Racially Discriminatory and Deeply Disappointing Experience – Will Never Return
I had a terrible dining experience at Malia’s that I feel obligated to share, especially for other Black families and people of color who might consider visiting.
I came with a group of five African-American adults and children. We politely waited outside, as instructed, while the restaurant “waited for tables to open.” During this time, a white family of five arrived and spoke with the host. We overheard their entire exchange. Like us, they requested outdoor seating. The host told them there would be a wait, but PROMISED them the next available table outside, even pointing out which one.
I approached the host for clarification after the white family left, and she quickly became agitated and defensive—but eventually said we’d be seated next. As we continued to wait, I noticed a four-top table open outside. Since we had three adults, one teen, and a young child (who could easily squeeze in), I politely asked if we could take that spot. First she said no, but then checked with the owner, who told us absolutely not—saying that area was a walkway that could not be blocked under disability law. I accepted this and we agreed to take a table inside.
While sitting INSIDE by the window, I watched in real time as the same OUTDOOR table—supposedly off-limits to larger parties—was given to another white family of five! The same owner who denied us came out and graciously seated them, arranging a young child’s chair in the “walkway” area that, for us, was supposedly a legal issue. When I respectfully asked the owner to clarify why that table could now be used, his justification was, “they had young kids.” So did we. When I said I’d like to move outside, he brushed me off, saying it was busy and he “didn’t have time right now.”
At that point, it was clear: Black and brown families are NOT welcome here outside, and exceptions are made ONLY for white guests.
We decided to leave, and I calmly informed the hostess of our experience. She seemed embarrassed and admitted she didn’t know why rules were different for us—she even said, “If I were you, I’d leave too.” As we left, the owner smirked and said “adios,” confirming the utter lack of hospitality or basic respect.
We also saw an Indian family turned away (“no space”), when smaller white parties were being accommodated. The pattern was very clear: certain guests are prioritized, coddled, and granted “exceptions” while people of color are made to wait, denied, and dismissed.
If you value equal treatment, dignity, and a welcoming environment, do NOT support Malia’s until they address these ongoing, blatant incidents of racial bias. The location is beautiful, but no atmosphere can make up for discriminatory policies and disrespectful management.
Absolutely will not return.
ShannonWarren
I had a terrible dining experience at Malia’s that I feel obligated to share, especially for other Black families and people of color who might consider visiting.
I came with a group of five African-American adults and children. We politely waited outside, as instructed, while the restaurant “waited for tables to open.” During this time, a white family of five arrived and spoke with the host. We overheard their entire exchange. Like us, they requested outdoor seating. The host told them there would be a wait, but PROMISED them the next available table outside, even pointing out which one.
I approached the host for clarification after the white family left, and she quickly became agitated and defensive—but eventually said we’d be seated next. As we continued to wait, I noticed a four-top table open outside. Since we had three adults, one teen, and a young child (who could easily squeeze in), I politely asked if we could take that spot. First she said no, but then checked with the owner, who told us absolutely not—saying that area was a walkway that could not be blocked under disability law. I accepted this and we agreed to take a table inside.
While sitting INSIDE by the window, I watched in real time as the same OUTDOOR table—supposedly off-limits to larger parties—was given to another white family of five! The same owner who denied us came out and graciously seated them, arranging a young child’s chair in the “walkway” area that, for us, was supposedly a legal issue. When I respectfully asked the owner to clarify why that table could now be used, his justification was, “they had young kids.” So did we. When I said I’d like to move outside, he brushed me off, saying it was busy and he “didn’t have time right now.”
At that point, it was clear: Black and brown families are NOT welcome here outside, and exceptions are made ONLY for white guests.
We decided to leave, and I calmly informed the hostess of our experience. She seemed embarrassed and admitted she didn’t know why rules were different for us—she even said, “If I were you, I’d leave too.” As we left, the owner smirked and said “adios,” confirming the utter lack of hospitality or basic respect.
