OCEAN CITY It's a long way from the three rivers, Heinz Field and
the hordes of Terrible Towel-waving fans, but Buxy's Salty Dog is
definitely Steelers territory.
Ocean City’s Original Hometown Tavern and Sports Bar - Buxy’s Salty Dog
Saloon
By Chris Remmell
As Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon enters it's fourth summer season, I had the
opportunity to meet with owner's Doug and Annie Buxbaum and reflect on
the growth and success of their business.
Doug Buxbaum, better known in town as “Buxy,” is a native of
Johnstown, Pennsylvania a small town approximately 60 miles east of
Pittsburgh. He first came to Ocean City in 1986, and began working in
various local restaurants and bars. He reflects on the time he spent
working at places such as the Purple Moose, Brass Balls, Bull on the
Beach and Shenanigans and says, “I learned a lot and I think I was able
to take a small bit of what I thought was good about these places and
bring it into my own business.”
Buxy searched for approximately 4 years to find a location to start
his own business. He finally settled on the Salty Dog Saloon on 28th
Street; this building had a long history starting in the late 70’s as
Channing’s Way, then became the Bayside Pub in the 80’s, and later was
the Flipside, Sweetwater and finally... the Salty Dog Saloon. According
to Buxy, “The location is good because 28th Street has always been home
to many seasonal and year round Ocean City residents that can frequent
this location. It is obvious that the street has greatly improved and
cleaned up over the years, as is true of much of Ocean City.”
Once Buxy secured his location, and gave his name to the business, and
he quickly embarked on creating the business he always dreamed of. “I
have my own mission statement in my head, and I think I've come a long
way, but I'm still not finished” What Buxy is referring to is his
mission to create a warm friendly atmosphere, where customers can walk
in and immediately feel at ease. He has done a tremendous job, as his
business quickly took off to become one of Ocean City's newest and
upcoming establishments. Buxy has created the ambiance of a hometown
bar and restaurant from Western, Pennsylvania. He feels strongly about
catering to the visitors from this area which account for approximately
40% of our tourism trade during the summer season.
Whatever the reason, the Buxbaums have put together the right elements
to create something unique, and have found a niche of their own in the
Ocean City market. The combination of sports, good food at a reasonable
price, live entertainment, and creative T-shirt designs all work
together to make Buxy’s Salty Dog your hometown sports bar.
When I spoke of Buxy’s local celebrity status, the couple looked at
each other and laughed. Buxy is modest about his local fame and his
wife Annie also seems to take it in stride. “I am very gratified to
have some many great friends and family here in Ocean City. I am lucky
to be able to continue make new friends, and welcome people to Buxy’s.”
He seems to have an innate sense of charisma and personality that
immediately makes you feel that you are one of the gang.
The Buxbaums do not take their success lightly. They feel a strong tie
to the community which has been so good to them. “We like to be
involved and give back,” says Annie. One of the local charities they
strongly support is Worcester County G.O.L.D.(Giving Others Living
Dignity). They hold an annual Golf Tournament called the Iron Head Open
to raise proceeds for this charity. Buxy’s is also home to the local
chapter of O.C.’s Steeler Fan Club, and is a favorite gathering place
for Terp’s Fans. Throughout the year, Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon is
involved in many events such a Chili Cook-off, Parade Floats, and local
sports shows which help give its loyal customers a sense of community.
This has also been a banner year for sports in our area. Fans have
been able to celebrate and gather at Buxy’s for the Raven’s superbowl
games, and the championship Terp playoffs. This has only helped to
further establish Buxy’s as a meeting place for locals to watch their
favorite sports event on one of the 16 TVs and sports satellites.
The 4 page menu at Buxy’s simply offers good food, nice portions and a
nice variety to satisfy everyone's tastes. “You won’t find tableside
Caesar salad here, but I think everyone is satisfied,” claims Buxy. In
addition to offering heart healthy salads, wraps, and traditional
dinner entrees, the menu is also influenced by Buxy’s Western
Pennsylvania roots. We offer specials reminiscent of the food I grew up
such as pierogies.” The signature dishes at Buxy’s is the ultimate
comfort food -- the Best Cheese Steak on the Beach!
