Food was so very good! Nate and the other staff were very attentive. The view of the ocean was stunning. An A++ experience read more

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A Surf City classic! We dined here recently and were able to snag a seat on the back deck overlooking the ocean and pier. This was not our first visit and won't be our last. Ben, our server, was friendly, attentive, and efficient. They have something for everyone - even a vegetarian menu if you ask for it! read more

The food and services were excellent. Highly recommend you stop in and see the restaurant.

Family of 6 on 5/15/26. Four of the 6 meals were good but nothing to write home about and the other 2 were not. The tuna dish was totally raw and not edible and the other dish with the filet mignon was also raw (asked for medium rare) to a point where it could not be cut with a knife! The filet mignon dish was sent back to have it cooked correctly and eventually came back out 20 minutes later with no apologie. The tuna dish was not eaten nor was it sent back to be cooked properly since the person that ordered it was too nice to say anything. The bathrooms were disgusting and no wonder why the restaurant received a 92 percent health dept rating. We will never go back again to this high priced restaurant. Hopefully others will have a better experience and this was just an off night for the crew. read more

Great location on the beach with great views inside and on the deck. Friendly and quick service that made our experience so memorable! Lots of great fish and American favorite dishes to choose from the menu. Reasonably priced with big portions. read more

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A bit pricey for lunch but I guess you're paying for the view and location on the beach. It might seem like these isn't any parking but they have good parking across the street. Our waiter was prompt and attentive. I had the burger and was disappointed. I expected a bit more for the price. My meat was over cooked and hard, not juicy. I also ordered the sweet potato fries which were a $4 dollar up charge. Most places it's less than two bucks. They were very good but maybe a quarter of a sweet potato. We had the Telmex egg rolls which were good and had a nice medium heat dipping sauce. My wife had the fish tacos which she said were ok. Maybe we ordered the wrong stuff, still we will go back. The views alone are worth it. read more

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Normally, I would say this was more of a place for tourists but since it is off season, many of the locals were here. Excellent assortment of choices for food and great daily socials. The table server was very attentive, knew the entrees very well and helped us make our selection. Meal was well prepared. All patrons were happy with lively conversations which made the overall experience quite pleasant. read more

It was a bit of a rough start, but eventually the service flipped to being great. The fish was tender. The kids liked their food. The inside was okay. Would have loved to be outside. read more

Despite a large weekend crowd, we were seated within 20 minutes after checking in with the hostess outside and enjoyed an amazing view of the Surf City beachfront. Our server was super sweet and we started off with a pair of boozy cocktails, including a Moscow Mule and a very (very!) dirty martini. Despite the rapid turnover around us, we never felt rushed. For dinner, we opted for two of the nightly specials - flash fried lobster and a gorgeous piece of swordfish topped with perfectly grilled shrimp and a creamy crab sauce. Both were over the top and wonderfully flavorful. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Gorgeous swordfish topped with grilled shrimp and creamy crab sauce. - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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We are visiting and decided to check out lunch at Daddy Mac's and we are glad we did. There was no wait because it was off season. The place isn't upscale, but has a nice beach vibe. We were seated ocean front on the deck with 5-star views of the beach and pier. The menu is interesting with a lot of seafood options. We had the daily special Mahi Tacos with grilled mahi. The mahi was perfectly grilled, moist and tender. The toppings were mixed with beans, diced tomato, cabbage, onions, corn and a wonderful spicy sauce. The three tacos were delicious. The staff is super wonderful. The hostess was welcoming and accommodating. Sam, our server was attentive, friendly and kept glasses filled. Food came out quickly. Prices are reasonable. They offer cocktail and beer specials. There is a kid's menu. We found parking next door (free off season). We'll be back. Great beach dining experience. read more

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Great food! Every time I've been there it's been busy and we sit at the bar. I recommend getting the brisket that is not on the menu! Brisket is three dollars for 2 ounces and I usually get 4 ounces and a side dish. I've also had a salad in a jar. Really great! My friends have had mac & cheese. Definitely a great place. Very affordable. read more

