The Ultimate Guide to Brunch in OCNJ

Ocean City, a place I am lucky enough to call home in the summer months, definitely has one thing down pat: BRUNCH. I have been coming here for twenty summers and love the classics just as much as the new breakfast spots that always seem to be popping up all over town. This summer especially I have gotten my fill of breakfast sandwiches and coffee because each weekend my boyfriend, Kevin and I try a different place. Lucky for you, we have sampled a little bit of everything, even ranking the pancakes from best to worst. Check out my favorite Ocean City brunch places below.

Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro- 637 Asbury Avenue

Jon and Patty’s is high up on the list because they have it all. They do pancakes, waffles, egg sandwiches, and all the other breakfast essentials so well. Their menu features unique entrees too like apple pie oatmeal, PB&J French Toast and a long list of other daily breakfast specials. They also serve up Kevin’s favorite pancakes. Their coffee bar has a ton of options, some of which mirror popular OC boardwalk classics, like Johnson’s Popcorn, Khor Bros. Soft Serve, and A Pound of Fudge. Jon and Patty’s is small and homey, making for the perfect, cozy breakfast destination.

Sunrise Café- 1200 Asbury Avenue

My mouth is watering just thinking about this place. I love to start off every meal here with a sweet cinnamon butter popover, a flaky delicious pastry which I haven’t been able to find anywhere else on the island. Absolutely to die for. Sunrise Cafe’s vast menu has something for everyone. Every time I stop here, I have to ask myself the hardest breakfast question there is: sweet or savory? The good news is you really can’t go wrong with either choice at Sunrise. Some of my favorites include Nana’s Banana Bread French Toast, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, the Mighty Green Sandwich, and their Huevos Rancheros. Make sure to bring lots of friends so you can’t sample a little of everything!

Positively 4th Street- 400 Atlantic Avenue

This quaint little coffee shop has been my go-to spot for years as I grew up just steps away at my grandparents’ house on 4th street. You won’t find pancakes and waffles here but rather little pastries, coffees, smoothies, and healthier options. It has become part of my morning ritual to stop in for a cold brew and a scone on my way to work. I love taking friends here for their delicious avocado toast, egg and cheese paninis, muffins, crumb cakes, and more. In my opinion, they serve the best coffee in Ocean City. Come for the coffee, and stay for the sweet treats, friendly staff, and laid-back vibes.

Browns- 110 Boardwalk

Dockside Kitchen- 228 Bay Avenue

This place is in its first summer season in Ocean City. For the past few years, my entire family would go to McGlade’s, the restaurant that used to operate at this location, to celebrate the end of summer. I loved this place so I had some pretty high expectations for Dockside. I was not disappointed. Dockside has a great location overlooking the bay and the menu is amazing! I had a really tough time deciding on what to order but I went with a short rib tacos and our table split a Nutella stuffed french toast. They also serve Drip N Scoop coffee, another favorite of mine. I am so thrilled by what they’ve done with the place.

North End Beach Grill – 9 Beach Road

I don’t know why but I always forget about this little breakfast spot on the beach because I am always pleased by my experience here. I love it because you can’t beat the location. It’s a small place so usually there is a bit of wait. Kevin and I walked down to put our feet in the water and by the time we got back our table was ready. Everything is consistently delicious and it has everything I love about breakfast at the shore.

Starfish Cafe – 822 E 9th Street

Starfish Cafe is new to Ocean City. It is a cute spot, with friendly staff at a great location being only one block from the boardwalk. They have a really big menu with many vegan and gluten-free options. Although Kevin was not a fan of their pancakes, I really enjoyed my breakfast quesadillas. Starfish has a huge smoothie and juice menu, which is great when you’re looking for something a little lighter. I really loved the open interior and outside seating area as well. Check them out for lunch too! I can’t wait to try more.

Heart Beet Kitchen- 801 8th Street

Before getting to the shore for the summer, I was too excited to try out this new place. It popped up on my Instagram and promised healthier, vegan eats. Not only did I love how cute it is on the inside, but I was pleasantly surprised by some of their dishes. My first time there I ordered their buffalo cauliflower melt with a side of homemade guacamole. It was delicious and guilt-free! Kevin and I checked it out for breakfast too. We ordered gluten free pancakes and waffles. I loved every last bite! I definitely would recommend this to my vegan friends and those looking for something a little less heavy for breakfast.

OC Surf Cafe- 715 E 8th Street

French Toast. That’s the first thing that comes to mind when I think about OC Surf Cafe. Peanut butter and banana, Frosted Flake, peanut butter chocolate chip, even peanut butter and bacon. They are made with slices of big Texas toast and their special batter. An absolute go-to on the menu. With breakfast tacos, burritos, and speciality sandwiches, there is something for everyone. This is a MUST-GO.

I hope now you have a better idea of where to go for brunch the next time you’re in OC! You really cannot go wrong. Leave comments below if you have any more suggestions or about any of your experiences at the places above!!