Joes Fish Company

If you are looking for the absolute best vantage point to sip a cold one while watching the Wildwood Boardwalk hum with energy, Joe’s Fish Co. is your destination. Located on Morey’s Surfside Pier (at 26th Ave), this isn’t just another boardwalk snack stand. It is a multi-level, open-air seafood powerhouse that manages to feel like a high-end coastal shack despite being surrounded by world-class rollercoasters.

The history of the place is synonymous with the Morey family’s “rags-to-riches” legacy on the piers. Named in honor of the family patriarch, Joe Morey, the venue was designed to provide a more refined, sit-down dining experience compared to the typical “walk-and-eat” boardwalk fare. It successfully blends the nostalgia of an old-timey nautical tavern with a contemporary, breezy atmosphere that makes you want to linger for hours.

The Bar Experience & Drinks

For the drink enthusiast, the second-floor rooftop bar is the crown jewel. This is where you escape the heat and the crowds. It features a heavy emphasis on local flavor, specifically through their “100 Mile Flight”—a rotating selection of craft beers brewed within a 100-mile radius of the pier (look for local heavy hitters like Cape May, Tuckahoe, and Glasstown Brewing).

If you’re a cocktail fan, Joe’s leans into the refreshing and the “boardwalk-sized.” Their Signature Margaritas and Corona-Ritas are legendary for a reason—they are cold, consistent, and designed for summer. For something unique to the region, keep an eye out for their Beach Plum Margarita, utilizing Jersey-grown beach plums. However, be a savvy drinker: reviews mention that some specialty cocktails (like the Limoncello Spritz) can lean heavily on the sweet side, so if you prefer a drier profile, stick to the craft taps or a classic Dark and Stormy.

What to Expect: An Honest Take

Let’s be real: you are dining on a pier in an amusement park. You will hear the screams of thrill-seekers from the nearby rides and the thumping bass of the boardwalk music. To some, this is the ultimate high-energy “Wildwood Vibe”; to others, it can be a bit loud. Seating on the upper deck along the rail is the most sought-after spot in town for the Friday Night Fireworks, but expect a wait during peak season.

The food is “Fine Dining on the Pier.” You’ll find fresh Cape May Salts (oysters), beer-battered fish and chips, and arguably some of the best Maryland Crab Cakes on the island—very little filler, all meat. While most experiences are stellar, peak-hour service can occasionally lag when the pier is packed, so go in with “vacation time” expectations and you’ll have a fantastic time.

SEASONAL (Typically open May through September; check website for exact Surfside Pier operating hours).

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.