Ocean City's food reputation rests on a short list of beloved classics, but the dining scene is deeper than it looks. The resort sits between the Atlantic and the coastal bays, near the Chesapeake's crab country, so seafood is local and plentiful. Add boardwalk snacks, family restaurants, bayside decks and a lively bar scene, and you can eat well for a week without repeating yourself.
Boardwalk classics
Start with the fries. Thrasher's, sold from windows in paper cups, are eaten with vinegar and salt, and the line is part of the ritual. Caramel popcorn, salt water taffy, funnel cakes, frozen custard and pizza by the slice are the other staples. Prices are modest, and portions are large, so share. The boardwalk is best for snacks and quick meals rather than sit-down dinners, though a few restaurants offer ocean views and cold drinks.
Maryland blue crabs
Steamed crabs seasoned with Old Bay and served on paper-covered tables are the signature meal. You get a mallet, a knife and a pile of crabs, and the picking is half the fun. Season runs through the warm months, with the best crabs in late summer, and prices vary with size and supply. If you are new to crabs, ask the server to show you how to open one, and expect a messy but happy evening. A crabbing boat trip makes the meal more meaningful because you learn how the crabs are caught and handled.
Crab cakes and seafood
Maryland crab cakes should be mostly crab with minimal filler, broiled or fried, and served with simple sides. Other local favorites include rockfish, flounder, clam strips, oysters, steamed shrimp, and cream of crab soup. Many restaurants buy from local boats, and the fish houses near the inlet are good places to look. Ask about the catch of the day, since it may beat the menu.
Bayside sunsets
The bay side of the island is the place for dinner with a view. Decks, docks and patios face west, so the sun sets over the water while you eat. Waterfront restaurants and bars often have live music, boat access and a lively atmosphere in summer. Reservations or early arrival are wise on weekends. Cruises that include pizza, ice cream or drinks offer a way to combine dinner and a sunset, and are especially popular with families.
Guided tastings
If you want help choosing, a guided food tour is an efficient way to sample the best. Walking tours cover the boardwalk and downtown or the Midtown dining district, with stops for small plates and stories. They suit curious eaters who like to learn, and they are good in the first days of a trip, when you can follow up on favorites.
Breakfast and coffee
Ocean City wakes up early. Diners, bakeries and small cafes serve eggs, pancakes, scrapple, crab omelets and fresh pastry from the early hours. Coffee shops can be found near the boardwalk and along Coastal Highway. Breakfast is a good value, and sitting with a plate at sunrise before the crowds is a reward in itself. Many hotels also include breakfast, which saves time.
Bars and nightlife
Drinks run from cold beer on a deck to cocktails on the sand. Seacrets, the Jamaica-themed bayside complex, is the best known and draws crowds for music and sunsets. Smaller bars along the boardwalk and Coastal Highway offer live bands, trivia and sports. Many venues are 21 and over after dark, so bring identification. Plan a safe ride home, since Coastal Highway traffic and late-night crowds make driving risky.
Seasonal hours and tips
Many restaurants are seasonal, closing or cutting hours from late autumn to spring, so check before you go. Summer weekends mean waits, so arrive early or reserve. Bring cash for small windows, ask about dietary needs, and tip well, since service workers depend on the season. Grocery stores are plentiful for families with kitchens, and cooking a few meals can save a lot. Whatever your style, save room for custard on the boardwalk.
Eating on a budget
Ocean City can be cheap or expensive depending on your choices. Early-bird dinners, lunch specials, happy hour menus and shared platters stretch a budget, and boardwalk snacks are inexpensive. Hotels with kitchens let you cook breakfast and a few dinners, and a grocery run for fruit, sandwiches and drinks for the beach saves money every day. Splurge on one great crab dinner and keep the rest simple.
