By Steffen Klenk
For over five decades, Varsity Inn has been serving residents and visitors of Ocean City. Step foot inside the building and you will find yourself immersed by an entire wall of pennants representing various colleges. One look at their menu and you can tell why customers keep coming back. Here, you will not just find classic diner fare but a hardy selection of soups, sandwiches, and rotating specials that will leave your mouth watering.
The Varsity Inn was first built in 1905. It originally served as a Methodist retreat, one room schoolhouse, and a private residence. Following World War II, the building became known as the Florida Inn Restaurant, and later became the White Whale Coffee House in the 1960s, described as a place for locals and visitors to “hang out.” In 1969, the Symonds Family purchased the property and the Varsity Inn Restaurant welcomed customers the following summer.
Over the years, things have stayed the same at Varsity Inn, with a few small changes along the way. Earlier this year, former owner Keith Symonds announced his retirement. Since then, a new family has purchased the landmark restaurant. Chris and Marsha McCarthy are the new owners of Varsity Inn and have arrived in Ocean City with their two kids, Chris and Kyla. The family has previously vacationed in the resort town and are in the process of becoming full-time residents. “I was in college, visiting Ocean City, and the Varsity became a main fixture in my weekend breakfast routine,” Marsha says.
Over the years, the Varsity Inn has become noted for its Baked Jersey Tomato Soup. According to the owners, one of the most popular menu items is their signature dish: the Red Raider Combo. It is described as a crock of their signature Tomato Soup, covered with croutons and cheese, and baked until golden brown, with a side of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. This delectable duo makes for a scrumptious meal no matter the weather.
You will also find other delicious menu items, ranging from their Cinnamon Crunch French Toast, topped with a caramel drizzle, to cannoli filled pancakes, and their ultimate French dip. If you’re looking for classic restaurant fare, give the 8th Street Cheeseburger a try, or if you’re in the mood for lite fare, you won’t go wrong with their caprese salad.
Whether you’re visiting for just one day, or a lifetime, it is the charm and experience of Varsity Inn that keeps loyal customers coming back. One of the most pivotal pieces of this iconic restaurant is its storied history, one that generations of families have come to enjoy. Chris McCarthy says that its tradition of serving American food and local flare will continue with very little change. “The Varsity is owned by the community; they’re the ones that have kept it going all this time.”
As for the future, the McCarthy family has plans to be involved with many community events. This Spring, you may find a pint of Baked Jersey Tomato Soup while strolling the Ocean City Farmers Market on Wednesdays, along with a presence at the Spring Block Party in early May. Their mission is to provide the best possible experience for their customers with the upmost hospitality. “Serving a good high-quality breakfast, and doing so in a friendly, warm, and welcoming way. That’s the tradition of the Varsity.”
Over the years, this iconic Ocean City landmark has served many generations of customers. While the building has required plenty of TLC and a facelift, Varsity Inn’s newly updated, clean, and bright dining space has become a welcome sight for customers who are looking to enjoy the same caring service and classic American fare they have come to know and love for many years.
Varsity Inn is located at 605 E. 8th Street in Ocean City. They are currently open Thursday-Monday from 7am-2pm, serving breakfast and lunch. Their number is 609-399-1500. You can view their entire menu online at varsityinnocnj.com, and be sure to follow them on social media at www.facebook.com/varsityinnocnj or on Instagram @varsity_ocnj for the most up-to-date information.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
