18 Best American Restaurants in Surf City

“Great food, even better people and atmosphere. As locals, we are weekly visitors. (well maybe more like three times a week on occasion.) We have NEVER not been satisfied. Ask my husband- it’s hard for ME to be satisfied. lol. But truthfully this is a gem of a spot, and consider yourself lucky if they get to know you and your order. Because this is “that kinda place”“

“My husband and son and I went Saturday for dinner and as always, it was delicious. The crab dip always spot on and the best around. A special Thank You to Tanner our server, he was awesome and did such a wonderful job and made sure everything was spot on for us to have a relaxing and enjoyable dinner. Tanner you were awesome and your personality and how you deal with your customers was great, please keep that up. My heart went out to you and I felt bad after the table next to us ran you and spent $200 if not more and left you such a crap tip, that was so wrong. But don't let people like that discourage you, keep doing you, because you were great!!!“

“Pleasantly surprised! Friendly team, clean, fun decor, and our food was very good. Cannot say enough about their tasty cheese curds. The Cobb Salad with chicken, Flounder sandwich, and Mac & Cheese skillet were excellent! Very tasty dressing/dips as well. Great sized portions. We were stuffed and passed on dessert but will be back very soon for round 2. Cowfin Bar & Grill is now a keeper on our TI rotating restaurant list. Highly recommend everything about them!“

“Stopped in for a sweet treat. The ice cream selection is amazing, you get big scoops too. The employees were friendly and professional. Will definitely stop back in on our next visit to the Island.“

“This place is the best ! They have such a great selection of food and drinks and the outside seating is perfect on a nice day ❤️“

“The best meal of the week. Seasoned perfectly and great portions. We even have leftovers for our last night at the beach. Treat yo’self and get a Topsail Steamer bucket!“

“this restaurant never disappoints. I am a local here and we frequent the shuck and shack a lot. their lobster bisque is the best around. oysters are always amazing, never had anything that I didn't absolutely love. highly highly recommend!“

“Some of the best brisket we’ve ever had!! Love the food, love the owners and staff! A Surf City staple!“

“We stopped at this little diner on a whim and it did not disappoint! We ate here several times on our recent vacation to Surf City. My three boys cannot stop talking about how amazing the burgers and onion rings were and my husband can’t stop raving about the relish on his burger! It was so much fun checking out all of the vintage decor and listening to music on the juke box! We wish so much we could eat here all the time or find a place just like it back home! We will be back on our next vacation!“

“Talk about working UNDER PRESSURE! These girls did such a good job on a high stress rush with SO many people. They all made sure to greet every customer, and wish them a good day when completing the order. We love coming here and Sunrise Bagel next door every vacation, typically we come much earlier in the morning so this is the first time we’ve come during a rush. Always remember to be patient and kind, they’re doing all they can to give you the best results! 🍩💗“

“Our group was seated in the bar area around back. It was a nice little area that over looked the sound. But there were a few patrons at the bar that had too much to drink that was being so obnoxious to the other seated guests. Other than that the service and food was good!“

“Very pleasant experience. Staff was very friendly and helpful with everything. We tried the fried pork tips (wow), I also got the wing sampler and my wife got the fish tacos. Everything was delicious. Perfect 10 score from me. 👍“

“I get the breakfast sandwich, eggs over easy, cheese and a sausage patty. I’ve ordered this before at other restaurants and NYCD is the only place that gets over easy right. Gooey and runny, just the way a perfect breakfast should be! Of all the places on and off island, this is the one to go to. Highly recommended! 💕“

“Everything!!! We love eating here when we’re on the island 🌭🥰“

“Super fun location near the beach! Lots of good flavors of ice cream and fun souvenirs. Prices are very reasonable. Also there's a huge screen projecting a kids movie. My daughter loved watching it and eating her ice cream. We also bought some taffy and ate it the whole way home!

Kid-friendliness: A must for kids! They will Love it!“

“The shrimp po boy, was delicious!! Service is quick!!“

“Great ladies night at Beauchaines! Food and service were both excellent and best Dirty Martini in town. Thanks for keeping the Filet Fondue. My favorite!“

“Great food and even better service. We loved the vibe so we didnt mind that the AC was broken inside but felt bad for the poor staff who were drenched in sweat but still managed to take such great care of us esp our bartender Frannie as sweat literally dropped off her. We loved it and highly recommend but to the owner do better, fix your AC to take care of your staff!!“