These 7 Locations Have The Best Food On Ocean City New Jersey Boardwalk!
Hey fellow roadtrippers! Dane here from DoubleDeckerFam – you probably know us from our family adventures traveling the U.S. in our giant converted Double Decker RV (yup, 8 of us cozy and rolling!). Today, I’m excited to share something deliciously special: a roundup of the absolute best eats you and your family have to try along the unforgettable Ocean City, New Jersey Boardwalk.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, already cruising the coast, or dreaming up your family’s next big adventure, Ocean City’s boardwalk is a must-visit for foodies big and small. We recently spent a week eating our way up and down those boards (don’t tell our doctor) and let me tell ya: this place definitely delivers when it comes to fun, classic, and sometimes surprisingly unique eats.
Here’s our family-tested, parent-approved guide to the 7 very best food stops on the Ocean City Boardwalk – with dishes, tips, and a few “Picky Eater Friendly” notes, since my six kids range from adventurous to cheese-pizza-only. Let’s dive in!
1. Manco & Manco Pizza
Location: 8th & Boardwalk, with other locations along the boardwalk
Website: mancospizza.com
If you ask literally anyone in South Jersey about Ocean City’s boardwalk food, they’ll say: “You HAVE to get Manco & Manco.” Famous for its legendary thin-crust pizza, Manco’s is a staple that’s been loved for generations (since 1956, actually!). We popped in on a Friday night with the whole crew, and the atmosphere was crazy energetic. Watching the pizza makers spin, toss, and sauce dough right in front of the window was a show in itself.
What to try: The classic plain cheese pizza is a must, but if you’ve got adventurous kiddos, try the white pizza – it was surprisingly popular with our twins!
Family tip: Lines get long but move fast, and you can order whole pies or by the slice – perfect if you have kids who can barely sit still! Bring napkins and maybe some wipes; these slices are gooey and cheesy and oh-so-messy.
2. Johnson’s Popcorn
Location: 6th, 8th, and 14th & Boardwalk
Website: johnsonspopcorn.com
Ah, that sweet, toasty aroma drifting down the boardwalk – there’s just no way you’re missing Johnson’s Popcorn. People come from all over for their tubs of caramel corn, freshly stirred all day long. I swear, we could barely get our bucket home before the kids had polished it off. And, they have refillable tubs if you’re planning an extended stay!
What to try: The “Original Recipe” caramel corn is a classic. If you’re feeling spicy, try the cheddar cheese popcorn – but maybe split it, it’s intense.
Family tip: Buy a big tub, keep it in your beach bag for snack emergencies. These guys have been around since 1940, so they know what they’re doing. If allergies are a concern, check their allergen info here.
3. Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard
Location: Multiple locations on the boardwalk, including 6th, 8th, 12th, and 14th
Website: kohrbros.com
We are a custard-loving family, and Kohr Bros. is our official Ocean City treat. Their signature soft-serve is richer and creamier than regular ice cream, and it’s been an institution since 1919. The kids always go for the rainbow sprinkle cones, but my personal favorite is the vanilla-orange twist – it tastes like a dreamsicle on vacation.
What to try: Vanilla-Orange or Chocolate-Banana soft serve. Select your own toppings, or go classic with just a cone.
Family tip: Custard melts fast in the summer heat, so grab lots of napkins and eat quick! And pro trip: get a “baby cone” for any little ones – it’s the perfect mini size for small hands.
4. Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy & Fudge
Location: 9th & Boardwalk
Website: shrivers.com
No Ocean City trip would be complete without a visit to the oldest business on the boardwalk (founded in 1898!), Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy. Our kids loved watching the old-fashioned taffy pullers in the window. Inside, you’ll find every classic and quirky taffy flavor you can imagine, plus old school fudge made right there.
What to try: The “Assorted Taffy” boxes are fun for sampling. Chocolate fudge is rich and classic, the peanut butter fudge is a family favorite.
Family tip: Many taffy flavors are gluten free, and everything is clearly labeled. Let the kids each pick out a few pieces for a sweet treat on the beach!
5. Bashful Banana Bakery & Cafe
Location: 946 Boardwalk
Website: thebashfulbanana.com
If you’re looking for healthier, vegan, or allergy-friendly boardwalk options, The Bashful Banana is a refreshing change of pace. Our family is not exclusively plant-based, but it’s nice to have a break from all the sweets and pizza mid-trip. They specialize in fruit-based frozen desserts and hearty breakfast or lunch fare.
What to try: The “Banana Whip” (made just from frozen bananas!) is their signature. Top with strawberries, granola, or dark chocolate. The kids also loved the apple-cinnamon muffins.
Family tip: They have an extensive gluten free and dairy free menu, plus organic coffees. Outdoor tables are shaded and a great spot to regroup for a few minutes.
6. Ike’s Famous Crabcakes
Location: 8th & Boardwalk
Facebook: facebook.com/ikesfamouscrabcakes
You can’t visit the Jersey Shore without trying at least a little bit of local seafood. Ike’s has been family owned and serving up fresh crab cakes, fried shrimp, and fish tacos since 1990. I was impressed by how fresh and flavorful everything tasted – and the kids devoured the crabcake sliders.
What to try: The classic crab cake sandwich is a favorite, but the shrimp basket is perfect for sharing if you’ve got a big crew.
Family tip: If you’re not sure what your kids will like, get a sampler platter. There’s always plenty of fries and hush puppies to go around! Ike’s is also reviewed by NJ Monthly as one of the shore’s best bites.
7. Curly’s Fries
Location: 944 Boardwalk (right next to Bashful Banana and an easy two-stop treat!)
Website: curlysfries.com
Big, crunchy, fresh-cut curly fries? Yes, please! Curly’s has seriously perfected the art of the boardwalk fry: hot, salty, generously portioned, and always freshly made. Our kids scarf these before we can even sit down, and they’re great for a quick portable snack between sights.
What to try: The “Boardwalk Bucket” of curly fries is enough for the whole family, but you can also order personal sizes. Cheese sauce is next-level if you’re feeling wild.
Family tip: Ask for extra napkins! It’s a happy mess. There’s shaded seating, and if you’re bringing your fries back to the beach, grab a cardboard tray.
DoubleDeckerFam Boardwalk Bites – Quick Honorable Mentions
We ate A LOT (what can I say, we walk miles), and these deserve their own shoutout:
- Fritz’s: Home of hefty breakfast sandwiches and cinnamon buns
- Oves Restaurant: The ultimate boardwalk breakfast spot (omelets + pancakes!)
- Chickie’s & Pete’s: Crab fries and kid friendly sports-bar vibes (great spot on a rainy day!)
Tips for Eating With Kids on Ocean City Boardwalk
Here are a few hard-earned lessons from life with our six food-loving (and sometimes picky) kiddos:
- Wheel out that wagon: The boardwalk is stroller and wagon friendly – pack wipes, a cooler for left overs, and reusable water bottles.
- Share, share, share: Portions are big! Order less at each spot and split to sample more along your walk.
- Check closing times: In the off-season, hours can vary a lot. During the summer, evenings get crowded, so try to hit the most popular spots at “off” hours (early lunch or a pre-dinner snack).
- Food allergies? Many spots have specific allergen menus and are happy to help — always double check and don’t be shy about asking the staff!
Why We Love Ocean City: Not Just For Food!
Now, I know we could’ve just made this a “best places to eat” post, but Ocean City is so much more than food. Between eating our weight in taffy and french fries,