Summertime means long beach days, pool parties, and in Ocean City, lots and lots of seafood. But where is the best place to find it? We took to Instagram to ask our followers to shout out their favorite seafood spots around town. With answers spanning from West O all the way up to the Delaware line, there is no shortage of delicious seafood in OC. Read on to learn about some of the most popular answers, and be sure to add these spots to your must-try list!
Hooper’s Crab House & Sneaky Pete’s
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Right before the Rt. 50 bridge in West O sit two beloved seafood spots: Hooper’s Crab House & Sneaky Pete’s. Sister restaurants situated right on the Assawoman Bay, these two spots are favorites among locals. For All-You-Can-Eat, Hooper’s is the place to be. They offer AYCE steamed crabs, shrimp, fried chicken, corn on the cob, and hush puppies. Long story short: you’re not leaving hungry! Sneaky Pete’s offers a unique dining experience, as you’re able to enjoy your meal on a boat! This spot sits on the dock east of Hooper’s, with a pier bar perfect for enjoying a drink. Like Hooper’s, they also offer AYCE crabs & corn on the cob.
Ropewalk
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Ropewalk has been an OC favorite for a decade now, and for more reasons than one. Situated on the bayside at 82nd Street, this restaurant offers picturesque views of the water and is a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset. But in addition to the great location, Ropewalk’s menu is another incredible selling point. Their crush menu features everything from classic orange to key lime, cherry limeade, and lemonberry, and their food menu is a seafood lover’s dream! Steam pots, Louisiana crawfish, steamed shrimp, Maine lobster steamers, crab cakes… they’ve got it all.
Another fun fact? On each Saturday in June, Tuesday in July, and Saturday in August, patrons are delighted with a fireworks show at 9:45pm!
Fager’s Island
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When someone asks “what defines classic Ocean City,” Fager’s Island is definitely on the list. For half of a century, Fager’s has been a go-to spot for a variety of occasions: relaxed dining, fine dining, and even nightlife. Whether you’re taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere downstairs or you’re in for an evening of fine dining upstairs, both menus feature delicious seafood options that are sure to be a highlight of your time in Ocean City. Try the Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes in the dining room, or enjoy the raw bar from the Lite Fare menu!
Bull on the Beach
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Though best known for their BBQ and roast beef, Bull on the Beach is also home to a raw bar that holds its own. With fresh shrimp, clams, oysters, and mussels, it's a lineup that hits the spot after a day at the beach. Their crab dip appetizer is rich, flavorful, and perfect for sharing (or not), and their famous clams casino are a favorite around town! You’ll find these menu items at the uptown location on 94th Street.
Harpoon Hanna’s
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Located just over the line in Fenwick Island, Delaware, Harpoon Hanna’s is worth the short drive north. Sitting right on the water, the Tiki Bar has an ambience to brag about. And when it comes to their menu, well, you won’t be disappointed. Harpoon Hanna’s offers a variety of seafood, with appetizers like Chesapeake crab dip, seafood skins, spicy tuna, and oysters, and entrees that include stuffed shrimp, lobster tail, seafood medley, scallops, and more. If you’re looking for a highlight menu item, the Crabby Burger is definitely a great choice. It’s a burger piled high with crab dip! How can you beat that?
Taphouse 45th Street
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Right in the center of town on 45th Street sits Taphouse, a favorite among both locals and visitors. This spot is another waterfront option that features everything from great apps to memorable seafood entrees. Natty steamed shrimp, crab avocado, tuna poke bowls, shrimp alfredo, chimichurri salmon, Eastern Shore mac & cheese (that’s mac and cheese with jumbo lump crab meat), and the gumbo are just a few of the many unique seafood dishes you’ll find at Taphouse 45th!
Harborside
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Tucked down in West O off of Golf Course Road sits Harborside, an iconic Ocean City spot since the 90s. Enjoy seafood apps like calamari, coconut shrimp, seared ahi, and crabcake eggrolls, or go for something from the steamer! When it comes to entrees, the broiled seafood platter, stuffed shrimp, and spicy cajun mahi are favorites.
Did you know that Harborside is the creator of the original orange crush? It’s only fitting to enjoy one while you’re there!
Hammerheads
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A trip to Hammerheads will have you overlooking the ocean! This spot is located on the Boardwalk at 10th Street, making it the perfect place to enjoy some delicious seafood beside the sea. Their extensive menu includes lots of seafood options. Think tacos (shrimp, mahi, ahi tuna), coconut shrimp, crab dip, crabby tots, crabby grilled cheese, blackened mahi, steamed clams, snow crab legs, steamer pots, and more! And when the ambience is just as great as the food, you’re in for the perfect dining experience.
There is certainly no shortage of great seafood in Ocean City, Maryland! That being said, there are even more where these came from. Explore dining in Ocean City over on our website, and we’ll see you around town!