4 Ocean City Restaurants We Were Sad To See Go In 2022

OCEAN CITY, NJ — It's been a long year. Unfortunately, over the course of 2022, we lost several great, longtime Ocean City restaurants. Icons of the community closed for a variety of reasons - inflation, retirement or just wanting something different. Here are four great restaurants we sadly had to say goodbye to this past year.

Starfish Café

After operating since 2016, this spot suddenly announced its closure on Facebook one day. The business gave no reason; only shared that they were, as of Sept. 18, permanently closed.

"Thank you to our wonderful, kind and generous customers," the business wrote at the time. "It's been a pleasure serving you."

It was well-known in the community for its vegan options, offering environmentally-conscious dining.

OC Surf Café

This restaurant also closed on Sept. 18, though it had announced the closure ahead of time.

A breakfast favorite in Ocean City for ten years, the owners Deb and Mike Carmody thanked all those who had supported them over the years.

"We have had a great run, had the best staff and most wonderful customers anyone could ask for," they said at the time.

Voltaco's

Definitely one of the most painful losses of the year, this marked the end of a 69-season run for this Italian favorite. Residents continue to mourn the loss of a Voltaco's cheesesteak.

"After much deliberation, we have come to the not-so-easy decision to make 2022 our last year in business. We do this with sadness in our hearts, as this life here is the only one we have truly ever known, but we are also happy and optimistic for our futures," the Taccorino family, the fourth generation owners, said.

Voltaco's had been open since 1954 and closed on Oct. 9.

Wards Pastry

While there are plenty of places to get freshly baked goods at the shore, there's only one Wards. After a 98-year run, the last delicious cinnamon buns were served on Sept. 18.

"The Hohman family would like to thank everyone for choosing Wards Pastry to be part of their celebrations through all of these years," the owners said.

The closure of this true Ocean City institution marked the end of an era.

Honorable Mention: Clancy's By The Bay

We know, it's not technically Ocean City, but the closure of this Somers Point spot on May 29 was still sorely felt by Ocean City residents and guests.

The restaurant was sold, but don't worry too much - Clancy's By The Sea, the Ocean City location, will continue to operate seasonally.

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