Family dining in Ocean City, MD

[dpan]

I'm reposting this on the DC / Baltimore board since there are probably more people who know Ocean City here than on the Mid-Atlantic board:

It's been a few years since I last visited OC, but I recall it was pretty much a culinary wasteland. I'm not looking high end dining, but something that I can take my wife and picky eater kids. Looking for something fresh, not fried to death, or the usual buffet with overcooked and expensive food. All suggestions are appreciate.

[dpan]

We left the kids in the hotel and made it to Liquid Assets for dinner. Very nice atmosphere and food, and the wine list was surprisingly reasonable. They also allow you to buy wine in the adjoining liquor shop and pay a $10 corkage fee. I had the seared sea scallops with mushroom risotto. The wife had the whole grilled red snapper. Everything was great and this one's a keeper.

[MilaSoler]

We absolutly love love love Blue Ox which is around 120th street (bayside). They offer great steaks, fresh shellfish and seafood and great atmosphere. Def more upscale than your normal stops.

[beachbumchow]

The Blue Ox has changed its menu to become family-friendly and to reflect the current economic times. It is no longer upscale - it features burgers, sandwiches, etc.
If you like soft shells or fried oysters, I recommend the Cottage Cafe in Bethany.

[skipper]

Ditto on the Cottage Cafe. Its a never miss place for us when we are at the beach.

[dining with doc]

another don't miss place in Bethany is Defebo's- excellent Italian which would easily hold its own if located in DC

[MilaSoler]

You are soooo right! Unfortunately i didnt read your post in time. We went there on wednesday night and were very disapointed! Hopefully someone will open up a good restaurant soon.

[MelandEd]

I highly recommend Smokers in West OC. Everything is smoked on-site, they smoke fresh local fish, and the sides and desserts are homemade. Everything is excellent. I also recommend BJ's on the Water on 75th street for the fam. I always take my family (including 3 young kids) there when they visit. Huge menu, nice outdoor bay-side seating & casual. Similar is Captains Galley in West OC across the street from Sunset Marina. Mothers Cantina is popular for $1 tacos. Pretty much all the Italian restaurants in OC are good, but with kids you may want to try the more casual Mione's or Lombardis. Old Mill crabhouse, a long-time fave place of many in MD & DE has now opened in OC.

[dpan]

We had our first dinner at Mione's pizza on Rt 50 just across the bridge from OC in the shopping center with the outlet mall across from the Super Fresh market. Nice family owned place with really good freshly made NY style pizzas, calzones, subs, etc. It was a satisfying meal after the drive from DC.

[bnemes3343]

One of my favorite places in OC is Fausto's Antipasto (not the one on the Boardwalk or in Noth OC, but the one around 30th or so. The food there is excellent; great fish and pasta dishes and one of the best Caesar salads I've had. It's a bit upscale, but by no means too much. For really great casual dining, try Peppers on the boardwalk (around 15th??). Really excellent food at reasonable prices.

[littlew1ng]

yesssssss antipasto. sooooo good. love that place

[littlew1ng]

if you're driving on route 50 through salisbury on your way back try restaurant 213.

[rcooperman]

For good Bar-B-Que try Jammin John's. It's on the road out of Fenwick heading west, about 2 miles out on the left. Also note Liquid Assests has a good burger too.

[scot]

Is it real bbq or family friendly "faux bbq"?

As for liquid assets, what kind of burgers are they doing? Rays, 5 guys, or something else?

[rcooperman]

The Bar-B-Que at Jammin John's is somewhere btwn authentic and faux. It's not a destination but worth a try if you are nearby. It is also tastier than the other OC Bar-B-Que places. As to the burger at Liquid Assets - it is much better that 5 Guys. It is a thick, juicy, well prepared burger that approaches Ray's burger. The price is about $10 incl fries.

[Lillydu]

Liquid Assets is definitely not a Family Restaurant -- it's an adult restaurant.

[abovethewaves]

Plenty of good food in OC....

Tutti Gusti for Italian
Tequila Mockingbird for Mexican (my favorite place, excellent margaritas and salsa)
Liquid Assets for fine dining

The Galaxy, Satelite, and Lombardi's are all good to.

Make your own sundaes at The Candy Kitchen.
Get fresh made caramel popcorn at Fisher's.
Boardwalk fries and Thrashers....put vinegar and salt on them.
Anthony's Deli for huge sub sandwiches.

Everything else is standard overpriced touristy food.

[littlew1ng]

tequila mockingbird does have GREAT margaritas, and their salsa is yummy and fresh (it's actually more like pico de gallo than traditional salsa) but i have not at all been impressed with their food. i think la hacienda has much better food, really nice fresh fish tacos, but their margaritas aren't good. when i want mexican in OC we go to la hacienda for dinner and tequila mockingbird for drinks!

Fat daddy's has really good sandwiches and pizza. I had a great meal at ristoranti antipasti (i think that's what it was called.) we go to higgins for crabs if you're into that whole unlimited feast of picking shells till your fingers bleed.

[abovethewaves]

True....I usually just go for the margaritas, ice cold Pacifico's, salsa, and the guacamole.

Happy Hour!

[Joe H]

This thread from last summer with 87 responses was particularly good: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/536166