The Sahara Cafe story began in 1986, when Jay Whitmeyer first opened Surf and Sands in Ocean City. For over three decades, Jay poured his heart into this community, eventually transitioning to the Sahara Cafe we know and love today. After a long, wonderful run, Jay retired in 2019, handing the keys to Neela and Steve to carry on the legacy.

While owners may change, the soul of the Sahara remains the same. A lot of our regulars still visit to share stories of Joyce, our legendary server whose kindness left a mark on everyone she met. Today, we keep that friendly, laid-back spirit alive with a mix of rock-and-roll nostalgia, 60s and 70s vibes, and Grateful Dead memorabilia tucked into every corner.

But at the end of the day, it’s all about the food. From our famous huge coffee mugs to our signature breakfast platters, we are proud to be your favorite beach breakfast digs. We look forward to many more summer seasons of serving amazing meals and making lasting memories with our Ocean City family.