We also saw an Indian family turned away (“no space”), when smaller white parties were being accommodated. The pattern was very clear: certain guests are prioritized, coddled, and granted “exceptions” while people of color are
Perry Straley
Absolutely delicious food, extremely wonderful staff. The Best place in Ocean City
Corby Crawford
Great breakfast. Had the veggie hash and yogurt parfait. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan Jones
Amazing food, great service, outside and inside seating is great.
If you like scrapple, this is your place!
Homestyle cooking at the beach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Sandwich
A R
It's a very cute restaurant. But stick to standard breakfast options. The pancakes that look like pigs were a big hit. We got an omelette with vegetables and feta cheese and it was really disappointing. The coffee was not good- lukewarm and did not taste fresh
Having just moved from the Big Island we felt right at home; food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ruby Barton
Very nice staff and they took our order quickly. This is a unique and beautiful atmosphere that is worth sharing with your family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes, Pancake, Fresh Fruit Bowl
Heather Morgan
While the food was good as was our waitress the only reason I would not recommend was the encounter we had with who I assume was a manager when we went to pay. She asked our group if we needed help and when we said we needed the check split she yelled “split? What do you mean? I don’t know what you ordered. You should have told your waitress” mind you our waitress was standing right behind her and stepped up to take care of us. There was no reason for her reaction at all as the waitress split it no problem. Classic manager. Has no idea how to do basic tasks and has no customer service at all. It’s a shame cause it was our first time there and we won’t be back because of her.
Isabel Chamorro
I always come to ocean city every summer I’m always disappointed by breakfast places but Malia’s breakfast did not disappoint! The food was delicious and healthy. The hash browns especially were seasoned excellent. The Large fruit bowl literally has everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Fruit Bowl
Mark Hamilton
Best breakfast at the beach! Delicious and healthy, I can't wait to try everything on the menu! Love the RVD especially!
Racially Discriminatory and Deeply Disappointing Experience – Will Never Return I had a terrible dining experience at Malia’s that I feel obligated to share, especially for other Black families and people of color who might consider visiting. I came with a group of five African-American adults and children. We politely waited outside, as instructed, while the restaurant “waited for tables to open.” During this time, a white family of five arrived and spoke with the host. We overheard their entire exchange. Like us, they requested outdoor seating. The host told them there would be a wait, but PROMISED them the next available table outside, even pointing out which one. I approached the host for clarification after the white family left, and she quickly became agitated and defensive—but eventually said we’d be seated next. As we continued to wait, I noticed a four-top table open outside. Since we had three adults, one teen, and a young child (who could easily squeeze in), I politely asked if we could take that spot. First she said no, but then checked with the owner, who told us absolutely not—saying that area was a walkway that could not be blocked under disability law. I accepted this and we agreed to take a table inside. While sitting INSIDE by the window, I watched in real time as the same OUTDOOR table—supposedly off-limits to larger parties—was given to another white family of five! The same owner who denied us came out and graciously seated them, arranging a young child’s chair in the “walkway” area that, for us, was supposedly a legal issue. When I respectfully asked the owner to clarify why that table could now be used, his justification was, “they had young kids.” So did we. When I said I’d like to move outside, he brushed me off, saying it was busy and he “didn’t have time right now.” At that point, it was clear: Black and brown families are NOT welcome here outside, and exceptions are made ONLY for white guests. We decided to leave, and I calmly informed the hostess of our experience. She seemed embarrassed and admitted she didn’t know why rules were different for us—she even said, “If I were you, I’d leave too.” As we left, the owner smirked and said “adios,” confirming the utter lack of hospitality or basic respect. We also saw an Indian family turned away (“no space”), when smaller white parties were being accommodated. The pattern was very clear: certain guests are prioritized, coddled, and granted “exceptions” while people of color are made to wait, denied, and dismissed. If you value equal treatment, dignity, and a welcoming environment, do NOT support Malia’s until they address these ongoing, blatant incidents of racial bias. The location is beautiful, but no atmosphere can make up for discriminatory policies and disrespectful management. Absolutely will not return.
