Curley’s Fries Return to the Wildwood Boardwalk, Marking the Start of Summer
There are always signs that summer is officially on the way. The temperatures start climbing, flowers begin to bloom, and lawns across New Jersey finally need cutting again. But down the shore, those seasonal cues take on a different meaning. Here in the Wildwoods, summer isn’t just about the weather, it’s about tradition.
For some, the season begins when Sam’s Pizza opens its doors. For others, it’s the return of Mack’s Pizza. But for many locals and regular visitors, the true signal that summer is around the corner is much simpler: the reopening of Curley Fries on the boardwalk.
For those unfamiliar, Curley Fries are a staple of the Wildwood boardwalk experience, served for decades at Morey’s Piers. Since 1974, these fries have built a reputation that goes far beyond your typical boardwalk snack.
What makes them different comes down to one thing: freshness.
Unlike most places that rely on frozen fries dropped straight into a fryer, the process at Morey’s is entirely hands-on. Hundreds of pounds of potatoes are delivered daily, then cut fresh right in front of customers. From there, they’re immediately fried and served, creating a rapid, almost assembly-line style experience that’s as much a show as it is a meal.
The result is a fry that’s hot, crisp, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of food that stands on its own, but also invites customization. Whether it’s a sprinkle of Old Bay, a side of ketchup, or something more unconventional, Curley Fries have become a canvas for personal taste.
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And this season has officially begun.
Over the past two weekends, Morey’s Piers opened two Curley Fries locations, one on Surfside Pier and another on Mariner’s Pier, giving early-season visitors their first taste of summer. I stopped by the Surfside location this past weekend to grab my first batch of the year, and it delivered exactly what you’d expect.
That first bite does something different. It’s not just about the food. It’s the atmosphere. The sound of seagulls overhead, the ocean air, the feeling of sitting on a boardwalk bench with a fresh tray of fries in your hands. Even in early spring, it instantly transports you to the middle of July, when the boardwalk is packed and the temperature hovers around 80 degrees.
One of the more unique traditions tied to Curley Fries is how people top them. In South Jersey, it’s one of the few places where vinegar on fries is common. While that’s standard practice in places like the United Kingdom, it still feels like a novelty here in the U.S.
For me, the go-to is simple: fresh fries, a little extra salt, and vinegar for dipping. Others swear by ketchup, mustard, or even honey mustard. Everyone seems to have their own method, and that’s part of what makes the experience so personal.
So now the question turns to you. What do you put on your Curley Fries? And what’s your signal that summer has officially arrived?
You can watch the full video below, where we filmed the entire visit and included a mini tour of the updated boardwalk. And if you enjoy coverage like this, consider subscribing. We’re bringing you consistent content from the Wildwoods, Cape May County, and across South Jersey all season long.