The Story of Ike’s Famous Crabcakes

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The story of Ike’s Famous Crabcakes, now known as a favorite seafood restaurant on the Ocean City NJ boardwalk, began in 1980 when Ike Cassoboon discovered his passion for cooking fresh seafood.  Ike started small, operating a festival food stand where he served a variety of homemade dishes. One day he decided to bring along a few of his mother’s crabcakes. The reaction was unforgettable.  As Ike famously put it, people “went fing nuts”* over them.  That moment sparked the beginning of what would become Ike’s Famous Crabcakes — a brand that would grow into one of the most recognizable spots for crabcakes in Ocean City NJ.

 

From California Kitchens to the Jersey Shore

Before launching his own restaurant, Ike gained years of culinary experience working in unique kitchens across the country.  He worked as a chef at the original Cheesecake Factory in California, cooked aboard a scallop boat preparing meals for crews spending days at sea, and even crafted highly detailed handmade fishing rods. These experiences shaped Ike’s approach to seafood — simple ingredients, cooked well, and served fresh.  His first restaurant venture was Ike’s Canyon Grill, located inside the Canyon Club in Cape May, New Jersey.

 

A Home on the Ocean City Boardwalk

In 1990, Ike took over the lease at 1344 Boardwalk in Ocean City NJ, transforming the location into what would become the home of Ike’s Famous Crabcakes.  The restaurant quickly became a favorite stop for families and vacationers looking for boardwalk seafood in Ocean City. In 2004, the restaurant expanded, doubling in size to accommodate the growing demand for Ike’s signature dishes.  More than three decades later, this same location continues to serve visitors enjoying the Ocean City NJ boardwalk.  From day one, Ike’s has focused on offering a casual, family-friendly dining experience built around high-quality seafood and made-to-order meals.

 

Carrying the Tradition Forward

In 2012, Frank and Alec Palmieri took over the restaurant, bringing new energy while staying true to the recipes and traditions Ike created.

Both Frank and Alec had already spent years working in the kitchen at Ike’s Famous Crabcakes before becoming owners. Frank’s experience dates back to 2005, when he first started working in the restaurant and began dreaming of owning it one day.

That dream became reality when the Palmieri brothers took the helm, continuing the tradition of serving what many visitors now call the best crabcakes in Ocean City NJ.  In 2020, Ike’s Famous Crabcakes proudly celebrated 30 years on the Ocean City boardwalk.

 

An Ocean City NJ Tradition

Today, Ike’s Famous Crabcakes remains a staple seafood restaurant in Ocean City NJ, serving locals, vacationers, and returning families who make Ike’s part of their boardwalk tradition every summer.  We continue to take pride in every dish we serve — using quality ingredients and preparing our seafood fresh to order.  Ike’s legacy lives on with every Famous Crabcake served.

 

Visit Us on the Ocean City Boardwalk

Whether you're exploring the boardwalk, heading back from the beach, or searching for the best seafood restaurant in Ocean City NJ, we invite you to stop by and experience Ike’s Famous Crabcakes.  Join us for lunch, dinner, or just to say hello.

If you're not currently in Ocean City, you can still enjoy Ike’s at home. Look for us at food festivals or visit our online shop to order our Famous Crabcakes, crab balls, homemade sauces, and new merchandise delivered right to your door.

 

Join the Crabcake Club

Our Crabcake Club subscription delivers Ike’s Famous Crabcakes straight to your home every month — perfect for seafood lovers who want a taste of the Ocean City boardwalk anytime.

 

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