Dining in Ocean City

[KeithA]

Well, I'm off to Ocean City for our annual summer vacation and I was looking forward to all of those good, but bad for you things I love to sample at the beach. I thought a thread sharing our OC beach favs would be fun as most of the food is shlock, but there are lots of junk food and hidden gems.

Here are my favs:

Junk Food
Dumser's Dairyland - great hot fudge sundaes (multiple locations)
Fisher's Popcorn - caramel corn (multiple locations)
Candy Kitchen - good fudge (the Starbucks of OC, one on every corner almost)
Thrasher's - amazing fries (Boardwalk)

Restaurants
Captain's Table - great seafood (downtown near Boardwalk)
Jimmy's Kitchen - breakfast (north, Fenwick Island)
The Hobbit - great lump crabcakes (north in the 90s)
Higgins - crab feasts (133rd and a downtown location)

Not sure why I've never been before, but I'm looking forward to trying the Fractured Prune's made to order donuts (128th and farther downtown too).

What are your favorites?

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Tubby's (Stitch)

The Parlour (formerly Fudge Factory) (hm212)

[KeithA]

Captain's Table - great seafood (downtown near Boardwalk)

The Hobbit - great lump crabcakes (north in the 90s)

Sadly, I found out Captain's Table and the Hobbit closed down. The Fractured Prune donuts were dense and delightful though.

[KeithA]

Well, summer approaches and it looks like I'll be back at OC, not once but twice this season for family vacations. Since I'll be there so much definitely looking to break out of the usual places. Anyone have any good recommendations (low-end gems to higher end delights), even will to travel a bit up the coast or in-land, say within 30 minute drive?

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Dining in Somerset County (qwertyy)

[KeithA]

I'm in love with the Dumser's Dairyland at 124rd St (all are good, but this is the closest to where I stay at the beach)!!! First, the ice cream is freaking great - really fruity strawberry, great peanut butter fudge, and great oreo crush. It was so good I went a few times in the course of the week. As always the hot fudge was wonderful too. The best part was my last trip where I sat at the "bar" and watched the "open kitchen" where all of the ice cream treats and old fashioned soda fountain drinks are made. While I don't usually eat non-dessert food there, recently the family has wanted a meal and then ice cream - odd I know - why waste calories on a meal when you could eat a bigger sundaes. But I digress, the fried chicken is pretty good and the onion rings rock (fries aren't anything special), and the fish and chips was ehh. So if you find yourself in OC, head to a Dumser's they are divine.

Also got back to the fractured prune one early morning, these donuts really are best eaten right away when hot. You can't beat the neon green peppermint patty. You know they are good when people are lined up out the door on a Sunday morning at 8:30am when they are on vacation.

[Joe H]

The best restaurant in Ocean City is Marlin Moon in the Francis Scott Key Hotel. It was nominated for a Maryland restaurant award recently. Most locals rate it heads and shoulders above all others but I am guessing that most tourists-including myself-would probably not return to it. It's a nondescript hotel dining room set back from 50 in West Ocean City with no view of water. A superb veal chop with interesting tuna nachos yet I'd return to Fager's Island or the Sunset Grille before Marlin Moon. It IS good but not good enough to sacrifice at least a partial view on vacation. Living here year round the view matters much less.

We stopped at the Narrows, Ocean Odyssey (in Cambridge) and Marlin Moon in an 18 hour period a week ago with full meals at each. Kent Island's the Narrows was absolutely outstanding for crab cakes and cream of crab soup preferred by both of us over the others. Ocean Odyssey was interesting with decent (at best) cream of crab soup, very good Maryland red crab soup (Harrison's on Tilghman Island has the best red crab soup) and crab cakes that I would describe as what you would taste if your grandmother was a good cook. Still, we both agreed that the Narrows were superior. Marlin Moon's cream of crab soup was smoky and decent. Captain's Galley probably has the best crab cakes in Ocean City but we've not been impressed with much else.

Fisher's caramel corn was disappointing as was Dumser's yet the original Thrasher's on the lower end of the Boardwalk (ONLY this Thrasher's-NO other location) continues to challenge Central as the best french fries I've had east of the Mississippi. Ambience may factor into its taste...

Question: why do so many people who live in Virginia go to Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks rather than Ocean City or the Delaware beaches? I've lived on both sides of the Cabin John bridge and never understood the enormous difference that the Potomac River makes in one's decision of where to go. We drove from Reston to O. C. in about three hours while VA Beach is over four and Kill Devil Hills is five to six. (all assuming similar traffic) Probably only ten per cent of the license plates we saw in O. C. were from VA.

[KeithA]

The best restaurant in Ocean City is Marlin Moon in the Francis Scott Key Hotel. It was nominated for a Maryland restaurant award recently. Most locals rate it heads and shoulders above all others but I am guessing that most tourists-including myself-would probably not return to it. It's a nondescript hotel dining room set back from 50 in West Ocean City with no view of water. A superb veal chop with interesting tuna nachos yet I'd return to Fager's Island or the Sunset Grille before Marlin Moon. It IS good but not good enough to sacrifice at least a partial view on vacation. Living here year round the view matters much less.

We stopped at the Narrows, Ocean Odyssey (in Cambridge) and Marlin Moon in an 18 hour period a week ago with full meals at each. Kent Island's the Narrows was absolutely outstanding for crab cakes and cream of crab soup preferred by both of us over the others. Ocean Odyssey was interesting with decent (at best) cream of crab soup, very good Maryland red crab soup (Harrison's on Tilghman Island has the best red crab soup) and crab cakes that I would describe as what you would taste if your grandmother was a good cook. Still, we both agreed that the Narrows were superior. Marlin Moon's cream of crab soup was smoky and decent. Captain's Galley probably has the best crab cakes in Ocean City but we've not been impressed with much else.

Fisher's caramel corn was disappointing as was Dumser's yet the original Thrasher's on the lower end of the Boardwalk (ONLY this Thrasher's-NO other location) continues to challenge Central as the best french fries I've had east of the Mississippi. Ambience may factor into its taste...

Question: why do so many people who live in Virginia go to Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks rather than Ocean City or the Delaware beaches? I've lived on both sides of the Cabin John bridge and never understood the enormous difference that the Potomac River makes in one's decision of where to go. We drove from Reston to O. C. in about three hours while VA Beach is over four and Kill Devil Hills is five to six. (all assuming similar traffic) Probably only ten per cent of the license plates we saw in O. C. were from VA.

I've never been to Marlin Moon nor heard of it from my grandmother who lives in OC year round (and makes the best red crab soup in OC but sadly hasn't opened a shop yet ;-), but maybe we'll check it out next time I visit. Similar to your VA/MD divide on beaches, some folks in OC (including probably most tourists) don't like to cross the bridge to go to West OC for dinner when OC has so many options.

As for your comments on Fishers - I have to strongly disagree. Now of course this is a matter of taste, but I've never had better caramel corn with the same richness (yes that several pounds of butter they are adding to the copper kettles) and it is especially good when you get it hot/warm. Dumser's is well my personal favorite, so I won't go into that. But Thrashers come on - the location farther up the boardwalk (tiny little place without the insane line) is just as good as the one by the inlet. The fries are made exactly the same way. Definitely the best fries around (although last time they went alittle too heavy on the salt).

[Joe H]

I've been eating Fisher's caramel popcorn and Thrasher's for over 50 years. At its best the popcorn is probably the best I've had anywhere. But not on this trip. The french fries at the original, for whatever reason, I find to be more consistent than other locations.

Marlin Moon Grille

[1000yregg]

I second that- I prefer to get the Thrasher's fries at the original long lined location too- maybe it's the oil, I don't know.

They were really good again this year.

[backstreets]

I had 2 excellent dinners at the Captain's Table last weekend. Its in a beachfront Marriott hotel on 15th street and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I don't think there's any real connection to the old Captain's Table other than the name. Both nights I had the $28 salmon dinner with sauteed spinach. I chose the baked sweet potato and green beans as my sides. The portions were good and everything was cooked perfectly. They also have very good fresh bread. I tried the fried oyster appetizer which wasn't great mainly because of the oysters being so small. We were immediately seated both nights with no reservations. However, if you get there and have to wait there are televisions and computers there in the lobby to kill some time, or you could sit on the boardwalk. I'm adding this place to my list of OC favorites along with Fish Tales and the Shark on the Harbor.

[backstreets]

The doughnuts at Minit Market on 32nd street/Coastal Hwy are excellent. They're around $.90 each and $8/dozen. I liked them so much I bought a dozen but there not very good the second day. Good variety and worth a try if you're looking for an alternative to Fractured Prune.

[Tweaked]

After a long day of sloth and margaritas on the beach we had worked up an appetite, but didn't feel like hopping in the car or walking too far. Plus we had a bottle of wine and a balcony overlooking the ocean. we decided on take out and enjoy a chill evening.

Stumbled across OC Kabob & Grill inside the Gold Coast Mall (approx. 115th Street). Mostly a take out joint with a couple tables. This place isn't going to blow your kabob mind but a solid effort, esp. for a place inside a kitschy shopping mall.

Stuffed grape leaves - a fairly standard rendition.
Falafel Salad - Good falafel, ok humus (comparable to Tribe brand)
Kafta Kabob - a nice menu feature is ordering kabob by the skewer and the kafta kabob at $4.50 is quite good.
Fatoush salad - overall decent and fresh, although serving unripe tomatoes at the peak of tomato season is kinda criminal.
Baklava - good, not overally sweet as it can be.

If you are sick of deep fried beach fare, OC Kabob Grill is a good place to go.

 

[Tweaked]

Looks like I'm the only person who has eaten in Ocean City in over a year!

Harrison's Harbor Watch looks and feels like a restaurant that has been around for 20+ years. In fact I'm surprised it's that young!

Dark, with lots of wood and nautical items on the walls, Harrison's could probably use a good makeover...but that would ruin the place. It's a restaurant that has apple sauce as a side dish. How can you not like that?

An appetizer of mussels fra diavolo was a surprising hit. The mussels were supermarket quality at best...the spicy marinara was a revelation, take the mussel shells bring us more bread please.

Fried oysters were nothing special.

Crab cakes were rich and creamy...and made a great filling for omelets the next morning.

The fish selection was decimated after what must have been a busy Columbus Day weekend, but the broiled, (lightly) blackened tilapia was a perfectly cooked piece of fish.

The sides on the other hand were cooked to death...it's just that kind of restaurant...should have gone with the apple sauce.

Harrison's is a throwback...just go with it...and don't forget to play some skee ball afterwards,

[Kibbee Nayee]

Lady Kibbee and I will be staying and dining in OC on a Friday and Saturday night in early November. Lots of suggestions on this thread, but we're looking for two destinations we'll talk about for months. I've seen Marlin Moon, Fager's Island, Sunset Grille and a few others here, and on other sites I've noticed Captain's Gallery II, Catch 54, Anthony's (roast beef sandwich), Liquid Assets (martinis), OC Wasabi (sushi) and The Hobbit....can't hit them all, but we want to zero in on the best two or three....

[Joe H]

Lady Kibbee and I will be staying and dining in OC on a Friday and Saturday night in early November. Lots of suggestions on this thread, but we're looking for two destinations we'll talk about for months. I've seen Marlin Moon, Fager's Island, Sunset Grille and a few others here, and on other sites I've noticed Captain's Gallery II, Catch 54, Anthony's (roast beef sandwich), Liquid Assets (martinis), OC Wasabi (sushi) and The Hobbit....can't hit them all, but we want to zero in on the best two or three....

