Water Views vs. Great Food

What’s better than dining at a bayside table at sunset?  With a great view and a cool drink, you can’t really go wrong.  The problem is, most of the resort areas bayside eateries focus on quantity vs. quality.  They pack in as many people as possible and serve mediocre (at best) food and hope that their patrons will drink enough Orange Crushes not to notice.  I admit that it’s easy to get so caught up in the reggae music and swaying palm trees that are shipped in for the season that you don’t care about food quality.  But, I have to say that, some of the restaurants that I’ve liked the most are not on the water and don’t have a man-made “beach” in their backyard.  If you’re willing to sacrifice the fake tropical feel of the busy bayside restaurants, here are a couple of gems that I’ve tried recently that could be a good alternative:

 Jules

11805 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City
www.julesoc.com
Located in a strip mall, but offers a unique menu and great specials.  Great for a special dinner out.

One Coastal
101-6 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island

https://www.facebook.com/onecoastal

Don't blink or you'll miss this hidden gem.  It's located in a little corner next to Ruddo's Golf.  Delicious homemade specials, great menu selection, best potato salad at the beach, super friendly staff, and they serve breakfast too!

Hubba’s Pit Beef, BBQ, and Seafood

11805 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City
www.hubbasinoc.com

Located in the same shopping center and a few doors down from Jules, you'll find the best pit beef in OC.  Friendly owners and staff and a relaxed, casual atmosphere.  A great value - especially for families.  Try the brisket too!

Liquid Assets

94th & Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
www.la94.com

I only recently tried this eatery because I had a gift certificate.  Now, I wish I'd found it sooner.  With house-made doughnuts on the dessert menu, how can you go wrong?
94th & Coastal Hwy, Ocean City
www.la94.com

 

Purple Parrot

134 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach
www.ppgrill.com
This place has actually been a go-to for me for quite a few years.  Besides the fun atmosphere, quirky decor, and relaxing bier garden, the food is really tasty.  Lots of interesting stuff on the menu including some unexpected items (like Schnitzel!).  They have karaoke every Friday and Saturday night and a drag show on Sundays at 10 PM.  Fun!!