Ocean City is one of the east coast’s most accessible beaches, but its central location means prices can be highhhhh. I’ve been going to OC since my high school days, so I know a few things about saving money here. Luckily, good food is always part of a trip to OCMD. Here is your guide to the best cheap places to eat in Ocean City MD, so you’ll have more money for boardwalk rides, beachside cocktails and longer stays.
Important Note: If you’re visiting during the off season when the weather isn’t as warm, make sure to check the current hours of operation for the place you want to visit, as often they will be open on weekends only with limited hours.
Best Cheap Places to Eat In Ocean City MD For A Sit Down Meal
The Crab Bag
If you’re visiting Ocean City, you absolutely must try the local crabs, and The Crab Bag is one of the best places to do it on a budget. This casual seafood spot specializes in steamed crabs and seafood by the pound, letting you customize your order and only pay for what you want.
The atmosphere is laid-back and family-friendly, with outdoor seating that captures that classic Maryland crab feast vibe. Their prices are significantly lower than many touristy waterfront restaurants, and the quality is exceptional.
Don’t skip their crab pretzels or Old Bay fries either. The portions are generous, and you can easily feed a family without spending a fortune.
Belly Busters : Best sandwiches on the beach
Belly Busters lives up to its name by serving enormous portions at prices that seem too good to be true. This no-frills diner-style restaurant has been a local favorite for years, offering classic American comfort food that fills you up without emptying your wallet.
Their subs and sandwiches are legendary, often requiring two hands and multiple napkins to tackle. The breakfast menu is equally impressive, with platters piled high with eggs, bacon, sausage, and home fries for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.
The decor might be simple, but the value is unbeatable. If you’re feeding hungry teenagers or just want to get the most food for your money, Belly Busters is the place to go.
Higgins Crab House
When it comes to the best cheap places to eat in Ocean City MD, Higgins Crab House is where budget travelers go when they want Maryland blue crabs without paying by the dozen at a premium seafood restaurant. The family-run crab house has served Ocean City for decades and is best known for its all-you-can-eat crab feast. 🦀
And there’s two locations, one with a playground, so it’s a no brainer when visiting OC whether you’re traveling with family, friends or solo.
Shotti’s Point
Shotti’s Point is a hidden gem located on the bayside, with affordable American cuisine, a fun, lively atmosphere (think punk surfer) and even a raw bar on the side. This is a regular spot for locals and you really can’t go wrong. This would be my #1 choice for more of a classic sit-down dinner spot on a budget for sure.
Their menu includes fresh seafood, burgers, sandwiches and more. The crab cakes and crab dip are favorite menu items. Really all of their food is all excellent and won’t cost you an arm and a leg like at some fancier places.
Teasers Bar and Grille
Teasers is a local favorite that combines sports bar atmosphere with surprisingly good food at budget-friendly prices. Their menu features classic American fare including burgers, wings, sandwiches, and wraps.
What makes Teasers stand out for budget diners are their daily specials and happy hour deals. You can often find discounted appetizers, drink specials, and meal deals that make dining out extremely affordable.
The wings are particularly popular and come in a variety of flavors. It’s a great spot for lunch or dinner when you want good food, cold drinks, and a fun atmosphere without spending a lot.
The Greene Turtle
The Greene Turtle is one of the most classic places to eat in Ocean City MD, and it happens to offer budget-friendly food as well in a casual, fun atmosphere. The original location is in Northern OC but there’s also a location on the boardwalk, so you can’t go wrong.
The menu leans on pub staples that fill you up. Burgers, wings, sandwiches, and loaded appetizers come in portions that are easy to split. A group of four can order two or three apps and a couple of entrees and leave full.
Longboard Cafe : Best Budget-Friendly Beachy Brunch
For a delicious and affordable breakfast or brunch, Longboard Cafe is a must-visit. This sunny restaurant serves up creative breakfast dishes, fresh-squeezed juices, and excellent coffee at VERY reasonable prices.
Their menu features everything from classic pancakes and omelets to more adventurous options like breakfast burritos and acai bowls. Many locals swear by their lunch menu too, which includes wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot to fuel up before a day at the beach without spending too much. There’s also a great patio, and this is another spot on my list that I think is best for a beachy sit-down meal.