Sunset Grill was AWFUL tonight. Awful!!! At 5:15 it was packed with an additional 15 or more people waiting to be seated. The bar was stacked at least two deep while outside a line of cars waited to find parking.

$11.95 for their three course Octoberfest with waittresses and waiters dressed in German attire. At age 64 we were among the youngest in the dining room. Almost every table was eating German in this, promoted in a nearby billboard as "Maryland's best seafood restaurant."

There was no cream of crab soup, nor red crab soup-not even New England or red clam chowder. No fish chowder nor a single bowl of anything with fish. Nor was there grilled fish for that matter.

Monday night was "Italian" for $10.95, this evening German for $11.95. No idea what they feature on Tuesday or Thursday. Chow mein?

We've been to the Sunset Grill three times in the past and liked it every time. But not this time. They seem to have found a way to make money offseason but it certainly isn't the image that they once had.

We won't return. I suppose that for some a dollar is a dollar regardless of what you serve.

[Kibbee Nayee]

Lady Kibbee and I enjoyed our first day in OC, mostly poking around the Rehobeth outlets. There was a sub at local chain Three Brothers at 114th St. near OC Kabob (which was closed for the season) that wasn't too bad, but we stopped there only because Anthony's on 33rd was closed for the season and Anthony's on Philadelphia is only open until 2pm -- will definitely hit that one today for lunch.

We had dinner at OC Wasabi, because we were looking for sushi and it's a stone's throw from our hotel. It was pretty good sushi, although I note that sushi options here are limited. OC Wasabi was fairly well patronized on a Friday evening, and we ordered a lot of rolls and a lot of nigiri. I asked if they had yellowtail collar and they didn't, so don't expect to stray too far from the basics here, but the sushi is very fresh and about as good as one of our good suburban sushi places in the metropolitan area. Among the rolls, I recommend the Baked Phatty Jay, which is crabstick, asparagus and white tuna, topped with what appear to be bonita shavings, and nicely baked with a spicy sauce drizzled on top. And the tuna, salmon and rockfish nigiri were absolutely perfect in appearance, taste and texture.

I accompanied the meal with a 375ml bottle of TyKu sake, and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

On the second day we headed to Anthony's on for breakfast. A local was on his way out to the parking lot, caught my eye, and remarked about the ham and eggs. So, I had the ham and eggs with potatoes for breakfast, and it was very good. In fact, it was so good that I will have it again tomorrow morning as my last OC meal before heading home. I also grabbed a roast beef sandwich to carry out for a snack as we walked the Boardwalk. Wow, that was quite a sandwich. I can't compare it to anything in the DC area, and it was easily the best roast beef sandwich I have had in a long time. It was loaded with beef sliced from the roast, and tasted like beef. And as hearty and meaty as the sandwich was, I can only imagine the sub!

Tonight we dined at Fager's Island. On the one hand, the food was good and possibly worthy of a return. The in-house smoked salmon as an appetizer was really nice, as was the crab cake -- mostly lump blue crab and quite nice. But the service was overbearing and intrusive, with an upsell beginning with the wine order and continuing through the dessert options, along with at least five check-ins during conversations or bites. And considering that Lady Kibbee and I ordered separate smoked salmon appetizers and split a house salad and split a crab cake entree, along with four glasses of wine, the bill was just north of $100....however, on nearby tables I observed what appeared to be one of the juciest and perfectly cooked prime ribs I have ever seen, and I can't help think that a return visit with crab cake and prime rib, minus the overbearing server, would be delectable.

Tomorrow will be our departure, but Anthony's is on the agenda for a ham and egg breakfast as well as a cooler full of roast beef sandwiches for dinner later on in Springfield. And thanks to this community in general and Joe H in particular for some welcomed advice and suggestions!

[GinChevyChase]

I'll be braving the crowds at OC this weekend. Any recomendations for Crabs? Outdoor seating, dump em on the table and dig in type places preferred. We hit up the Bahama Mama's on the south end a few years back and it was pretty good, but I wanted to see if any of you experts had any other suggestions.

[dpamlin]

Its not in Don's MD dining guide, so I figured I'd ask about restaurants in Ocean City. Been coming here every summer for more than 5 years now, but wondering if there are any hidden treasures to try for an upcoming date night with my wife.

We stay on the Ocean side around 125th street, but anywhere in the area is fair game. As of now, the plan is Liquid Assets, but open to all suggestions for places that might be better. Thanks in advance.

[DonRocks]

Its not in Don's MD dining guide, so I figured I'd ask about restaurants in Ocean City.

[It is now. ]

After seven years, the only Ocean City post we have is for Dumser's Dairyland.

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[The following posts have been split into separate threads:

Captain's Table (Joe H)]

[DonRocks]

Captain's Table is the best seafood restaurant in Ocean City. It's on the third floor of the Courtyard Marriott at 15th and Boardwalk. I am NOT talking about Captain's Galley in West Ocean City. Crab guacamole is a GREAT dish; also the best red crab soup I have ever had. I thought enough of the last to return the next morning (two weeks ago) and buy two quarts of it, stopping at a Seven Eleven to buy a cooler and ice.

More than a half dozen other first and second courses were excellent to outstanding.

I write this as someone who has eaten almost everywhere in Ocean City from the Sunset Grill to the old Marlin Moon I should also note that the family who owns the Captain's Table has had a restaurant in Ocean City since the late 19th Century. No, not an exaggeration: they have photographs and newspaper and magazine articles on one of their walls confirming this. The negative about Captain's Table is the inability to see the ocean from the room which essentially feels like the old Corduroy which for some will be a negative. The room also has a different ambience after the sun sets. Still, this is a GREAT Maryland seafood restaurant and worthy of all the publicity it can receive.

Joe, how is Fager's Island these days?

[1000yregg]

Shouldn't this be in the Intrepid Traveler thread?

[DonRocks]

Shouldn't this be in the Intrepid Traveler thread?

[Kinda, sorta. I thought about it, and still might. If Annapolis wasn't in the equation, it would be a no-brainer. Ocean City, Frederick, Fredericksburg, Hagerstown, Richmond, Harpers Ferry (why doesn't Harpers have an apostrophe?), St. Mary's City all produce similar logistical problems.]

[1000yregg]

Well- Delaware Beaches is in the Intrepid Traveller section, and geographically- those places are closer than OC.

[DonRocks]

Well- Delaware Beaches is in the Intrepid Traveller section, and geographically- those places are closer than OC.

[Yes, I've thought of this, too, and the issue is valid (although not a serious one since things can be moved at any time). Then again, you *are* Moderator here, so it's your call, the potential tragedy being that Dumser's Dairyland would need to be merged into an "Ocean City, MD" thread in Intrepid Traveler - I would hate to lose its individuality. Please don't take me too seriously.]

[1000yregg]

Considering the paucity of OC posts- I say move it and merge it.

[lovehockey]

I made a very off-season trip to Ocean City this weekend. The time I had for eating on my own was limited, and many places were still closed. My hopes to try Anthony's roast beef sandwich were dashed.

On the positive side, earlier today I picked up fries at Thrasher's on the Pier; they were hot and fresh and had just the right amount of salt. I didn't add vinegar and there certainly wasn't any ketchup to be found. Thumbs up.

On Saturday I visited Dumser's on 123rd, and tried the peanut butter and fudge and butter pecan. I had them without toppings and really enjoyed them both. This morning on the way out of town I stopped in at the location on 49th for a quart of butter pecan to take home. In addition, as mentioned by KeithA in an August 2008 post above, the location at 123rd makes all of its sodas the old-fashioned way, using syrups and seltzer water and made when ordered. Since I couldn't recall ever having consumed my usual Diet Coke in that form, I had to give it a try (free refills!). I didn't think it was as sweet as what I usually drink, but the fact I had been eating ice cream may have been a factor. But it was neat to watch.

[KeithA]

We are additicted to the chicken kabobs at OC Kabob in the Gold Coast Mall at 115th.  We have been coming to OC Kabob for about 4 years now. Along with the other perennial and much better known beach food, we always head to OC Kabob for lunch kabobs most days when we are at the beach. I just returned from my 3rd weekend this summer in OC and we happily at OC Kabob about 6 times in 8 days. The chicken kabob sandwiches are our favorites - it is a large amount of perfectly spiced and moist chicken (not dried out like many kebob places) with very good tzatiziki sauce. (although my wife thinks it is even better without the sauce to taste the chicken better). The great thing about this place is the consistency of their cooking. The things that are really good are pretty much always good - even year to year. Other things we like are the kofta kabob, fresh made baba ghanouj, couscous, and baklava (made here with more honey than other places which is nice). These are all great. A few items that could be better - falafel could be crispier and have better spices. Fries (which we still always get because who doesn't like fries) have no salt and sometimes could be a bit crispier. Vegetable kabobs are ok - but need a bit longer on the grill - onion chunks come off somewhat raw sometimes. So many of the beach restaurants serve junk or poorly cooked food - go here and get some chicken kabobs you won't be disappointed. We usually get carry out, but they have a nice set of booths and larger tables for groups and friendly service too. We look forward to eating more deliciousness on our next trip in a few weeks.

We also continue to go to Dumser's Dairyland (location at 123rd street) which doesn't seem to change. Amazing rich ice cream, huge sundaes and awesome hot fudge. Root beer floats are good too.  Lately I've been really enjoying the peanut butter fudge flavor.  Unfortunately, we've also been going there for dinner, pre-ice cream and the non-dessert food is pretty meh. The one shining light sometimes is the fried chicken. One time it was wonderful, another time not so much.

Tried the new Rosenfeld's Jewish Deli at 63rd? street right next to where Coastal Hwy meet Rt 90.  Full disclosure - Warren Rosenfeld the owner is an old acquitance of mine and I wish him the best on the success of having a real Jewish deli in OC. He is a real mensch and deserves it. As his website says it is the only Jewish within a 2 hour drive.  For those familiar with the good, not great deli of Parkway Deli in Silver Spring, this place will be very familiar. The woman who was the old manager of Parkway for years settled down in OC and now is working here too.  We had carryout so things would have probably been better fresh in the restaurant which has a few seats inside (as well as a takeout counter) and a nice outdoor shaded patio with a good number of tables.  We had a very good kasha knish and great whitefish salad (made in store), but the ____'s Guilt sandwich was only so so - it is a non-homemade potato knish split and piled high with corned beef.  Like Parkway, the pastrami and corned beef come from Saval, which can be good as I'm a fan of Parkway, but meat was kind of meh on the sandwich and the knish would have been so much better if it wasn't the square, frozen type you get from a cart in NY (one brand of this style is Gabilla), but a homemade more rounded knish with fresh pastry on the outside (like the kasha knish here). Also, this dish definitely suffered from being carried out and steaming in its box. The other good thing we had was the baltimore-style Coddie (shredded cod fish/maybe salt cod with a bit of seasoning, rolled in bread crumbs and fried). If you've been to 2Amys and had the cod croquettes - this the same idea, but less refined but still declious.  I didn't try sandwich on rye, but the bread looked good and the sandwiches are piled pretty high (three different sizes you can order from - 8, 10 or 12 oz).  They only opened this season, so hopefully they'll work out the kinks and keep serving up good Jewish fare.  Despite the heavy emphasis on the Jewish nature of the deli in its literature - it is NOT kosher, but does have kosher Hebrew National salami and bologna.

Fisher's Popcorn - oh how I love thee. Just get it and eat up this delicious caramel popcorn where they haven't changed their practices in years - making fresh caramel in copper kettles and mixing with fresh popped popcorn.

