Looking for great chow-ish places in Ocean City, MD
I've never been before and will be there in 2 weeks - what are your recommendations?
Anything from cheap bites to sit down meals.
saturninus
Jul 07, 2008 07:44AM
I've been going since I was a kid, here's my list of places we hit every time:
Higgins Crab House (131st and 32nd st) Many all-you-can-eat specials
Dumser's Ice Cream (multiple locations)- mint-chocolate chip milkshake is to die for. Also has burgers, fries, etc. 50's style ice cream parlor. My dad's family used to own an ice-cream shop and this was his fav place.
General's Kitchen (72nd st)- breakfast, but go on a weekday if you can, there's a super long line on weekends. Get the creamed chipped beef.
Caruso's pizza (south boardwalk-Somerset St) I am a pizza fanatic and this is the best in OC. Not the best ever, but the best in OC.
Thrasher's fries (about a block south of Caruso's) Caruso's usually lets you bring fries in so you can enjoy them with your pizza. Warning: Thrasher's does not have ketchup. Vinegar only. They are better that way.
Fisher's Popcorn (multiple locations, some on boardwalk) Get some to take home too. Lasts for weeks, not that you won't eat it all before then.
Subs: Billy's (118th st), Tommy's (29th st)
Anthony's (33rd st) Used to have really huge sandwiches, but I haven't been recently.
This last trip we discovered Bagels N Buns (71st st). They deliver EVERYTHING. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Breakfast was awesome from there.
casual waterfront (bayside) dining: Fager's Island (60th st), Macky's (53rd st)
Boardwalk dining: Shenanigan's (4th st-boardwalk) Fun for having a beer outside and watching the ocean and people on the boardwalk.
I've lived in MD all of my life and I'm insanely picky with crabcakes. I haven't found any I like in OC.
Seacrets (49th st) Tourist trap, but worth going to. The only other one is in Jamaica. Get a dirty banana (drink). You can also float in the bay in an inner tube and they will bring your drinks to you.
If you plan on drinking at your place, bring your beer, etc from home. Liquor/beer/wine prices are literally double once you get in OC. (We actually drove to DE once to buy stuff).
Stay away from Phillips (in OC or anywhere else). Way overrated.
Here's a pretty inclusive list with phone #s:
http://www.delmarvabeachguide.com/oce...
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Thank you so much for the list!
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Sorry to hear that Phillips has slid -- way back in the day (early 70's) they had the best crab in town. Many fond memories of cracking crabs here.
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Just got back from Ocean City and printed out this board convo:
Bull on the Run: I got a Open pit beef sandwich. Wish I'd asked for cheese. It was pretty good for $7.95. Fiance got a steak (which I told him not to) and thought it was ok. The spiced shrimp and pitcher of yueng ling was worth it for $11.95.
Walked across the street to Liquid Assets and had a great glass of wine!
Dumser's for Mint Choc Chip shake- awesome!
For breakfast went to Satellite. I got Asparagus and havarti omellete- hit the spot. Eggs over medium with corned beef hash with pancakes- good bfast food.
Thrashers fries- LOADED the vinegar....perfect for boardwalk fries.
Then got some caramel popcorn at Fisher's.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
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One of my favorites is the Bonfire on 70th St for all you can eat snow crabs. I agree to stay away from Phillips, way overrated.......... General's Kitchen is my favorite for breakfast. I enjoy Tubby's for late night fare as not much is open and they are ok.
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Thanks!
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Another long-time OC guy here - agree with most of the recs except for Seacrets - total 17-bar tourist trap overrun by people trying to look cool and important in their A&F and Tommy Bahamas. Most of it is outside in the sand. Bouncers who enforce an ever-changing "dress code" (see the reviews posted at tripadvisor.com for this place) But If that's your thing, be sure not to miss it.
Two of my favs I haven't seen mentioned:
Melvin's Steak House (25 N. Philadelphia) is an Old Towne classic, more than 50 years in OC but still unknown to most. It almost closed in 2006, but the owner of the Dough Roller chain of restaurants bought it and kept it going. Steak, baked potato, bread and salad done competently without breaking the bank. They also serve Dayton Bros. Fried Chicken, best on the Shore (sorry English's, although English's fried chicken is good. Stay away from the buffet at English's, though).
Alaska Stand (9th Street & Boardwak) is the last of this venerable classic beach food stands. Split, grilled dogs and burgers as good as always. The original on the boardwalk near the amusement pier is now the "Atlantic Stand" and is OK, but not quite up to snuff for us purists.
Enjoy your trip!
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thanks so much for the additional great tips and the info on seacrets!
what are your favorite locations later in the evening for a drink and perhaps a bite?
