The Surf Restaurant is a Wipeout

Posted Saturday, March 30, 2024 3:30 am

By Dylan Bailey

The Surf Restaurant, a bar and beach motel standing since 1957, offers a unique dining experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether for good or otherwise, will depend entirely on how you plan to dine. With a beautiful outdoor deck and a tiki bar, the ambiance screams ‘beach’ and exudes a carefree, ocean charm. The aesthetic appeal of the restaurant is undeniable.

My first impression was a bit confusing. Despite the lack of customers, the service area seemed deserted, creating an air of uncertainty about whether it was open or not. Only a chance encounter with a chef clarified the restaurant indeed was open for business. After the initial confusion, a friendly waitress appeared. Despite the slow start, her energy and approach to service were fantastic.

The menu offers a variety of options ranging from appetizers to main courses, with the notable highlight being their cocktail selection. Among the numerous appetizer options, the buttermilk fried pickles were my pick. Despite the impressive quantity and initial tasty bites, the pickles were overly seasoned, leading to a discomforting salty experience.

For my main course, the blackened shrimp street tacos called to me like a siren at sea. The combination of cabbage slaw, roasted corn, salsa, and Sriracha lime aioli further fueled my anticipation.

Surprisingly, the 'street tacos' were closer to sad 'soft tacos'. With just two pieces of shrimp in each, the $12 price tag seemed a bit steep. The lack of proper seasoning and runny consistency of the toppings made them shrimply disappointing.

To finish off my meal, I chose one of the specials - a ham and Swiss grilled cheese with alfredo, served with a side of tomato bisque. The bisque was creamy and enjoyable, but the grilled cheese was soggy and lacked flavor besides the overpowering Swiss cheese.

Despite the inconsistent food, The Surf Restaurant's ambiance deserves a mention. The combination of a tiki bar, an outdoor patio, and the location creates a unique atmosphere that might appeal to people looking for a casual bar experience rather than a sit-down meal.

While the ambiance is attractive and the service is commendable, the quality and value of the food leave much to be desired. If you're looking for a casual spot to enjoy a few drinks, this might be a place to consider.