Bartender for 49 Years at Cape May’s Lobster House Dies

Robert Dinkelacker, a longtime bartender at The Lobster House in Cape May,  died this month at 84.

Dinkelacker, a.k.a., "Bobby Dink", was synonymous with a visit to The Lobster House, one of Cape May's most popular restaurants, for nearly a half-century.

Bobby Dink took over as the main bartender of The Lobster House in 1971, greeting guests and holding court as patrons waited at the bar for tables in the busy restaurant.

He continued through decades of service until the Covid-19 outbreak forced the closure of New Jersey restaurants for a time in 2020.

"Bobby never returned after Covid", a manager remembered. By then, Dink was 80 -years old.

The Lobster House employees remembered Bobby Dink as extremely outgoing, friendly, and well-liked.

"Bobby had lots of regulars at the bar", said a manager at The Lobster House.

Ray Callahan of Wildwood, a longtime patron at The Lobster House, recalled Bobbie Dink fondly.

"He was a great guy. When my daughter, little Kathy, was about 3 or 4 years old, she would go behind the bar at The Lobster House and say 'Pick me up, Bobby baby', and Bobby would always make a fuss over her."

With 49 years of service, Dink was the longest-tenured employee at The Lobster House, which is saying something for an establishment known for its loyal workforce.

The Lobster House is ranked among the top 50 privately owned restaurants in the country. Over the years, it has become a revered landmark for locals, trusted standby for residents, and a huge draw for people visiting the Jersey Shore.

Robert Dinkelacker served in the Air Force before his time at The Lobster House.

Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lora, children Chris, Brett, Max, Derek (Jeanmarie) Hagan, Diana (Danny Keane) Hagan, 9 grandchildren, and 3 great-granddaughters.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 10. See his obituary 

The family would prefer donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation or the Cape May County Animal Shelter in memory of Bob.