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Ummm, the places listed are all venerable OC places but definitely not potential sources of good food. Alas good food is hard to find in OC. What has been suggested are purveyors of boardwalk food or all you can eat buffets. Definitely NOT Chowhound quality. Of those mentioned only Fager's island tries but their kitchen lost it years ago. You might try Liquid Assets and Jules in OC and The Grove just off Rt 90. Reservations are a must at The Grove and Liquid Assets does not take them.
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Grove Market is very pricey, cash-only. It's a shack at the side of the road with mismatched tableware and no menu. Some people love it, others aren't so impressed.
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For this trip I am trying to keep costs down, so perhaps Grove Market isn't a great match. How would you describe Liquid Assets and Jules?
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I've never been to Liquid Assets, so no help there. Jules is nice, but it is chef-owned so expect curry powder and red pepper roumelade on your crabcake and wasabi in your potatoes, if you know what I mean. They have a good wine list.
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Liquid Assets is probably the best fine dining now available in OC and I would rate it okay, nothing more. The Hobbit used to be a pretty good restaurant but closed, but there was rumor that they were re-opening this summer.
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What is the cost like at Liquid Assets?
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The only thing worth eating in OC is Thrasher's fries. Satellite's does a nice breakfast and Liquid Assets is decent for a drink and a nibble. Crab Bag is pretty good for crabs. If tou must eat something other than fries on the Boardwalk, Bull on the Beach is good and the Alaska Stand is edible.I've gone there pretty much every summer for 45 years, my Mom's lived there for 30 years. My advice? If you want good food, go to Rehoboth.Oh and you will find all the info on shore food on the Mid-Atlantic Board, not here.
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Can you tell me more about Bull on the Beach and Alaska Stand?
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Bull on the Beach has two or three locations, one on the Boardwalk and one at 94th Street and I think one in West OC. They are a sandwich and raw bar place, very reasonable. They are known for their open pit beef, but also have turkey, ham, spiced shrimp etc. I like their hot beef sandwich and fries with gravy. http://www.bullonthebeachoc.com/
Alaska Stand is a beach-food stand on the Boardwalk. Nothing fancy, but long-beloved by OC travelers for their grilled hot dogs, burgers, ice cream and the like. They used to have three locations, but the one at 9th street is the only one remaining.
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What he said.
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I sooo agree. There's really not much else good on the beach besides Thrasher's.
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There's also Plaza Tapatio - on Rt 50 just over the bridge near that outlet mall & Starbucks etc. It's a mini-Mexican chain on the eastern shore - some of the food is standard crappy with limp iceberg lettuce, etc, but the carnitas are pretty good and they've got Negra Modelo beer.
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Excellent crabcakes for the discriminating crabcake lover can be had at the Crabcake Factory or Captain's Galley II.
Captain Billy Bunting's Angler restaurant is pretty good and they have a free after dinner cruise on the ocean if you register for it when you make dinner reservations. Pretty cool.
Shenanigan's on the boardwalk at 4th St. has decent food and I recommend it if you can get a table outside next to the boardwalk.
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Oh, Shenanigan's. My husband and I had to stumble back to our room after a fantab night of people watching. Such fond memories. We didn't eat, though. I assume it's standard bar food?
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I would second General's Kitchen for some good old fashioned mid-hangover breakfast food.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Marlin Moon, across the bridge in the Francis Scott Key hotel. Kind of an odd location, but I've always had great food, drinks, and service there.
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The Galaxy
Thrashers
Fishers
Hoopers on the Bay
Captains Galley
ditto Anthonys! best sandwhiches!
used to go down to Soverign of the Seas at 36th st every summer for years w/ my family
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Galaxy.
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What are the prices like at Galaxy? They aren't listed on the menu.
Also, can you tell me more about Hooper's on the Bay and Captain's Galley?
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For RCooperman, the person commenting about OC not having Chowish places, I disagree. As someone who loves to cook gourmet food and eats out regularly for work in top of the line spots, there are still some items that I believe are perfected in OC. It's a beach spot, it's not as if anyone is expected a fine dining, gourmet experience and that's not the point anyway on such a trip.
Many people have mentioned Thrashers french fries, and I'm going to heartily agree. To me, these fries are terrific and I have to travel to France and Belgium frequently for my job, so I consider myself a conoisseur. Fishers and Dollies both have great caramel popcorn and it's warm too - which makes it taste even better. And the person who mentioned Satellite is dead on in terms of breakfast. I haven't been there since I was young, but their pancakes are the pancakes by which I judge all others. They are light and perfectly shaped and just melt in your mouth.
Again, OC is not a gourmet destination, but it has its charms and I hope you enjoy it!
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to isabellaflynn
my comment was as to sit down places not the boardwalk places. i am very well aware that OC is a beach place and, yes, there are many fine examples of food on-the-go at the OC boardwalk. there are also many bad examples of food at all-you-can-eat buffets and several less than stellar expensive sit down places. when someone asks as to chowhoundish places that implies an interest in dinner not popcorn or french fries. FWIW i like Fisher's better than Dollies popcorn.