However, next to the Fisher's in Fenwick across from Rt. 54 - you can skip the Grab a Taco stand that they opened. We had two fresh fried rockfish tacos and a cheese quesadilla and it was a shame they were weak all around.First, the gals in the kitchen could care less about cooking. Orders piled up and people just waited and waited for food that should be pretty quick to make. It didn't help the service or taste that the cook let the tortilla get over cooked on the flat top. This somewhat ruined the cheese quesadilla (which is pretty tough to do for such an easy dish we got for the kiddies).  The fish in the tacos was very fresh which was good - but otherwise the taco lacked flavor. Fish wasn't seasoned, oddly it came with thin guacamole (we misunderstood when they called it "green crack") that wasn't tasty, and the cabbage slaw was basically plain chopped cabbage. The whole thing cried out for salt, pepper and a squeeze of lime.  The roasted pepper salsa was basically a portion of canned peppers in their can juice - no spice or acid whatsoever. While this place has promise since it is serving fresh tacos which I believe are otherwise unavailable in the OC area - it isn't worth the trip till the recipes and cooking are revamped. Such a shame.

My father-in-law told me about a fish place in Bethany called David's Camp, i believe, and we plan to check it out next time. Anyone been? We need some new kid-friendly places in our limited rotation.

[Joe H]

We're going to O. C. in early May.  One night we're at Liquid Assets, another at Captain's Table.  Has anyone been to "The Shark in the Harbor" in West Ocean City?  Interesting menu, #2 on trip advisor.

BTW, the Hilton Suites are $144 a night.  Six weeks later, they are over $500 a night.

We're hoping for hot weather in early May.

[KeithA]

We're going to O. C. in early May.  One night we're at Liquid Assets, another at Captain's Table.  Has anyone been to "The Shark in the Harbor" in West Ocean City?  Interesting menu, #2 on trip advisor.

BTW, the Hilton Suites are $144 a night.  Six weeks later, they are over $500 a night.

We're hoping for hot weather in early May.

Joe, I've never been to the Shark myself but it is my brother and sister in law's favorite place in OC (they've been going for years) and my in-laws who live their part-time, like it a lot too. We've actually been trying to go for the past few years, but haven't made it due to the hassle of hauling small kids to West OC and back. Check it out and report back.  Enjoy!

[Joe H]

Joe, I've never been to the Shark myself but it is my brother and sister in law's favorite place in OC (they've been going for years) and my in-laws who live their part-time, like it a lot too. We've actually been trying to go for the past few years, but haven't made it due to the hassle of hauling small kids to West OC and back. Check it out and report back.  Enjoy!

Sincere thanks, KeithA.  We go next week and will go to the Shark.

[Genevieve]

How did you like The Shark in the Harbor, Joe?

We're heading to OC soon and will try out some of the places from this thread - thanks, all.  Haven't been there in decades.

Where would you go for good soft-shell crabs (I prefer sautéed to battered, so you can taste the crab, but lightly battered is fine) or crab cakes? None of us are hard-shell eaters.

Any place specific you recommend for rockfish?

Does any place serve good fried clams (which would make my New Englander husband happy)?

We're staying near Malia's Café at N. Baltimore Ave. and 18th, so I expect we'll eat some breakfasts or lunches there.  I see we're also near Captain's Table, so given review up above we'll go there for dinner one night.  Any other recommendations in that area?  I see on the map there are a bunch of places right by there: Sahara Café, Layton Family Restaurant, and Anthony's Carryout - is that the Anthony's that was mentioned up above for breakfast and sandwiches?

Thanks for any recommendations/feedback!

[Joe H]

Hooray for these posts!  We are going to OC in a week and are staying pretty near the Captain's Galley.  Crab guacamole sounds like one of the best things I could picture eating.

Do we need reservations ahead of time for weekday dining?

Also, I posted on the OC thread in Intrepid Traveler asking about other recommendations near there - we're staying by Malia's Café at 18th and N. Baltimore, and are close to Anthony's Carryout, which sounds like we have to go there for roast beef sandwiches (my husband will eat those - my son might prefer their cheesesteaks, and I'm less a red meat person, are there other specialties you recommend?)

I would be particularly interested in places for softshells (preferably not deeply battered - sautéed is my favorite) and crabcakes.  My son will be looking for good rockfish.

I would make reservations for Captain's Galley just to be on the safe side.  It does a very good business.  Also, there are two more restaurants which we really like:  Shark on the Harbor in West Ocean City and Liquid Assets. Shark on the Harbor is directly across from the Sunset Grill, is small and the dining room sits upstairs.  It's excellent. Captain's Table is traditional Maryland style seafood and competes with the Narrows on Kent Island and Suicide Bridge for the title of Maryland's best MD style seafood restaurant.  The Shark is more contemporary and every bit as good. You WILL need reservations unless you want to take pot luck and probably end up sitting at the bar.  It is small but extremely popular.  Liquid Assets is unique, literally a softly lit pair of dining rooms inside of a wine shop.  You can buy a bottle of wine off the shelf (best selection in O. C.), pay a $10 corkage fee and have it with dinner.  http://la94.com/  Unfortunately, Liquid Assets does not take reservations.  Think of it as the Rose's Luxury of Ocean City in terms of popularity and lines.

FWIW we go to O. C. three or so times a year and I believe we have eaten at every one of the "better" restaurants there over time.  I believe these are the three best.  On your way there you will pass the Narrows on Kent Island.  They have the best crab cakes and cream of crab soup in the state of Maryland.

[Genevieve]

Thank you so much, Joe!!!  We will definitely go to Shark on the Harbor, and make reservations, and also a reservation at Captain's Table.  (Probably not Liquid Assets as we are not able to drink wine.)  And thank you for the tip to stop at the Narrows on the way there!!

[KeithA]

I see upthread that there was a question about where to put this thread. There already is an OC thread in the traveler section that I know has several posts over the last few years including a few by me. We just got back from OC last weekend and went to one regular - OC Kabob at Gold Coast Mall around 110th St - always good for excellent chicken kabob for casual eating.  We also ate for the first time at BlueFish at 94th St - a sushi-heavy pan Asian place that had good Yelp reviews.  Pleasantly surprised by the good sushi - well made traditional rolls and lots of interesting modern combo rolls - I liked the Godzilla (pretty presentations too for the modern stuff).  The quality of the fish was good too (not Sushi Taro or Kaz good, but respectable).  We ate in the first time and it was bustling on Sat night.  On Sunday night we got carryout from the Chinese side of the menu ("traditional" Chinese-American fare) - large portions of decent stuff - vegetable lo mein was good, Eggplant with garlic sauce was ok.  Worth checking out if you want something different than MD seafood.  Prices were pretty standard for sushi and chinese compared to DC prices.

[Genevieve]

For Anthony's Carryout, it sounds like we have to go there for roast beef sandwiches (my husband will eat those - my son might prefer their cheesesteaks). But I'm less of a red meat eater, are there other specialties you recommend?

Also, still hoping for recommendations for a place to get rockfish, and soft-shells.

Thanks!

[Genevieve]

Thanks, Keith!

I had posted in Intrepid Traveler, but (as I figured might be the case), haven't gotten responses there.  I did better posting here where I got the info I needed from Joe.  Probably people don't check the travel threads as much as they do their home area threads?

[DonRocks]

Thanks, Keith!

I had posted in Intrepid Traveler, but (as I figured might be the case), haven't gotten responses there.  I did better posting here where I got the info I needed from Joe.  Probably people don't check the travel threads as much as they do their home area threads?

[Joe H]

For Anthony's Carryout, it sounds like we have to go there for roast beef sandwiches (my husband will eat those - my son might prefer their cheesesteaks). But I'm less of a red meat eater, are there other specialties you recommend?

Also, still hoping for recommendations for a place to get rockfish, and soft-shells.

Thanks!

Thrasher's for french fries but ONLY the original stand which is on the inlet.  Fisher's popcorn, again, ONLY the original stand on the south end of the boardwalk.  Both the rockfish and soft shells will be at Captain's Table or Shark on the Harbor.  I also want to make the sincere point that Ocean City is really about the boardwalk and the experience of walking on it or watching over it as the sun sets or at nighttime.  I would put the Ocean City boardwalk in the middle of the summer one on one with Venice Beach or Bourbon Street.  It is an experience that is one of the best of its kind on earth.  Standing in line at Thrasher's or at the counter of Fisher's is a tradition.  Sitting on a bench and watching the world walk by is a great past time.  My wife first went to Ocean City when there was only a ferry crossing and not a Bay Bridge. She has gone for over sixty years and still passionately loves the boardwalk as much today as she did when she was pushed down it in a carriage.

Alternatively, the Fractured Prune for a serious donut.  The Sahara Cafe is also generally thought of as the best breakfast in Ocean City.  It is good and the motel dining room has a great deal of character with a Flo like waittress who will put it over the top.  But it is not quite on the level of a top Jersey Diner (i.e. the Silver Coin in Hammonton) Go to the Fractured Prune instead and expect to come home quite a bit heavier. Captain's Galley in West Ocean City is famous for crab cakes.  The original was in Crisfield and had a great deal of ambience.  It closed and now the O. C. outpost is their only one.  A landmark for locals.  For ourselves, several rungs on the ladder below the Narrows for crab cakes.

I'd also seriously consider a small side trip to Berlin which is one of the great small towns of character in America.

FWIW I graduated from high school in Silver Spring.  My 25 year reunion was in Ocean City because so many of us, the day we graduated, drove to O. C. and slept on the beach.  Today, a lot more time has passed and a 25 year reunion is only a memory.  Still, my wife and I go to O. C. three or so times a year.  I am fortunate to have travelled heavily all over North America and Europe for three + decades.  Still, it is Ocean City that I want to go back to.

And do.

[Genevieve]

Thank you!!  Had soft-shells and the fabulous crab guacamole at the Captain's Table (twice), a fantastic lunch at Shark at the Harbor (would've gone back but they were booked for dinner the night we decided to go again), hot fudge sundaes at Dumser's (terrific), and Fractured Prune donuts on the boardwalk.  The other Fractured Prune outlets all were closed by noon or 1, so we didn't end up there (wanted to go after dinner one night and discovered the early hours).  Had a couple lunches at Malia's because it was so handy to our hotel -- sweet potato tater tots were excellent and my husband liked his fish tacos, I just got sandwiches there.  Oh, and good smoothies.  Pretty good crab soup at Frog Bar.

We went to Berlin one night for trivia at the Globe which was fun (the food was OK-to-pretty good, love the place itself).

Definitely agree with you that Captain's Table and Shark were top-notch and better than anything else we had.  Dumser's was a big hit, too.  Grateful for the reviews from Joe and others at this site that sent me to good places!

Added:  I forgot that we went to Bluefish Sushi on Coastal Highway at 94th.  Very tasty rolls - I don't eat raw fish sushi so can't speak to that, but my special lobster tail roll was delicious, as was the Hawaiian roll (under Signature Rolls on the menu): tempura coconut shrimp and large pieces of mango and avocado with a great mango sauce and coconut flakes.  Son found his half Peking duck fine but not as good as he's had elsewhere, husband liked but didn't love his meal which I have forgotten (may have been a teriyaki dish).  Seemed to me like the sushi was the best thing there, and I was very happy with it.

[Genevieve]

 

I always check Intrepid Traveler when I'm going somewhere, and it's given me some great places I wouldn't have found otherwise.  That said, I think keeping all of Ocean City in the Baltimore section makes the most sense, since it's nearly local, so I'm glad you merged it.

