dedication to supporting local farms has helped strengthen South Jersey agriculture and farm-to-table connections.

Whether she’s advocating for food sustainability, nurturing young farmers, or creating spaces for community connection, Cookie brings purpose to every project she touches.

And perhaps her most heartfelt endeavor is Reed’s Organic Farm & Animal Sanctuary, a project rooted in healing, nourishment, and second chances. Reed’s Farm not only grows fresh produce for the community but also provides a restorative environment for rescued animals and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Cookie’s leadership has helped turn the farm into a sanctuary of connection between people, animals, land, and purpose further proving that her vision extends far beyond the restaurant walls.

A Place You Return To Again and Again

In a dining landscape where restaurants come and go, Steve & Cookies continues to stand out because it offers something rare: consistency, hospitality, and heart.

People return year after year for anniversaries, summer weekends, holiday gatherings, or simply a Tuesday night dinner that feels special. They return because the staff remembers them. Because the food is always exceptional and because the experience feels like home.

Steve & Cookies isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a Shore legacy.

And above all else, it’s a reminder that great dining is about more than what’s on the plate, it’s about the connection, the memory, the moment.