Tradition and family are evident at Buxy’s. Annie and Buxy both
commented on how grateful they are to have such a loyal staff; many
have been with them since the beginning in April of 1999. Buxy’s
mother, referred to as “Mama Buxbaum” on the menu, it the chief
financial officer which has also played an important role in the
businesses success.
Another important addition came when the Buxbaums gave birth to their
first child 9 months ago. They had a beautiful daughter named Bridget.
You can see the influence she has had on the business with the
availability of bibs and onesies in Buxy’s apparel line, plus
children's fare on the menu. Being new parents has seemed to give the
couple the determination to expand and improve the business constantly.
The Buxbaums are in the process of adding an apparel boutique to house
their now famous T-shirt designs, plus new bathrooms. This addition
will help to open up the bar and dining area. The walls are filled with
sports memorabilia of which many are gifts from friends and customers.
“Each item has story behind it,” states Buxy. It is these personal
touches that bring the theme all together.
If you are looking for an escape from all of the typical beach bar and
restaurants, and want to find a place to relax with family and friends
I strongly suggest you check out Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon. They are
located on 28th Street in Ocean City. You can also visit them on the
web at www.buxyssaltydog.com, and check out for yourself the newest
T-shirt designs for 2002. For more information, please call them at
410-289-0973.
Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon - Where Everybody Knows Your Name, & They’re
always Glad you Came
by Heather Chance
If you're looking for a guaranteed good time, great food, and fun
friends check out Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon on 28th Street and the Bay.
Though the saloon has been an Ocean City favorite for over two years,
owner Doug Buxbaum has proved his expertise with it's fresh look,
delicious food and welcoming personality. "You take it for what it's
worth," explained Buxbaum (better known as Buxy) "It's a home town
tavern where you can have a lot of fun."
Walking into the Salty Dog one can reminisce about days gone by when
the neighborhood would congregate at the corner tavern. With the help
of his terrific staff including Sam Tomsholtis and Ryan Kinsey, people
smile at you when you walk in the door, they know your name, and if
they don't they're sure to soon.
The Salty Dog staff is having a blast; you "feel" it and are wrapped
in it. You can't help having a great time yourself. "It's a lot of
fun here," said our waitress Amy Keiser, who has been working at the
Salty Dog since December. Amy has had several waiting jobs along the
highway and rates her employment at the saloon as one of the best she's
had.
Involved in the restaurant and bar business for 17 years, Buxy has
enjoyed working and learning from the town's venerable bars like Brass
Balls, Bull on the Beach, The Purple Moose Saloon, and Shenanigan's.
After years of hard work, he was confident and inspired to make a move
and open Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon. "Friendly service, customer
atmosphere and price friendly," with a menu consisting of items "a cut
above bar food," is how Buxy describes his establishment which will be
celebrating it's third year anniversary this July.
On Monday evening my friend and I enjoyed the food and friends.
Kicking back at one of Buxy's roomy tables next to a large window we
immersed ourselves in the cozy, laid back atmosphere that the saloon
offers.
For a starter we shared a popular "kickstarter" Shrimpjammers. Five
gulf shrimp deep fried and stuffed with creamy monterray jack cheese
served with cocktail sauce for dipping. This was the perfect way to
start as my friend and I battled it out for the last yummy bite.
Unsure what to order next, my dinner companion took Amy's advice on
the catch of the day, Tuna "fresh off the boat," as Buxy described.
Proving to be an excellent special, flavorful, juicy and cooked to
perfection, you just couldn't ask for a more "melt in your mouth" taste
of tuna. Accompanied by a large baked potato with sour cream and a
heaping portion of corn, this was an unforgettable entree.
As for myself, I chose one of the saloon's most popular entrees, the
Chicken Chespeake. I was blown away at the enormous size as Amy placed
it in front of me. Two gigantic chicken breasts smothered with
delicious homemade Crab Imperial, also served with a tasty baked potato
and corn, I was forced to take a doggy bag home with me as I was
bulging at the seams due to the astounding portions of this tremendous
meal. All the better - as I could enjoy this amazing dinner all over
again tomorrow night!