[Joe H]

Thank you!!  Had soft-shells and the fabulous crab guacamole at the Captain's Table (twice), a fantastic lunch at Shark at the Harbor (would've gone back but they were booked for dinner the night we decided to go again), hot fudge sundaes at Dumser's (terrific), and Fractured Prune donuts on the boardwalk.  The other Fractured Prune outlets all were closed by noon or 1, so we didn't end up there (wanted to go after dinner one night and discovered the early hours).  Had a couple lunches at Malia's because it was so handy to our hotel -- sweet potato tater tots were excellent and my husband liked his fish tacos, I just got sandwiches there.  Oh, and good smoothies.  Pretty good crab soup at Frog Bar.

We went to Berlin one night for trivia at the Globe which was fun (the food was OK-to-pretty good, love the place itself).

Definitely agree with you that Captain's Table and Shark were top-notch and better than anything else we had.  Dumser's was a big hit, too.  Grateful for the reviews from Joe and others at this site that sent me to good places!

Added:  I forgot that we went to Bluefish Sushi on Coastal Highway at 94th.  Very tasty rolls - I don't eat raw fish sushi so can't speak to that, but my special lobster tail roll was delicious, as was the Hawaiian roll (under Signature Rolls on the menu): tempura coconut shrimp and large pieces of mango and avocado with a great mango sauce and coconut flakes.  Son found his half Peking duck fine but not as good as he's had elsewhere, husband liked but didn't love his meal which I have forgotten (may have been a teriyaki dish).  Seemed to me like the sushi was the best thing there, and I was very happy with it.

Thank you, Genevieve:  really, really appreciate your trying what my wife and I love.

I cannot tell you how badly I would like to have some crab guacamole right now!

[KeithA]

In OC right now - hunkered down during the remnants of Hurricane Arthur.  That didn't stop us from enjoying a wide assortment of beach food yesterday on the boardwalk and around town.  Thrasher's fries on boardwalk are as good as ever, tried a filled pretzel roll from the Wrapper stand a few blocks north of the inlet (interesting concept fill fresh pretzel rolls with various meats, cheese, and veggie combos - but it is was only ok), forgettable pizza and soft pretzel from boardwalk stands, great regular popcorn from Dolle's stand (which I didn't realize is an OC, not Rehobeth original has been on the OC boardwalk for 100+ years - really top quality popcorn and candies), and we also had dippin' dots ice cream of the future (little kids love it, I wasn't so impressed). Dinner at Dumser's on 124th street was pretty normal - dinner food is freshly made, but lacks seasoning and is mostly fried stuff.  Ice cream is good as ever - coconut chocolate chip is a treat for coconut lovers, but I would pass on the Hawaiian Delight (vanilla with cherries and bananas and no pineapple as advertised) - it is their great vanilla but the fruit just freezes and adds nothing.  Based on earlier comments, I think we'll have to head back to Captain's Table (haven't been in years, but it was a favorite of my grandmother who lived in OC year round).

[Joe H]

In OC right now - hunkered down during the remnants of Hurricane Arthur.  That didn't stop us from enjoying a wide assortment of beach food yesterday on the boardwalk and around town.  Thrasher's fries on boardwalk are as good as ever, tried a filled pretzel roll from the Wrapper stand a few blocks north of the inlet (interesting concept fill fresh pretzel rolls with various meats, cheese, and veggie combos - but it is was only ok), forgettable pizza and soft pretzel from boardwalk stands, great regular popcorn from Dolle's stand (which I didn't realize is an OC, not Rehobeth original has been on the OC boardwalk for 100+ years - really top quality popcorn and candies), and we also had dippin' dots ice cream of the future (little kids love it, I wasn't so impressed). Dinner at Dumser's on 124th street was pretty normal - dinner food is freshly made, but lacks seasoning and is mostly fried stuff.  Ice cream is good as ever - coconut chocolate chip is a treat for coconut lovers, but I would pass on the Hawaiian Delight (vanilla with cherries and bananas and no pineapple as advertised) - it is their great vanilla but the fruit just freezes and adds nothing.  Based on earlier comments, I think we'll have to head back to Captain's Table (haven't been in years, but it was a favorite of my grandmother who lived in OC year round).

The same family has had Captain's Table for several generations.  My guess is that the hostess on your grandmother's last trip is still the hostess except today she owns it.

Crab guacamole.

...and I am seriously jealous.  You are in Ocean City tonight and we are not.

Have a great time!  ...A great town for July Fourth!!!  I can only imagine what the Boardwalk must be like as I type this...

[DonRocks]

The Marriott Courtyard is now $525 a night in July and August.  If I was there right now I would be taking the elevator down to the bar on the third floor to buy a glass (or two) of wine.  Then, I'd return upstairs to sit on the balcony overlooking the boardwalk and bitch about how much the room cost...

...still worth every penny.  I love O. C.

Joe, I'm not trying to be flippant, but *why* do you love O.C.? Honestly, even when I was 12 years old, I recognized it was grungy; when I was in my 20s, I knew virtually all restaurants were poor; I haven't been there in many years now, but is it getting cleaned up or something? Joe Heflin saying, "I love O. C." is a logical inconsistency - yes, I know you like certain down-home restaurants, but entire cities?

I guess I wouldn't sneeze at a free night there, but $525 for a Marriott Courtyard, and wishing you were there? I just don't see it.

[Joe H]

Joe, I'm not trying to be flippant, but *why* do you love O.C.? Honestly, even when I was 12 years old, I recognized it was grungy; when I was in my 20s, I knew virtually all restaurants were poor; I haven't been there in many years now, but is it getting cleaned up or something? Joe Heflin saying, "I love O. C." is a logical inconsistency - yes, I know you like certain down-home restaurants, but entire cities?

I guess I wouldn't sneeze at a free night there, but $525 for a Marriott Courtyard, and wishing you were there? I just don't see it.

There are benches on the Ocean City boardwalk that one can "sponsor."  There are hundreds of them.  All from people who want their memories to be shared with those who come today.

My wife and I will probably sponsor a bench.  We will welcome your sitting on it and watching the world walk by.

---

Hooked (Joe H)

[mr food]

Visiting OC yesterday reminded me why we love being in Rehoboth. I live in a city and don't want to escape to another one. Plus our dining choices are so much better. And the taxes.....

[Joe H]

Totally agree with you about dining choices.  For seafood, Hooked around 80th and Coastal Highway is excellent as is Captain's Table and Shark on the Harbor.  Liquid Assets is a good non seafood coice, too.

Hooked is probably the "hot" restaurant of the moment in O. C. right now.

[Atenna]

Liquid Assets <www.LA94.com>   Big Food, great drinks, friendly staff.  Great beer selection and drinks (it IS in the middle of a liquor store),  Food was good, American fare.

Captain's Table Restaurant: 2 15th street inside oceanside Marriott hotel.  Steakhouse with some seafood offerings.  We went with the seafood offerings.  Not unique in ingredients or presentation; yet a nice experience, atypical boardwalk restaurant, good value for the dollar.  We would consider going again but not on the top of the list.

The Shark Restaurant:  I have eaten there a few times, I think the menu and dishes are very well thought out, their dishes are more of a one pan pre-preparation so that the food and sauce preparations play off each other.  I loved this place prior to food allergy discovery.  They do not prepare a la cart without prior notice.  My table mates were very happy with their dishes and wine flights.  They do work hard to make most of their dishes gluten free.  Note to self, call them and tell them that me and my multiple food restrictions are coming to dinner ahead of time and see if they can accommodate.  Will go back if they let me in.

Hooked.  #1 favorite.  Fresh, farm to table, very accommodating, not boring, creative drinks and nice wine and beer list.  Ate lunch there while on long bicycle ride then came back again for dinner in same day.  Seafood and other proteins, nicely prepared, unique combinations.  Definitely will dine with them again.

     porcini encrusted tuna, sage roasted brussels, caramelized cauliflower puree, crisp prosciutto, Madeira broth $23

     roasted salmon, port cherries, tender leeks, spinach, root vegetable puree, port reduction $20

     drunken mussels, caramelized onion, celery,k garlic confit, mustard, lager broth $9

     spiced kale chips $3

     bacon braised collards $5

     fall beet quinoa, brussel leaves, crispy parsnips, red and golden beets, scallion, citrus vinaigrette, whole grain onion soubise, spiced kale       chips   $19

[Joe H]

We are returning to Ocean City for New Year's Eve-we were there last year.  I literally just got off of the phone with Hooked and they have not decided whether or not they will take reservations for NYE.  I'll probably call them back every week until they make a decision.  Hooked can have enormous waits in season that rival Rose's Luxury.

It is also worth the wait.

If they don't accept reservations we just might go earlier.

FWIW Ocean City and New Year's Eve are special.  So is the nearby town of  Berlin where they now close the four or five blocks of the main street, set up a bandstand with live entertainment and have go cups.  Really almost a Bourbon street kind of ambience.  Literally thousands of people show up for what is a growing tradition.  If the weather is nice walking on the OC boardwalk at midnight is special, too.

The Courtyard is a reasonable $159 or so for that night.

[Joe H]

We are returning to Ocean City for New Year's Eve-we were there last year.  I literally just got off of the phone with Hooked and they have not decided whether or not they will take reservations for NYE.  I'll probably call them back every week until they make a decision.  Hooked can have enormous waits in season that rival Rose's Luxury.

It is also worth the wait.

If they don't accept reservations we just might go earlier.

FWIW Ocean City and New Year's Eve are special.  So is the nearby town of  Berlin where they now close the four or five blocks of the main street, set up a bandstand with live entertainment and have go cups.  Really almost a Bourbon street kind of ambience.  Literally thousands of people show up for what is a growing tradition.  If the weather is nice walking on the OC boardwalk at midnight is special, too.

The Courtyard is a reasonable $159 or so for that night.

Hooked IS accepting reservations for New Year's Eve-they started this morning at 11:00AM.  Arguably this is Ocean City's best restaurant.  New Year's Eve is the only evening of the year when they will accept reservations.

[Dr. Delicious]

I'll be heading to OC with the family in late August. Any updates or new recommendations, particularly family friendly joints (we have a 4 yr old)?

---

Here's a recap:

Sahara Café
This place is the #4 ranked restaurant in trip advisor, and yet it's this small restaurant attached to some random hotel with which it shares its name, and is only open for breakfast and lunch. Also, it's got this hippie, Grateful Dead vibe going on (I love the Dead, so that was fine by me). James Brown's sex machine was paying on the PA. Also fine with me. Anyway, it's kind of a strange place, but we did have an excellent breakfast, including a very good version of a classic eggs Benedict. They have something called "Spanish Sauce", which is onions, green peppers, and chopped tomatoes, which they feature and put on some of their items. It's quite tasty, with a bit of a kick, but not so much that you need you water refilled every minute. Also, I don't care for real spicy things in general, and certainly not during breakfast, and this didn't approach that. They also have very good home fries, which come shredded, and cooked hard. The place is very kid friendly, as the server showed up to take our drink order with a coloring book and some crayons. No credit cards, however, so make sure you bring cash.

Shark on the Harbor
We had a fine meal here, but it wasn't anything that blew us away, and I wouldn't go back. Anyway, they brought over a very nice amuse bouche that was salmon paste, dressed up, on a cucumber slice. They also brought over a very good basket of toasted, honey-wheat bread, that came with a tasty pimento cheese spread, and butter. The server noted that everything was fresh, and that they change their menu twice a day. To be sure, I had a very good and fresh piece of swordfish, but was unimpressed by the presentation and the sides were downright bad. I'll explain: The swordfish itself was smothered in some kind of tomato paste, and you couldn't see the fish, which I thought was an unfortunate choice. Not a big deal, but when they're touting freshness, I'd like to see it. The bowl the fish was in was smeared with a pesto sauce, but it was smeared so finely, that there wasn't enough smeared sauce that it was useful. Also, how does my exact and accurate description "smeared sauce" sound to you...am I right? It also came with gnocchi, which were overcooked, dry, and tasteless. More sauce would have helped here as well, if only to mask what they served us.

