No Frills-Just Delicious
Part 2 of 3
As promised, we are heading south in our hunt for the best seafood shacks on the East Coast. When you are prepared to go elbow deep into a boiled lobster, no one wants to be wearing their finest threads. To support that, we are checking out the little holes in the wall, the places where you can get out of the car after driving 8 hours and not feel out of place sitting at the table, sipping a beer your lobster dinner. From New Jersey to Virginia, here are some of the best spots to hit on your road trip.
Klein’s Waterside Cafe, Belmar, NJ
First opening as a fish market in 1924, Ollie Klein expanded to wholesale fish sales through the forties. It wasn’t until 1990 when Ollie III expanded the fish market into a wonderful waterside cafe, with umbrella covered tables and the freshest seafood that can be had in Belmar. Also touting a lovely sushi and raw bar, this is a perfect spot for a tasty seafood meal.
McLoone’s Asbury Grill, Asbury Park, NJ
If you’re looking for a touch of class to your outdoor dining, this is a great spot. Owned by Tim McLoone and located on the newly renovated Asbury Park Boardwalk,
gourmet fare and fantastic crab cakes are the dishes of the day. Dine in or out, the gourmet menu and deliciously fresh seafood are top notch, making it one of our must stop places.
Stony’s Solomon’s Pier, Solomon’s Island, MD
Sitting on the banks of the Patuxent River, it is hard to take your eyes off the gorgeous view at Stony’s. What should you eat at this rustic retreat? Crab cakes of course! And the fantastic crab dip. But the crab cakes… five ounces of loaded with crab meat delicious cake, voted repeatedly as the best all around crab cake. The view and the crab make this place a must stop hit.
Middleton Tavern, Annapolis, MD
Just as the Union Oyster House hosted some of the American Revolution’s finest leaders and rebels, the Middleton Tavern can match it in history. Beginning as an inn in 1750, frequent patrons included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. All of that is really impressive, but what about the food? Soft shell crabs and stuffed flounder are two favorites on the menu, both good portions and well priced. They run daily and weekly specials as well as offering local entertainment. A definite must stop restaurant on our trip south!
Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe and Raw Bar
Owned and operated by Sam and his wife Dawn, it all began with a simple idea of creating a place where anyone can get a good meal and a cold beer at anytime. Sam, a
competitive surfer and skater with many fishermen friends, wanted a place that catered to people who’s lives revolved around the water. Little did he know that his restaurant idea would grow into the successful operation it is today. From hearty bacon and egg breakfasts to oysters on the half shell, the fare is broad and delicious. You will find something for everyone.
by L.A. DiNardi
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