Daddy Mac's was a great meal whether it was their loaded burgers or ahi tuna sliders. The service was very attentive and kind in a beach environment with wonderful views. You can even outside and feel the breeze. read more

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Service is awesome! Brooke did a great job. The shrimp and crab linguine was awesome. I should have checked to see if I could get it spicy. That would make it even better (for me). We'll be back! read more

If you don't want to wait, get there EARLY, like 4:30 early, to get your name on the list. (They don't take reservations.) We arrived at 4:50 with a party of 2 and still waited about 20 minutes, which was fine, but larger parties were being told almost 2 hours. Setting: BEAUTIFUL! The dining area overlooks the ocean, and there is outdoor seating as well. Service: Both the hostess and our server were attentive and kind. The service overall was excellent. Food: The food was good, but overpriced for what it was. The bill for 2 people with an appetizer and no alcohol was over $100. The steak was decent, but not amazing. The lobster bisque was tasty, but had maybe 2 tiny bites with lobster in it. The best thing I tasted was the crab cakes. The experience was pleasant overall, but for the price, I would try a different place next time. read more

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SIT ON THE DECK! The view is stunning!!! That's really the best thing this place has going for it. The wait staff was ok but seemed a little abrupt but maybe she was weeded. While it did seem pretty busy, we got seated within 5 minutes. But we went about 5:30 on a Thursday evening in September. Do really remember much about the interior, I just really enjoyed sitting outside. The food was...not good. It was adequate. Proper temperature. Cooked just fine. But there was absolutely NO flavor. None. Not even on my rice! I know excess sodium can be harmful but there was no risk of that here. I got the fried oysters and shrimp plate with seasonal veggies and wild rice. The fried food was ok, I only had one muddy oyster. But the rice and the vegetables and the crab dip that we ordered as an appetizer had no seasoning. I'm glad we ate here so I could sit outside but if we ever come back, I think I'll just order drinks. read more

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It was good food. The mozzerela sticks were amazing, the cheese pull... out....of....this....WORLDDD. Just amazing. The chicken tenders were okay and that's why I gave it a 4. If you know me you know I love chicken tenders. The friend shrimp was pretty good. When we got there was literally nobody Just us. They were quike. It was really nice on the inside with cool decor. We sat at the outside and was beach front. We saw dolphinss. Overall very nice. read more

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Everything was great! From reception to receipt going to Daddy Mac's was fantastic! Our server Matt was prompt and just friendly enough to make the meal enjoyable. I've been trying fried oysters from all over the area and these were far and away the best!! The crab dip was flavorful and generously sized, more than any other place we've tried. Not only suggestion I might make is that my sister got the fried oyster and shrimp platter and the shrimps were really shrimply. Quite tiny. I think that Daddy Mac would might be better served by having bigger, plumper shrimp even if they give fewer. Other than that we were delighted with our meal, and we will be back!!! read more

I have had lunch a few times at this location. The staff is great! The food is great! The atmosphere is great! If you want great food on the beach, this is the spot. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Outside dining area - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Visited Daddy Mac's twice while in the area this week. Once for takeout and once to treat my Mom to a seafood dinner on the water. Beautiful views of the ocean and the moon. Eclectic cocktail menu. Place was crowded every night we were here, so come early. The blackened scallops were amazing and the crabcakes are a must try. We will be back! With love from Raleigh. read more

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Food is rough, dive bar quality dressed in beachfront views, which admittedly are pretty. Service is great, though.

Stopped by @ 1pm on a Sunday and we're pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately. There was a wait to sit on the patio but we had a nice view from our booth indoors. The parking situation was dicey, the lot to the right of the restaurant was a city pay lot. The 4 places in front of Daddy Mac's were full. We called them and we're told that they shared a lot with Shaka Taco across the street and we barely found a spot there. Cat was our server and she took great care of us. My husband ordered the Topsail breakfast and I had the shrimp and grits. They were the best I've ever had and I've eaten them often. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Shrimp and Grits!!! - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Food and service is always great. I have never had a bad meal there. Most ocean front restaurants have marginal food. Not the case at Daddy Mac's. The food is great! read more

Two stars for the view only. Food and drinks are terrible and expensive. Service was adequate.

