People often ask me which one of Ocean City’s many fabulous restaurants I recommend for the best food and the best atmosphere. Located within the Harbour Island community on 14th Street’s bayfront, the Reel Inn Dockbar & Baithouse Café is absolutely at the top of my list. Family owned and operated, the restaurant is situated directly on the marina and offers superior water views, delicious food, and gracious service. Owners Scott (aka Spunky) and Angie Lathroum consistently improve recipes and the restaurant’s sublime outdoor and indoor settings, while leading a professional staff of servers, bartenders, and chefs. Their daughter, Ali, has perfected her serving skills at the dockside establishment.
    When you visit the Reel Inn, you’re sure to notice the pristine fishing boats that dock at the marina. Throughout the summer, the Reel Inn offers a quiet atmosphere where customers enjoy an extraordinary meals while relaxing and enjoying the bay and boats. For one week—August 3-7, 2009—the Reel Inn is the heart of the 36th Annual White Marlin Open. The world’s largest billfish tournament takes place right here in Ocean City, and the Reel Inn is the place to register, purchase event merchandise, and watch the weigh-ins. Registration is open until August 2nd from noon to 5 p.m. Fishing begins at 8:30 a.m. on August 3. Whether you’re an experienced angler or an interested spectator, make sure you stop by the Reel Inn between 5-8 p.m. from August 3-7 for all the weigh-in action. Food and beverage, arts and crafts, and retail vendors fill the marina with fun for the whole family. The event is open to the public, free of charge.
    Indeed, the Reel Inn is the hotspot for seafood and libations during the White Marlin Open, and throughout the summer. I was excited to visit the Reel Inn this week with my captivating and handsome date, Brian Keane. We opted to sit on the pleasant outdoor patio, at a waterfront table with an oversized umbrella and surrounded by lush plants and colorful flowers. Always welcoming, Spunky, Angie, and Ali each greeted us, and our server, Mike, told us about the daily specials. The lively bartender, Gussie, recognized us and sent over two cold refreshments—just in time for a glorious sunset over the bay.
    The Reel Inn serves up fresh, daily specials like Buffalo Shrimp and Steamed Mussels by the pound. On the day we visited, additional specials were a 14-ounce Rib Eye, homemade Ceviche—with shrimp and scallops in a wine citrus sauce and topped with lump crabmeat—and Seafood Pasta with shrimp, scallops, and mussels in a tomato cream sauce. Sweet Carolina Tea was freshly brewed and perfect for sipping on the patio. Other discounted liquid libations are available every day during Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. Rail drinks, orange crushes, house wine, frozen and specialty drinks, and domestic brews are all discounted, and food specials include Wings, Pizza, Crab Pretzels, and Steamed Shrimp. Beer and wine is sold to go, too, and the Reel Inn is proud to present a stellar wine list, including chardonnay, cabernet, white zinfandel, pinot grigio, merlot, and—in response to popular demand—Riesling.
    Brian and I decided to split a delectable summertime appetizer. We ordered the Reel Spring Rolls, which are stuffed with shrimp, wasabi, and seaweed salad and served with pickled ginger and a sweet dipping sauce. Calamari, Crab Dip, Ceviche, and House or Caesar Salad are other tempting appetizers at the Reel Inn, and each dish is under $10. Grilled Tuna, Grilled Spiced Shrimp, or Grilled Jerk Chicken can be added to the house or Caesar salad. My favorite appetizer at the Reel Inn is the Tuna Bites, which is comprised of seared, rare tuna and served with wasabi and ginger. Our Spring Rolls were bursting with flavor and are the perfect start to a seafood dinner.
    Burgers and sandwiches abound at the Reel Inn, with enticing concoctions like the Chicken Chesapeake Wrap—made with grilled jerk chicken and crab dip—and the Reel Cheesesteak Sub. The Reel Inn’s Hot Dog, Tuna Sandwich, and Chicken Breast Sandwich are all delicious options as well. Are you really, really hungry? Try the 6-ounce Big Bait Burger. The Reel Inn also prepares kids items for the “Jr. Angler.”
    On the Entrée menu, you’ll find irresistible seafood, such as the Single or Double Crab Cake Dinner, made with super lump and backfin crab and seasoned with the Reel Inn’s secret recipe. Meat lovers indulge in the Reel Inn’s Filet Mignon—8 ounces of tender center cut beef, grilled to your liking with a hint of seasoning. The Reel Inn Surf & Turf dish combines the best of both worlds—the filet mignon with your choice of a Crab Cake or grilled, marinated Jumbo Shrimp. For the extra large appetite, the Reel Inn offers the Captain’s Platter, which is comprised of North Atlantic Scallops, marinated Jumbo Shrimp, and a Reel Inn Crab Cake. For all the anglers and fishing enthusiast who arrive at the Reel Inn by foot, car, or boat, the establishment offers a “You Catch We Cook” deal. Bring in your fresh-filleted catch, and they’ll prepare it your way. All dinners include the starch and vegetable of the day.
    I ordered the Crab Cake Dinner, which was accompanied by fresh, crispy green beans and a generous portion of rice. The Crab Cake is one of the best in town with no filler, just chunks of lump crabmeat. Brian selected the Surf & Turf with Crab Cake. Grilled to his liking—medium—he ate every last bite and didn’t save any for his Chesapeake Bay retriever, Bentley, at home. “I give the Reel Inn two thumbs up,” raved Brian. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal, as we slowly dined on each course and admired the immaculate boats, stunning sunset, and sparkling bay.
    It’s hard to believe that such a serene setting will be overflowing with fun-loving crowds when the White Marlin Open takes place August 3-7. You can find the Reel Inn Dockbar & Baithouse Café on the dock surrounding the Harbour Inn community on 14th Street. I’m looking forward to returning for the huge fishing event, and for their competitive happy hour discounts. When you visit, remember to say hello to Spunky, Angie, and Ali. Also, ask bartenders Gussie and Egg for one of their specialty drinks like the Egg-A-Rita. I’ll see you on the dock.