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OK, here is my tentative list - WAY too much for 2 nights - please help me cut this down:
Dumser's Ice Cream
49th Street & Coastal -- 124th & Coastal or our 3 Boardwalk Ice Cream Stores
Mint-Chocolate chip milkshake
General's Kitchen
7400 Coastal Hwy -- 410-723-0477
Breakfast
Caruso's pizza
Boardwalk at Wicomico Street -- 410-289-1990
Thrasher's fries
801 N Boardwalk -- (410) 289-4150
Fisher's Popcorn
200 S. Boardwalk
Bagels N Buns
7111 Coastal Hwy -- (410) 723-2253
They deliver breakfast, lunch, dinner
Seacrets
117 West 49th Street -- (410) 524-4900
Tourist trap, but worth it. You can float in an inner tube and they bring drinks.
Melvin's Steak House
25 N. Philadelphia
Steak, also serve Dayton Bros. Fried Chicken, best on the Shore.
Alaska Stand
9th Street & Boardwalk
Split, grilled dogs and burgers
Liquid Assets
9301 Coastal Highway – (410) 534-7037
Wine and Martini Bar with food
Captain Bill Bunting’s Angler
Talbot Street and the Bay – (410) 289-7424
Free mini-cruise with dinner if you make reservations
Bull on the Beach
94th Street – (410) 524-2455
Open pit beef, reasonable
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Thrasher's french fries....maybe the best anywhere....probably because of the atmosphere and they are always piping hot....and they KNOW how to "double-fry"
I don't really think of Ocean City for "fine dining"...have to go up the road to Rehobeth for that.
A couple of my favorites in OC that I don't think anyone has mentioned are Dough Roller...best pancakes I've ever had. I also have always liked the Crepe& Omelette place.
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Horrible omelets at the crepe place. They're actually scrambled eggs cooked in some sort of form pan.
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I hate OC but have to go twice a year for work conferences. The only really decent place I've found to eat are Tequila Mockingbird (Mexican) which is TO DIE FOR and actually worth the trip to OC. It's at 130th street.
Little House of Pancakes at 73rd street has some damn good breakfast....loved their pancakes and omelets!
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There is only one Thrasher's to go to and that is the one at the southern most end of the Boardwalk. It is the original and worth the effort. Five Guys, Boardwalk Fries and a host of others are all based on the original and still the best Thrasher's. Buddy Jenkins and Mike Jones have been fanatical in their preparation of these for more than a half century. They haven't changed. Nor has the length of the line to buy them.
If Thrasher's had mayonnaise dipping sauces like the best in Brussels they would be the equal of the best in the world. As is I believe they are the best in America. Again, at ONLY the original stand.
In West Ocean City Captain's Galley has the best lump crab cakes in Ocean City. Fisher's has the best popcorn. Phillips has nothing in common from the original 150 seat crab house I first went to in 1962.
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Maybe this belongs on another board......but could anyone help me find a recipe for the "Dutch style" mayo dipping sauces that Joe H. is referring to ( Brussels dipping sauces). I had it someplace and it was awesome.
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Google is your friend. I found over 50 recipes is 2 seconds.
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that name is adorable. what are some of your favorite items at tequila mockingbird. how are the prices?
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http://www.octequila.com/
Website listed above. Prices are reasonable for the food, drinks more than I typically like to pay, but very tasty none the less. My last meal there included Loco Pollo: 2 chicken breasts stuffed with lump crabmeat and chorizo, topped with our chipotle cream sauce and cheddar cheese, then baked. Served with choice of 2 sides. The grilled asparagas and the cilantro rice were my sides, and it was FANTASTIC! My meal, with a drink (mango margarita) and a share of the queso dip for appetizer and tip was about $35.
My friend has the Mahi Mahi tacos said it was outstanding.
I really don't think you could go wrong here. Ask the wait staff for recommendations if you aren't sure. For example, I was going to order the pork burrito, my waitress says their pork isn't very good. I appreciated the honesty.
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Here's one way to hit four of these, Treetop family-style. Park at the inlet parking lot and get on the boardwalk. Start walking north. First up is Thrasher's, on the right between Wicomico and Worchester Streets. Buy some fries. Continue walking north on the boardwalk. Next up is Fisher's, on the left at Talbot Street. Buy some Carmel Corn. Keep heading north, alternating munching on fries and popcorn and looking out for "Boardwalk Elvis" (Who I think may have passed, sadly). By this time you need something cool. This time it's Dumser's Dairyland on the left at Caroline Street. Shift the fries and popcorn to your other hand while you get a cone or shake at Dumser's. Now you are fortified. Keep walking north. At 2nd Street marvel at Joe KroArt's Ocean Gallery and try to figure out what new piece has been added to the exterior. Say Hi to Joe from Treetop Tom. Find some piece of art to pick up on the way back south. Continue heading north, eating the fries, popcorn and ice cream. By the time you reach 9th Street, you will need further fortification. Go to Alaska Stand, on the left. Get some hot dogs and a cold drink. Sit on one of the benches, eat and rest.
