Restaurants in Surf City

“This place is God sent!! Everything about this place proclaims the love of God. The food is amazing and authentic, but above all the people are beautiful!!! ”

“We are on vacation and this was a dinner we had on our must try list. We ordered online and it was ready when we arrived. The staff member was very kind and informative, letting us know each step to get this good stuff steamed up. They also provide printed instructions. I’m not sure which bucket we ordered, but it had shrimp, clams, crab, potatoes, sausage, kielbasa, onions, and scallops. It was more than we could finish at one sitting, but we look forward to finishing off the leftover shrimp and potatoes! I love that we get to keep the bucket and we plan on ordering for home delivery in a couple of months. It was so good! And fun!”

“I really liked the place. Something for everyone. It was crazy busy at 2 PM, so I'm not the only one! Stop by and see for yourself. Short walk to the beach.”

“On vacation. Just wanted some beer for the beach and found this gem. Amazing selection and the owner is super knowledgeable and awesome! If you love craft beer you’ll be like a kid in a candy shop.”

“Breakfast and lunch- wonderful!!! And reasonably priced. Our family stops on our way out of Toosail Beqch every time and my favorite is the iced tiramisu latte- half sweet. Delish!”

“Stopped in for dinner on a Saturday. They have a nice little parking lot with free parking. The inside is quaint and cute. A decent amount of seating! The menu has lots of different sushi rolls and some other entrees. We ordered an appetizer of Rangoons that were very crispy! We then ordered two specialty rolls! They were pretty yummy. The food came out very quickly and the workers were all very nice. Prices were average ~$16 for each specialty roll. Overall a nice meal!”

“From Surf City, to a U-Haul and almost 1000 miles to Missouri. This beer is a must try. Will be sad not to get anymore of their IPA’s for a while. But 10/10 recommend Surf City Sunrise”

“We just moved here and my husband and I were looking for a bar near our house. The venue was awesome. Live music,...Sublime covers..so good though! Food truck was awesome and crowd was. 30s 40s. Drinks discounted for ems and fire fighters. But affordable even without the discount. People were friendly and welcoming. Come here.... seriously. It was fun!”

“I love Unwined! I make it a point to visit every time I'm in the area. Great place to chill with a glass (or bottle) of wine while listening to live music on the large deck. If you're not in the mood for wine, they have beer, coffee, ice cream and other delicious items. Highly recommended!”

“We have been coming to Topsoil for years and this is the one of two reliably good places to eat on the island, in my opinion. We've never been disappointed and always leave full.Ironically, never had their oysters, but their shrimp is delicious and we always, *always*, get the fries for the app.Dietary restrictions: Great with allergens to ensure no cross contamination on the menu. We've never requested modifications, though.Parking: Parking can be difficult during on season, but never any problems off season. Be careful where you park, because some spaces are reserved for specific businesses.”

“Cool Country rustic atmosphere like general store. Pork snack excellent. Potato salad is really good like a deli with a hint of dill. Really good food and surprisingly inexpensive for the area. Good parking lots of room inside. Very friendly servers. Tea is good moderately sweet not sugar overload tastes fresh. Good portions of food. Good grade 97.5 at this time. Food hot very quick friendly service.Parking: Shopping center parking on two sides plenty of space during rush hour traffic.”

“This bar is cute…the music ? they play in the evenings sounds good. We enjoyed it every night as we stayed in the Vacasa rental right next to the bar! The drinks we got today were delish…We got the “TIT” and my daughter got a “trailer trash”….they were both tasty!”

“Just a small place but friendly, good beer selection and good conversation. Tried the pizzas and they were good. A great place to grab a drink and just enjoy yourself.”

“Our server was prompt, friendly, and courteous. The hamburgers were fixed fresh, so they were hot and delicious. The orange aids were a blast from the past. Even though we ate at 3:30, and were the only people there, everyone was still eager to serve us.”

“I cannot stress enough how amazing this food is, and how perfect it is for the location. We got food here four times in one weekend because we couldn't get enough. Fish tacos on the beach? Yes, please. We had fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and nachos, and all of them were delicious. The ingredients were fresh and purposeful, nothing felt like filler or just thrown on. There can be a bit of a wait for the food, but it is absolutely worth it. We can't wait to get back to Surf City for more Shaka Tacos.Vegetarian options: Vegetarian tacos, quesadillas, and bowls.”

“This is our new go to spot on the island! Polite staff and excellent handmade ice cream. Great Friday night outing ?Wheelchair accessibility: Ground level without a curb.”

