Sunday 28th of December 2014 09:33:55 PM

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Ocean City Maryland is a very popular and enjoyable beach town. The lengthy Atlantic Avenue beachfront boardwalk is lined with hotels, shops and places to eat. The Coastal Highway that runs the center of the barrier island has many worthy stops including several new breweries. In the summer peak season, the town is quite crowded and parking can be a challenge, but with 5 breweries and some great bars, it is definitely worth visiting anytime. Backshore is located right on the boardwalk with a great view of the ocean. It has been here for several years, originally under the name Shorebilly, but in 2014 renamed itself to Backshore Brewing Co. It occupies the first floor of a 7-story pale orange hotel. Out front is there circular cursive sign and the colorful painted front half of a Volkswagen van. There are several outdoor wooden patio tables, which is the bulk of the seating. Inside there is just a small space with a 6 stool wooden bar. On the right is the small refrigerator with half growlers of their beers for sale. The decor is colorful, eclectic and beach themed of course. The bar is stocked with a variety of drinks for beach goers, including a mason jar collection of moonshine whiskeys. Behind the bar on the right are their four small stainless steel fermenters and a couple small bright tanks. To the left is their nano brewhouse with three large stainless steel pots for brewing. They have 6 beers on tap which where all drinkable, perhaps just better than average. They always have Downtown Sugar Brown on tap, and my favorites tend to be their varied rotating IPA's. The beer tap handles are mini skateboards, pint beers are served in mason jars, and they also offer sampler flights. Although this place is mainly just a drinks bar, they have a compact beach fare menu with wraps, tacos, and sliders. The service was friendly, casual and quick. I enjoyed my brief visit, so if you're strolling the boardwalk, I highly recommend stopping by.