Ocean City Eats: Discover Local Favorites

Ocean City may be known for its sun, sand, and surf, but with the hundreds of restaurants across countless cuisines, it’s a foodie paradise. From hearty breakfast joints to mouthwatering seafood restaurants, Ocean City’s food scene promises a feast of epic proportions.

Join us as we highlight just a few of the amazing restaurants that call Ocean City, Maryland their home!

Breakfast

Happy Jack Pancakes

The “Ocean City House of Pancakes”, Happy Jack on 26th Street, has specialized in pancakes for over 50 years. The family-run breakfast place has a variety of pancakes from traditional pancakes to specialty ones like their Elvis Pancakes inspired by the king himself – a peanut butter chip pancake topped with bananas and whipped cream.

Bayside Skillet

An Ocean City landmark, The Bayside Skillet on 77th Street, has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike for many years. While their menu features breakfast favorites like omlettes and pan-fried potatoes, what they are famous for is their delicious crepes. Whether you want a sweet crepe with fresh strawberries or chocolate or you want something savory like their Seafood Crepe featuring jumbo lump crab, they’ve got you covered with their large variety of crepes. 

Barn 34

While a newer addition to the breakfast scene in Ocean City, Barn 34 has quickly become a local staple. Their variety of breakfast classics like omelettes, pancakes and more as well as their specialty dishes like the Captain Crunch French Toast, Hangover, and Crab Imperial Omelette have had customers coming back for more for over 10 years. 

Seafood

Harbor Watch

Talk about dinner with a view! Harbor Watch, located on the Inlet, has panoramic views of the beautiful inlet and Assateague beach, but that’s not all. Their restaurant features an award-winning raw bar with local oysters and delicious fresh seafood dishes like Mr. Harrison’s Rockfish, Atlantic Salmon, and Ahi Tuna –just to name a few, and of course, you can’t forget the unlimited sides that come with all entrees. Feast to your heart’s content at Harbor Watch!

Marlin Moon

Located on the second floor of DoubleTree on 33rd Street, Marlin Moon combines the seafood that has made Ocean City famous with their own unique twists. Their Tuna Nachos are a deliciously unique twist on a staple fish found in most seafood restaurants, fusing an Eastern Shore favorite with Asian flavors. Another star of their menu is their Freddy’s Seafood Pasta which features jumbo shrimp, lump crab meat, and sea scallops with delicious vegetables and pasta tossed in a garlic sauce.

Coral Reef

Kick back and relax at Coral Reef. This restaurant provides a casual dining experience without sacrificing flavor. No matter what you order you can’t go wrong, but our favorites are the Sticky Ribs which are house smoked, fried crispy and tossed in their signature sticky sauce and their Shrimp or Fish Tacos – these tacos pack a punch with their southwest seasoning, island slaw pico, avocado, and lime crema. 

32 Palm

Ocean City’s best kept secret, 32 Palm, located in Hilton on 32nd Street, boasts a menu full of Eastern shore classics like Crab Cakes, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and The Barn & The Bay and comfort foods like burgers and steaks while also having unique daily specials created by their chef. They’ve also got a great bar, stocked with your favorite craft beers, wines, and liquor.

Captain’s Table

Located in Courtyard Marriott on 15th Street, Captain’s Table has been a fixture in Ocean City for over 50 years. The menu is full of only the freshest seafood and features decadent North Atlantic lobsters, exotic South African lobster and only the best hand-cut steak like filet mignon and New York Strip and even a mouthwatering full bone 48 oz Tomahawk. On top of that they have one of the best crab cakes in Ocean City. 

Mexican

Papi’s Tacos

Papi’s Tacos, located on 15th Street, is the ultimate destination for authentic Mexican cuisine. From street-style tacos to cheesy quesadillas, every dish is bursting with bold flavors and made with fresh and homemade ingredients. Wash it all down with a refreshing margarita or a cold cerveza for the perfect south-of-the-border experience.

Mother’s Cantina

For the tex-mex lovers, Mother’s Cantina, located on 28th Street, has been serving up delicious enchiladas, chimichangas, and more as well as authentic Mexican dishes and delicious margaritas for over 15 years cementing themselves as a local favorite. A stand-out on their menu is their Maryland Crab Quesadilla which combines local OC flavors with the classic Mexican dish.

Italian

Davincis By the Sea

Davinci’s By The Sea, located on 15th Street, is Ocean City’s oldest family owned Italian restaurant and has been serving the community for over 30 years. Their menu features classic Italian dishes from wood-fired pizzas to homemade pasta dishes. Whether you’re craving a hearty lasagna or a delicious chicken parm, DaVinci’s promises a taste of Italy right here in Ocean City.