Now it is time to head back south. Since you have eaten all of the major beach-food groups you can make a casual perusal of the shops along the Boadwalk. Buy a T-shirt you will only wear once. Get a temporary tattoo. Get your name on a grain of rice. Play some pinball/skeeball/draw poker at Marty's Playland. Think about going into Ripley's, but then decide against it. Go through the Haunted House. Go see the sharks in the glass cases at the end of the Boardwalk. Ride the Merry-Go-Round at Trimper's. By this time you are hungry again, so hit Bull on the Beach on 2nd Street for a sandwich and some spiced shrimp. Head back south towards your car, stopping at Fisher's to get some more popcorn and the Candy Kitchen for some fudge for the road and a box of saltwater taffy to take to the office. Think about getting more fries, but by this time the line is too long. Get back to the parking lot, get in your car and know that you have just done what thousands of other visitors to OC have been doing since they were kids. Welcome to the club.
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Oh I like this plan, but I'd stop at Wockenfuss for the fudge instead of Candy Kitchen!
Also, not on the boardwalk, but I like eating breakfast at the Bayside Skillet (77 on the Bayside). Also, if you are not acquainted with Fractured Prune donuts, then now is the time. I go to the one at 127th. I don't think it's hard to eat well at the beach. Have fun! Report back!
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You're right, wookyluvr. Wockenfuss at 1st Street and the Boardwalk. Shame on this Baltimore native for suggesting otherwise.
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sounds perfect, absolutely wonderful
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Tom, I'm happy to let you know that Boardwalk Elvis is still alive and kicking. He never learned how to drive, and his mother died a couple of years ago, so he doesn't make it across the bridge nto town from West Ocean City as often as he used to. But he's still around - people see him riding his bike out there all the time.
Along the lines of Boardwalk Elvis but going a lot farther back, do you remember a blind banjo player who used to walk the boardwalk with his Seeing-Eye German Shepherd in the mid-60's? He was Boardwalk Elvis before Boardwalk Elvis, if you know what I mean.
And to close this post out out on a food note, best pizza in the city is at Lombardi's @ 94th Street. They started on the Boardwalk just north of Talbot Street in the late 50's - expanded in the 80's (even as far as Salisbury) - but I think for a while now have had just the one place. I, all of my siblings, and even my mom worked at the 94th Street location at one point or another (our summer house was 2 blocks away.) Pizza is thin crust, traditional NY style, still bubbling hot out of the oven when brought to your table. Saturnius, if you go and either Vasco or Paolo are there, tell them hello from the White/Spence families.
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jpsence08 - thanks for the update on my boy BE. I actually have had a chance to speak with Norman on several occasions when he wasn't in his BE persona and he is a nice, soft-spoken man. I knew that his mom and brother owned/worked there on the Boardwalk and that he caught a ride into town with them. I still have a BE postcard from Souvenier City somewhere. And yes, I remember the banjo player. We called him "Blind Benny" but I have no idea if that was really his name. He was usually on the boards just north of the amusement pier and had a tin cup attached to the neck of his banjo. Hadn't thought of him in years. And to keep this chow related, I remember Lombardis well, we ate at the boardwalk location many times. Very good thin crust pizza.
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I second the vote on Lombardi's pizza.
outstanding and worthy of a dinner in OC
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Well I have gotten a bunch of positives!
Any on this list you recommend I get rid of?
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you asked as to prices at Liquid Assests - you can get by with a very good hamburger platter for about $10 and a bottle of wine for $15. most main courses are around $20. starters are large and can easily be split by two. they get busy and do not take reservations but the bar is very comfortable as one waits. Tequila mockingbird has quite good Tex-Mex and also is very busy in summer.
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Take a ride to Rehoboth Beach (the next major beach as you pass O.C., right past the Delaware border. All the best restaurants in the area are in Rehoboth. It's sort of the grown up/foodie/non-cheesy version of Ocean City.
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Rehoboth is like 25 miles north of OC, not exactly where most OC beach-goers go for each meal. (And there's Fenwick, Bethany, and Dewey beaches between OC and Rehoboth.)
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It is where the good restaurants are, however, I've made the drive for dinner often.
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It's a nice drive for a completely different atmosphere. Fenwick, Bethany, & Dewey are all super tiny. You sneeze, and you've just driven past all three!
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I would rather stay in OC