Glorious, glorious spring!! On the Eastern Shore, we have a love/hate relationship with spring, loving the days when the weather is in our favor and hating the days when it’s not. Locals can tell you that a Delmarva spring means 30 degree temperatures one day and 60 degrees the next. Nonetheless, spring means summer is coming and in Ocean City, summertime is everything. As the weather warms up and the crowds return (including those lucky traveling locals) restaurants begin to re-open. This weekend marks the return of many of our favorite restaurants, and we couldn’t be more excited:
Belly Busters
4408 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD
410-524-7116
This unassuming sub shop/crab stop/locals hangout/fish taco haven/carry-out beer hub has been closed since October, leaving us fiending for their fish tacos. Fortunately they opened their doors today (March 14) and we were quick to get in for a bite. Besides fish tacos, we typically opt for the blackend tuna wrap, chicken cheese steak, steamed shrimp or freshly made tuna salad. This weekend is a celebration of sorts at Bellys as locals pack the joint for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The camaraderie and energy runs high here so be prepared for good eats, good tunes and good times.
309 N. Atlantic Ave. Ocean City, MD
410-289-7181
Shenanigans has been a Boardwalk mainstay for 25 years, bringing Irish flair to Ocean City. Shenanigans opens with a bang this weekend, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all weekend long and through Monday. On tap, expect to find a wide variety of beers, including Guinness of course. The food menu is extensive, ranging from gravy fries to bangers and mash. The Shenanigan’s Shepherd’s Pie is always a favorite for us, as is the massive portion of fish & chips. Don’t eat to much, as you’ll need a little pep in your step to join in on the Irish line-dancing.
Fish Tales
207 Herring Way, Ocean City, MD
410-289-0990
ocfishtales.com
Fish Tales will be open this weekend for their St. Pat’s Party and we are thrilled to slip back into a swinging chair to enjoy a sunset. Come summertime, we frequent Fish Tales often, whether its for lunch in the sun, a relaxing happy hour on the docks, or a much-needed night out. Parents particularly enjoy heading here because of the kids pirate ship, affording them a chance to kick back and enjoy dinner out. Fish Tales has been known to become overrun with crowds on busy weekends, so take advantage of the downtime here while you still can.
Malia’s Cafe
1800 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, MD
443-664-2420
Oh Malia’s…how we have dreamed of your delicious lunches all winter long! Our go-to lunch spot returned a few weekends ago, bringing joy to our bellies and smiles to our faces. Ask us about any item on the menu and we’ll gladly tell you all about it…seriously, we’ve had every item on the menu. Frequent favorites are The Lily (turkey, herb garden spread and cucumbers in a pita), the freshly made egg salad, the veggie burger and Da’Haole (turkey with sharp cheddar cheese baked in the oven on a sub roll). Wash it all down with a lemonade, it’s fresh and packs just the right amount of puckered sweetness.
De Lazy Lizard
305 N. 1st Street, Ocean City, MD
410-289-1122
www.delazylizard.net
De Lazy Lizard returns! The downtown, waterfront watering hole is back for the 2014 season, bringing with it all of the fun and relaxation that we love about this spot. Tropical drinks, delicious food, waterfront seating, and a laid-back atmosphere are just a few reasons we love this spot. If you’re with a larger group, we suggest going all in on the craft beer tower. There’s also de Lazy Lizard Ale to consider, the Lizards very own brew.
