NWR: Vacation to Ocean City

cindyn9178

Hi girls.. I'm popping over here from my local board, because I'm looking for some tips on Ocean City.
FI and I just booked a 3 night mini vacation to Ocean City in June.. we'll be staying at the Holiday Inn.
I know there is a fancier restaurant at the Holiday Inn that we'll probably try one night for dinner, and there is a grille type place that we'll probably have for lunch at least once. Our room has a kitchenette so we plan to make our own breakfasts, and probably lunch at least once (since we'll be on the beach or at the pool all day, it would be difficult to actually go out to lunch).

ANYWAY... I'm looking for some suggestions on restaurants we should try to check out. We aren't huge seafood fans - but we will eat crab and shrimp...won't eat stuff like Tuna, salmon, etc.. and FI loves steak.. Nothing too over the top expensive, but we probably don't want to eat dinner at a bar either.
I'm open to suggestions though, thanks in advance!!

cindyn9178

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_maryland_nwr-vacation-ocean-city?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:627Discussion:10694aad-47b5-4d0a-86a0-0649bdb92b2aPost:32fc559a-3f09-41f4-abad-b50cd341b8ff">Re: NWR: Vacation to Ocean City</a>:
[QUOTE]Which Holiday Inn? There is one on the boardwalk (17th street), one on 67th street and one way up Coastal Highway. I could recommend some places but it really depends on where you are. June is a busy month in OC, all of the high school kids are there for 'senior week' even though it lasts a whole month. So driving might be kinda crappy depending on where you're staying. So until I know which Holiday Inn, I can only recommend that you go down towards the end of the boardwalk to Dorcester street and you get a Polish water ice and a Pretzel wrapper. =)
Posted by lovethebeach16[/QUOTE]
We are staying at the one on Coastal Highway, but we really don't mind driving anywhere... we plan on going to the boardwalk as well, but would rather not eat dinner there... but if there is a great/highly recommended restaurant that isn't near the hotel, it doesn't mean we won't try it! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />
p.s. - we'll be there the 16th, 17th, 18th.

mybooboos

I would second the vote for Fager's Island.  Upstairs if fine dining, and if it's a nice evening, you could dine outside on the balcony.  It holds a special place for me, since that's were FI proposed to me.  Just call ahead for reservations.

I'd also suggest Reflections at the Holiday Inn on 67th, as well as Mackey's (on the water on the Bayside). Secret's is a big draw, although primarily for the bars/dancing, but we've done it for dinner, before it got crazy. It's also right on the water, and a laid back Caribbean vibe.  All the other places (Thrasher's fries, Atlantic Stand, etc,) are on the boardwalk.  Just make sure you get a shake or ice cream from Dumser's. 

Have a blast!

Maggie0829

Haha all the places I would suggest would be grab and go from the boardwalk!!  But when weI go and want a sit down dinner we always go to Mackey's...good food and nice atmosphere.  BJ's and Fagers are also yummy.  We always go to Lombardi's for pizza (always crowded but super yummy pizza)...they have other Italian dishes but we always just go for the pizzas.

But basically being a "local" (lived in MD my whole life and go to OC at least once a year) we like to do more munching then actual meals.  We love grabbing a pretzel form the Wrapper on the boardwalk.  Also, you must get Thrasher's fries (don't forget extra salt and some vinegar!), grab a milkshake (or some other icecream creation) from Dumser's (I effectionally call it Dumpster's because I could never pronounce it right LOL).  Also, Bellybusters is a MUST!!!  Best pulled pork sandwhiches in town...and Tubby's is a great place for sub's

And finally, for breakfast, go to the Fractured Prune and get yourself some freshly made (meaning made as you are standing there) doughnuts...OMG heaven!

Now I really want to go to OC!!!

misscastle

I lived 30 minutes from OC for 3 years, plus I used to be the editor of a weekly entertainment publication there, so here are my suggestions...

You just can't go to Ocean City without going to Seacrets (49th Street and the bay). The food is actually surprisingly good and the atmosphere can't be beat. Locals stay away because it's a total tourist destination, but I ALWAYS have fun there.I prefer going during the day in my bathing suit with a group of friends, sitting at the tables in the bay and having some drinks. Try a Pain in de Ass. 

For a delicious dinner and GREAT martinis, go to Liquid Assets on 94th Street. Again, great, classy atmosphere, delicious martinis (though they are pricey at $8-$10 a pop) and yummy food (probably in the $15-$25 per plate range). 

Please don't go to Dough Roller, for any reason. 

Another great place for drinks and hanging out is Fishtales on 21st street and the bay. They have swinging hammocks, sand on the ground and a marina with guys bringing their catches in from the day. 

There's no place on the Boardwalk I would really recommend to eat, but definitely worth a trip to just hang out and people watch. It's 2.5 miles long, so if you want some exercise, run or walk the whole thing both ways! 

Keepingupwiththejohnsons

You can inbox me i am from ocean city but u have Phillips of course on 21st ( the beat phillips) then embers, hoopers right outside of ocean city and more.

FrederickBride17

Embers is the one place that we always go! We actually plan our trips around Embers! Phillips is terrible these days and many places that were once great in O.C. are now becoming almost like chain style restaurants. Places that were unique have lost the quality they once had. Thrashers on the boardwalk  is also a must! they don't give you or offer you ketchup. Polsh ice and Dumsers ice cream on the boardwalk are great. If you are up to a drive you can head to rehoboth beach and check out the outlets and then stop by the famous dogfish head for lunch and a beer! 

Have Fun!