If you’re headed to the award-winning boardwalk in the heart of Ocean City, Maryland—you best go hungry!
The OC boardwalk stretches along 2.7 miles of white sandy beaches. Here you’ll find amusem*nt park rides, arcades, souvenir shops, and lots of great food.
In fact, if you’re a foodie, the Ocean City boardwalk food is the Number 1 reason to visit this famous attraction.
What’s the best food on the boardwalk? There are historic eateries and popular boardwalk restaurants for everything from frozen treats to pancakes to pizza. And the best are on this list!
But the best boardwalk snack—the one people will eagerly wait in line for—comes from Thrasher’s (see #1 below.)
How do I know the best food on the OC boardwalk? Over the last 30+ years I’ve walked these wooden planks more times than I can remember. My husband Mike grew up in Berlin, MD, the town next door, and even worked at one of the boardwalk’s famous eateries way back in the day.We love coming back to visit friends and family and enjoy the classic boardwalk cuisine on every trip.
Where to Find the Best Ocean City Boardwalk Food
The first time I visited Ocean City, MD, Mike (then my boyfriend) insisted we go to Thrasher’s French Fries almost as soon as I arrived. Was he right: Would I become convinced after tasting them that these are the best french fries I’ve ever had? Absolutely!
We returned numerous times during my stay to eat more fries with apple cider vinegar—Thrasher’s does not offer ketchup. More than 30 years later, we still enthusiastically come back to the same french fry stand every time we come to town.
What makes Thrasher’s so much better than other boardwalk fries? We may never know the secret recipe created by J.T. Thrasher in 1929. But we do know that the recipe and cooking processes have not changed since they were created, and the french fries that they’ve produced have remained a must-eat local hit to this day.
Address: 401 S Atlantic Ave #1, Ocean City, MD 21842
If you’re a caramel popcorn fan like I am, you’ll agree that Fisher’s Popcorn is the best on the boardwalk. We actually conducted our own double-blind study munching our way up and down the wooden walkway.
Our findings: The whole family agreed—Fisher’s handily won our best boardwalk popcorn contest. The next year Mike and I received a big tub for Christmas from my brother-in-law. It was one of the best foodie gifts ever!
Address: 200 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Gladys Dumser began selling her homemade ice cream on this world-famous boardwalk in 1939. Today, more than 15 flavors of fresh ice cream are made daily, and they take many delicious forms.
Choose from cones and cups, specialty sundaes, ice cream floats, and thick milk shakes—not quite as thick as the “concrete” we had in St. Louis, but still delicious. In summertime, the strawberry shortcake sundae is hard to beat!
Address: 601 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Did you know “open pit beef” is one of the foods Maryland is known for? So if you want to work your way down the list of Maryland’s Famous Foods, a stop at Bull on the Beach for an open pit beef sandwich is absolutely in order.
The Bull’s roast beef is traditionally prepared on a spit over a charcoal fire. The hand-cut steaks are sliced thin and piled onto a roll. I like to order a side of coleslaw and add that on top—not traditional, but so tasty!
Address: 700 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Want to eat breakfast on the boardwalk? The Dough Roller has been slinging their famous pancakes for over 40 years. But the expansive menu of this casual dining restaurant offers much more than pancakes.
It’s also a popular boardwalk restaurant for fresh dough pizza. And at the S. Division Street location (aka Atlantic Ave), you can still order up Dayton’s fried chicken. Please note, this is the only location serving the famous chicken, and the 70th Street Dough Roller Restaurant has closed.
Address: 606 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant on the boardwalk with an amazing view and offering up an upscale dining experience, Harrison’s Harbor Watch is the perfect place to check out.
You’ll be in good company, as Ocean City residents love this unique oceanfront restaurant at the inlet.
Oysters are the star of the raw bar, and the crab dip is a local’s favorite on the starters menu. Harrison’s is known for its fresh seafood, so you can’t go wrong with the rockfish, crab imperial, scallops, or soft shell crabs when in season.
Address: 806 S Atlantic Ave #5915, Ocean City, MD 21842
7. Alaska Stand
Alaska Stand (not to be confused with A-Stand down the way) has been serving classic Ocean City Boardwalk food like delicious burgers, hot dogs, and funnel cakes since 1933.
This OC boardwalk staple serves burgers and hot dogs every which way, including lots of chili and bacon options. Hearty appetites opt for the Big Alaska—a triple cheeseburger topped with bacon and egg on a kaiser roll.
Vegetarians do not despair: Alaska Stand makes a mean black bean burger too.
Address: 821 N Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
When I think of the perfect old-fashioned beach vacation, salt water taffy is always part of the picture. Originating in the 1880’s on the famous boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey, salt water taffy is probably the oldest boardwalk food there is.
On the Ocean City boardwalk, Dolle’s has been THE place for taffy since 1910. Nowadays, you can also purchase all sorts of candies and endless things made from sugar. It’s all here—licorice, gummies, chocolates, fudge, brittles, candy apples, and even caramel popcorn—although you know my preferred shop for that special treat.
Address: 500 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
9. Kohr Bros Frozen Custard
Frozen custard is another nostalgic boardwalk food for me. As a kid, no visit to Coney Island was complete without a frozen custard cone. Not soft serve ice cream, insisted my native New Yorker grandparents; it had to be custard.
It wasn’t until years later that I learned the Kohr brothers had invented frozen custard in Coney Island in 1919.I get it now!
Today, there are three Kohr Bros stands on the boardwalk in Ocean City where you can enjoy the original frozen custard recipe.I like the location at the pier entrance.
Address: 401 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
After a long day at the beach, check out the Brass Balls Saloon daily bar specials offered during happy hour from 2 to 5. However, even before 2:00 and after 5:00, the regular menus are still reasonably priced.
Whether you’re looking for a fish taco, crab cake sandwich, veggie salad, or just a basket of onion rings, you’ll receive good food at a good price.
With a name like Brass Balls Saloon, you know this isn’t any ordinary family restaurant. But families are welcome! In fact, this spot just opened a game room with ping pong and billiards, putting a twist on the offerings available at typical sports bars. Live entertainment is also available, and you might be providing it—with karaoke kicking off every Friday and Saturday night at 9:30!
Address: 1105 Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Near the Boardwalk in Ocean City, MD
Anytime I’m visiting the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I will make sure I get my fill of Maryland blue crabs. And if you’re any kind of seafood fan, I suggest you do too.
Many of my favorite Ocean City crab restaurants are near the boardwalk, but none are actually on it. Get the list here: Best Crab Restaurants in Ocean City, MD.
I hope your stay in Ocean City is a great one and includes the unforgettable flavors of the boardwalk!
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American, Travel
Denise Macuk
Ocean City, Maryland
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