The ever talented chef...Buxy himself, offers a variety of other
fun-loving foods. With specials changing everyday and a great menu to
please all, you can't go wrong at Buxy's. For "kickstarters" their
yardbird specialty is Wings - you tell them your torture level! A
variety of sauces are available and of course served with Bleu cheese
dipping sauce - but Buxy warns, this is not for the timid! Their
chicken strips are served with honey mustard or BBQ sauce while the
Potato skins are made with bacon and cheese or seaskins topped with
shrimp, crab meat, scallops, and cheddar, both are served with sour
cream and of course there are always fries!
Hungry yet? Buxy also offers Heart Healthy items, particularly in his
"Field O' Greens." Twenty years ago, if you were a vegetarian and
joined a group of omnivores for dinner, or if you just felt like having
a salad for dinner at a restaurant, you'd no doubt be relegated to the
salad bar, there to choose among iceberg lettuce, cardboard tomatoes
and greasy Thousand Island dressing. At Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon,
salads run the gamut from House, Caesar which can be topped with
chicken or tuna, Chef's, the Tuna salad platter, or Buxy's favorite -
the Fogg salad. This is a must try for my next visit, a field of
greens topped with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, red
onions, and black olives, all tossed with balsamic vinaigrette -mmm,
it's sure to be delicious. They offer a wide range of dressings to
compliment each salad.
The seafood platter leaves nothing to be missed, from Buxy's signature
Mussel Beach from the steamer. A healthy portion of mussels served
with sundried tomato pesto or garlic butter. Wow, what a combination!
Let me not forget the prices! Unbelievable, not only are they
competitive to lower than most, but the food is above the rest!
A visit to Buxy's just wouldn't be a visit without someone trying one
of his popular giant wraps. So big - you might have to eat it with a
fork. The virtues of the simple tortilla wrap are no mystery to most
but Buxy encases his delicious trappings with a tasty spinach or honey
wheat wrap. Especially new this year is the veggie pita, a must - try
for those health nuts.
The Gobble Wrap is another heart healthy meal stuffed with smoked
turkey, romaine, provolone, tomatoes, honey Dijon and sprinkled with
fresh lemon dill; while Ham It Up has honey cured ham rolled into a
seasoned wheat tortilla, jammed with swiss, romaine, tomato, bacon,
onion and a dollop of honey mustard. The Yardbird Wrap consists of
homemade chicken salad rolled in a spinach wrap with romaine lettuce
and tomatoes, while the heart healthy Luna Tuna wrap is made with his
white albacore tuna salad recipe!
What's Buxy's favorite wrap you ask? Well of course that would be the
Buxy Wrap. The best selling B.L.T. offering savory Smithfield
applewood bacon, wrapped with ruffage, glued together with Heliman's
mayonnaise and rolled in a honey wheat tortilla. All wraps are served
with tortillas and pickles. These dishes are so simple and down to
earth, they're bursting with summer flavor!
As for sandwiches, Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon has build your own burgers,
Chicken San Antonio served on a Kaiser roll and smothered with cheddar,
bacon and BBQ, or spicy marinated Buffalo Breast topped with crumbled
Bleu cheese, the cheese steak sandwich has been a big hit, slow roasted
BBQ Pork sandwich, or the delicious Egg Salad sandwich, the Big Weenie
hot dog, and the Meathead Club, (Buxy's grandma's secret meatloaf
recipe) built with provolone, bacon, lettuce and tomato served on sour
dough. For the heart pleasing customer Buxy offers a Chicken Breast
sandwich or his Grilled Tuna sandwich fresh seared from the sea.
For the kiddies - the menu is short and sweet - Grilled Cheese, Kiddie
Dog, or Chicken tenders including small fries and choice of soda.
Enjoy, but don't be mistaken the food and drink are only half the fun.