“Love this place ! As a coffee shop buisness owner I love to try new places when I travel . My first time here and it was beautiful, most amazing staff and my coffee was amazing . New favorite coffee shop in surf city .”

“Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Busy morning was appropriately staffed to provide quick, friendly and efficient service. Very clean, great beach feel, and a convenient location. Outdoor and indoor seating. They have a great selection of fun merchandise and local books as a bonus. We will definitely be back!”

“As you can see from the other reviews the food and drinks are incredible here. But make sure to say hi to the owner. She is living the American dream and is a joy to speak with! We enjoyed our smoothies and breakfast burrito before leaving topsail, make sure to visit before you leave. You won't regret it!”

“Popped into the shop after I saw yummy healthy plants crossing my window while breakfasting at NY Deli and said to myself “I have to go there. These plants are amazing “ , so there I go. Found old books - which I love and collect, a plethora of plants, antique items, baked goods and an amazing selection of coffee! Bought some old fun books, Jordan Almonds - yum - a Pecan pie for the Easter holiday, which, sadly for my waistline, was the best pie I’ve ever had. The most fun eclectic, for me, purchase was potted lettuce, 4 varieties, that was so full and beautiful! Best part - as this potted lettuce is indoors, it won’t go to seed or bolt for the entire summer season. I have sandwich and salad fixings for the entire summer season and am never paying $7.99 for a lettuce bin for the entire Summer. Thank you! Best visit to a shop ever!! ❤️”

“Will be visiting as often as possible. We purchased cotton candy ice cream and a Chai latte ? Both were delicious! The ice cream is worth it's weight in gold!”

“Enrique truly is an exceptional waiter. The service he provides is absolutely outstanding, and I have never experienced anything like it at this restaurant. The food and drinks are not only delicious but also beautifully presented. I must say, I absolutely adore this restaurant.”

“Owner is extremely friendly and involved. Breakfast food was great. Tried the Açaí bowl and chicken salad crescent. Both were good. The staff were engaging and efficient.”

“The food was absolutely delicious, generous portions and decent prices.Dietary restrictions: Vegan optionsWheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible table for seating”

“We always try to grab snow cones whenever we go on beach trips, and this Pelican's is some of the best snow cones I've ever had. We've gone twice since we came out on this trip, and both times were fantastic. Michelle was our "snoball chef" both times, and she was just fantastic. We'll probably go again before we leave!”

“My favorite Mexican food place by far!! I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could. The food is always amazing and staff always goes above and beyond here. Their margaritas are the best, they definitely live up to the name!”

“Absolutely love surfbreak! The owner is so down to earth and kind, they have TONS of options, and if you can’t decide which menu item you want they will craft one to fit your flavor preferences! Highly recommend!”

“Five stars because it hit the spot! Exactly what I was looking for on a Friday evening. Jacqueline of all trades, Kelly took care of me. She was behind the bar, taking my order, getting my food, checking with the cook, making sure I was okay! Awesome job. I was really hoping to find a nice fried platter of seafood not too far off the beaten path from Surf City and Hula's was it! Busy this evening because of March Madness (I guess - maybe it's always this busy). 20 or 30 folks there enjoying one another's company, along with the drinks and food. Don't come expecting anything newly renovated, but it was perfect for what I was looking for on a cool Friday night in March. I'm going tomorrow to try their burger - I hear that's great, as well!”

“Excellent. A trip to Surf City isn't complete without a stop at Sugar Island for some baked goods. A unique shop with a wonderful owner. Baked goods are always fresh and tasty. Check them out if you are on the island, you won't be disappointed!”

“Have been wanting to try this place for a little while! It has been closed for the winter season and just opened up recently. I came for an early dinner on Sunday after a beach day. Parking was a little tricky but was able to just watch my car from a paid parking spot while we ordered take out. We were able to walk right up to the take out window and order. The menu was posted outside and had many protein options and lots of options to go on top. I ordered the spicy tuna with lots of veggies, rice and kale base. Everything tasted very fresh! Bowl was pretty filling for $15. Great flavor! I would definitely come back!”

“Had lunch there today with some friends!! The hotdogs we had were awesome!! I loved the fries because there weren’t overcooked like most places do. Finished it off with a big hot brownie sundae!!! The atmosphere was nice and the tables were really clean! Definitely will be going back on summer vacation!!”

“Absolute delight!!! The creativity of the chef is just amazing to come up with this menu!!! We go out a lot, and the dish I will be craving till next time we visit NC. Go and order everything from the menu! Chips are seasoned and thin!!! My mahi mahi dish had 4 pieces and I couldn't finish, slaw is juicy and tasty!!! Drinks are great!”

