Here’s something every visitor needs to understand: Ocean City NJ is a completely dry town. No alcohol sold anywhere on the island, and unlike some dry towns, you also cannot bring your own alcohol to restaurants. It’s been this way since Methodist founders established the community in 1879. But don’t worry—there are options. Here’s everything you need to know about alcohol and dining in and around Ocean City.
Understanding Ocean City’s Dry Town Status
Ocean City isn’t just “no liquor stores”—it’s comprehensively alcohol-free:
- No alcohol sold anywhere on the island
- No BYOB at restaurants (this surprises many visitors)
- No bars or nightclubs on the island
- Strictly enforced since 1879
This is intentional. Ocean City markets itself as “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” and the alcohol-free environment is central to that identity. Families appreciate knowing their kids won’t encounter rowdy bar crowds on the boardwalk at night.
The Dinner Club Exception: Dockside Kitchen
There is one way to enjoy alcohol with your meal in Ocean City: dinner clubs. These are private membership clubs that operate within legal guidelines.
Dockside Kitchen Dinner Club
Location: Bay Avenue
Type: Premier dinner club experience
Dockside Kitchen is the standout option for visitors who want fine dining with drinks in Ocean City proper. As a dinner club, members can enjoy alcoholic beverages with their meal. The food is upscale, the atmosphere refined, and it offers something unique in OCNJ—a complete dining experience with cocktails, wine, or beer.
How it works: Dinner clubs require membership, but these are typically available to visitors. Contact them directly to inquire about membership options and reservations.
Why it matters: If you’re celebrating a special occasion and want wine with dinner without leaving the island, Dockside Kitchen is your answer.
A few other Ocean City establishments also operate dinner clubs—ask around or check locally for current options.
Dining Without Alcohol in Ocean City
Most visitors simply embrace alcohol-free dining while in OCNJ. The restaurants are excellent, and there’s something refreshing about a completely sober dining experience. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Focus on the Food
Ocean City’s restaurant scene is genuinely good. Without alcohol markup or bar service, restaurants focus entirely on food quality. You’ll find:
- Excellent seafood—fresh off local boats
- Quality Italian from family-owned spots
- Classic American diners and breakfast places
- Boardwalk food that’s better than typical carnival fare
Great Non-Alcoholic Options
Restaurants in OCNJ often have creative non-alcoholic drink menus:
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade
- Italian sodas
- Specialty mocktails
- Excellent coffee and espresso
- Milkshakes and floats
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The lack of alcohol creates a noticeably different vibe. Restaurants are calmer, families with kids feel welcome everywhere, and there’s no late-night rowdiness. Many visitors come to appreciate this, especially those with young children.
Where to Go for Drinks: Nearby Towns
When you want alcohol with your meal—or just want to grab drinks—head to nearby towns. They’re all within a short drive.
Somers Point (5 Minutes)
Just over the 9th Street bridge, Somers Point is the closest option and has several popular spots.
Smitty’s Clam Bar
A local institution. Casual waterfront bar with live music, cold drinks, and a party atmosphere. This is where many OCNJ visitors go when they want the bar experience.
Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar
More upscale than Smitty’s. Good food, full bar, nice atmosphere for a proper dinner with drinks.
Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant
Classic local bar. Nothing fancy, but reliable for drinks and casual food.
Anchorage Tavern
Longtime Somers Point establishment. Steaks, seafood, full bar, reasonable prices.
Sea Isle City (15 Minutes)
Head south for more bar options:
The OD (Ocean Drive)
One of the most popular bars on the Jersey Shore. Known for its party atmosphere, especially weekends.
Kix McNutley’s
Casual bar with good food and drinks. Less intense than The OD.
Dead Dog Saloon
Popular spot with outdoor seating and live music.
Margate/Ventnor (15-20 Minutes)
North of OCNJ, these towns have their own bar scenes:
Maynard’s Cafe (Margate)
Great food, full bar, local favorite.
Steve & Cookie’s (Margate)
Upscale option with excellent food and drinks.
Atlantic City (20 Minutes)
For full nightlife—casinos, clubs, bars—Atlantic City is the destination. It’s a completely different experience from Ocean City, which is precisely the point of both towns.
Planning Your Evenings
Option 1: Dinner in OCNJ, Drinks Elsewhere
Enjoy an excellent alcohol-free dinner at an Ocean City restaurant, then drive to Somers Point or Sea Isle for drinks afterward. Many visitors do exactly this.
Option 2: Dinner and Drinks in Somers Point
Skip the back-and-forth. Head to Somers Point for dinner at a restaurant with a full bar, then stay for drinks.
Option 3: Embrace the Dry Town
Many families and visitors find they don’t miss alcohol at all. The boardwalk at night, ice cream, the beach at sunset—Ocean City offers plenty of evening entertainment without drinks.
Option 4: Dockside Kitchen Dinner Club
For special occasions when you want the full experience without leaving the island, make a reservation at Dockside Kitchen or another dinner club.
Buying Alcohol for Your Rental
While you can’t drink at OCNJ restaurants, you can drink at your rental house or condo. Stock up before crossing onto the island:
Canal’s Discount Liquors (Somers Point)
The go-to stop. Huge selection, good prices, right on the way into town via the 9th Street bridge.
Circle Liquors (Somers Point)
Another good option near the bridges.
Joe Canal’s (Egg Harbor Township)
Worth the slight detour for volume discounts if buying for a group.
Pro Tip: Stock up when you arrive. Running out means a trip off-island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really not bring wine to restaurants?
Correct. Unlike many dry towns that allow BYOB, Ocean City does not permit alcohol at restaurants. The only exception is dinner clubs like Dockside Kitchen.
Why is Ocean City so strict about alcohol?
The town was founded by Methodist ministers in 1879 with temperance as a core value. That tradition continues, and residents vote to maintain dry town status. It’s part of OCNJ’s identity as a family resort.
Will I get in trouble for drinking on the beach?
Yes. No alcohol is permitted on Ocean City beaches. This is actively enforced.
What about the boardwalk?
Also alcohol-free. No drinking on the boardwalk.
Is there any nightlife in Ocean City?
Not in the traditional bar/club sense. Evening entertainment is family-oriented: boardwalk rides, arcade games, ice cream, movies, and walking the boards. For nightlife with alcohol, go to Atlantic City, Sea Isle, or Somers Point.
The Bottom Line
Ocean City’s alcohol policies are stricter than many visitors expect—no sales AND no BYOB at restaurants. But rather than seeing this as a limitation, consider it part of what makes OCNJ unique. The family-friendly atmosphere, safe evening boardwalks, and calm restaurant dining are direct results of these policies. When you want drinks, Somers Point is five minutes away. When you want the Ocean City experience, embrace it fully—great food, beautiful beaches, classic boardwalk, no alcohol necessary.
Explore Ocean City dining in our restaurant directory, or check out: Best Seafood | Nightlife Guide | Bars Near OCNJ