13 Iconic Jersey Shore Boardwalk Pizza Joints Still Holding Strong
Salt lingers in the breeze while the boardwalk comes alive with the sounds of seagulls, crashing waves, and laughter from the arcades. As the sun dips low and neon lights flicker on, the smell of baking dough and bubbling cheese drifts from pizza counters that have stood for decades.
Along the Jersey Shore, these pizzerias have become part of summer itself – places where generations line up in flip-flops, cash in hand, for a slice that tastes like tradition and feels like coming home.
1. Maruca’s Tomato Pies (Seaside Heights)
The signature swirl of sauce makes Maruca’s instantly recognizable among Jersey Shore boardwalk offerings. Family-owned since 1950, this Seaside Heights landmark survived Hurricane Sandy and continues drawing lines for their distinctive pies.
Their cheese goes down first, followed by that famous spiral of tangy tomato sauce that’s become their trademark. Each slice offers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy crust.
2. Mack’s Pizza (Wildwood Boardwalk)
Summer memories form around Mack’s Pizza’s counter, a Wildwood institution since 1953. The recipe hasn’t changed in decades, with crispy-bottomed slices that maintain their structure even when eaten on the go.
Jersey Shore locals swear by the thin crust that somehow supports generous toppings without flopping. The slightly sweet sauce offers that nostalgic taste that transports visitors back to childhood summers.
3. Sam’s Pizza Palace (Wildwood Boardwalk)
Giant slices have been Sam’s calling card since 1957. The massive pizza requires two paper plates to hold properly, making it a true Wildwood value legend.
Founder Sam Spera’s original recipes still guide every pie that comes out of their ovens. The corner location with yellow awnings stands as a beacon for hungry beachgoers who’ve made stopping here a multi-generational tradition.
4. Three Brothers From Italy Pizza (Seaside Heights Boardwalk)
Famous for their jumbo slices that hang off paper plates, Three Brothers has fed hungry Jersey Shore boardwalk strollers since the 1970s. The no-frills approach focuses on consistent quality rather than trendy toppings.
Late night pizza cravings find their answer here, as they stay open well after other spots close. Their original location survived boardwalk fires and Hurricane Sandy, cementing their legendary status among Shore pizza institutions.
5. Manco & Manco Pizza (Ocean City Boardwalk)
The distinctive cross-hatched sauce pattern makes Manco & Manco’s pies instantly recognizable. Originally Mac & Manco until a 2011 name change, their three Ocean City Boardwalk locations draw consistent crowds all summer long.
Pizza makers put on a show, tossing dough high in front of picture windows. The thin, crispy crust with that perfect chew factor keeps families returning across generations for that taste that defines Ocean City summers.
6. Little Mac’s (Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach)
Tucked among the games and attractions of Jenkinson’s, Little Mac’s serves up slices that fuel Jersey Shore boardwalk adventures. The compact stand belies the big flavor in their traditional thin-crust pies.
Beach days in Point Pleasant often include a stop here between swimming and rides. Their consistent quality over decades has made them a reliable favorite rather than just a convenient option when hunger strikes mid-boardwalk.
7. Joey Tomato’s (Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach)
Generous toppings set Joey Tomato’s apart from other boardwalk options. Their specialty pies feature creative combinations while maintaining that essential Jersey Shore pizza character.
The central location makes it a natural meeting spot for families splitting up for different boardwalk activities. Evening brings a different crowd, with pizza becoming the perfect post-bar snack for the nightlife crowd spilling out from Jenkinson’s bars.
8. Prep’s Pizzeria & Dairy Bar (Ocean City Boardwalk)
The combination of fresh pizza and homemade ice cream makes Prep’s a double threat on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Their corner location near 9th Street has served as a landmark meeting spot for decades.
Cheese lovers appreciate the generous layer that stretches with each bite. The dairy bar side offers the perfect dessert follow-up, making Prep’s a complete meal solution rather than just a pizza stop.
9. Sawmill Pizza / Sawmill Café (Seaside Park)
Transitioning from daytime pizza joint to evening hotspot gives Sawmill a unique dual personality. Their rectangular Sicilian slices have developed a devoted following among boardwalk pizza connoisseurs.
The location at the southern end of the boardwalk makes it worth the walk. After surviving the devastating 2013 boardwalk fire, their reopening symbolized the resilience of Jersey Shore businesses and their importance to summer traditions.
10. Maruca’s Pizza (Casino Pier, Seaside Heights)
The Casino Pier location brings Maruca’s famous spiral sauce to the heart of Seaside’s amusement area. Different from the original but maintaining the same quality, this spot serves hungry thrill-seekers between rides.
The distinctive sauce swirl remains their signature, catching eyes as pizza makers create each pie. The location offers the perfect vantage point for watching boardwalk activities while enjoying what many consider the Jersey Shore’s most photogenic slice.
11. Mack’s Pizza North (North Wildwood)
The northern outpost of the Mack’s pizza empire offers the same beloved recipe in a different boardwalk setting. Slightly less crowded than the original, locals often prefer this location for a quicker slice.
The pizza remains identical – thin, crispy crust with that perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio. Generations of families have marked their Wildwood vacations with visits to both Mack’s locations, comparing notes on which they prefer.
12. Sam’s Pizza Palace (North Wildwood Boardwalk)
Not to be confused with Sam’s Palace, this North Wildwood outpost serves slices that rival its more famous namesake. The compact storefront belies the big flavors coming from their deck ovens.
Local debates rage about which Sam’s reigns supreme. The North Jersey Shore location wins points for shorter lines while maintaining quality. Their perfectly balanced sauce – not too sweet, not too tangy – complements the generous cheese layer.
13. Three Brothers Pizza Plus (Seaside Heights)
An offshoot of the original Three Brothers, this location maintains the tradition of massive slices at reasonable prices. The “Plus” refers to their expanded menu beyond standard pizza offerings.
Their corner location provides prime people-watching with your pizza. Hurricane Sandy tested their resilience, but like many Seaside institutions, they rebuilt stronger. The familiar taste provides comfort to visitors returning after the storm changed much of the boardwalk landscape.
