Some Ocean City restaurants come and go with the summer crowds, but one buffet has been feeding beach families since 1973. It stretches a full 150 feet, which is roughly half the length of a football field, all loaded with food.
Crab legs are the headline act here, and they draw plenty of attention and plenty of opinions. There is also prime rib, brisket, mussels, steamed shrimp, fresh donuts, and a dessert spread that keeps kids circling back.
Some diners call it the best buffet they have ever tried, while others think the price tag runs high. That split makes it worth a closer look before you grab a plate.
Keep reading for the full story, from its long history and famous crab legs to its hours, costs, and the smart way to tackle all that food.
A Coastal Highway Landmark Since 1973
Plenty of beach towns have a buffet, but few have one that has lasted more than five decades. The Bonfire Restaurant sits at 7009 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, in the United States, right along the main road that runs the length of this Maryland resort town.
The restaurant opened around 1973. Since then it has grown into a local landmark known for one thing above all else: a very big buffet.
That buffet runs a full 150 feet. Alongside it, the kitchen also offers an à la carte menu with seafood and steaks for anyone who prefers ordering off a list.
The place is family owned, which helps explain why so many groups return summer after summer. Some families have been coming here since their kids were teenagers, turning dinner at the Bonfire into a yearly vacation habit.
Its spot on Coastal Highway makes it easy to reach from hotels and condos up and down town. The building itself is large, and first-timers often comment on just how huge it is once they get inside.
So what exactly fills those 150 feet, and are the crab legs part of the deal? The answer takes a little explaining.
The Crab Leg Question
Crab legs are the most talked-about item at the Bonfire, and for good reason. They show up in photos, in conversations, and in plenty of vacation plans.
Here is the key detail many first-timers miss. The crab legs are not part of the standard buffet price, so they cost extra.
The add-on has been listed at around $20, and diners can order them by the pound. King crab is also available as a separate order for those who want to go bigger.
Opinions on the result are mixed. Some diners find them presented well and a real treat with melted butter, while others feel they are not worth the extra charge.
Longtime regulars remember a time when all-you-can-eat crab legs were part of the package. That older setup still lives in many memories, which is why the current system surprises some returning guests.
The smart move is to decide ahead of time whether crab legs are a must. If they are, budget for the add-on so the bill does not catch you off guard.
Of course, crab legs are only one small corner of the food lineup. The carving station has its own loyal fan club.
Prime Rib, Brisket and the Carving Crowd
Ask a group of Bonfire regulars what they head for first, and a surprising number will point away from the seafood. The meats have built quite a following.
Prime rib is the second most mentioned item after crab legs. Many diners call it cooked just right, and some families report going back for several helpings in one sitting.
Beef brisket earns praise too. It has been described as tender with a strong smoke ring, although a few diners have found it on the dry side.
The meat lineup does not stop there. Barbecue ribs, ham, and London broil also make appearances, with the London broil earning special compliments for being tender and well cooked.
Fried chicken is another crowd favorite. Even some diners who were unhappy with other dishes still single it out as a bright spot.
One mother noted that after her visit, she planned to focus on the meats, vegetables, and salads next time. That strategy comes up more than once, and it may be the best tip for picky eaters.
Still, a seafood buffet is still a seafood buffet. The ocean side of the spread deserves its own tour.
What Swims Along the 150 Feet
Mussels, steamed shrimp, clams, and four kinds of fish. That is just a starting point for the seafood portion of the buffet.
Swordfish has been among the fish choices. Crab balls, mini crab cakes, crab dip, and crab ravioli bring the Maryland crab theme into the included spread.
Pasta lovers can find a shrimp and scallop pasta. Fried clam strips, fried shrimp, and sliced raw tuna round out the lineup on many nights.
The soup station leans local with cream of crab soup, and lobster bisque sits nearby. Both get mixed opinions, so a small sample cup is a sensible first move.
Honesty matters here. The steamed shrimp draws complaints about being hard to peel, and some diners feel the seafood variety is thinner than expected for the price.
Others find the seafood selection large and satisfying. Mussels and clams have been called clean and well prepared, and several diners say seafood was the highlight of their night.
With that much variety, it pays to take a lap before loading up. And the lap should definitely end near dessert.
Donuts, Cobbler and a Sweet Finish
Fresh donuts at a seafood buffet might sound odd, yet they are one of the most talked-about treats in the building. They get mentioned more often than many main dishes.
The dessert area goes well beyond donuts. Three types of cobbler have appeared on the same night, along with cakes, puddings, cookies, and brownies.
There is also chocolate soft serve and a selection of fruit. Kids tend to treat this section like the main event.
The cheesecake slices are thin but popular enough that some diners go back for seconds. Cannoli dip also earns a thumbs up.
One note to keep in mind is that at least one diner mentioned an extra $5 charge for dessert. Asking your server how desserts are handled when you sit down can save a surprise later.
Even diners who left disappointed with other parts of the meal often praise the sweets. That makes dessert one of the most dependable stops on the whole 150 feet.
Food is only part of the experience, though. The people carrying the plates may be the real stars of the show.
Servers Who Steal the Spotlight
Staff at a buffet rarely become the headline, but the Bonfire breaks that rule often. Servers here get named and thanked again and again.
Refills arrive quickly, plates get cleared fast, and tables are checked on often. One diner joked that her server stopped by so frequently it felt like a hidden camera show.
A standout story involves a guest with severe food allergies. The head chef walked the entire buffet with her, explained each section, and then cooked fresh salmon and steamed clams that were safe for her.
That kind of care shows up across very different experiences. Even diners who disliked the food still praise the staff as friendly, courteous, and accommodating.
Large parties also seem to be handled smoothly. Groups of five, six, and more report being seated quickly, highchairs included.
For anyone with dietary concerns, the lesson is simple. Speak up when you sit down, because this team has shown it is willing to help.
Good service sets the mood, but the room itself adds a few fun surprises of its own.
Fish Tanks, Family Photos and a Big Room
Tropical fish tanks greet diners inside, which feels fitting for a seafood spot. Kids especially enjoy the extra entertainment between trips to the buffet.
The dining room is large and often called clean and attractive. Some guests describe the interior as gorgeous, while at least one found the seating layout awkward.
A few unusual touches set the Bonfire apart. Metal plates are used, and silverware may be placed directly on the table.
There is also someone on site selling family photos during dinner. For a vacation crowd, a framed picture from the meal can become a fun keepsake.
The overall vibe suits families, big groups, and longtime beach regulars. Summer evenings get busy, and a line of people waiting for tables is common.
Couples looking for a quiet, fancy dinner may find it too lively. Families who want everyone to pick their own meal will likely feel right at home.
Now for the part every planner needs before heading out the door.
Hours, Costs and a Fair Verdict
Timing matters, since the doors open for dinner only. The Bonfire serves from 4 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday and closes on Monday and Tuesday.
Arriving late still works. Diners who showed up around 7 p.m. found trays still full.
The buffet runs about $48 per person and up. Crab legs and possibly dessert add to the total, so family bills can climb quickly.
That price is the biggest sticking point. Some feel it is too steep, while others see real value in the sheer amount of choice.
The Bonfire holds a 3.9 average from more than 5,400 opinions, which fits its reputation. Nobody dish wins every table, but the variety means almost everyone finds something they like.
A few tips help. Walk the whole line before filling a plate, lean into the meats and desserts, and decide on crab legs in advance.
For a 50-year-old Ocean City tradition with friendly staff and 150 feet of food, the Bonfire remains worth one hungry evening. Go with realistic plans, and the odds of leaving full are very much in your favor.
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