With three satellite systems and eight TV's, any and every game can be
seen at Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon. The competition continues with the
Salty Dog's dart league and foosball matches. Buxy's offers five
nights of entertainment a week with acoustic high energy bands and
local D.J.'s including D.J. Naked, D.J. Rupe, Opposite Direction, Dave
Sherman, Soulfinger, and occasionally the famous Batman. "We try to
mix it up and keep it fresh and entertaining," said Buxy. "The
nighttime has really taken off and so have our t-shirts," continues
Buxy. The saloon is open year-round 12 pm - 2 am. Carry-out is
available and parking can be found in the rear.
So, no matter what your age - bring your friends and family to Buxy's
Salty Dog Saloon where all ages have fun enjoying the comfort of this
neighborhood tavern, good food, quality care, personable and friendly
service. With all this guaranteed how could you not have fun! Come
check out Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon "where everybody knows your name, and
they're always glad you came."
Chris Remmell
Smoking ban finds support in resort Maryland legislators move closer to statewide prohibition on lighting up indoors By Beth Ward
Staff Writer
OCEAN CITY -- Patrons of Ocean City's bars and restaurants could see a major change in the establishments' atmosphere with the State Legislature moving one step closer to a statewide indoor smoking ban.
The House of Delegates passed their version of the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 Saturday with the State Senate passing similar legislation Monday afternoon.
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Both bills have the same premise, prohibiting smoking in bars and restaurants. However, there are some differences that will have to be worked out between the two chambers.
The Senate legislation gives county officials the control to grant waivers as well as allowing smoking in nonprofit clubs such as American Legions. The House bill calls for the state health department to set the criteria and enforcement and does not grant provisions for private clubs.
While the legislators hash out the specifics of the law, bar and restaurant owners, citizens and officials all have their own opinions about the potential change.
"This is a public health issue. Everybody working in bars and restaurants in Ocean City have the opportunity to work in a place that's healthy," Mary Bellis, mission manger for the American Cancer Society. "All other businesses provide a safe work environment, why should this be any different?"
Michael James, chairman of the Maryland Tourism Development Board and general manager of the Carousel Hotel, said he is against placing such restrictions on bars and restaurants.
"My feeling is that it's a business decision, not a government decision ... For most people in business the last thing they need is further government regulation," he said.
Opponents of the legislation argue that the bill will have a negative impact on businesses especially bars and taverns.
Doug "Buxy" Buxbaum, owner of Buxy's Salty Dog, said he knew the ban "was going to happen sooner or later."
"I don't condone smoking, but I hate the government stepping in and taking a personal right," he said. "As a non-smoker I love coming home and not smelling like smoke, but I understand the guy who wants to have a cigarette with a cup of coffee or after he's had a beer or two."
Buxbaum said he thinks his restaurant will have a harder time accommodating the provisions of the ban since it is a smaller establishment.
"My biggest fear is I don't have any area to create outside for people who want to have a cigarette," he said. "I just want a fair playing field for everyone."
Ralph DeAngelus, owner of the Paddock, spoke on behalf of the Party Block, three nightclubs that include the Paddock, the Big Kahuna and Rush. He said the Party Block is in full support of the smoking ban.
"If it effects business we'll eat it to better the health of America," he said. "We're not greedy, we'd like to see America get healthier. Second-hand smoke is a danger to society."
Steve Pappas, owner of The Greene Turtle, said he has talked to business owners in other areas that have the smoking ban and does not think it will have a long-term effect on Ocean City businesses.
"There will be an impact in the beginning but as with most things it will work itself out," Pappas said. "The benefits outweigh what everyone is afraid of ... As time goes on everyone will get used to it."
Dawn McGee, owner of Smitty McGee's in Fenwick Island, experienced the effect of a smoking ban on business when Delaware passed the law in 2002.
"It was the best thing that ever happened to my restaurant," she said.
McGee said she was opposed to the smoking ban because she didn't want the government to control her business. When the prohibition first went into place, McGee said the business declined for about three weeks, but after that they received even more business.
"I advertise it because so many people come to a restaurant that's nonsmoking," she said.
