Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant

For generations of Maryland residents, especially those who cherish their annual beach vacations, Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant in Ocean City is more than just an eating establishment; it's an iconic tradition. Since its humble beginnings in 1939, when Mrs. Gladys Dumser first started crafting her delicious homemade ice cream on the boardwalk, Dumser's has grown into a beloved institution. The location at 12305 Coastal Hwy, in particular, stands as a testament to this enduring legacy, offering not only their famous ice cream but also a full diner-style menu that caters to every family member. In a town where dining can sometimes feel overpriced or overly ambitious, Dumser's Dairyland consistently delivers on its promise: simple, good food and exceptional ice cream, all at a fair price, making it a true gem for locals and visitors alike.

What sets Dumser's Dairyland apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and a nostalgic atmosphere. The ice cream, made fresh daily on the premises, is consistently described as "excellent," "creamy," and "delicious," with flavors like Coconut Chocolate Chip, Cookie Monster, Banana, Cookies and Cream, and classic Vanilla Soft Serve garnering rave reviews. Customers frequently highlight the generous portions, whether it's a scoop of hard ice cream, a milkshake, or one of their substantial sundaes served in an old-fashioned, ice-cold metal dish that helps prevent rapid melting. Beyond the sweet treats, this particular Dumser's location also functions as a full-service restaurant, offering a diner-style menu that features straightforward yet satisfying dishes like burgers, chicken tenders, and salads. This versatility makes it an ideal spot for families looking for a complete meal before indulging in dessert. Reviewers often praise the "fair prices" in a town known for being expensive, making Dumser's an "excellent" and affordable choice for families. The blend of delicious food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and a welcoming, often nostalgic, atmosphere solidifies Dumser's Dairyland's reputation as a cherished Ocean City landmark.

Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant at 12305 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA, boasts a prime and easily accessible location. Situated directly on Coastal Highway, one of Ocean City's main thoroughfares, it's effortless for both local Maryland residents and vacationers to find. This particular branch is one of the two full-service restaurant locations (the other being at 49th Street), offering the convenience of a sit-down meal in addition to ice cream. Its placement on the northern end of Ocean City makes it a convenient stop for those staying in the uptown area or driving into town from points north. The accessibility extends to parking, which is typically ample at this larger restaurant location, a significant advantage in a busy resort town. Being on a major highway also means it's highly visible and easy to spot, even for first-time visitors. Whether you're coming straight from a day on the beach, after shopping, or as a planned dinner outing, the 123rd Street location of Dumser's Dairyland offers a convenient and straightforward dining experience, perfectly integrated into the flow of Ocean City life.

Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant offers a comprehensive menu that extends far beyond just ice cream, catering to a wide range of appetites throughout the day. Their services include:

• Homemade Ice Cream: Made fresh daily on the premises since 1939. This includes a wide variety of hand-dipped hard ice cream flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee, Banana, Oreo Crush, Butter Pecan, Black Raspberry, Peanut Butter Fudge, Mint Chocolate Chip, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Mint Oreo, and Hawaiian Delight. They also offer a "Flavor of the Day."

• Soft Serve Ice Cream: Classic chocolate, vanilla, and swirl soft serve, often available with various toppings like rainbow sprinkles or a chocolate dip top.

• Sundaes: Available in various sizes (small, large, super sundaes), featuring generous scoops of ice cream with a variety of toppings (hot fudge, Ghirardelli chocolate syrup, strawberry, pineapple, sea salt caramel, marshmallow cream, peanut butter, butterscotch, wet walnuts, crushed nuts, Oreo cookies, M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, chocolate chips, gummy bears), whipped cream, and a cherry. Specialty sundaes include Peanut Butter Supreme, Dieter's Revenge, Mint Chocolate Sundae, Monkey Business, Southern Treat, Nutty Buddy, Dusty Dumser, Triple Chocolate Sundae, Coco Loco, Sweet 'n Salty, and Mocha Madness.

• Milkshakes and Malts: Made with any flavor of their hand-dipped ice cream, available in regular (16 oz.) and large (22 oz.) sizes, ensuring a thick and flavorful blend.

