Tuesday, September 15, 2020

SAFETY & CELEBRATIONS: The Inlet looks forward to Irish Weekend


On any normal Irish weekend, Olde New Jersey Avenue is filled with visitors and locals to celebrate their Irish heritage. The Inlet on Olde has never missed out on that celebration. 

 With COVID cancelling the official street parade, establishments in North Wildwood look forward to hosting their annual events. Each year, The Inlet has packed their restaurant and bar to continue the traditions started at Walnut and Olde New Jersey by former restaurant Westy’s. 

The tradition is not something the Inlet wants to miss. Joining most other bars in North Wildwood, The Inlet will be hosting entertainment September 24th-27th. The Paul Moore Band and Lecompt will return for their annual appearances, duos Seamus and CJ and Shades of Green will perform, and the Eagles game will be shown on Sunday. 

The full schedule is available online. 

Through the entire summer, the Inlet hosted the same top quality entertainment as years prior. Guests expected bands like Lecompt, Amish Outlaws, and Boathouse Row and the Inlet provided. Quality is important to the restaurant, and guest satisfaction is a top priority. 

“When we made the decision to continue as usual while implementing COVID protocols we had the guest in mind,” said one of the owners, Puri Garzone. “We continued to provide our top quality entertainment and make the same investment of years prior, while following all the mandates. We were definitely worried at first, just like everyone else, but it worked out.” 

 The deck at the Inlet was packed to adjusted capacity just about every day of the season. All suggested and mandated protocols from the State were implemented, and the business passed a surprise inspection from officials mid season.  

One of the biggest hurdles of all the mandates is managing the guests. Because all businesses interpret and follow the rules differently, the rules aren’t always known to a guest. Dance floors are not permitted by the State at this time. The mandates say all customers must be seated at all times, except for entering and exiting the building or using the restrooms. During those times, a mask must be worn. 

During Irish Weekend, the Inlet wants guests to know and understand the rules still apply and are very important. 

“It is extremely important guests of Irish Weekend know we will be following these same protocols. The State is watching every business. We don’t take pleasure in reprimanding customers. Our business takes these protocols very seriously because we made the commitment to public safety when we opened our doors this season,” said Garzone. 

“We hope our guests will work with us and follow the rules so that we can provide a safe weekend of entertainment, just as we did all summer long.” 

The Inlet is open year round at 101 E Walnut Ave in North WIldwood and is on it’s third summer at the shore. Breakfast is currently served on the weekends through September before taking a hiatus until May. 

September features “local summer” discounts for Cape May County residents on Mondays and Tuesdays, happy hour daily from 2 PM-5 PM until the 24th, and food served 11 AM until 9 or 10 PM. 

Private parties like weddings, bachelor parties, luncheons and more can be hosted at the property even with COVID protocols in place. 

Protocols at the Inlet, as provided by the State of NJ: 

The deck, pub, patio, indoor restaurant, and sidewalk tables (weather permitting) will be open for the 24th-27th 

- Masks must be worn from the time customers enter the line until they are seated 
- Groups over 8 are not permitted unless from the same household 
- Guests are not permitted to walk around the property. The only exceptions are: entering, exiting, going to the restroom.
- There is no dance floor 
- Guests must be seated at all times 

 Other rules for Irish Weekend, on the deck: 

- Cover charge will apply for the following: Thursday, Friday and Saturday: $10 cover at 11:30 AM, $10 cover at 6 PM. Sunday: $10 cover all day. There is no cover charge for downstairs entertainment or dining. 

- Reservations are first come, first serve for groups of 4, 6, and 8. To book call 609-600-2799 and ask for Puri. 
- Children and underaged teens are not permitted on the deck but are permitted in the downstairs restaurant and other dining areas

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