I had a terrible dining experience at Malia’s that I feel obligated to share, especially for other Black families and people of color who might consider visiting. I came with a group of five African-American adults and children. We politely waited outside, as instructed, while the restaurant “waited for tables to open.” During this time, a white family of five arrived and spoke with the host. We overheard their entire exchange. Like us, they requested outdoor seating. The host told them there would be a wait, but PROMISED them the next available table outside, even pointing out which one. I approached the host for clarification after the white family left, and she quickly became agitated and defensive—but eventually said we’d be seated next. As we continued to wait, I noticed a four-top table open outside. Since we had three adults, one teen, and a young child (who could easily squeeze in), I politely asked if we could take that spot. First she said no, but then checked with the owner, who told us absolutely not—saying that area was a walkway that could not be blocked under disability law. I accepted this and we agreed to take a table inside. While sitting INSIDE by the window, I watched in real time as the same OUTDOOR table—supposedly off-limits to larger parties—was given to another white family of five! The same owner who denied us came out and graciously seated them, arranging a young child’s chair in the “walkway” area that, for us, was supposedly a legal issue. When I respectfully asked the owner to clarify why that table could now be used, his justification was, “they had young kids.” So did we. When I said I’d like to move outside, he brushed me off, saying it was busy and he “didn’t have time right now.” At that point, it was clear: Black and brown families are NOT welcome here outside, and exceptions are made ONLY for white guests. We decided to leave, and I calmly informed the hostess of our experience. She seemed embarrassed and admitted she didn’t know why rules were different for us—she even said, “If I were you, I’d leave too.” As we left, the owner smirked and said “adios,” confirming the utter lack of hospitality or basic respect. We also saw an Indian family turned away (“no space”), when smaller white parties were being accommodated. The pattern was very clear: certain guests are prioritized, coddled, and granted “exceptions” while people of color are
Absolutely delicious food, extremely wonderful staff. The Best place in Ocean City
Great breakfast. Had the veggie hash and yogurt parfait. Delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food, great service, outside and inside seating is great.
If you like scrapple, this is your place!
Homestyle cooking at the beach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Sandwich
It's a very cute restaurant. But stick to standard breakfast options. The pancakes that look like pigs were a big hit. We got an omelette with vegetables and feta cheese and it was really disappointing. The coffee was not good- lukewarm and did not taste fresh
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes, Pancake, Sausage, English Muffin, Toast, Breakfast Sandwich
Wonderful right off the beach place to eat. Amazing Hummus plate!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely my one place to eat in Ocean City.
I have been coming here for 5 years and love love love this place! And the coffee is perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Piggy Pancakes, Pancake, Fresh Fruit Bowl, Chipped Beef, Parfait
Great place to eat.. maybe the food could have come out a little quicker. Outside seating was very nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito
Restaurantji Recommends
Having just moved from the Big Island we felt right at home; food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Very nice staff and they took our order quickly. This is a unique and beautiful atmosphere that is worth sharing with your family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Buttermilk Pancakes, Pancake, Fresh Fruit Bowl
While the food was good as was our waitress the only reason I would not recommend was the encounter we had with who I assume was a manager when we went to pay. She asked our group if we needed help and when we said we needed the check split she yelled “split? What do you mean? I don’t know what you ordered. You should have told your waitress” mind you our waitress was standing right behind her and stepped up to take care of us. There was no reason for her reaction at all as the waitress split it no problem. Classic manager. Has no idea how to do basic tasks and has no customer service at all. It’s a shame cause it was our first time there and we won’t be back because of her.
I always come to ocean city every summer I’m always disappointed by breakfast places but Malia’s breakfast did not disappoint! The food was delicious and healthy. The hash browns especially were seasoned excellent. The Large fruit bowl literally has everything!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fresh Fruit Bowl
Best breakfast at the beach! Delicious and healthy, I can't wait to try everything on the menu! Love the RVD especially!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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