John Harrington is a journalist with an extensive background in business and financial news. His work has been published or referenced by The Washington Post, MSN, USA Today, Daily Mail, Yahoo, Business Insider, Thrillist, Mental Floss, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Cincinnati Enquirer, and many others.
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Most boardwalk restaurants won’t win any Michelin stars. But they do have foods you crave — zeppoles, corn dogs, funnel cakes, fudge, fried Oreos, French fries — that evoke images of games of chance, rollercoasters, teenage flirting, Springsteen paeans to the Jersey Shore, and kids asleep on parents’ shoulders.
Here are some of the most iconic seaside eateries that might carry treasured memories or offer the chance to create new ones.
Wildwood, New Jersey
Nothing says the Jersey Shore like a sausage and pepper sandwich. The Original Hot Spot on the Wildwood boardwalk has your back. Owned and operated by the Rotondi Family, this business has been on the Wildwood boardwalk since 1962.
Santa Cruz, California
Four generations of Marini family members have been making candy in Santa Cruz since 1915. Their salt water taffy is machine-pulled to a firm consistency using the original recipe devised by founder Victor A. Marini. The family eventually started making caramel corn and candy apples.
Pensacola, Florida
Since 1931, this family-owned restaurant has drawn locals and visitors to the panhandle for fresh seafood out of Pensacola Bay. Joe Patti’s, known for its wholesale fish markets, now includes its own Italian-style deli, sushi bar, and wine shop.
Brooklyn, New York
Founded by Nathan Handwerker in 1916 in Coney Island, Brooklyn, Nathan's Famous hot dogs embody the flavor of New York. Besides the legendary hot dog stand’s annual hot-dog eating contest every July 4, be sure to see the Mermaid Parade in June that steps past Nathan’s.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Waterman’s Surfside Grille is owned and operated by the Standing Family and dates to the 1960s. The building was first called the "Shake n' Burger & Beach Nut Gift Shop," a burger joint and souvenir shop. In 1981, the family rebuilt the restaurant and it became an oceanfront mainstay.
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Palm trees in New Jersey? Yes, if you visit Point Pleasant and drop in on Martell’s Tiki Bar. There’s live music, salty air, Jimmy Buffet wannabes, and sensational drinks. Food choices include Tiki Tacos and the lobster BLT.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Obie’s by the Sea, a summertime must-visit, is a large restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Step in from the boardwalk for lunch and dinner. Favorites include Obie’s crab dishes, burgers, fries and catch of the day.
Ocean City, Maryland
The Atlantic Stand started as an ice cream shop in 1933 and has expanded its offerings since then. It’s famous for its fresh hamburgers and split-down-the-middle hot dogs, fries, and shakes. Atlantic Stand is great for people watching and taking in downtown Ocean City.
San Francisco, California
Capurro's Restaurant is located in Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. In 1946, Mario Alioto decided to open a restaurant right next to the F. Alioto Lazio Fish Co., which was co-founded by his father. Their pasta dishes feature fresh shrimp, clams, and crab.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
The White House Sub Shop opened in 1946 and has hosted such storied clientele as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Oprah Winfrey, Joe DiMaggio, and several Miss Americas. After The Beatles played a concert in Atlantic City in 1964, they stopped by for a 72-inch sub.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
H.L. Britt opened the shop in 1939 opposite the arcade on the boardwalk. Bobby and Maxine Nivens have run it for more than 50 years. The shop is famous for its made-from-scratch glazed donuts.
Port Washington, New York
Louie’s is a few steps from the boardwalk in Port Washington, where it has been an institution since 1905. Louie’s offers spectacular views of Manhasset Bay on the North Shore of Long Island. The restaurant features 38-day dry-aged steaks and a raw bar offering a selection of seafood and sushi.
Savannah, Georgia
The Cotton Exchange Tavern & Restaurant, established in 1971 in foodie favorite Savannah, is a former cotton warehouse. Bring a hearty appetite because The Cotton Exchange offers large portions of fresh-caught seafood served grilled, broiled, or fried as well as a selection of steaks.
Seaside, Florida
If you’re prowling along Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, you’ll come across Bud & Alley's. Founded by a couple of 24-year-old surfer dudes in 1986, it was the first restaurant and watering hole to open in Seaside.
Newport Beach, California
Jane’s Corndogs is where wieners rule — juicy wieners encased in crispy cornbread batter — but the restaurant also serves chili cheese fries, cheesecake-on-a-stick, and fruit-topped funnel cakes.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
For 60 years, Rehoboth Beach landmark Gus & Gus Place has served up classic eats along the boardwalk — hot dogs, burgers, fries, crispy fried chicken, and more. You can eat inside or grab your chow through the walk-up window and go.
Miami, Florida
Palace on South Beach is Miami's quintessential LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant. For more than 30 years, the restaurant has been serving sassy cocktails, gourmet chow, and epic drag shows and brunches.
Ocean City, Maryland
In 1929, Georgian J.T. Thrasher proposed a food stand concession that would specialize in only one product: French fries. He wanted to make the best-tasting fries using the highest quality potatoes from different regions. Through five generations, Thrasher’s has changed hands twice.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Chix on the Beach has been a staple at Virginia's oceanfront for over 40 years. Chix is known for surf n’ turf steak, shrimp tacos, and a fried Atlantic Feast, which includes jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab cake, fried fresh fish, and hush puppies.
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Amos Mosquito’s has been an Atlantic Beach mainstay. They don’t take reservations, and on summer nights, the parking lot is jammed with customers fantasizing about the restaurant’s steamed pork dumplings, meatloaf, scallops, and cobbler.
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