For people in the greater Philadelphia area as well as throughout New Jersey, going “down the shore” is a great way to soak up the summertime and embrace the fabulous beaches that Jersey has to offer. One of the popular beach spots, Ocean City (OCNJ), has been a family-oriented, fun destination for people across all generations for years. The boardwalk, amusement parks, beach front, downtown shops and restaurants, and overall clean atmosphere makes the city one veteran visitors come back to over and over again. Foods in Ocean City varies from classic boardwalk food to sit down restaurants in downtown. There are so many food options to choose from while in Ocean City, but here are some of the most iconic and delicious ones you can’t refuse to have!
Must Eat Foods in Ocean City #5 – Classic Dishes at Chatterbox Restaurant
On the corner of 9th Street and Central Ave, a stunning pink building stands. This building, the Chatterbox Restaurant, has become an historical landmark of sorts in Ocean City. Opened by former owner Jean Campbell in 1937, the Chatterbox Restaurant is a classic diner that makes you feel as if you’re in the 1950s again. Nostalgic mint-green detailing throughout the restaurant give it vintage flair along the various 45 RPM records decorated all along the walls makes for a unique and special dining experience. Being around for over 80 years, the Chatterbox offers classic diner food at an affordable price. Have your pick of delicious foods, such as crab cakes, fish and chips, hamburgers, and even ice cream floats!
Must Eat Foods in Ocean City #4 – Ice Cream at the Hobby Horse
Slightly off of the boardwalk is an old-fashioned looking parlor, with a vintage style carousel on the outside. This place is none other than the Hobby Horse, one of the best and most popular ice cream parlors in all of Ocean City. Founded in 1993, the Hobby Horse is a consistent hit among visitors and residents for its use of real ingredients and the fun, friendly environment inside. The parlor features 47 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream along with frozen custard and water ice. Whether you’re getting a classic root beer float, or a sundae made just for you, the Hobby Horse will always remain a local favorite.
#3 – French Fries at Curly’s Fries
Traditional boardwalk food doesn’t get any better once you’ve had a bucket of Curly’s french fries. Located at 944 Boardwalk, Curly’s Fries is the perfect place to go when you want a quick bite to eat, whether you’re enjoying the boardwalk or about to go on the beach. Without a doubt, the best food to get is the fries; there are fresh cut boardwalk fries and seasoned curly fries (my favorite is the seasoned curly fries if I’m being honest). The crispy exterior and soft interior of the fries make for an all around, perfect french fry experience. Be sure to hit up some of the condiments on the side of the shop after getting your fries, I suggest malt vinegar and ketchup, or some yummy cheese sauce. Alongside the fries, Curly’s also has freshly squeezed lemonade, which is great on a hot summer day, as well as funnel cake and fried Oreos!
#2 – Apple Cider Doughnuts at Oves Restaurant
Whether you’re taking a morning walk on the boardwalk or riding your bike, there’s nothing quite like taking in the smell of the ocean and fresh doughnuts at the same time. You can get the best of both worlds at none other than Oves Restaurant, located at 4th Street and Boardwalk. The infamous Oves Restaurant started back in 1965 when Tom Oves opened a bike rental store. After biking, customers would often ask Oves, “Where’s a good place to get breakfast?”, this repetitive question eventually sparked the idea to start a small grill along with the bike store. For over 50 years, Oves has been an special spot for OCNJ visitors and residents to grab a bite to eat while taking in the beautiful views of the beach and boardwalk. The popular apple cider doughnuts are made fresh daily and cost 90 cents per doughnut, but lets face it, you’ll never order just one of these deliciously soft, yet crispy and sweet fried delicacies.
#1 – Pizza at Manco and Manco
When OCNJ comes to mind, you have to think of Manco and Manco. Manco and Manco, formerly Mack and Manco, opened its first parlor in the summer of 1956 at 918 Boardwalk, then another at 7th Street and Boardwalk a few years later. Since its opening, the iconic Manco and Manco has become a staple in the Ocean City food scene. With three locations on the boardwalk, at 8th, 9th, and 12th streets, visitors and residents can access the pizza shop without having to travel far.
The shop also has a location in Sommers Point, for those not immediately by the beach. Manco and Manco offers a variety of delicious pizzas, ranging from the classic plain cheese pizza to an homage to the Philadelphia Eagles, “the Philly Special” which is a cheesesteak pizza that has steak, banana peppers, fried onions and cheese whiz on it- yum! The friendly environment, traditional style pizza, and the fun of watching your pizza get made right in front of your eyes is what keeps customers coming back every time.