Ocean City resident Rebecca Doyle said she is looking forward to when smoking in no longer allowed in bars and restaurants.
"I'm not a smoker and I don't like to smell like a cigarette. It sucks to have to be around smoke, but I'm used to it. If people really want to smoke they will go outside," Doyle said.
Part of the challenge facing many businesses will be protecting smokers' rights by having areas set up for them, Pappas said.
There are residents who oppose the legislation saying that it is a personal right to smoke. Others argue that the prohibition in bars and restaurants is unnecessary.
"I think it should definitely be banned in restaurants, but you should be able to smoke in bars. You go to a bar, you expect it to be smoky," Ocean City resident Tom Creveling said.
If the ban passes, other people said they will be taking their businesses elsewhere. A woman wishing to only be identified as Laurie said she used to frequent bars in Delaware until they passed their smoking ban.
"We're unhappy about it," she said. "We're not going to drink in bars that don't allow smokers."
Del. Jim Mathias, D-38B, former mayor of Ocean City, said he gave the legislation careful consideration before voting for it because "it's always difficult to legislate behavior."
Mathias said his personal life weighed on his decision. His family has been involved with the American Cancer Society for years with his wife, Kathy, being a breast cancer survivor.
"That really gave me tremendous insight into the public health benefits," he said. "As the former mayor, I know how important the bars and restaurants are the economy. I was pulled to say the least."
In the end, Mathias said he spoke with people on both sides of the issue and felt he acted in the best interest of Maryland citizens.
"It was a difficult decision, but it was for the health of the citizens, children and people in the state and in our case people who visit our state," he said.
Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus, R-38, said he supports the smoking ban allowing for a waiver for businesses who prove a financial hardship caused by the ban. Del. Norm Conway, D-38B, also supported the smoking ban. Conway said he thinks there should be provisions that allow smoking in private clubs, that will be one of the provisions discussed by a conference committee.
The conference committee made up of members of both chambers will reconcile the two pieces of legislation before returning them to their respective houses. As of Tuesday, the committee had not been formed.
For more information on House Bill 359 and Senate Bill 91, visit the Maryland General Assembly Web site mlis.state.md.us.
Becoming an esteemed regular at one of the many bars in the Maryland and Delaware resorts is like the Holy Grail for all local aspiring bargoers.
Regulars get a sense of place and recognition not available to the thousands of other faces that swing in and out of any given bar. You, your favorite barkeep and a gaggle of other regulars will joke, share tales and quietly make fun of the damn tourists that cruise in and out of “your” stomping grounds — even if you yourself only stay here for a few weeks or months per year.
Not to mention the stuff regulars get! It’s different at every bar and nothing should be taken for granted, but the fact is good regulars get perks for their loyalty.
Earning the royal rank of bar regular is certainly nothing to scoff at. These men and women are more than just Norm from “Cheers,” drinking their troubles away. They are VIPS, MVPs and the backbone of the resort economy in the offseason! And the Beachcomber would like to tell you how to earn that status.
A regular regular
1. Pick your bar: According to the Social Issues Research Centre, an English nonprofit organization dedicated to lifestyle issues, the first step is to choose your pub carefully. Don’t just point at a bar and say, “That one.” You want a small and friendly locals bar, not one of the giant tourist super clubs where your efforts won’t be noticed.
Make sure this locals bar has the right vibe for you because you can’t be a regular everywhere. Get caught honeymooning as a regular at another bar, and you’ll lose privileges like any other cheater.
2. Frequency: SIRA recommends going to your pub or bar three times per week, but beliefs differ widely. The important part is that you go often enough and with enough of a pattern that the bar staff knows to expect you. If a bartender says, “Where were you last Thursday?” then you know you’re gold.
The best way to get noticed is to make sure you go to your bar during at least one weekday evening. Nothing says hard core regular like a guy who shows up for Wednesday happy hours like it’s medication for his heart.
3. Share: Showing up a whole lot gets you part of the way there, but being a good person will enhance your regular’s perks ten fold. Get a barkeep’s attention early on by buying him or her a drink when you order yourself one. Also try buying other regulars a round to let everyone know you’re just one of the crew.