Bayside Skillet : BREAKFAST SPOT WITH BAY VIEWS
One of the best cheap places to eat in Ocean City MD for a hearty American breakfast is the Bayside Skillet. You’ll find a cozy, art deco diner-style setting with a patio that overlooks the bay. Think lots of pink but in a retro, not obnoxious way.
Their prices are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the massive portion sizes. The service is friendly and quick, making it perfect for anyone who wants to grab a filling meal before heading out for the day.
Bull on the Beach
Bull on the Beach has been a local favorite since 1980, when it opened on the boardwalk with an open-pit kitchen as its centerpiece. It’s best known for its open pit beef, hand-cut steaks, and ribs, along with a famous raw bar that keeps visitors and locals coming back.
The laid-back, no-frills atmosphere makes it easy to settle in with friends over cold drinks and hearty, satisfying plates. Daily bar specials help stretch your vacation dollars, making it a great pick for a filling meal without the resort-town price tag.
Tinos Mexican Grill
Tinos Mexican Grill serves up authentic Mexican flavors at prices that make it easy to enjoy fresh, flavorful meals without overspending. It’s one of the best cheap places to eat in Ocean City MD that I recommend when you want to switch it up from the classic oceanside food options.
Their menu features all the classics including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos, all made with quality ingredients and generous portions, and there’s even a salsa bar. You can also expect really fresh ingredients- exactly what you want from a Mexican food spot. Yummmm.
Happy Jack Pancake House
Happy Jack Pancake House has been an Ocean City breakfast institution for decade. This family-friendly no-frills breakfast spot serves up enormous pancakes, waffles, and French toast at amazing prices. They have all the classics, with fun creative varieties too.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for families with kids. Beware the wait times can be long during peak season, but the affordable prices and generous portions make it worth it.
Fast Eddies Corner Bar and Grill
Fast Eddies Corner Bar and Grill is a local hangout that serves up classic American bar food with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. This no-frills spot offers burgers, sandwiches, wings, and daily specials at prices that keep locals coming back.
The portions are generous, and the quality is consistent. Their burgers are juicy and cooked to order, while their wings come in a variety of flavors that satisfy any craving. The bar atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place to grab a casual meal.
What makes Fast Eddies especially budget-friendly are their daily specials and drink deals. You can often find discounted meals that make dining out incredibly affordable. It’s the kind of place where you can watch the game, enjoy good food, and not worry about the bill. For visitors looking to eat where the locals eat, Fast Eddies delivers authentic Ocean City charm without tourist prices.
Classic Boardwalk Eats : Best Cheap Places to Eat In Ocean City MD ON THE GO
No visit to Ocean City is complete without sampling the iconic boardwalk foods that have been drawing crowds for generations. Typically you want to go off the boardwalk to get cheap food, but there are some exceptions. These spots offer incredible value and are perfect for budget-conscious visitors.
Thrasher’s French Fries
There’s nothing better than hot french fries after a swim or busy beach day. Thrasher’s is an Ocean City institution since 1929, Thrasher’s serves up buckets of fresh-cut, boardwalk-style French fries that are absolutely addictive. These aren’t your average fries.
They’re thick-cut, perfectly salted, and served with vinegar instead of ketchup (though you can ask for ketchup if you must). A bucket of Thrasher’s fries is incredibly affordable and can easily serve as a meal or snack for multiple people.
You’ll find several Thrasher’s locations along the boardwalk, and there’s almost always a line, but it moves quickly. This is cheap eating at its finest and most delicious.
Dumser’s Dairyland
For dessert or a sweet snack, Dumser’s Dairyland has been serving homemade ice cream since 1939. Their ice cream is rich, creamy, and available in dozens of flavors.
The prices are very reasonable, especially compared to some of the newer ice cream shops in town. A cone or cup of Dumser’s is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day without spending much.
They also serve milkshakes, sundaes, and other ice cream treats. With multiple locations on the boardwalk and around town, you’re never far from a Dumser’s.
Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard
Kohr Bros. has been serving frozen custard on the Ocean City boardwalk since the 1920s. They have more locations in NJ, but the boardwalk location in OC is an area classic. Their soft-serve frozen custard is creamier and richer than regular ice cream, and the prices are very affordable.
Fisher’s Popcorn
Another boardwalk classic, Fisher’s Popcorn has been making their famous caramel popcorn since 1937. The smell alone will draw you in.
While they offer regular popcorn, the caramel popcorn is what they’re known for, and it’s worth every penny. You can buy it by the bucket in various sizes, making it a great affordable snack to munch on while walking the boardwalk or to take back to your hotel room.