“Excellent wings - I had Garlic Parmesan, my husband had Bourbon Buffalo Wings!Service was great. Atmosphere was loud due to 3 people at the bar talking loudly. Next time I may eat at the outdoor tables to improve the experience.”

“Stopped for dinner last min and the atmosphere was great our server was amazing…the food on the other hand was overpriced we thought and I don’t recommend getting the crap cakes as the ones I got had no lump crab and were small and dry. Our server noticed I was not eating them and right away asked If I would like something different which was very nice. I’m here to say I do recommend the shrimp and grits they were delicious with a hint of spiceWe also got the crab shrimp linguine that was good and the fried shrimp was delicious. I wouldn’t recommend the lobster bisque as It was very runny and no pieces of lobster, but the crab dip we got as a appetizer also deliciousBut on all it was a great experience”

“Okay so don't let the fact that it's in a gas station. Turn you away! The pizza places were packed on the island so I decided to give them a chance. The service was quick and the pizza was so good! The kids approved!”

“Live our lil home away from home between the fact they are the biggest club on the island they are ALWAYS having fun things going on plus APA pool league on Tuesday nights dancing and bands on weekends. Arcade down stairs for the kids. I definitely say check them out!”

“Food was okay but we got ice cream to take back to the kids and they didn’t have covers for their ice cream sundaes and also no sugar free options. The customer service was very rushed and it was expensive for an ice cream shop. I would pass on this spot.”

“Got an açaí bowl with a peanut party wave today for lunch. The bowl was the best bowl I’ve ever had and was amazing. The shake was great too, only suggestion would be to lower the price or increase the size of the shake. Great flavor none the less tho!”

“Good, friendly service. The service was fast and our food was out quick. They weren't real busy, but it is still April so the summer crowd isn't here yet. I'm sure the service will keep up with the crowds if the servers I saw tonight were any indication.The food was fine but it was not as good as we had hoped it would be. Nothing I would really rush back for. It was fine, but not great.Parking: Parking was ok tonight, but it is early, no where near summer season. I can see the lot getting full quick during peak season.”

“Went to Jersey Mikes Sneads ferry for their grand opening deals. They were super quick and friendly. I have never been to a Jersey mikes before and they were really helpful with explaining "the mikes way" etc. The Good was better than subway by a LONG SHOT! They had cool root beer and cream soda machines and I had already payed, they were so kind and gave me a free drink. Fast forward I get home with my sandwiches, my two year old pulls one off the table and it completely dissembles all over the floor. We called them and they replaced the sandwich free of charge. Amazing food and amazing service, even when my sandwich getting ruined wasn't their fault at all.”

“We ate outside in the shade of the over hang. Beautiful looking at the water, nice breeze. Food was very good. We had lunch and there wasn't a wait. Service was good also.Wheelchair accessibility: There is ramp.”

“Cool local place with impressive Mexican food! I also enjoy the margaritas. It's nothing much as for ambiance, it's a typical beach bar. You order at the bar and food can take a while but it's worth it. There are pool tables and darts to keep you entertained”

“This waterfront restaurant has seating inside and outside. The outside seating has a nice view of the water. We appreciated being able to bring our dog to sit quietly at our feet at our table outside. We started with the Bam Bam Shrimp. It was a very large portion of large shrimp in a nice sauce. For our meals we ordered grilled and broiled seafood. The scallops and flouder were large portions and fresh and delicious. The cole slaw and fries were good, too. Server was attentive.”

“So good I had to eat here twice during our recent trip to Surf City! First time I had the Italian sub and the second time I had the reuben sandwich. Both were excellent! Service is very friendly and fast. They do have plenty of parking and have a small seating area downstairs and more seating upstairs. They have a pretty large menu of sandwiches and breakfast. If you're craving a great sandwich drop in and check this spot out. I'll be back for sure.”

“Got here before the crowd rolled in for dinner. The food was great. One favorite was the bang bang shrimp. And fried green beans. Our server was nice and personable. Would definitely eat here again.”

“I went to Cowfin because I had heard good things. They did not disappoint. The staff was very friendly and on top of the service. We had buffalo wings and chicken quesadilla. The buffalo wing sauce is the best I have had in this area. I will be back for more. My friend said she enjoyed the chicken quesadilla.”

“The location is superb, and the parking was easy. There were arcade games inside. The ice cream was pricy. I was impressed by the matcha cone! The people who worked here were nice and helpful.”

“Food was fantastic, service was great.. Bar does get a bit backed up at peak times but understandable... If you catch them at breakfast, it's delicious too ?! Can't say what happened at these negative reviews.”