Ocean City pizza round-up
Ocean City is well-known for its seafood restaurants, but what about its pizza? OC is one of the few towns where small pizza joints outnumber and outperform the big chains like Pizza Hut, Domino's and Papa John's.
You already know that Billy's Sub Shop has unbeatable subs, but they also serve a decent pizza. It's often greasy, but the dough tastes fresh and they are generous with the toppings. The pizzas at Billy's are absolutely monstrous in size, too. There are two locations for Billy's, one at 120th Street and the other at 140th Street.
Tony's Pizza is a boardwalk institution. Sitting at one of the busiest foot traffic intersections in Ocean City, Tony's always has a crowd inside. Their rooftop dining offers a great view of the boards and the beach during your meal. The pizza is decent, but not spectacular.
Trattoria Lombadi's (94th Street) pizza is excellent, but sometimes has a slightly burnt crust due to the brick-oven style of cooking. Lombardi's doesn't deliver, but they do have a full menu for sit-down dining. Their prices are fair and they do offer carryout. The first job I ever had was working at a shop next door to Lombardi's, and I would have gone hungry without their pizza and amazing Maryland crab soup. The soup is spicy and full of lump crab meat and fresh vegetables.
Topping all of the other pizza joints is Ponzetti's. To get to Ponzetti's, keep driving north until you almost see Delaware, then hang a right on 144th Street. Since 1962, they have been serving the best pizza in Ocean City. Sit down or carry out, but know that you are getting a top-notch slice of Ponzetti's best. They also have a full menu of Italian food, and it's pretty tasty. Their Maryland crab soup is very spicy as well.
There are many pizza places around town, and they all serve quality pies. Three Brothers (114th Street, Gold Coast Mall), Fat Daddy's (two spots: 216 S. Baltimore Ave. and 82nd Street), Piezano's (Boardwalk and Dorchester Street) and Dough Roller (too many to count).
Comments
Or you can drive just a little ways into Delaware for Grotto Pizza, which is our favorite at the beach!
Posted by: Linda | July 31, 2008 12:32 PM
Pizza Tugo's has an excellent pepperoni pizza. They deliver quickly and at a reasonable price.
I have never had an enjoyable experience at Pizza Tugo's. If it's not bad food, it's bad service. -- Peter
Posted by: Bert | July 31, 2008 12:32 PM
Where is Paizano's Pizza (boardwalk) on this list?
It's on there. We have different spellings, though. I use Piezano's, but I assume we're talking about the same one. Check the last paragraph :) -- Peter
Posted by: bryanintimonium | July 31, 2008 4:59 PM
Ledo's is a Maryland institution that has now moved in the space formerly occupied by the Shark. Their pizza has a great thin crust and lots of toppings. I haven't been to the new location yet. Any comments on their new digs?
I did see that they moved where The Shark was, but I haven't had a chance to eat there yet. Maybe next week -- Peter
Posted by: Bert | July 31, 2008 7:42 PM
How does Captain's pizza stack up? I remember they used to have a 20+ inch pie. Do you know if they still have it?
I haven't been to Captains in YEARS. I'll check in on the 20+ inch pie -- Peter
Posted by: Michael | July 31, 2008 10:06 PM
Peter, Grotto's is so popular I'm surprised you didn't at least comment on it.
Honestly, I've never even been there. Plus, with 18 locations, I consider them a mini-chain, something I was trying to avoid in this list. What's the best Grotto pizza? -- Peter
Posted by: Rob L | July 31, 2008 10:13 PM
SOPRANOS is without a doubt the best pizza in OC. Been going there for 45 years and first visit to Sopranos was this year! Won't get pizza anywhere else at the beach!
Posted by: Reed | August 1, 2008 5:10 AM
Just a little north into Delaware and you get an excellent pizza at Mancini's
Posted by: Ernie d | August 1, 2008 7:59 AM
I would never go to Tony's Pizza. The owner is rude and does not like children
Posted by: jersey girl | August 1, 2008 9:22 AM
Grotto's can be found in Rehoboth, Dewey and Bethany (I think). Grotto's pizza is okay, but not worth a drive to Delaware just for pizza, especially with today's gas cost. I've been eating pizza in OC for about 40 years and I still think Ponzetti's is the best.
Agreed! -- Peter
Posted by: riverside | August 1, 2008 10:32 AM
I've had the Captian's 20"+ pizza before! They call it the Wagon Wheel and it literally is that big. The delivery guy has to bend the box in the middle to get it through the door! Each slice is about 2.5 regular pizza slices. :) Hoenstly, the last time I got one down there was senior week.....and that was a good 12 years ago BUT I'm sure they still do it.
Posted by: Holly | August 1, 2008 11:11 AM
Tony's Pizza is horrible. It's some of the worst pizza I have ever had.
I agree that Ponzettis is the best in OC. My aunt insists on going there every time she goes to OC.
Posted by: Emily | August 2, 2008 1:41 PM
Grotto pizza is one of the worst I have ever had throughout the USA
Yikes. That's pretty extreme. I don't really like their pizza, but I wouldn't go that far... -- Peter
Posted by: Shannon | August 3, 2008 3:00 PM
Caruso's on the boardwalk is my fav. Always get an extra one to take home.
Posted by: Carey | August 6, 2008 8:44 AM