They also offer cheese popcorn and various combinations. It’s an Ocean City tradition that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
Fractured Prune
This donut shop lets you create your own custom donuts with various glazes and toppings, and while it feels like a specialty treat, the prices are quite reasonable.
A dozen donuts won’t cost you much more than at a chain donut shop, but the quality and customization make it feel special. It’s a great breakfast option or sweet treat any time of day.
Best Cheap Take Out & Places to Eat In Ocean City Md For Food to Go
francos pizza
Franco’s Pizza and Bar is a family-run restaurant with truly New York style pizza made with fresh ingredients, right on the boardwalk. If you want a classic pizza shop, this is this one for you.
If you visit the shop and want to dine in, you can even get ocean views while you eat! And there’s also great non-pizza items like coconut shrimp, or the buffalo chicken wrap. Yum!
OC Uptown Eats
OC Uptown Eats brings creative street food vibes to Ocean City with a menu that’s both exciting and affordable, making it one of my top choices for cheap places to eat in Ocean City MD for quick service. They offer a variety of options that go beyond typical boardwalk fare, giving you restaurant-quality food at fast-casual prices. Perfect for budget friendly travel.
On the menu you’ll find yummy sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and specialty items that showcase fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The portions are generous, making it easy to get a filling meal without spending a fortune.
Cheese Wheel Pasta Carry Out
Cheese Wheel Pasta’s Carry Out Location offers a unique and picture-worthy dining experience at surprisingly affordable prices. Their signature dish involves tossing fresh pasta in a giant wheel of parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, indulgent sauce right before your eyes.
Their menu includes various pasta options, all prepared with generous portions. For pasta lovers like me visiting Ocean City, this is definitely one of the best cheap places to get to-go food during your stay.
DaVito’s Italian DELI
If you’re looking for a good to-go sandwich, especially a cheesesteak or meatball sub, DaVito’s Italian Deli is your spot. You can get all the classics here like the sandwiches I just mentioned, pizza, pasta, etc. and as an added bonus it’s also a bakery.
The Italian cookies they have there are the same as the ones my Italian family makes every Christmas and they are DELICIOUS! Highly recommend stopping in here whether you’re looking for quick carry-out, an authentic Italian experience or even some sweets to go.
Teriyaking
Teriyaking specializes in Asian-inspired teriyaki bowls and stir-fry dishes that are both delicious and budget-friendly. This quick-service spot lets you customize your bowl with your choice of protein, vegetables, and sauce, all served over rice or noodles. This is the sort of place I would love to have near my house at home, and definitely one of the best places to eat in Ocean City if you love stir fry like I do.
The portions are substantial, easily filling you up for a very reasonable price. The food is made fresh to order, so you’re getting hot, flavorful meals rather than something that’s been sitting under a heat lamp.
Honorable Mentions
Surfin Betty’s Burger Bar
Surfin Betty’s is a sort of spin on a classic smash burger joint, elevates it with creative menu items and keeps it semi-cheap. It’s more expensive than some burger places you’ve probably been to, but the food is way better and it feels like an experience.
With cheap side food items, a great casual vibe and a friendly staff, it’s a fun sit down experience for lunch or dinner that won’t strain your budget too much. It’s not quite as budget-friendly as the other cheap places to eat in Ocean City I have listed, so that’s why it is on my honorable mentions list. But the quality is worth the price!
Hooper’s Crab House
While many crab houses in Ocean City can be pricey, Hooper’s offers more affordable seafood options as it’s across the bridge from the boardwalk over the bay, which is why it’s under my honorable mentions list.
You can get steamed crabs, crab cakes, and other seafood dishes without the inflated prices of eating on the boardwalk. Plus, it has a fun atmosphere with big beachy decorations in a giant dining room. Very casual and also family-friendly.
Ripieno’s Italian Bistro
For authentic Italian food that doesn’t cost a fortune, Ripieno’s Italian Bistro delivers big on flavor and value for being in a beach town. This family-owned restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes including wood-fired pizza- as the main highlight, subs, calzones and a few pasta dishes at very reasonable prices.
Ripieno’s is a well loved local favorite and the quality rivals much more expensive Italian restaurants and won’t hurt your stomach after. It’s also very family-friendly. YUM!
