Ocean City NJ’s bakeries offer fresh-baked treats that go beyond boardwalk sweets. From legendary sticky buns to fresh bread to pastries perfect with morning coffee, here is where to find the best baked goods in OCNJ.

Best Bakeries

Mallon’s Sticky Buns (9th Street area)

The name says it all. Mallon’s has been making legendary sticky buns for decades, and they are worth every calorie. The caramel, the pecans, the soft dough—this is the definitive OCNJ baked good.

Must get: The sticky bun (obviously)

Also good: Deli sandwiches for lunch, other pastries

Pro tip: Go early. Popular items sell out, especially on weekends.

Kohler’s Bakery (Asbury Avenue)

Traditional bakery with a full range of baked goods:

• Fresh bread
• Donuts
• Cookies
• Cakes and pies
• Danish and pastries

Good for custom cake orders if celebrating during your visit.

Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro

While primarily a coffee shop, they bake fresh pastries daily:

• Muffins
• Scones
• Croissants
• Coffee cake

Great for breakfast alongside excellent coffee.

Boardwalk Baked Goods

Shriver’s

Famous for fudge and taffy, but also sells baked goods including their popular homemade fudge (technically baked? Close enough).

Various Boardwalk Vendors

Funnel cakes, fried dough, and other boardwalk treats are fresh-made to order. Not bakery-style, but definitely baked goods.

Specialty Items

Donuts

Several bakeries make fresh donuts daily. Brown’s Donuts is the specialist, but Kohler’s and others also deliver.

Pies

Summer fruit pies—blueberry, peach, cherry—are available at bakeries. Good for rental house desserts.

Birthday and Special Occasion Cakes

Celebrating while on vacation? Local bakeries make custom cakes with advance notice. Call ahead to order.

Best Time to Go

• Early morning (6-9am): Freshest selection, best availability
• Weekdays: Shorter lines than weekends
• Before beach: Perfect timing for grab-and-go breakfast

What to Get for Beach Breakfast

Building a beach breakfast box:

• Sticky buns or donuts
• Muffins
• Fresh fruit (grab at grocery)
• Coffee from your rental or grab-and-go

Easy, portable, no cooking required.

For the Rental

Stock your rental with bakery goods:

• Fresh bread: For sandwiches and toast
• Muffins and pastries: Quick breakfasts
• Cookies: Beach snacks and after-dinner treats
• Pie or cake: Vacation dessert

Pricing

• Sticky buns: $4-6 each
• Donuts: $2-4 each
• Muffins: $3-5
• Fresh bread loaf: $5-8
• Cookies: $2-4 each or dozen pricing
• Whole pies: $20-30

Dietary Accommodations

Gluten-Free

Limited options at traditional bakeries. Call ahead to ask about availability. Some shops stock gluten-free items.

Vegan

Rare at traditional bakeries. Jon and Patty’s sometimes has options. Call to confirm.

Nut-Free

Most bakeries use nuts in their facilities. Those with severe allergies should inquire about cross-contamination.

Grocery Store Alternatives

Acme and other grocery stores have bakery sections with:

• Fresh bread
• Packaged bakery items
• Donuts and pastries
• Custom cakes (order ahead)

Less special than local bakeries, but convenient.

The Bakery Experience

Local bakeries are part of the OCNJ charm. The smell of fresh baking, the display cases full of treats, the friendly staff who remember regulars—it feels different from grabbing something at a chain.

Support these small businesses. Get the sticky bun. Wake up early for the freshest donuts. Make bakery runs part of your vacation routine.

Your beach day will be better for it.