Touch of Italy

An authentic Italian deli, market, and restaurant nestled in the 67th Street Holiday Inn is the home of award-winning pizza. Not only is the pizza famous though, but also the chicken parm has become a local favorite. Pounded and cooked to perfection, the portion is huge and one of the stars of their menu.

Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savoring savory Mexican fare, or just enjoying comforting Italian classics, the food scene in Ocean City has something for every craving. 

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend in Ocean City

It’s almost St. Paddy’s Day Weekend! This weekend marks the unofficial start of the season with lots of restaurants and hotels reopening for the big weekend. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to get your green on and throw back a pint, then look no further than Ocean City! From parades to live music, the town has everything you need to have an amazing weekend.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 16th 12pm

The big event of the weekend, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a beloved tradition in Ocean City that’s been around for nearly 45 years. The parade route starts on 57th Street and ends at the judging table on 45th Street. This parade is a highlight of the weekend featuring colorful and fun floats from countless local businesses and organizations, marching bands, and of course, lots and lots of green!

But the fun doesn’t stop with the parade. At the end of the parade on 45th Street is the Irish Festival, complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, performances by Irish dancers, and plenty of green parade souvenirs, and of course, we can’t forget a variety of beers.

With free admission, it’s the perfect way to kick off your St. Paddy’s festivities.

Seacret’s Irie-ish Music Festival

March 16th 12pm

For music lovers, Seacret’s Irie-ish Music Fest promises a day and night filled with amazing live entertainment. Starting at 12pm and featuring seven bands and four DJs, including a special appearance by the Ocean City Pipes & Drums, this festival is a celebration of local talent as well as Irish culture. With so many acts, there’s something for everyone. 

Check out their page to see the festival line-up!

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 16th 9am

Lace up your running shoes and join the St. Patrick’s Day 5K. This race runs along the scenic Ocean City Boardwalk. Starting behind Shenanigan’s Irish Pub on 4th Street, participants will run south toward the Inlet before heading north to 16th street and finally ending at 4th Street again. 

If you want to get active before your night of partying, then sign up for the run here.

Of course, these events aren’t the only thing going on around town. Plenty of businesses will have live music and special menus to celebrate Irish culture.

Live Music Around Town

No St. Patrick’s Day weekend would be complete without plenty of live music, and Ocean City delivers that and more! Here’s a few of the many restaurants and bars with special live music and performances throughout the weekend:

Bourbon Street on the Beach

Friday 15th

  • Dave Sherman – 4pm
  • Lennon & Leftovers – 7pm

Saturday 16th

  • Chris Button – 3pm
  • Jimmy Charles Band – 8pm

Sunday 17th

  • Chris Button – 4pm

Coin’s Pub

Friday 15th

  • No More Whiskey – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • First Class Trio – 2pm

Crawl Street Tavern

Friday 15th

  • Bill Dickson & MTT – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • Black Dog Alley – 8pm

Sunday 17th

  • Schizophrenic Boogiemen – 3pm

Fager’s Island

Friday 15th

  • 19th Street Band – 5:30pm
  • Tranzfusion – 9:30pm

Saturday 16th

  • Band With Names – 3pm
  • Radio Hero – 9:30pm

Harpoon Hanna’s

Friday 15th

  • Dave Hawkin -s 5pm
  • Dust N’ Bones – 8pm

Saturday 16th

  • On the Edge – 1pm
  • Dave Sherman – 5pm

Sunday 17th

  • On the Edge – 1pm
  • Shortcut Sunny – 5pm

Papi’s Tacos

Friday 15th

  • Rogue Citizens Duo – 7pm

Saturday 16th

  • On the Edge – 7pm

Sunday 17th

  • One Night Stand – 4pm

Purple Moose

Friday 15th

  • Sugar Jack – 10pm

Saturday 16th

  • Sugar Jack – 10pm

Sunday 17th

  • Rogue Citizens – 2pm

Shenanigan’s

Friday 15th

  • Off the Boat – 5:30pm

Saturday 16th – starting at 11am

  • Tig Tigner & Off the Boat
  • Bagpipe Appearances

Sunday 17th

  • Tig Tigner & Off the Boat
  • Bagpipe Appearances

With this weekend being centered around bar crawls and drinking, please drink responsibly. We recommend making plans to stay in Ocean City, so you are close to all the action and can enjoy the weekend to its fullest without having to drive.

Check out our partner hotels and book your St. Paddy’s Weekend stay today!

Harrison’s Harbor Watch opening for 40th Season!

Harrison’s Harbor Watch opens for their 40th season this Thursday, March 7th, at 4 pm. Come in for happy hour all night long! $4 drafts, $6 crushes and $10 select apps! Also in honor of their 40th anniversary year, 1984, there will be several $19.84 special entrees! Don’t miss out on dining at Harrison’s Harbor Watch for their 40th season! For more information visit harborwatchrestaurant.com.

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