Okay so here’s how I actually tracked down that famous seafood spot up in North Wildwood. Woke up last Tuesday around 11 AM, sun already beating down, thinking, “Today’s the day for some legit fresh seafood.” Everyone kept buzzing about Ricks Seafood online, how amazing their crab was, but finding the actual place? That was the trick.
Seriously, The First Try Was a Bust
Grabbed my phone, punched in “Ricks Seafood North Wildwood NJ” like anyone would. GPS took me right to Fish Dock Road, easy enough. Pulled up expecting a big sign… nothing. Saw a place called The Crab House. Looked decent, reviews were okay (ranked like 66 out of 133 places they said), kinda pricey-ish. But wasn’t the Ricks everyone raved about. Felt kinda let down. Sat in the car for a minute, scrolling maps feeling frustrated. Figured it had to be nearby.
Spotted another place close by on the map – The Dock. Huh, ranked way higher, like 49th. Thought maybe? Drove over quick. Saw folks sitting outside enjoying lunch. Looked nice, good vibes. Still not “Ricks” though. Started wondering if this whole Ricks thing was maybe just another name or something local folks called one of these spots.
Just Started Driving Around the Dock Area
Decided screw it, I’m parked already near the water. Went on a little drive-slash-walk adventure. Cruised slowly along the streets running near the boat docks. Took a turn down this one slightly less obvious road and bam! Spotted this crab shack, painted bright blue, looked a bit older, packed with cars all around it. Legit couldn’t park for shit! Had to circle the block twice. Sign said Rick’s Crab Trap or something super similar. This had to be it! The vibe screamed busy, fresh, local hotspot.
Finally Found the Real Deal
Snagged a spot like three blocks away and walked over. Place was jumping! Lines at the counter. Big piles of steamed crabs right by the entrance. Smell was insane – all salty ocean and Old Bay. Didn’t need the sign anymore, knew I hit the jackpot. Chatted with the guy behind the counter ordering, asked about the confusion. He laughed, said yeah, people mix up the names all the time, especially online. This was the place folks meant.
Ordered a couple crabs, some shrimp, and hushpuppies – basic stuff but gotta test it right? Sat at a beat-up picnic table out back watching the boats. Crabs were steamed perfect, heavy with spice, sweet meat. Shrimp were plump and cooked just right. Even the hushpuppies weren’t greasy. Just damn good.
So, The Verdict
Finding Ricks Seafood? Forget relying solely on the GPS name tag or even TripAdvisor listings pointing to slightly different spots. If you want that authentic, chaotic, delicious dock-feeling seafood feast everyone’s whispering about:
- Head straight to the main docks area.
- Be prepared to drive slow and look for the bustling place with bad parking.
- Look for the packed shack vibe, often slightly hidden off the main drag.
- Ask a local if you get lost – they know.
Totally worth the hunt. Trust the buzz, ignore the slightly wrong online names sometimes. Just follow your nose to the busiest crab shack near the water. That’s where the magic happens.
