If you’ve ever walked down 28th Street in Ocean City, Maryland, and felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to wave a Terrible Towel, you aren't lost. You’re just standing outside Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon OC MD. It’s a place that feels like a gritty, beloved neighborhood pub from the Monongahela Valley was picked up by a giant hand and dropped squarely into a coastal resort town.
Ocean City has plenty of massive tiki bars. It has white-tablecloth seafood spots. But Buxy's is different. It’s a Pittsburgh-themed sanctuary where the beer is cold, the "chipped ham" is authentic, and the walls are a literal museum of Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins lore. Honestly, if you don't like the color gold, you might want to brace yourself before stepping inside.
The Steel City Connection in the Heart of Maryland
What most people get wrong about Buxy’s is thinking it’s just another sports bar. It’s actually more of a cultural embassy. Founded by Doug "Buxy" Buxbaum, a guy who grew up in the Pittsburgh area, the saloon was born from a desire to bring that specific, blue-collar Western PA hospitality to the Atlantic coast.
It’s been around since 1999. Think about that for a second. In a resort town where businesses flip faster than pancakes at a boardwalk diner, twenty-five plus years of staying power is a lifetime. You see the same faces every summer. You see the same locals every winter.
The vibe is unapologetically loud. When a Steelers game is on, the atmosphere isn't just "supportive"—it’s electric. People aren't just watching the game; they are living it. You’ve got multigenerational families sitting at high-top tables, grandfathers explaining to their grandkids why the 1970s "Steel Curtain" was the greatest defense in NFL history, all while crushing plates of pierogies. It’s chaotic. It’s fun. It’s home for anyone who identifies as a "Yinner."
More Than Just Terrible Towels: The Food Reality
Let's talk about the food, because that’s where the real magic happens. If you’re looking for a dainty salad with a balsamic drizzle, you are in the wrong neighborhood.
Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon OC MD is famous for its "Pittsburgh Style" sandwiches. For the uninitiated, that means they put the fries and the coleslaw inside the sandwich. It’s messy. It’s structurally unsound. It’s delicious. They use Italian bread that somehow holds the whole heavy mess together just long enough for you to finish it.
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The Chipped Ham Situation
You can't mention a Pittsburgh bar without talking about Isaly’s Chipped Chopped Ham. For those who didn't grow up in Western PA, this is a very specific way of shaving ham so thin it’s basically translucent. Buxy’s gets this right. They serve it on a roll with BBQ sauce, and for a lot of visitors, it’s the only place outside of Allegheny County where they can get their fix.
They also do "City Chicken"—which, surprise, isn't chicken at all. It’s cubes of pork and veal on a skewer, breaded and fried. It’s the kind of old-school, ethnic-neighborhood comfort food that feels like a hug from a grandmother who really wants you to put on a sweater.
And then there are the pierogies.
They don't just throw some frozen ones in a fryer. They sauté them with onions and butter until they have that perfect, slightly crispy skin and soft, pillowy potato interior. It’s the ultimate "soak up the beer" food.
The Dry Dock and the Evolution of 28th Street
A few years back, the Buxy’s empire expanded slightly with the addition of the Dry Dock 28. While the Salty Dog is the dark, cozy, memorabilia-packed heart of the operation, the Dry Dock offers a slightly more modern, airy feel right next door.
It’s a smart move. It allows the complex to handle the massive crowds that descend during the summer months. You can grab a craft beer or a "Crush"—the unofficial state drink of Maryland—and still feel like you're part of the Buxy's family.
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The location is actually pretty strategic. Being on 28th Street puts it just far enough away from the frantic energy of the downtown Boardwalk to feel like a "local" spot, but it's still easily accessible by the coastal highway bus.
Why Locals Love the Off-Season
If you want to see the real Buxy's, go in February.
The tourists are gone. The salt air is freezing. Inside the saloon, though, it’s warm. This is when the "Salty Dog" regulars really reclaim their territory. There are dart leagues, local gossip, and a sense of community that you just don't find at the big-box beach bars. It’s one of the few places in Ocean City where the bartender likely knows your name, your order, and which Pittsburgh neighborhood your cousin lives in.
Navigating the Crowd: Expert Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon OC MD during a Steelers game, show up early. No, earlier than that.
The place fills up fast. Like, "standing room only before kickoff" fast. If you aren't wearing black and gold, you won't be kicked out, but you will definitely be the odd man out. It’s all in good fun, though. The banter is part of the experience.
- Parking: It can be a nightmare in mid-July. Use the side streets, but watch the signs. OC meter maids are legendary for their efficiency.
- The Menu: Don't skip the "Iron City" beer if you want the full experience. It’s not a craft IPA; it’s a classic American lager that tastes like nostalgia.
- Memorabilia: Take five minutes to actually look at the walls. There are signed photos and jerseys that are legitimately impressive. It’s not just "stuff" bought from a decor store; most of it has a story behind it.
The Cultural Impact of the Salty Dog
There is a weird, documented phenomenon of "Pittsburgh Diaspora." People from Pittsburgh move everywhere, but they never stop being from Pittsburgh. Buxy’s acts as a lighthouse for these people.
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It’s a testament to how food and sports can create a sense of place. When you’re at Buxy's, you aren't in a tourist trap. You're in a slice of the 412.
The service reflects this. It’s "no-nonsense." The servers are fast, efficient, and they don't do the over-the-top corporate "hi, my name is Brandi and I’ll be your server today" routine. They’re real. They might give you a bit of a hard time if you take too long to order, but it’s done with a wink.
Practical Insights for Your Trip
To get the most out of your visit to Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon OC MD, keep these things in mind.
First, check their social media or website for the daily specials. They often have deals on wings or specific Pittsburgh favorites that aren't on the main menu year-round.
Second, if you’re traveling with a large group, call ahead, but don't expect a reservation during peak hours. It’s a saloon, not a bistro.
Third, embrace the "Salty Dog" aspect. It’s called a saloon for a reason. It’s meant to be a bit worn around the edges. That’s the charm. It’s a place where you can wear flip-flops, have sand in your shoes from a day on the beach, and still feel completely welcome.
Actionable Next Steps
- Plan your timing: Visit on a Sunday during NFL season if you want high-energy chaos; visit on a Tuesday afternoon if you want a quiet, legendary sandwich.
- Order the "Pittsburgh Style": Even if you think fries on a sandwich sounds weird, just try it once. It's a rite of passage.
- Check out the Dry Dock: If the main bar is too crowded, the sister property next door usually has a bit more breathing room and a great selection of local Maryland brews.
- Talk to the staff: Many of them have been there for years. They have the best stories about Ocean City "back in the day."
Buxy's remains a cornerstone of the Ocean City experience because it doesn't try to be anything other than what it is: a gritty, friendly, Pittsburgh-obsessed haven for people who love good food and better company.