Eating vegan in Ocean City NJ takes some effort, but plant-based options have expanded significantly in recent years. While you will not find dedicated vegan restaurants, many OCNJ eateries now offer solid vegan-friendly choices. Here is your guide to eating vegan while enjoying the shore.
Understanding the OCNJ Dining Scene
First, the honest truth: Ocean City is a traditional beach town where seafood, pizza, and Italian food dominate. Dedicated vegan restaurants do not exist here. However, many restaurants have added vegan options, and with some creativity, you can eat well.
Also remember: Ocean City is a dry town. No alcohol anywhere, not even in restaurants. For a vegan dinner with wine, you will need to drive to nearby Somers Point.
Best Options for Vegans
Brown’s Restaurant (10th Street)
This family-friendly spot offers several vegan options including veggie burgers, salads that can be modified, and often seasonal vegetable dishes. Ask your server about current vegan-friendly items—the menu changes.
Jon and Patty’s Coffee Bar and Bistro
This popular breakfast and lunch spot offers vegan baked goods, smoothie bowls, and various items that can be made vegan. Their avocado toast (hold the egg) and oatmeal options work well. They also have plant-based milk alternatives for coffee drinks.
Oasis Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean food is naturally vegan-friendly. Falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and various vegetable dishes provide delicious options. Ask about cooking oils and dairy to ensure items meet your standards.
Thai and Asian Restaurants
Thai and Asian cuisines often accommodate vegans well. Tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, and curry dishes (without fish sauce—always ask) provide satisfying meals. Request “no fish sauce, no oyster sauce, no eggs.”
Mexican Restaurants
Bean tacos, vegetable fajitas, rice dishes, and guacamole are typically vegan. Watch out for lard in refried beans and cheese in unexpected places. Ask questions.
Boardwalk Vegan Options
The boardwalk can be challenging for vegans, but options exist:
- Soft pretzels: Usually vegan (check for butter)
- Fresh fruit: Available at several stands
- French fries: Often vegan (confirm frying oil)
- Pizza: Some shops will make cheese-free veggie pizza
- Lemonade and water ice: Typically vegan
Always ask about ingredients. Boardwalk vendors are used to dietary questions.
Grocery Shopping
For vegans, preparing some of your own meals is often the best strategy:
Acme (34th Street)
The main grocery store in Ocean City. Good selection of vegan basics including plant-based milks, tofu, veggie burgers, fresh produce, and some specialty vegan products.
Natural Food Stores
Mainland locations like Whole Foods in Somers Point (20 minutes) offer expanded vegan selections. Worth a trip if you need specialty items.
What to Stock Up On
- Plant-based milks
- Veggie burgers and sausages
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Hummus and dips
- Bread (check ingredients)
- Nuts and seeds for snacking
- Plant-based cheese if desired
Renting with a Kitchen
For vegan travelers, vacation rentals with kitchens make the biggest difference. You can:
- Cook your own meals with ingredients you trust
- Prepare breakfast and lunch, dine out for dinner
- Make beach picnics with safe foods
- Control exactly what goes in your food
Look for rentals with full kitchens, not just kitchenettes.
Communication Tips
When dining out, clear communication helps:
- State “I am vegan” clearly—not everyone knows what this means
- Specify: “No meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs, no honey”
- Ask about cooking methods and oils
- Inquire about hidden ingredients (butter in vegetables, cheese on salads)
- Thank staff for accommodating you
Ice Cream and Desserts
Ocean City is famous for ice cream, which is challenging for vegans. Options:
- Some shops carry non-dairy flavors—ask at each shop
- Italian ice and water ice are typically vegan
- Fresh fruit stands offer naturally vegan treats
- Some bakeries offer vegan cookies and pastries—call ahead
Nearby Vegan-Friendly Options
Somers Point (10 minutes)
More restaurant variety and full bars mean more vegan options. Several restaurants offer substantial vegan menus.
Cape May (30 minutes)
The Cape May area has more health-conscious dining and some dedicated vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Worth the drive for a special meal.
Atlantic City (20 minutes)
Casino restaurants and AC’s dining scene include more vegan options, particularly at higher-end spots like Buddakan at Borgata.
Sample Vegan Day in OCNJ
Breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit at your rental, or smoothie bowl at Jon and Patty’s
Beach snacks: Fresh fruit, nuts, homemade sandwiches
Lunch: Falafel wrap at Oasis Mediterranean
Afternoon treat: Italian ice from a boardwalk stand
Dinner: Vegetable stir-fry at a Thai restaurant, or cook at your rental
Vegan Beach Tips
- Pack your own snacks—beach options are limited
- Bring a cooler with plant-based lunch
- Stay hydrated with water (boardwalk drinks are mostly sugar)
- Sunscreen: check for vegan and cruelty-free brands
The Reality
Vegan dining in Ocean City NJ requires flexibility and planning. This is not a vegan-forward destination. But with the right mindset—embracing home cooking, communicating clearly at restaurants, and exploring nearby towns for special meals—you can absolutely enjoy a satisfying beach vacation.
The beach, boardwalk, and ocean do not care what you eat. Focus on the experience, pack good snacks, and enjoy Ocean City on your own terms.