4. Name game: Make sure the bar staff learns your name. Introduce yourself and also be sure to ask their name. Remember their names and use them. Even if they don’t know who the heck you are, the waitress will act like she’s supposed to if you give a “Hey, Betsy” when you come in for a beer.
5. Bring friends: Particularly when you reach a plateau as a regular and are looking to take the next step as all out Duke of Regulardom, you should start weening your work crew or home friends onto your bar habits. Even bringing two or three friends along once a week will show barkeeps and owners that your business means big business. Your status will instantly inflate and you can start expecting to take free shots with the bartender.
6. Tip, tip, tip: We saved this for last, but it’s the first thing you must do. No one (outside of the owner) will really give a damn about how often you stop by if you don’t tip well. Tip at least 20 percent, and you’ll become the beloved regular with all the crazy stories. Tip 15 percent or less, and you’ll become that annoying old curmudgeon who never shuts up.
The top 10 spoils of regularity
10. First name basis with bar staff and regulars, and you might even get your own nickname
9. Immediate seating in a packed house
8. Ability to order special items that are out of season or not on the menu
7. Bar staff knows what you drink
6. Possible invites to bar staff gatherings like joining the bar softball team
5. Advice and help will be cast your way by “your” bartender when you need it
4. Status in the bar that includes friendships with bar staff and other regulars
3. Quick service, especially great when the bar is crowded
2. Discounts
1. Complimentary food and drinks
Now, all that might sound like a bunch of sweet schwag that’ll come your way just for going out to have fun, but don’t forget that being a regular really is a position of honor and, as such, you are expected to act with honor. Never be a jerk and never expect to get treated like you’re special, and you can become the heart and soul of almost any bar.
By Jon Shecket
Staff Writer
“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.”
-The theme song from “Cheers”
There is nothing like being part of the regular crowd at your favorite bar. You can develop a special relationship not only with your fellow patrons, but with the bar staff as well.
Even if you are new to this area, there are places you can go and fit in.
Located in the heart of Millville, the Fat Tuna attracts locals from surrounding communities including Ocean View, Bethany, Frankford and Dagsboro.
“We definitely have a mix of customers,” owner Steve Parill said in an interview in October. “Without a doubt, our summer business is where we make our bread and butter but I realize how important our local clientele is.”
The Fat Tuna offers a loyalty program called the Royalty Club. It is free to join.
Royalty Club members receive gift certificates for birthdays, anniversaries and for every $200 spent on food and drinks.
In Rehoboth, the locals flock to Arena’s on the second block of Rehoboth Avenue.
“We have a lot of regulars,” server Janie Antalffy said. “There are between five and ten faces that I expect to see every time I walk in here. I started working here in June and I started to get to know the locals quite quickly, and it’s nice to see them year round.”
Arena’s offers more than 70 varieties of bottled beer and nine beers on tap. The average pint is about $4, but there are food and drink specials every day throughout the year.
Antalffy said that the regulars have all been coming in for years, but new people are welcome, too.
You’ins from Pittsburgh? Check out Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon in Ocean City.
The Salty Dog draws a crowd not only of locals, but of terrible towel-waving Jerome Bettis-worshipping Pittsburgh Steelers fans.
As famed broadcaster Myron Cope would say, “Double Yoi!”
Football season may be over, but the black and gold theme remains year-round.
The bar is named for its founder, Johnstown, Pa., native Douglas Buxbaum.
“Being from Pennsylvania he brought a lot of stuff down, a lot of Steelers memorabilia, lots of Pittsburgh and Johnstown stuff,” bar manager Michael Goodbrod said. “We incorporate a lot of the Maryland Terps, and we have a good time with the rivalry between Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens fans.”
Goodbrod said that Buxy’s will show every game of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, but the joint will be especially jumping for locals when the Terrapins take the court.
To blend in with the crowd is simple.
“Just get ready to come in and have a good time, eat some good food and get some drinks,” Goodbrod said.
