Dining in Ocean City

Off-Season Dining in Ocean City, Maryland
By Robert Myers, Freelance Writer

With summer coming to an end, and fall quickly approaching, now is the perfect time for a weekend getaway—what better place than Ocean City, Maryland?

Ocean City? Yes! If you’re someone who thinks Ocean City, Maryland is only a summer destination, you’re wrong. True, you probably won’t want to go swimming or lay out on the beach, but the town is a great choice to spend a weekend on the cheap, including fine dinning and a little rest and relaxation. And, because it’s the off season, you’ll be delighted to find that most restaurants will have reduced their prices—some as much as fifty percent! What’s that you say? You don’t know which restaurants to visit? No problem.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and at the Bayside Skillet, located on 77th street, they take the saying to heart. With an outdoor patio that overlooks the bay, the Bayside Skillet offers a huge assortment of omelets, frittatas, and crepes; they’ve got a breakfast menu that can cater to any appetite. My personal favorite is the supreme frittata, an open faced omelet with marinara sauce, pepperoni, green peppers, onions and mushrooms. If you have a sweet tooth though, be sure to try one of their delicious sundae crepes; who says ice cream can’t be a breakfast food? Whatever you may choose, don’t forget to add a glass of orange or grapefruit juice, fresh squeezed daily. One last thing though, if you’re not a big eater, you may not be able to finish your meal, sharing is encouraged.

Not a breakfast person? Let’s do lunch! Ponzetti’s Pizza, located on the ocean side of 144th street, carries a variety of classic Italian dishes, and the best pizza in Ocean City. A medium pizza that would put Pizza Hut to shame can be had for less than $10.

Not in the mood for pizza? I understand, head on over to Beachy’s on 142nd street. This small, family owned deli, features great sandwiches, seafood, and soups. I recommend the chicken salad sandwich, made with Beachy’s own chicken salad, full of white meat chicken, fresh vegetables and prepared daily, it goes perfect with a cup of their homemade cream of crab soup.

For dinner, might I suggest you try Shenanigans Irish Pub, located on 4th street along the boardwalk. With seating inside and out, as well as live music on weekends, Shenanigans is a fine place to start off the night. Begin your meal with one of their signature soups, and then make your way on to their authentic Irish menu. My choice is often a crock of their French onion soup along with their fish and chips, which is made daily with fresh Cod.

If you’re looking for a more upscale dinning experience, try the restaurant at Lighthouse Sound. A bit more expensive than the other restaurants mentioned, the restaurant is located in West Ocean City, on the Links at Light House Sound. The dinning room features spanning glass windows which over a magnificent view of the course, bay and Ocean City skyline. Their menu is created by gourmet chefs and changes throughout the seasons. While meals are expensive—expect to pay between thirty and fifty dollars—they’re very much worth it. The SSC Pasta, which features a medley of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a delicious white wine sauce and is served over a bed of angel hair pasta, is excellent. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

No matter what your fancy, Ocean City’s restaurants feature something for everyone. Don’t take my word for it though. Schedule a visit and find out. Just be sure to try one or two of the above restaurants along with your favorites, you won’t be disappointed.

If You Go

Bayside Skillet

www.baysideskillet.com

Ponzetti’s Pizza

410-250-2624

Beachy’s

410-250-6227

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub

www.ocshenanigans.com

Lighthouse Sound

www.lighthousesound.com