Malia's Cafe — Restaurant in Ocean City

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...

We ate two breakfasts there. First day, I think our server was Malia! She was EXCELLENT. Wrote down nothing. Remembered everything. Food was delicious - pix are of the Health Nut French Toast and the large fruit cup. We also had delicious smoothies made w real fruit and loved the steak and eggs and the Almond Joy pancakes. One tip for diners / suggestion for owners: When the (I don’t wanna say older but can’t think of another way to say it) guy is at the host stand, he’s actually a deterrent to business. He’s not unfriendly, but he’s actually not good at the host job. We sat outside right by the entrance and watched him tell probably 10 different parties of two or four people that it would be a 20min wait and then launch into a defensive explanation about how it’s a busy day and they should have gotten there earlier. We saw at least a few parties just leave. The thing is - it was NEVER a 20min wait while we were there. He told us the same thing when we arrived and we were seated in less than five min. As was just about about every other party that arrived during our meal - including a party of 11! He also had a girl there write names on a list if there were a few parties waiting, but then forget to check the list and just give tables to the next people. We saw that happen at least twice. He also changed the wait staff sections in the middle of our meal, which seemed to confuse some servers and have them with tables all over the place. I honestly think he’s a nice guy but maybe this could be a gentle suggestion to greet people w a more welcoming vibe. And be open to being trained to be better at using a wait list and estimating wait times! Breakfast turns over pretty quick. “We’re so glad you’re here. We’re thrilled to be so busy. Wait time is likely to be 5-10min. We’ll get you seated as...

We had breakfast there twice this past week. I've eaten there before since we stay at the Spinnaker Hotel. Food is good, servings are good BUT this past visit we noticed as employees reported to work another employee took their temperature! Wow! So good BUT we saw this older man appear and go behind the counter with no mask! He was there about 20 minutes then he went to the restroom. He put on his mask after he left the kitchen area I think because he saw me staring right at him and when he came out from the restroom his mask was off. Jeez, I hope he washed his hands. When we got our check I asked the waitress who up to this point was courteous and attentive who the man was. She said one of the owners. I asked her why isn't he wearing his mask and she replied rather curtly, "He does." and quickly walked away before I could say anything. Obviously he DOESN'T wear his mask and instead of risking another flippant response we paid our bill and left. You'd think the owner would set the example and comply with the rules. All the wait staff and from what we could tell the kitchen staff all wore masks but not this guy. I guess being one of the owners gives him an exemption. Am I making a big deal out of this? Nope! Rules are rules. I just hope he wasn't sneezing or coughing when no one was looking and I sure hope he washes his hands before leaving the restroom. Otherwise we enjoyed our food. Low score this time around because...