Enjoy a brew with a view at a local bar and restaurant in Ocean City that overlooks the Inlet and Assateague Island. I stopped into the Frog Bar this week with my good friend, Kristi Kruger, on her birthday during an early fall rain shower. We were instantly comforted when we walked through the door at Frog Bar and smelled the welcoming aroma of enticing food. “It’s warm in here,” I commented to Kristi as we came inside from the rain and settled down at a four-top table.
    Delmar, a retired state trooper who now owns and operates Frog Bar & Grill with his lovely wife, Dena, greeted us and recommended the Mushroom Swiss Burger and Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich, both of which are locally renowned. “Recently, a couple drove for four hours just to indulge in our Mushroom Swiss Burger, which is topped with a whole marinated and grilled portabella mushroom,” says Delmar. “And, many of our loyal customers have written into the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, suggesting that the television show feature Frog Bar & Grill on its restaurant guide. We would love to be profiled on that show, so please come visit us and write a recommendation.”
    A local flair is evident throughout the restaurant, from locally brewed beers on tap to a fresh herb garden near the restaurant’s outdoor patio. In fact, the portabella mushrooms used for the regionally famous Mushroom Swiss Burger are locally grown, and the rolls are purchased from a neighborhood bakery. Each morning, Dena buys fresh vegetables from Birch’s Produce Market in West Ocean City, and she creates seasonal recipes in the restaurant’s kitchen for weekly chef selections. An item on the menu, The Uncle Remo, is grilled chicken and melted provolone cheese slathered in Parmesan marinara from a locally owned and operated restaurant directly across the street—Adolfo’s. Even the easily recognized name “Frog Bar & Grill” pays homage to the businesses that occupied the premises before Delmar & Dena bought the establishment two years ago.
    Local customers love patronizing the Frog Bar & Grill during Froggy Hour, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm every day. During Froggy Hour, enjoy $1 Miller Lite drafts and $5 Miller Lite pitchers. Plus, Happy Hour takes place from 3:00 to 6:00 pm every day.
    When Kristi and I enjoyed her birthday dinner at Frog Bar & Grill, the place was jam packed with happy customers. Classic rock songs waft from the speakers and add to the lively atmosphere. We sat across from a wall of apparel and merchandise, such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, magnets, and drink koozies. If you wear a Frog Bar T-shirt, you’ll receive one free shooter per day.
    Keno, Megatouch games, and a TouchTunes jukebox offer plenty of entertainment, but my favorite feature of Frog Bar & Grill is its outdoor patio. Tall tabletops and umbrella-covered seating offer a quaint outdoor dining experience, complete with music and sophisticated lighting. Best of all, the view of Ocean City’s Inlet and Assateague Island is unparalleled. The number of birds and seagulls floating in the Inlet surf amazed us, and we are most impressed with the stunning shades of pink that the sky displays during sunset.
    Kristi started her birthday celebration with a pint of Lot No3 India Pale Ale from Evolution Craft Brewing Co., and I indulged in a Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. “I love autumn brews,” commented Kristi. Frog Bar & Grill also has Samuel Adams Octoberfest on tap. A Baltimore Ravens fan base, during all NFL games Frog Bar & Grill provides drink specials like $2.50 Bud Light bottles and Twisted Teas, and extra large Rolling Rocks.
    Gracious ladies Gail and Denise were both our attentive servers. They recommend Chicken Wings, which are rotisserie grilled and then deep-fried. The kitchen at Frog Bar is equipped with a flame grill, as opposed to a flat grill. Kristi and I ordered the Old Bay Wings with celery sticks and chunky blue cheese dip, and a daily special—Texas Tangy Mustard Wings. I love the crispy rotisserie wings, and I’ll definitely return for more. Mild, hot, BBQ, garlic butter, jerk, neked, and mild or hot garlic are other wing flavors. If you dare, try the Crying Frog Wings—hotter than hot, don’t try these unless you wanna cry!
    We also ordered a bowl of homemade Spicy Crab & Sweet Corn Chowder. With a hint of brandy, the soup is a “must have” comfort food on a chilly autumn day. All of the soups at Frog Bar & Grill are homemade, including Chili and Maryland Crab Soup. We also sampled the Tomato Mozzarella Salad, made with locally grown tomatoes and fresh basil. Frog Bar & Grill also boasts fresh grilled tuna, which can be prepared on a brioche roll with lettuce and tarter sauce, or on a salad with locally grown ingredients.
    Frog Bar & Grill is probably best known for its delicious char grilled, hand pattied, fresh ground beef burgers. Kristi and I ordered a Cheeseburger on a fresh baked brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo. The Hawaiian Burger is piled high with sweet ham, grilled pineapple, melted Swiss cheese, and homemade honey mustard. Hearty appetites love the Butch Burger, topped with thick-cut bacon, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, and creamy ranch. Bacon Cheeseburger and Chili Cheeseburger are two more mouth-watering items on the menu.
    An extensive list of Chicken Sandwiches is on the menu, including Hawaiian Chicken, Buffalo Chicken, Bacon Swiss Ranch, and more. Pulled Pork, The Italian, and a variety of Hot Dogs are on the menu too. Coconut Shrimp, Loaded Nachos, Queso Dunk, Calamari, deep-fried Raviolis, and Pork Shanks are on the appetizers menu.
    If you love fries, you’ll love Frog Bar & Grill’s fresh cut fries. Try the Old Bay Fries, or order the Frog Fries smothered in homemade hearty chili, creamy cheese sauce, fresh onions, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch.
    Homemade recipes and locally grown ingredients put the food at Frog Bar & Grill in a league of its own. The phenomenal view offers a panoramic water backdrop and sightings of dolphins, ponies, and other wildlife. The restaurant is located on the second-story at 806 South Boardwalk, #16, in Ocean City. For more information, call 410-289-3764 or visit http://www.facebook.com/FROGBARANDGRILL. I’ll see you at Frog Bar & Grill for the best brew with the best view.