Hooked, http://hookedoc.com

Easily the best meal we had in OC. One quibble: our main dishes came out too fast as my wife was still working on her salad, which they hadn't cleared, when the entrees arrived. We started off with calimari, tossed in a house made spicy mayo sauce that was excellent. It was an ample order and fried with skill. We also had wedge salads that shows what this kinds of salad can be, as there was thought and care to taste and presentation. It was a large salad, enough to share (tho we didn't), with multiple small wedges, in a house made blue cheese dressing with heirloom grape tomatoes, bacon bits and other assorted tasty bits, including pickled onion slices that added an interesting taste to the dish. The entrees featured fresh seafood. I had tuna, served rare, That was very good, though I can't remember any other details about the dish. Other entrees included scallops with cheesy grits, that were really delicious (and this coming from a guy who hates grits), a crab cake that was easily 2 inches think and 4 inches across containing mostly lump crab. All portions were large and we all left full and satisfied. They also severe parker house rolls that were fluffy and tasty, and came with garlic-oil dipping sauce.

Belly Busters, http://ocbellybusters.com

Typical seafood shack. Good service fro the waitress who explained their soft shell crab sandwich to a novice and noted how their preparation differed from norm (they don't mess with it, just toss it on the grill). The sandwiches were large. I had the shrimp salad sandwich on a kaiser roll, and was pleased to see that they did not drown it in mayo. The wife had a crab cake that was solid but not worth going out of way for. Hot dog for boy. Big basket of tasty fries. Good but not great.

Mother's Cantina, http://motherscantina.com

It's a very small place so we had to wait quite a bit, and it was hot and there's not much shade while you wait. That hurt. Also, the place is a dump: our table cloth was held together, top and bottom, in places with duct tape. Did I mention the food is excellent? They gave an ample serving of chips and salsa, both seemed fresh and the salsa had a good bite to it. They only give one serving for free so be forewarned. My combo platter might have been the best Mexican food I ever had. First of all, it came out and actually looked good. It wasn't all smeared together and smothered in unidentifiable beans, cheese, and sauce. That's half the battle right there. The chimichanga was filled with a ground chorizo that was packed with flavor, and some kind of melted cheese sauce, which spilled out of it. It was deep fried, but it wasn't heavy or coated in anything. The enchilada was filled with shredded chicken, covered in melted cheese, and was a mild counterpoint to the in your face chorizo flavor. There was also a beef taco that had a generous portion of ground beef, and topped with lettuce, onion, tomato, cheese (perhaps other stuff). Again, a very tasty flavor to the beef; really a fantastic taco.

Longboard Cafe https://longboardcafe.net/

The only real miss of the trip due to simply terrible service, and food that, when it came, was cold and past its prime. It's another place that touts its fresh sourcing of fish and so hopes were high for our last dinner in OC. There were many problems, which I don't care to recount, but know that two of four people left without having eaten. The only saving grace was that the manager comped our entire meal (what we got of it). I actually did get my meal, grouper topped with crab empire, and were it served hot and fresh, it would have been rather tasty. What a shame.

Anthony's http://anthonysliquors.com/
I almosg forgot that we got 2 great sandwiches from Anthony's, which was right next to the Hilton we stayed at. I was surprised that it was listed as a top "restaurant" on trip advisor (which is how i learned about it), considering it's a deli counter/sub shop in a liquor store. True enough, i had one of the better Italian hoagies and chicken salad sandwiches I can recall (I split them...I'm not a total pig, ok). Good bread, good semi hot and sweet peppers, well stuffed with meat. A bit pricey in the $15 range, but for an excellent sandwich (or two) it's worth it.

[KeithA]

I've been to OC a lot again this summer. Mostly the same places with similar experiences (see my earlier posts in this thread) - Dumser's Dairyland, OC Kabob, Best Donuts on the Beach, the Hobbit, Matt's Fish Camp, Thrashers' Fries, Fisher's Popcorn, Candy Kitchen.  A few updates:

1. Matt's fish camp in Bethany is as popular as ever so DO NOT try to go there with a party larger than 4 unless you want to wait or go at an off time. Food and drinks still rather good. Although I still think it is a shame that their "market" fish shows how almost all of the fish is from farm away and not local. It is the same at most of the restaurants in OC. Wish I could find more decent restaurants that serve fish from the MD.

2. Bluefish - sushi and Pan-Asian at 94th street. Had some pretty good sushi there again after a few year hiatus. Worth checking out for something different.

3. Ropewalk (the one several blocks below 100 st) - went late night on a weeknight for drinks and snacks. The place has huge decks and sand seating with a nice view of the bay. Some ok live music acts (although they shut the doors so you can only hear them inside at the bar which is a shame if you want to sit out on a deck). Drinks were nothing special - just low alcohol big sizes like crushes, etc that you find at a lot of the beach bars.  Also have a big playground area in front that serves as a waiting area for anxious kids. We only had fries (which were ok) and a slice of awful, still slightly frozen cheesecake. I'd recommend going for music and a beer or non-mixed drink late or come for the kids to play - but avoid most of the menu.

[cantjosh]

Yet another summer with some OC trips for me this year. I tried Hooked for the first time and have to agree with the consensus that it is the best restaurant I've been to in Ocean City. I got to sample a few items on their menu including the PEI mussels, crab dip, jerk wings, crab cakes, shrimp taco, fish & chips. Mussels and fish & chips were standouts for me. Everything was very good. I probably wouldn't order the crab cake again, not because it was bad, but because I've had it done better elsewhere around OC. Also, fresh squeezed OJ available at Hooked.. always a way to win me over.

Other than Hooked, I mostly went with my old standbys.. I've enjoyed Rippon's, Anthony's, Ponzetti's, and Lombardi's for years. I do enjoy the occasional sub from Primo Hoagies. Touch of Italy has opened in Ocean City as well. I haven't yet been to that location but their locations throughout the Delaware beaches have served as a good option for subs to grab and take out on the beach

[cantjosh]

I totally forgot that we got 2 great sandwiches from Anthony's, which was right next to the Hilton we stayed at. I was surprised that it was listed as a top "restaurant" on trip advisor (which s how i learned about it), considering it's a deli counter/sub shop in a liquor store. True enough, i had one of the better Italian hoagies and chicken salad sandwiches I can recall (I split them...I'm not a total pig, ok). Good bread, good semi hot and sweet peppers, well stuffed with meat. A bit pricey in the $15 range, but for an excellent sandwich (or two) it's worth it.

Agreed. Anthony's is an Ocean City staple. The sandwiches are on the pricier side, but they are quite large. Another great stop before the beach if you're staying down that way.

[Joe H]

Five trips to Ocean City since New Year's Even of 2014.  Hooked is no longer O. C.'s best restaurant.  That honor now goes to Sello's Italian Oven on Golf Course Rd in West Ocean City which opened last summer.  We went Wednesday and Thursday night of this week and both nights, at 6:00PM, they had literally every one of their 80 or so seats filled.  Superb wood burning oven pizza equal to anywhere in the D. C. area, outstanding cream of crab (which competes with the Narrows) rockfish and salmon entrees that would do justice to any D. C. Italian-this is a shockingly good Italian place that you'll have to cross back over the bridge for and wait in line with almost exclusively locals who enthusiastically mob the dining room and adjacent bar.

It is worth the wait.

For perspective on both nights that we went in early March:  Shark on the Harbor only had a handful at the bar, Captain's Table had fifteen or so cars in the parking lot.  Back in O. C. Liquid Assets had 8 or 10 at the bar on Thursday night while Hooked had a half dozen cars parking in front.

Sello's was all locals and full.

Italian in Ocean City may sound like a contradiction but the 55 year old chef owner from Sicily who has lived in O. C. for over 30 years truly delivers what would be one of Washington's best Italian experiences-in Ocean City.

[DonRocks]

Well, I'm off to Ocean City for our annual summer vacation and I was looking forward to all of those good, but bad for you things I love to sample at the beach. I thought a thread sharing our OC beach favs would be fun as most of the food is shlock, but there are lots of junk food and hidden gems.

Here are my favs:

Junk Food

Dumser's Dairyland - great hot fudge sundaes (multiple locations)

Fisher's Popcorn - caramel corn (multiple locations)

Candy Kitchen - good fudge (the Starbucks of OC, one on every corner almost)

Thrasher's - amazing fries (Boardwalk)

Restaurants

Captain's Table - great seafood (downtown near Boardwalk)

Jimmy's Kitchen - breakfast (north, Fenwick Island)

The Hobbit - great lump crabcakes (north in the 90s)

Higgins - crab feasts (133rd and a downtown location)

Not sure why I've never been before, but I'm looking forward to trying the Fractured Prune's made to order donuts (128th and farther downtown too).

What are your favorites?

Sadly, I found out Captain's Table and the Hobbit closed down. The Fractured Prune donuts were dense and delightful though.

It's funny that you wrote this second post (nearly ten years ago), because I was about to reply to your first post and say that every single restaurant you listed is *still open*! (If you click on the hyperlinks, you'll see that they all remain alive-and-well, even ten years later in 2016.)

The most likely thing is that the restaurants had "names" and were bought by some fans of Ocean City who wanted to revive them - a little research would confirm or deny that hypothesis easily enough. Still, it's remarkable that every single restaurant you listed in 2006 - in the first two posts of this thread - is still going strong, regardless of ownership.

[KeithA]

Actually doesn't surprise me that all are still open - these are some of the places with the most loyal customer bases and are run by families. Not sure why I never updated my second 2006 post - but both of those two are still open and were merely undergoing renovations to their buildings in 2006. I've been to the Hobbit several times in the last few years and it is still very good.

[DonRocks]

It's funny that you wrote this second post (nearly ten years ago), because I was about to reply to your first post and say that every single restaurant you listed is *still open*! (If you click on the hyperlinks, you'll see that they all remain alive-and-well, even ten years later in 2016.)

The most likely thing is that the restaurants had "names" and were bought by some fans of Ocean City who wanted to revive them - a little research would confirm or deny that hypothesis easily enough. Still, it's remarkable that every single restaurant you listed in 2006 - in the first two posts of this thread - is still going strong, regardless of ownership

Actually doesn't surprise me that all are still open - these are some of the places with the most loyal customer bases and are run by families. Not sure why I never updated my second 2006 post - but both of those two are still open and were merely undergoing renovations to their buildings in 2006. I've been to the Hobbit several times in the last few years and it is still very good.

On a (semi-)related note, there's a Facebook page about Tubby's which is called "Bring Tubby's Back to Ocean City, MD" - unfortunately, it hasn't been updated in over three years:

[dpamlin]

going to Ocean City next week, anyone have any recommendations besides the usual (aware of Hooked but have never been, and have often dined at Shark on the Harbor)?

[DonRocks]

On 7/5/2016 at 11:59 AM, dpamlin said:

going to Ocean City next week, anyone have any recommendations besides the usual (aware of Hooked but have never been, and have often dined at Shark on the Harbor)?

Anyone?

[Marty L.]

On 7/9/2016 at 1:12 PM, DonRocks said:

Anyone?

