Each year OceanCity.com readers vote on the best of everything in Ocean City. We also have a panel of experts around Ocean City who pick their favorites based on local experiences, which we refer to as Editor’s Choice. Click here for this year’s voting.
Ocean City’s iconic Boardwalk is known for many things, especially its amusements. Beyond the amusements though, some of the best summer memories have to do with the sights, experiences, tastes and smells that make the boardwalk the boardwalk. Read on for a list of 2019’s “Best of the Boardwalk” winners.
Boardwalk businesses who have placed in a “Best Of” Best of the Boardwalk category for 5 straight years include — there’s a lot, are you ready? — Fishers Popcorn, Dolle’s, The Kite Loft, Golden Plate, Alaska Stand, Shenanigan’s, Harrison’s Harbor Watch, The Purple Moose, The Dough Roller, Tony’s Pizza and Thrasher’s. Congrats to those fine award-winning establishments, and to all of those listed below!
Best Caramel Corn
Fisher’s Popcorn
Fisher’s has been around for over 80 years now, proving that a bucket of caramel popcorn on the Ocean City Boardwalk never goes out of style. Originally a corner store on Talbot Street, Fisher’s soon gained popularity for their delicious secret caramel recipe, and today they’ve expanded the popcorn flavors to include white cheddar, cinnamon caramel, caramel chocolate drizzle and the old Maryland favorite, Old Bay.
Runner Up: Dolles Candyland
Editor’s Choice: Candy Kitchen
Best Boardwalk Shop
The Kite Loft
There are plenty of shops lining the Boardwalk from the Inlet to 27th street, but the Kite Loft has been one of the best for more than 40 years. The Kite Loft is unique for a Boardwalk store, with an inventory of kites and kite accessories, aerial toys, windsocks, yard ornaments and general fun stuff for kids and adults. You’ll know you’re near the 5th Street Kite Loft as soon as you get close to the high-flying kites on the edge of the beach, and if you’re lucky, you might just be in town for one of their International Kite Festivals.
Runner Up: Souvenir City
Editor’s Pick: Ocean Gallery
Best Boardwalk Stand
Golden Plate
Sometimes you just don’t have time to sit down and eat when there’s so much fun to be had on the Boardwalk, but you need to refuel and maintain your energy for the rest of the day. That’s where the Golden Plate comes in. They’ve been winning the Best Boardwalk Stand award for years, and their gyros and funnel cakes are the best you’ll find in all of Ocean City.
Runner Up: Alaska Stand
Best Sit-Down Restaurant
Harrison’s Harbor Watch
With all the food the Boardwalk has to offer, Harrison’s Harbor Watch offers the best seafood, local produce and fresh raw bar, with the added benefit of a classic, family-friendly atmosphere and gorgeous views of the ocean. You won’t find a sit-down restaurant on the Boardwalk like Harrison’s Harbor Watch.
Runner Up: Shenanigan’s
Editor’s Choice: Captain’s Table
Best Boardwalk Bar
Purple Moose Saloon
For decades, the Purple Moose has been a landmark of Ocean City nightlife. Take shelter from the heat and enjoy a cold drink at the saloon on Talbot Street, where DJs spin classic rock hits all night long, or else a touring band is providing live music ambiance.
Runner Up: Cork Bar
Editor’s Choice: Shenanigan’s
Best Boardwalk Pizza
The Dough Roller
Pancakes, pizza and everything that belongs under a rolling pin is on the menu at the Dough Roller. The restaurant also serves Dayton’s boardwalk famous fried chicken and a full breakfast menu, but you don’t come to the Dough Roller without at least getting one slice of pizza.
Runner Up: Tony’s Pizza
Best Boardwalk Candy
Candy Kitchen
You don’t have to be on the Boardwalk to grab a sweet treat from Candy Kitchen, but it’s definitely a Boardwalk tradition. Find whatever kind of candy your heart desires, or satisfy your chocolate cravings with a block of delicious fudge–just have a cooler on hand so it doesn’t melt!
Runner-up: Wockenfuss Candies
Editor’s choice: Dolle’s
Best Fries
Thrasher’s French Fries
Every year we automatically awarded Thrasher’s the obligatory Best Boardwalk Fries award because, let’s be honest, who’s going to vote for someone other than Thrasher’s? Well, in 2019, we decided to actually open a poll for Best Boardwalk Fries and, to no one’s surprise, Thrasher’s won. But now the title has been earned!