8th Street Eateries
The 8th Street Eateries is a series of food spots on the boardwalk including 8th Street Smashburger (probably the favorite of the four), Tipsy Taco, Pasta Box & Blends and Bowls, almost like a food truck park. Unfortunately, it is closed during the off season, or this place wouldn’t be on my honorable mentions list.
I could see this place being a really great spot for a group of friends or travelers who have difference preferences on what they like to eat. Come here for quality ingredients and a cheap place to eat in Ocean City MD for everyone in your group during the summer season.
Money-Saving Tips for Dining in Ocean City MD
Look for Early Bird Specials
Many Ocean City restaurants offer early bird dinner specials, typically between 3:00pm and 6:00pm if you can swing it. This is of course weird timing for most people on vacation, especially if you’re like me and always end up later than you expect to be- but if you want to get an early start on a fun night out, or make it in early for the night with young kids, you should definitely take advantage!
Watermans Seafood, Captain’s Table and Coins Pub & Restaurant are all great options for early bird specials on delicious local favorites.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
Happy hour in Ocean City MD is where savvy diners find some of the best deals. This isn’t just about discounted drinks – many restaurants offer heavily discounted appetizers, small plates, and even full entrees during happy hour.
Border Bar offers an impressive happy hour they call “adult recess” with discounted appetizers and creative bar bites that go way beyond standard wings and fries. Their playful atmosphere and generous portions make it a favorite among locals looking for affordable eats and drinks.
Sunset Grille features spectacular bayside views along with their happy hour specials. You’ll find discounted seafood appetizers, including crab dip and steamed shrimp, plus reduced prices on sandwiches and wraps. Timing your visit for happy hour here means great food, lower prices, and gorgeous sunset views – a triple win.
Bad Monkey is known for their extensive happy hour menu with deep discounts on both food and drinks. Their happy hour specials include tacos, quesadillas, and other substantial items that can easily serve as a full meal at appetizer prices.
Flamingo Coast brings tropical vibes and excellent happy hour deals on island-inspired dishes. Their happy hour food menu features items like fish tacos, conch fritters, and coconut shrimp at significantly reduced prices, giving you a taste of vacation without the vacation prices.
Longboard Cafe, already mentioned for their breakfast, also offers fantastic happy hour specials with discounted wraps, sandwiches, and appetizers. Their fresh ingredients and creative menu items make it one of the best value happy hours in town.
Higgins Crab House extends their happy hour to include discounted crab dishes, which is rare and extremely valuable in Ocean City. You can enjoy crab pretzels, crab dip, and other seafood appetizers at reduced prices – this is your chance to enjoy premium Maryland seafood without the premium price tag.
Buxy’s Salty Dog offers a fun, casual atmosphere with happy hour specials on pub favorites including burgers, wings, nachos, and loaded fries. Their portions are generous, and the discounts make it one of the most budget-friendly options for a satisfying meal.
Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery features happy hour deals on their delicious brick oven pizzas, garlic knots, and Italian appetizers. Getting authentic brick oven pizza at happy hour prices is an incredible deal that pizza lovers shouldn’t miss.
Most happy hours in Ocean City run from mid-afternoon to early evening (typically 3 PM to 6 or 7 PM), though times vary by restaurant. Some establishments also offer late-night happy hour specials. Always call ahead or check the restaurant’s website for current happy hour times and menus, as they can change seasonally.
The key to maximizing happy hour savings is to make it your main meal rather than just a pre-dinner snack. Order multiple appetizers to share, and you’ll often end up with more food than a regular dinner at a fraction of the cost.
Eat Like a Local
Restaurants located a block or two off the boardwalk or away from the main tourist areas often have lower prices while maintaining good quality. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the most obvious spots or what you find online, and if you see somewhere with lots of locals inside, pop in to check it out.
Stay Somewhere With A Mini-Fridge For Leftovers, Or Even A Kitchenette
My favorite money-saving tip for eating in Ocean City is to get a vacation rental over a hotel room, or a hotel room with a kitchenette. As someone who needs a ton of food to keep me fueled up for travels, especially because I prefer to walk everywhere, I would spend way too much on meals without some sort of kitchen.
Even if you don’t want to cook much during your stay, quick breakfasts like bagels and cream cheese, snacks and a frozen dinner night will save you a ton.
If you’re visiting Ocean City and want to make your money go farther, make sure to check out all of my guides to Ocean City MD travel!
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