Yeah, I was there a few weeks ago.  Drive 20 minutes north and go to Henlopen City Oyster House!  (Be ready for a wait, though, unless you get there at 2:45, just before they open for "happy hour.")

[donk79]

Thanks for the sharing, everyone!  I'm in Ocean City this week and my in-laws will be joining me on Saturday.  They asked my wife and I to pick a restaraunt for dinner, and I suspect Sello's will fit the ticket beautifully.  Unfortunately, the rest of the party are pretty timid diners, though I still hold out hope for my 6yo daughter.  My wife needs alternatives to seafood, and my father-in-law would happily live on spaghetti and red sauce.

In other news, as you drive north to Henlopen, Marty L., stop at the Delaware line and try a fish or shrimp taco from Grab & Go Taco.  I know it has been panned elsewhere in this thread, but I have found excuses to stop there every time I have been in OC the past couple of years.  The tacos i have had there have easily been the best ones I have had on this coast.

[mr food]

We had dinner this week at Horizons in the Clarion hotel. Don't go there for the food but the wine list.which has some great deals, Richard the manager decanted the burg I ordered. 

[Dr. Delicious]

Any recs for a crab shack when driving between DC and OC? We'd like to stop on our way out there, and are total noobs when it comes to eating steamed crabs.

[donk79]

To report, I presented the in-laws with options including Jake's, Sello's, and Waterman's.  They failed to surprise me and picked Waterman's.  The fare was neither bad nor great.  The hush puppies, which i could have easily enjoyed more of, were offset by the broiled flounder, which was rather dried out.  My mother-in-law's piece of flounder did look like it had fared better.  The crabcake was helped by the tarter sauce I requested, which was better than your standard mayo+relish.  Broiled shrimp matched the flounder.  Not as dry perhaps, but also somewhat less than remarkable.

There was a time when I thought Waterman's was the best that I could find in OC.  It is nice to believe that time has past!

[Dr. Delicious]

Here are my notes from our most recent trip:

Harborside

Fun atmosphere, on the bay, great happy hour specials. Good wings, slight kick, big order of calimari, with big rings, mussels served in a garlic wine sauce that was very tasty, full pound. Side salads are skip able. Seafood pasta bursting with scallops, shrimp, crab, and mussels. A cheesy, tomato, cream sauce that wasn't overly cheesy but was heavy. Huge portions all around. 

Barn 34

Appetizers were excellent. Lobster sliders is basically a full roll and for only $10. Mussels with sausage and peppers in a tomato sauce were very good, came with mini loaf for sipping, grilled Caesar was one large stalk, halved, grilled and dressed with croutons, one of the better versions of this I had. Unfortunately we were in the middle of our apps when mains came. They were good but not great. Tuna in soba noodles that were barely dressed wth the promised soy sauce. Steak with bernaise  that had a strange hint of lemon and was cool if not cold. The steak was cooked nicely but not very flavorful. Large portions. Food could have been warmer. 

Hooked

Got to Hooked at 5:45 on Sat night and there was already a 15 minute wait. Crab soup, very rich, sherry taste, large lumps of crab meat, very tasty. Kale Caesar, large portion, well dressed. Calimari, awesome spicy sauce. Toll house rolls bread service. French fries with truffle and bacon, as good as it sounds. Tuna, prepared with skill in a really light soy sauce. Demerits? My son pulled the longest hair out of his mouth at one point. 

Mother's Cantina

Somehow there was a 1:15 minute wait at 5:45 on a Monday evening. This despite the restaurant having at least 3 empty tables (which is a lot given how small this restaurant is). That was annoying, but we sucked it up and waited anyway. Actually, it was their happy hour that caused the delay. The entire place was packed and i don’t think they could handle it. Anyway, the food here is awesome. I don’t have much to add to what I said the last time. I can’t recall if i mentioned the cheesy sauce that’s in their chimichanga, but it is really good.

Trattoria Lombardi’s (Pizza)

Tossed salad was pretty sparse, lettuce, tomato, a couple olives. House made dressing was good. No free refills, except on iced tea, which I thought was pretty odd. Big 16 inch pizza is standard. Very good pie. 

Lobster Shanty (Fenwick Isle)

Skip the salads. Shanty fries were huge helping of French fries topped with crab meat and smothered in cheddar cheese. They were both delicious and disgusting. Crab and Lobster Thermidor was an ample portion, tasty, with large bites of lobster claw and crab. Cheesy, sherry, mushrooms (actually, lots of mushrooms so be forewarned). Side of mashed potatoes were really good. Lobster tail with crab imperial was a 6oz tail with a heaping portion of imperial. Big and thick hotdog for the boy. Kids meal came with fries and applesauce and a drink. House made rolls were excellent. My wife thought the place sucked, whereas I’m an easy mark, so ymmv.

---

Seacrets (pras)
Rosenfeld's Jewish Deli (yeah)

[Joe H]

We just returned from our annual January O. C. visit (New Year's Eve four out of the last six years).  Sello's in West Ocean City is now O. C.'s best Italian restaurant-it would do justice to the best in Little Italy and I am serious in saying this.  It's also enormously popular with locals and is full on most weeknights-even in the middle of January.  Liquid Assets and Hooked continue with their similar popularity and excellence.  We also included the Henlopen Oyster House in Rehoboth which I believe is so good that we build our trip around when it is open.

Both Ocean City and Rehoboth are interesting in early January:  there are a handful of restaurants which have loyal, long standing followings.  Coincidentally, they are among the best of all whether open seasonally or year round.

I should also mention the Narrows on Kent Island which we always stop at on our way home.  I believe it continues as Maryland's best overall seafood restaurant.  In fact it is interesting to be able to eat at Black Salt, Henlopen and the Narrows several days apart.  The Narrows sits on an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland's best cream of crab soup, best crab cakes) while Henlopen is in a factory like room with brick walls, a 20' pressed tin ceiling and Comcast's Blues channel piped in-great character especially in the evening.  Phenominal oyster stew along with fried oysters where there is art in the frying and homemade mayonnaise in the tartar sauce.  Black Salt now has a back room to challenge for the best seafood dining experience in the D. C. area.  Incredible New England clam chowder.  I believe that Jeff Black continues as D. C.'s Maestro for seafood.

Having said all of this I understand that Rappahannock River Oyster Company has an all season, outside oyster and seafood bar which may challenge anything in America.  I am told it is not only legendary but worth sitting in chairs, at tables with portable heaters and the more snow falls around you the better.  The name is Merrior and it is in Topping, VA.  For several friends of ours they insist it has achieved legend status.

We will find out soon.

[yeah]

Heading over in a couple weeks.  Any updates, or should I just eat at Rosenfeld's Jewish Deli all week? Could do a lot worse!

[KeithA]

New favorite OC pizza place is Mioene's Pizza. Family run with 2 OC locations. I've only ever been to 67th street location (last year and a few days ago). http://mionesoc.com/ No delivery but very good pizza by the slice or whole pie. Also Stromboli, stuffed pizza and for the carb-lovers pizza stuffed with pasta. We like the garlicy Tomato Basil - like a margherita. This is NY style thin crust mostly but the stuffed pizzas are halfway to deep dish. I recently had the veggie stuffed pizza which was rather cheesy but good. Warning that when we went and ordered a calzone and whole pie there was a 30-40 minute wait at dinner time because they were slammed with orders on a rainy day. So we went for slices that were ready within 10 minutes. 

Also, went back to OC Kabob  in Gold Coast Mall and it was still good - tender chicken kabobs. This is our go to lunch place and staffed by very friendly servers (I'm a regular though - they know me by name after going multiple times each summer for close to a decade). 

Also managed to find time to eat Fisher's Popcorn, Candy Kitchen chocolate fudge, and Dumser's dairyland.  All three continue to be great. I'd even rank Fisher as the best caramel corn and Dumser's as the best ice cream against anybody.  For other suggestions, check my older posts - Blue Fish and Matt's Fish camp (see above 9/2015).  I'll try to provide some new reviews if I try anything else on what will likely be several more trips this summer.

[dracisk]

I just booked a trip to Ocean City for the weekend after Labor Day with my husband and 3-year-old daughter. I grew up going to the beach almost every summer weekend in Rhode Island, but the Ocean City scene is quite foreign to me. The beaches in Rhode Island have no boardwalks, no hotels, and very few restaurants. I think I prefer that, but now that I've lived in this area for almost 20 years and I have a 3-year-old who loves the beach, I figure I better get on board with the local beach scene. (I've been to Ocean City but just briefly almost 15 years ago, so I may as well have never been for planning purposes. All I really remember is throngs of people on the boardwalk and Confederate flags -- shudder.) I think Rehoboth or Bethany may be more my speed, but accommodations worked out best for us in Ocean City this time, and my husband grew up going here, so he's kind of drawn to it. Also, we're thankfully staying in North Ocean City (125th Street), so I'm hoping for relative quiet.

Anyway, on to the food. I picked up some kid-friendly recommendations from elsewhere in this thread (thanks to all!):

Anthony’s Liquors (deli)
Dumser’s Dairyland
Fisher’s Popcorn
Fractured Prune
Mione's Pizza
Mother’s Cantina
OC Kabob
Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen

I wondered if anyone had any updates now that the summer is half over. Also, some questions:

I've read a lot about long wait times at various places, and I thought we might avoid some of that since we're going after Labor Day and kids will be back in school, but now I'm beginning to second guess myself. Does anyone have a sense of how crowded I should expect restaurants and other activities to be?

Grotto Pizza is very close to our hotel, and I thought I'd read good things about it, but I'm not finding anything here. Is anyone familiar with it?

We might check out Funland in Rehoboth (the Jolly Roger will be closed). Does anyone have any kid-friendly recommendations there (where we can either make a reservation or not expect to wait a very long time for a table)? I saw the Delaware beaches thread, but nothing struck me as particularly kid friendly.

I saw some references to Berlin, Maryland, which has been on my to do list for awhile, and now that I know it's so close to Ocean City I'd like to check it out while we're there (we have 3 full days). Does anyone have any recommendations for things to do or places to eat there?

Thanks in advance!!

[yeah]

We loved Shark on the Harbor last week.  Had never been to West OC but enjoyed the lively harbor atmosphere of the place; hard to describe but very different feel from the main island.  Server was very accomodating to two and four-yeah old's various food allergies, even serving us the peanut-infected amuse bouche away from the table so we could enjoy it without fear of exposing the kiddos. Bread service with pimento cheese, garden salad, crab cake, 2.75 can of Natty Boh, wins all around.

Rosenfeld's continued to cook perfect eggs over easy, serve real bagels, and graciously provided two band-aids when two-yeah-old wiped out and skinned her knees on the outdoor patio.  Loyal customer for life. 

If you end up at Fish Tales (as many do) the Red Snapper tacos were surprisingly delicious.  

Finally, just go to the boardwalk and let your 3 year old do some rides at Trimper's.  Indoor, out of the sun, great retro feel. 

[dracisk]

49 minutes ago, yeah said:

Trimper's

Thank you for all of this but especially for mentioning Trimper's, which I hadn't heard of before. I'll have to check and see if they'll still be open after Labor Day, as it's unclear from their website.

Actually, I hadn't heard of Fish Tales, either, and I'm glad to know about it. The 3-year-old is kind of a crap shoot in restaurants these days. She generally eats well, but her behavior ranges from manageable to unmanageable. We'll have to see how things are going to determine whether we attempt a Shark on the Harbor or we stick to a Fish Tales.

Thanks again!

