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 a full list of this year’s results.
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 Ocean City Boardwalk so beloved. Read on for a list of 2024’s “Best of the Boardwalk” winners.
1Best 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. The corner store on Talbot Street opened in 1937, and Fisher’s soon gained popularity for their delicious secret caramel recipe. Today they’ve expanded the popcorn flavors to include white cheddar, cinnamon caramel, caramel chocolate drizzle and the old Maryland favorite, Old Bay. They also have vegan, gluten free, and kosher varieties available.
2Editor’s Choice: Dolle’s
3Best 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.
Editor’s Pick: Quiet Storm
4Best Boardwalk Stand/Small Restaurant: The 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.
Editor’s Pick: Cheese Wheel Pasta
5Best 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.
Editor’s Choice: Captain’s Table
6Best Boardwalk Bar: Cork Bar and Grill
For decades, the Cork Bar and Grill has been serving up the coldest beer in Ocean City. For over 50 years in fact, they’ve been feeding locals and visitors alike their delicious menu, including great wings, on Wicomico Street, just off the Boardwalk!
Editor’s Choice: Shenanigan’s
7Best Boardwalk Pizza: Tony’s Pizza
Since 1962, Tony’s Pizza has stood on Ocean City’s Boardwalk. There’s something special about enjoying a meal with a view, especially when it’s on the beach. Relish the fresh sea breeze while dining al fresco on their rooftop deck! Savor their freshly made Ocean City pizza, alongside an array of sandwiches, subs, and authentic Italian dishes.
Editor’s Choice: Franco’s Pizza
8Best 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!
Editor’s choice: Dolle’s
9Best Fries: Thrasher’s Fries
What can we say? Every year Thrasher’s wins Best Boardwalk Fries, and if you don’t believe it, check out the line that’s always there. Other French fries are available, but can they ever beat Thrasher’s? That’s up to you!
View the full list of winners from The Best of Ocean City® Contest here.
