17 Best American Restaurants in Surf City

“I've been away from Topsail for a few years and was back this past weekend. We went to Daily Grind twice, and it was very good both times, as I expected from my prior visits in years past. We had dirty chai and iced mochas. I was very impressed at how quickly our orders came up, even though the line was pretty significant.I'm happy to see this business doing so well!“

“We chose to eat here based on their amazing reviews and the variety on the menu. We got there as soon as they opened and was greeted immediately by the attentive staff. They were patient while we looked over the menu to decide what we wanted.I went with the special, which was the “Not so Cajun shrimp” over rice with a green beans. I'm so glad I did because it did not disappoint! It was loaded with flavor from the sauce to the rice to the green beans.Highly recommend!!“

“Had a crab boil for out first meal in Surf City. The instructions were easy to follow. The service at the location was excellent. They walked me through how to cook everything. I steamed it in beer and added boiled eggs to my steamer. It was a feast!“

“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.“

“Great barbecue at the beach! The staff is super friendly and attentive! I got the barbecue & chicken combo plate and it was fantastic! It had been a long day and I didn't feel like cooking that night so I let them do it for me and was not disappointed!Kid-friendliness: It's just a nice, family friendly restaurant.Wheelchair accessibility: There are plenty of parking spaces with wheelchair access. There are tables for someone in a wheelchair chair to sit at.“

“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.“

“Came across this place on a weekend getaway to Topsail... definitely worth trying out these treats!We tried a variety of what was on the board... my favorite was the banana cream pie, and my husband's was the Death by Chocolate.Best to eat shortly after purchasing, as they're made to order and warm. After a few hours, they get a little soggy... but still yummy!“

“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“

“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.“

“I was in Surf City for 5 days with the fam, and I tried to get a hot dog from this place every day I was there. The guy behind the counter was cool, and he always asked how I was doing. The hot dog was consistently delicious. I am from WV, so the Carolina Dog was pretty much my jam. Chili and slaw were always on point. The bun was steamed and wrapped in foil and consistently satisfying. I ate there 4 times, and was never disappointed. The service was speedy, and I would eat there every week if they were in my neighborhood.“

“We love going to coastal every time we visit Topsail. They have a large variety of beer and cider. The service is friendly and quick. They always play sports and good music. But the food is by far the reason we go. Everything we have had has been super and top notch for what's offered on the island. We love the hot honey shrimp, wings, jalepeno nachos, burgers, wraps, tots, fries and more. We love the tastiness of the food. It's amazing and 100% worth a trip when visiting Topsail. You can also get your food to go and sit anywhere in town.“

“I remember when this place opened, I was 14 years old, and nothing looked like it does now, but the deli hasn't it changed at least from what I can tell from the pictures. Some of my fondest memory's happened in or around close by to deli as I worked there for close to 4yrs from the day they opened. Barry, Billy, Joey, Alex, Caitlin, Meg, Johnny Bacon, Phil, and Chris were all family, those summers, and even winters! The one thing that brought us all together to make the deli such a great place was the love of a good sandwich and good food in general. We did only have great food but we all took alot of pride in serving the local people of surf city as well as the tourists. I have since moved away and been away for many years. But am so happy to see the deli is still there going strong. Every time I get to that side of N.C., even if it a lil out of the way, I try to make my way there for a chicken cutlet, fresh cut roast beef, or the famous Italian! And oh yeah don't forget the extra sour pickle! It's been awhile since I have gotten my fix but I believe I will make there here soon to see my old deli family, and catch up, and hopefully to drive Billy crazy with my southern accent and slang! He use to love one phrase so much I believe it was " Do What!" Hope all is well with them and can't wait to see them all again and have one of the best sandwiches on the face of the planet!“

“Great good at very reasonable prizes. It does get busy but they serve fairly quick and provide friendly service. We had a wonderful view of the water,if one chooses outside seating. They're well prepared if it gets too windy or cold. We had the blackened mahi, crab fritters, scallops with side salads, fried citrus infused plantains, which is a must try, a couple glasses of white wine a a great Key lime pie. I forgot to take pictures of food and the restaurant but it's a nice and casual place with a great view by the water.“

“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.“

“Icecream was yum and merch was cool. There wasn’t a place for me to fill my reusable water bottle! Which is always ridiculous in this wasteful world, but especially on a coastal town where plastic is killing our sea turtles. I asked if I could fill my water somewhere and was told I could be given a plastic cup to fill mine. That defeats the entire purpose…“

“Solid upscale eatery with fresh food and great service. Angel was our waitress. She was very kind and accomodating.Perfect place for a relaxed birthday outing. Save room for dessert, they have hearty portions!Kid-friendliness: Kids menuWheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair ramp access“

“Our girl T was amazing! We had never been here before. She took us under her wing and made us feel so special. I watched her working with a child at a table near us. He was shy but she kept talking with him until he was ready to see what it was that she does: he wanted behind the scenes. Without blinking an eye, she showed him the kitchen and he was amazed. It was very quick but enough to hook him. He’ll be a future chef bc of her attentiveness! T is an amazing human! Thank you for this experience !!!“