[Dr. Delicious]

Hooked: Another excellent meal, and our "go-to" for OC trips. Strangely we hit the full spectrum of service. On the one hand, the server specifically went to the kitchen to ask them to prepare the "hotdog octopus" that is no longer on their kids menu, which they we able to do. On the other, our 2 mains (scallops and cioppino) came out while we were in the middle of eating our appetizers. The server said he thought the kitchen was more backed up than it was, but we'r not sure what would give him that indication as the restaurant was 1/3 empty. Oh well.

[Also, in general, is it reasonable for the diner to ask the server to take the mains back until the diner is ready? Is it further expected that these things would just be put under a hot lamp in the interim? I'm not sure our meal would have benefited from sitting under a lamp for 10 minutes, so maybe there are no winners here...]

Shark on the Harbor: We had an excellent meal here as well, contrary to our last visit a couple years ago. We started of with Mako Bites, which was a plate of 4 (maybe it was 5) large medallions of mako, dressed in a soy-based sauce. This was a meal itself! Contrast that to the squash blossoms filled with lobster, which while delicious, was a small 4-bite portion. The wife had a large piece of rockfish for dinner, and I got a filet mignon, both were perfectly cooked. The filet also came with lobster mashed potatoes that were amazing. Great service as well.

Mother's Cantina opened up a tortilla shop next door, which has added seating to the dinner rush, as long as you don't want a mixed drink (you can get beer and wine). 

Rosenfeld's Deli: This was our first time here, and we really liked it. My son particularly enjoyed their grilled cheese on challah. They do a pretty good, if slightly sweet, chopped liver, and my only quibble would be the meat to liver ratio on my double-decker sandwich (more chopped liver, please! I didn't ask for only a schmear!). Still, i see us putting this place into our regular rotation.

Also hit Anthony's for subs and Trattoria Lombardi’s for pizza, both of which are solid, but I don't have anything more to add to what I've already said above.

[KeithA]

So far this summer we have continued over multiple trips to mostly go with our usual spots - OC Kabob, Blue Fish (very good sushi), the Hobbit, Thrasher's, Kohr Brothers, Ropewalk (which has a playground for kids), Candy Kitchen, and many trips to Dumser's Dairyland (I managed to go to 5 different locations - yes I'm an addict and they are all good).  We also tried out a new place, Our Harvest, which is owned by the same people as Liquid Asset. It is in Fenwick and was happening.  Big bar/lounge area where you could get a full meal and very long waits for tables. Food was a mix of small plates and very large sharing plate. Overall it was ok - some dishes were better than others - definitely ask them how big a particular dish is - some small plates were a few bites whereas others were very filling. 

Regarding how long waits are at places - it depends on when you go and where you go. After Labor Day, it is much quieter and many places close too. Also, if you go for an earlier dinner around 5pm (which usually is ideal with little kids) then waits aren't usually to bad.  Most places do not take reservations but you can call in advance and see how long the current wait is. 

[KeithA]

I forgot in my recent post to mention 4 great places in nearby Berlin, MD.  We didn't go this summer, but we've had consistently very good food and cocktails for the past several years at The Blacksmith and really good baked goods (especially the cakes) at Baked Dessert Cafe.  The best new addition to the main street is Island Creamery, an excellent ice cream place. It is a new shop that originated in Chicoteague island. Really delicious, creamy ice cream in a very large number of flavors - traditional and unusual. This was so good, it may have given Dumser's a run for its money. I tried a few which were all good and eventually went with the pineapple upside down cake - scrumptious.  Scoops are large and even better in the waffle cones made in the back of the store.  The store is long and narrow with no place to sit, but it does have a great alley next to it with a bunch of tables/benches, etc.   Also, I went again to Gilbert's Provisions, a small gourmet shop through the alley behind the main street that opened in 2016. This place is worth searching out for good cheese, meats, and especially good fermented pickles and kimchis.  I really enjoyed my quart of korean spiced sour cukes.

We went to Berlin on the day of their annual peach festival. Unfortunately, we showed up at the end of the festival when all of the peach pies and cobblers were sold out. They did have peach ice cream from some local farm - but it wasn't great (I was much happier after the aforementioned trip to Island Creamery after the festival stop). That being said the festival is a cute affair with music, a bit of food, and crafts for sale. I wouldn't go out of my way to go back for it, but its worth stopping by if you happen to be over there - possibly visiting the 4 other places I mention above. 

[dracisk]

I went to Ocean City last weekend, arriving Thursday and leaving Monday. I didn't make it to as many recommended places as I'd hoped (my husband is usually happy to let me choose dining locations, but he had more opinions than usual this trip, many stemming from his childhood trips to OC -- thankfully I managed to steer him away from the Phillips seafood buffet!), but we still had some yummy grub.

Thanks to my husband we ended up at Bull on the Beach (94th Street) twice. The man loves red meat and remembered the place from an OC trip in the 80s. I'm no pit beef expert, but I enjoyed my pit beef sandwich on our first visit and my smoked brisket sandwich on our second visit. My husband loved the pit beef and got the same sandwich both times. However, on our second visit we had what were possibly the lamest nachos I've ever had in my life. The shredded cheese wasn't even melted, and the chips were out of a bag and very close to stale. We should have sent them back and asked them to put them under the broiler for a few minutes, but for whatever reason we didn't.

The culinary highlight was probably Mother's Cantina (thanks, @Dr. Delicious!), where we had the best nachos I've had in recent memory and possibly ever. A huge portion of fresh chips appropriately covered in toppings (nary an untopped chip!), nicely melted and in places delightfully crispy cheese, chorizo admirably lacking in grease, and flavorful chicken. Somehow I also managed to eat the burrito combo (consisting of a burrito and an enchilada plus rice and beans). I really appreciated the deep flavors and their herb garden hanging in pouches against their outdoor back wall. My husband enjoyed his margarita, and I enjoyed my not too sweet sangria -- I could have drank a whole pitcher.

Sunday night we hit Ropewalk, which was as described above -- light pours on the alcohol and mediocre food. But by that point we'd been eating in restaurants for 3 days with a 3-year-old, so we didn't really care because they had a playground! We were able to sit right by the playground on a beautiful night and supervise the child while we ate and drank and watched the sunset over the bay. I forgot the advice above to avoid the mixed drinks, which is very good advice -- our waitress couldn't facilitate our ordering of rum punches. I just wanted various fruit juices mixed with rum, but she made it seem like they wouldn't be able to do that. We didn't inquire directly with a bartender or push too hard with our waitress, but I thought it was odd, especially in a beach place.

Junk food delights included Dumser's Dairyland twice for ice cream (thanks, @KeithA!), Fractured Prune (delicious when hot, not so much when not -- the simpler the better), Fisher's Popcorn ($25 for an extra large bucket that was gone in days but whatever we were on mini-vacation and I love caramel corn (in this case mixed with white cheddar corn -- extra yum)).

Sadly we didn't make it to Berlin this trip, but I'm keeping it on the agenda for a future trip.

On the way home we tried to stop at the Scottish Highland Creamery in Oxford, MD, but it was already keeping off season hours so was closed on a Monday.

In case anyone is wondering about off-season crowds (we were there the weekend after Labor Day), the few crowds (mainly on the OC and Rehoboth boardwalks) were totally manageable. We had the beach (at 125th Street) almost to ourselves, and most restaurants were uncrowded. We'll likely go back the same weekend next year while we can take advantage of my daughter not being in public school for one more year.

[Dr. Delicious]

Huh, I just realized I forgot to note in my earlier post that we followed Joe's good advice and had an excellent meal at Sello's. We were there early (5:30ish), so had no wait issues. The wife had homemade pasta, in purse form, with a pesto cream sauce, and they were great. Huge portion as well, plenty fo lunch the next day. The boy had a cheese pizza, and had no complaints. I was watching the pizza guy, and he seemed to be very skillful, to an amateur. I had a pasta with sausage, also very good, and also plenty left over for a full lunch the next day. We will definitely go back. Sorry for the brain fart!

[Tweaked]

I guess Berlin, MD material is part of the Ocean City thread.

On an overcast Saturday we swung by the Berlin, MD Oktoberfest.  Much of the historic downtown area was shut down to street traffic.  The main stage featured traditional German Oktoberfest music, a second tent had more contemporary bands.  The streets were lined with various vendors, food stalls, and a couple of beer tents.  Burley Oak Brewery had the main beer tent, their porter was decent.  Gilbert's Provisions was serving homemade brats with mustard, kraut, and/or kimchi.  Island Creamery was dishing up some tasty ice cream.  The Oktoberfest isn't large, but Berlin is definitely quaint and it was a fun way to spend a couple hours.

Street parking was a little tough, but we found plenty at the nearby Stephen Decatur Park, which has easy access to Rt. 113 and is a short 5 minute walk from the center of town.   

 

[JDawgBBall9]

Any updates for 2018? Keep them coming

[MarkS]

Dry85 and Red Red Wine, are two decent Annapolis establishments which opened up in Ocean City.  I'll never cross the bay bridge but the Annapolis locations are always good.

[Rovers2000]

4 minutes ago, MarkS said:

Dry85 and Red Red Wine, are two decent Annapolis establishments which opened up in Ocean City.  I'll never cross the bay bridge but the Annapolis locations are always good.

The barrel picks I’ve had from Dry85, if you’re a whisk(e)y fan have been some of the best I’ve experienced in this area.  The Four Roses and the Weller Antique were incredible.

[dracisk]

Speaking of restaurants that have locations in OC and elsewhere, has anyone been to Abbey Burger Bistro in either Baltimore or OC? The Baltimore location at least seems to be very popular, and the OC location is very close to where we stayed last year and where we're staying this year.

[MarkS]

2 hours ago, Rovers2000 said:

The barrel picks I’ve had from Dry85, if you’re a whisk(e)y fan have been some of the best I’ve experienced in this area.  The Four Roses and the Weller Antique were incredible.

Glad you enjoyed.  Both Dry85 and Red Red Wine are owned by same team though the libations differ. Annapolis should be in the summer rotation for everyone on this list and there is good dining choices there as well.

[Shaho]

On 7/12/2018 at 11:58 AM, dracisk said:

Speaking of restaurants that have locations in OC and elsewhere, has anyone been to Abbey Burger Bistro in either Baltimore or OC? The Baltimore location at least seems to be very popular, and the OC location is very close to where we stayed last year and where we're staying this year.

The Fed Hill location in Baltimore is very solid, mostly known for their build-your-own-burger menu and rotating exotic meats (wild boar, alligator, kangaroo, etc.). I'm usually happy with their regular beef patty on a pretzel bun. One quibble is they upcharge to substitute any side for the default chips, which is a bit galling when you paid $3.50 extra for a "house salad" consisting of nothing more than chopped up burger toppings.

[donk79]

Closing out a week in OC.  Obviously, nothing is quite normal this year, but the city largely is running as usual, with more "help wanted" signs posted.  My observation is that if you are willing to be a little more patient than usual, you will be fine.

A few updates.  All meals were carry-out.

First, pizza from Albertino's (Mushroom Rave and Margarita) hit the spot.  In the running for the best meal of the week.  The Mushroom Rave was nicely garlicky.  The "Margarita" alternated cheese and sauce (yes, sauce) in a way that contrasted nicely.  We ordered it for my daughter and I was surprised how much I liked it.

Second, Grab and Go Taco.  I retract past accolades that I have given.  Thoroughly disappointing. Tacos were universally dry and sparsely filled.  In one, I counted no more than 6 scraps of cabbage.

Touch of Italy - apparently a favorite in my wife's family.  Not horrible, but not good imo either.  If you are expecting standard cheap Italian at elevated prices, you will not be disappointed.