• Ice Cream Sodas and Floats: Combinations of ice cream with classic sodas like Coca-Cola, Root Beer, Orange, Cherry, or Sprite, often topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

• Diner-Style Food Menu: This location (123rd Street) offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. This includes:

  • Sandwiches and Subs: Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, steak sandwiches, hot dogs, grilled cheese, BLTs, clubs, tuna salad, fried chicken filet, grilled chicken filet, and more.
  • Platters and Baskets: Such as Fish & Chips, Shrimp Basket, Clam Basket, and Chicken Tender Basket.
  • Hot Open-Faced Sandwiches: Like Hot Turkey and Hot Roast Beef served with mashed potatoes and green beans.
  • Salads: Tossed salads, grilled chicken garden salads, crispy chicken garden salads.
  • Side Orders: French fries, onion rings, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, potato salad, applesauce, green beans, mac-n-cheese.
  • Breakfast Items: A comprehensive breakfast menu with various options.

• Beverages: Handmade fountain sodas (including their famous Cherry Coca-Cola), fresh brewed coffee (regular or decaf), iced tea (sweet or unsweetened), hot tea, hot chocolate, milk, and chocolate milk.

• Take-Home Ice Cream: Pints, quarts, and half-gallons of their homemade ice cream are available for purchase.

• Kids' Menu: A dedicated "Kiddie Korner" with options like grilled cheese, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and junior cheeseburgers.

Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination in Ocean City:

• Homemade Ice Cream Excellence: Their defining feature is the high quality of their ice cream, made fresh daily on the premises since 1939. This long-standing tradition ensures a creamy, rich, and intensely flavored product that loyal customers rave about.

• Generous Portions: Patrons consistently highlight the "generous scoops" and substantial sizes of their sundaes and milkshakes, offering excellent value for money, especially in a resort town where prices can be inflated.

• Full-Service Diner Experience: Unlike many ice cream shops, this location offers a complete diner menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This versatility means families can enjoy a full meal and dessert all in one convenient spot.

• Family-Friendly and Affordable: Reviews emphasize that Dumser's is "excellent for families" due to its varied menu, appealing options for children, and "fair prices" that stand out in Ocean City.

• Nostalgic Atmosphere: Many Dumser's locations evoke the charm of a 1940s or 1950s ice cream parlor or diner, complete with old-fashioned tin ceilings and high-back booths, offering a delightful step back in time.

• Efficient Service: Even during busy periods, the staff are noted for moving lines quickly and providing friendly service, minimizing wait times for eager customers.

• Iconic Ocean City Tradition: Dumser's is deeply rooted in Ocean City's history and is considered a must-visit tradition for many families vacationing in or residing near the resort town.

• Ice Cold Metal Sundae Dishes: A small but appreciated detail, the use of chilled metal dishes helps keep sundaes from melting too quickly, enhancing the enjoyment.

For those looking to experience this Ocean City classic, here is the contact information for Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant:

Address: 12305 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA

Phone: (410) 250-5543

Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Maryland region, particularly those living in or frequently visiting Ocean City, for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, its long-standing history since 1939 has cemented its status as an Ocean City institution and a cherished family tradition for generations of Marylanders. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to create memories, year after year. For locals, having access to consistently delicious, homemade ice cream made fresh daily is a significant draw, ensuring a superior quality dessert experience right in their hometown. The generous portions offered, from scoops to sundaes, provide excellent value and satisfy even the heartiest sweet cravings, a definite bonus in a resort town.

Beyond the ice cream, this particular Dumser's location functions as a full-service diner, offering a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. This versatility makes it an incredibly convenient and practical choice for Maryland families looking for an all-in-one dining solution that caters to diverse tastes and meal times, all at fair and reasonable prices. In an area where dining costs can quickly add up, Dumser's provides an affordable yet satisfying option, making it a budget-friendly staple for local families. Its accessible location on Coastal Highway, combined with efficient and friendly service, ensures that a visit is always a pleasant and hassle-free experience. For Marylanders, Dumser's Dairyland represents a comforting taste of home, a piece of Ocean City's enduring charm, and a reliable spot for quality food and an unforgettable sweet treat.

Dumser's Dairyland Restaurant

12305 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842, USA