Rosenfeld's - I went to the new location on the south end of South Bethany.  Fresh bagels were good, but my standard practice of freezing, then reheating and toasting fresh for each morning killed them.  Eat your bagels fresh!  I ordered a half-pound of pastrami to make sandwiches with through the week, and it was fantastic.  Also note, the location has the "Big Fish" market as well.  I neglected the seafood in deference to my wife, but we got some good steaks that I cooked for the family.  If they were prime as they claimed, it was not the most marbled prime that I have ever seen, but they were still tasty.  Rosenfeld's will get return business from us.

 

[yeah]

Last time I was at Rosenfeld's (OC location), I was given par-boiled bagels with some instructions for finishing in the oven the next morning.   That was the way to go.  Rosenfeld's is just generally awesome, sorta can't go wrong there.  

[KeithA]

OC area as noted above was a bit different this summer with lots of restaurants and stores short staffed and so their hours were unusual but the town was packed and business was brisk especially around July 4th. Call any place before going to check hours - even the venerable Candy Kitchen was odd. Their website said certain locations were closed or only open certain days which was only partly true - some are closed for the whole season and others are open every day. Luckily all of our family favorites survived and some even came out stronger after the pandemic. We stay on the north end so all of these places are 90th St or higher up to Fenwick. Quick reviews of everything we had:

1. Candy Kitchen - still the same except as noted above. Go for chocolate nonpareils, strawberry laces, kitsch, and ok other chocolates and fudge.

2. Country Store in Fenwick - great fudge with a huge selection of flavors. You can't get too much. My favorites are amaretto, dark chocolate caramel sea salt, and peanut butter chocolate. They also have a huge old school candy selection, other chocolates, and lots of tchotckes. Closed earlier than in past.

3. Dumser's Dairyland - we only had carryout but did so a few times. The hot fudge topping, peanut butter fudge and coconut chip ice creams are still great. Missed going inside for the old fashioned soda fountain counter and chilled dishes.  Giant scoops still. However, my siblings revealed that they are heretics and don't think the ice cream is the best and really go for the ambience. They prefer newer addition Vanderwende's ice cream. They are wrong, but...

4. VanderWende's ice cream in the Fenwick Village - first time for me trying after not stopping at their farm shop along 404 in DE. Huge scoops of good ice cream - go for one scoop but ask for two flavors if you like variety. Mint Oreo was very good, Chocolate was so so, Peanut Butter Fudge Crunch was good, kids liked the cotton candy which wasn't horrible mixed with chocolate. MIL loves the cherry vanilla which is a fresher, less rich Cherry Garcia minus the chocolate. It was ok IMHO. I still like Dumser's better but if I have to continue the ice cream comparison in the future, I'm up for the challenge. The waffle cones are fresh made and smelled great, but I didn't taste.

5. OC Kabob - still great chicken kabob sandwiches on pita with tzatiki. Abdul the owner is still as friendly as ever and said they have been busy all through Covid.

6. Dollies - pretty good chocolates and taffy. Still one better than Candy Kitchen in that you can buy by the piece without a 1/4 Lb minimum.

7. Fisher's Popcorn (we got as usual from just south of Fenwick location) - still the real deal - best caramel corn on earth. You can now get it in some stores in the DC area and you should but, it is better fresh.

8. BlueFish - rather good American Chinese and sushi. They have more carryout now through their drive thru (it used to be a bank many years ago), long waits for tables in their renovated dining room and long wait for carryout so order or go early. They changed the menu slightly and so now have a few thai dishes too - drunken noodles were good.

9. Layton's donuts - still small, fresh donuts. Parking is a bit tougher because they added outside tables over part of their lot. Didn't get a chance to go to Best Donuts on Beach at the Exxon station around 136 or so for comparison.

10. Kohr Brothers frozen custard (one across street from fisher's in Fenwick) - still packed at night with long lines and some flavors like creamsicle swirl ran out. Supposedly (and likely) good as ever - but I can't say from personal experience. Somehow my wife and daughter managed to eat ice cream without me (I get no respect).

11. Uber Bagels - still large fluffy good bagels in lots of varieties. Totally packed with around 20 min wait for whole, unsliced bagels at 8am (they only open at 7) and they ran out of alot around 930am with 20 min wait for more plain. They do now have online ordering which was down one day and worked great the next. I highly recommend using it. You go to a second door and walk in and pick it right up if you online order.

12. Mionene Pizza at 67th st - still nice thin crust pizza by the slice (also some deep dish, strombolis, calzones available). Kids got very fresh and good chicken tender and good thick steak fries. As always here, they are slow (except for the pre-made slice reheating). They seem to be worst hit by short staffing as they are closed half the week and have lots of please be patient signs. 

13. Lighthouse Sound in Bishopville (north of the Isle of Wight - little island with the dreaded stoplight in middle of Rt 90). Only a very short drive from Northern OC. I hadn't gone here in years but a group of adults wanted a night out and we wanted a reservation. That left only a handful of places, but plenty here at this a bit out of the way spot on a golf course but with a beautiful view of the marshlands. Made me want to take up golf, which is saying a lot. We had a great time - especially for first dine-in experience in forever. It is pricey like everything else in the area but slightly more elegant. We started with the burrata, sundried tomato salad special and house salads - fresh, good, nothing special but nice. Then, a complimentary mango sorbet palate cleanser. Main course was the rockfish with beurre blanc sauce, rice and asparagus special - very tasty and fresh. Desserts was a really nice not too heavy strawberry smith island cake slice. Everyone really enjoyed the food and service. Not your typical beach spot, but nice for a change of pace.

We never made it to the boardwalk so I can't report on Thrashers, but I imagine the fries are still hot and salty.

[dracisk]

27 minutes ago, KeithA said:

11. Uber Bagels - still large fluffy good bagels in lots of varieties. Totally packed with around 20 min wait for whole, unsliced bagels at 8am (they only open at 7) and they ran out of alot around 930am with 20 min wait for more plain. They do now have online ordering which was down one day and worked great the next. I highly recommend using it. You go to a second door and walk in and pick it right up if you online order.

We've stayed across the street from Uber Bagels at least twice, but we never managed to try them. We usually go in September, so it may have been an hours issue (this was pre-COVID). We usually get sucked in by the nearby Fractured Prune. Anyway, I'm glad for this review of Uber -- we'll have to check them out if we stay up that way again.

[KeithA]

2 hours ago, dracisk said:

We've stayed across the street from Uber Bagels at least twice, but we never managed to try them. We usually go in September, so it may have been an hours issue (this was pre-COVID). We usually get sucked in by the nearby Fractured Prune. Anyway, I'm glad for this review of Uber -- we'll have to check them out if we stay up that way again.

Uber has been consistently good for many years. A few years ago we tried the new local chain Shmagels Bagels - great name but lackluster bagels.

[Dr. Delicious]

We’re here now, and on our first night, one thing we’re finding is that many restaurants aren’t doing take out. Perhaps this was a Sat night quirk, but if not, it will make things rather difficult as we’re trying to avoid inside dining due to Covid/delta. I’d be curious to know if other recent visitors encountered the same issue.

[Dr. Delicious]

We had a pretty tough go at it the last week in Ocean City, food-wise. We required outdoor dining for Covid reasons, and restaurants were not really able to accommodate this like the year before when they were really focused on Covid prevention. For the places we did go, there were standout dishes, but no standout meals (Sunset Grille comes close, and I wish we went for dinner instead of lunch), and given the waits we had to endure, the prices, etc., we were pretty disappointed overall. Anyway, here's some brief thoughts:

Fisherman’s Inn Crab Deck

• Hush puppies: huge portion of quarter sized fried corn bread balls served with packets of butter. Very good
• Hot crab dip: serviced in a bread bowl and topped with cheese it’s a gooey and tasty treat
• Side salad: good size, fresh lettuce, cruces tomato onion carrot, good blue cheese dressing
• Seafood Platter: disappointed that it was an either or choice between broiled or fried. Kinda small. 3 minuscule scallops, 3 tiny shrimp, a mostly filler crab cake, but a nice piece of flounder. For the price I expected more
• Great service and great setting

Hooked

• I got a halibut special, and the fish was really dry

Coastal Salt

• Seafood nachos, piled high with shrimp and crab, not skimping, delicious plate
• Fried deviled eggs, 3 half eggs, deviled, with crab, deep fried and very tasty
• Seafood cavatelli was in dire need of salt, but that salvaged a decent dish. 
• Filet Mignon cooked perfectly and a big size (8oz?) for a reasonable price
• Mains all came out lukewarm at best 
• Apps were better than mains
• Service was slow and our waiter had lots of tables 

Sunset Grille

• Large peel and eat shrimp, steamed and served hot. Covered in old bay. Delicious. 
• Cheddar biscuits, 4 Parker house style with large oats of butter served warm and tasty. 
• Summer sangria was a large glass and fruity and yummy. 
• Fish and chips, giant portion, 4 pieces perfectly battered and fried, excellent fries and slaw.
• Baltimore club was giant sandwich with crab cake shrimp and various toppings, just enormous and really good. 

The Hobbit

• Caesar salad served with mostly brown lettuce. Sent it back
• Veal in a madeira sauce that was tasty
• The sides weren't even an after thought, they were no thought! Bad mashed potatoes; cold green beans
• We had an incredible meal here last year and this one kinda sucked.

[donk79]

Back in OC for the next week.  I'd love any updates or reports that you might have from the past year.  I hit Rosenfeld's (Bethany) this morning and am slightly concerned.  I requested parbaked bagels, but what I received looks entirely like fully baked half-thawed bagels.  My confidence is hit again with challa that has the flavor of a standard grocery store bakery loaf.  I remember it being much better last summer.  Maybe the bagels will prove redemptive, and my doubts will be allayed.  @yeah, if you have any insight, that would be wonderful to hear!

[donk79]

At least a bit of confidence restored!  Put the bagels in the oven at 350 for 7 minutes (as instructed at the counter).  They came out fresh and delicious!  So yes, bagels at Rosenfeld's are still an excellent recommendation! 

On top of that, we took my wife's parents out to dinner last night.  The suggested Warren's Station or The Cottage Cafe.  We went to Warren's Station with them last year, and I found it decidedly mediocre and overpriced, so we went to The Cottage Cafe instead.  It's not int the running for a James Beard award, but it came out well ahead of my expectations.  I enjoyed the Key West Scallop Salad (with an added side of Mac and Cheese as a nice balance to the acidity and sweetness of the salad).  My MIL wanted to try the fried pickles (one of my guilty pleasure favorites) so we had them as an appetizer.  They were overly salty, but did appear to be made from possibly homemade pickles, so I will still give them a tip of the hat for effort.  Everything else, including the service, met or exceeded expectations.  So for a decent family meal, I will give this a nod too.

My in-laws noted that the Bethany Boathouse across the street was purchased by the ownership of The Cottage Cafe last year.  We have not been there, but based on common ownership that may be worth looking at too.

[donk79]

Rosenfeld Bagels have held up well through the week.  Not really anything else new to report on the restaurant front.  We have a decent kitchen here, so most of our meals are homemade.  We got pizza from Albertino's again last night. It might not have been quite as good as a few years ago (had to pick some charcoal off the bottom of the crust) but it was still quite good. 

Only other recommendation that I will give, is if you do have a kitchen,  pick up crabmeat from JM Clayton (in Cambridge) on the way in.  Sweetest meat I have tasted from crabs I did not catch myself!  Supplied crab for dip, soup, and crabcakes for longer than I expected would still be good.