Recommended by a local for the food and the view. Both were fantastic. While we waited, we went through the restaurant right on to the beach to take pictures. Afterward, we had drinks and sat on the porch to wait 45 mins, which ended up being 15! For an appetizer, the fried oysters had amazingly seasoned breading and were fried just right. There were plenty to share. I got the scallops and the hubs got the lobster and shrimp Diablo. Both were delicious! Other dishes at the table were filet, fried shrimp and flounder which were also well prepared and good. We had a seat inside with a great view of the ocean. Our server was very helpful with answering questions, making suggestions and taking care of us. We had a great experience. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Lobster and Shrimp Diablo - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Staff was good nothing outstanding but it was extremely busy so can't blame them! It was nice there was a bar window to get drinks while waiting and seating outside the building for waiting...if you can find an open spot. The view is great from outside and sitting near the back windows. The food was AMAZING!! Definitely worth the wait. Shrimp and crab scampi was 10/10 would have it again anytime. Crab cake stuffed flounder was 8.7/10 was good but not a big portion though. Crab dip was a great appetizer!! And loaded baked potatoes is highly recommended as a side. Will go back again. read more

Awesome food and service, truly our server killed it and so did the chefs. But it made me and my family uncomfortable with how short the servers/food runners shorts and skirts were. It's a family establishment...please dress like it. read more

This was my second time here, a few years apart and it seems to have gone far downhill. They do not take reservations so we went around 6 to put our names in, table for 6 and no special needs, all adults. We were told an hour to hour 15, and were finally seated after a full hour and a half, promptly after the place nearly cleared out. We were asked to stand and wait in a few spots once we were texted, because they were still not prepared. When they finally brought us outside, they had mixed up tables and given our table away.... Funniest thing was that there were several empty tables but it appeared no one was smart enough to combine two tables for 4. Thankfully our server was friendly and spot on, refilling drinks etc without being asked, although we had to ask for rolls that we could see other tables getting. The appetizer special was grouper bites, which were kind of tiny and no grand portion. The calamari was decent at best. The ribeye was decent as well, the fried oysters, salmon and pasta dish were all marginal, as was the mahi. I thought the portion sizes were lacking, considering the prices and the mahi was not only a tiny piece but was overcooked and grey. There was no apologies for the long wait or table mixup and quite honestly the food was nothing special. Its too bad because the location is great and the deck seating makes for some great views. I will not return, it was a huge disappointment and not being acknowledged when a restaurant has major issues is a real turn-off. Others around us had much of the same experience which was sad. And then having to tip plus pay their surcharge to use a credit card? The pizza down the street was not only excellent but service was great too. Don't bother with spending way too much money for an experience worse than fast food. read more

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So far, the best spot to eat on the island! Ocean views from every spot in the place (and outside)! We went for brunch and I couldn't have been happier to try their eggs Benedict. They have several to choose from, I just like crispy bacon in place of the Canadian bacon. Unfortunately, the kitchen got it wrong the first time, but immediately made the proper adjustments! It was a little heavy on the hollandaise but all in all, pretty good. Our waiter was excellent and attentive. The staff were all hustling and handling the busy crowd with ease! read more

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Love Surf City and Daddy Mac's is always a must do when we visit. Great vibe and ocean views if you dine on the patio.

The food was good and the weather and view provided for a nice early dinner out. The restaurant is set right on the edge of the sand with a perfect view of the beach and ocean. We came for an early dinner, and grabbed a drink at the bar while waiting for our table. The atmosphere was pleasant and we had a good time enjoying the food and view while under the sun. The only problem came with we felt rushed by the server to be in and out of our table. She checked on us a little too much and kept asking when we're ready to order and we had barely been there a few minutes. We started with the calamari appetizer, and within a few minutes was asked about our entrees. We ordered our entrees with a starter salad and asked if she could give us on time with each of our meals. Instead our server mentioned she has to put everything in as she gets the order and we got the salad and entrees at the same time. We waited to eat our entrees as we finished our starter salads, so the meal got a bit cold. read more

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We took our dad out for a late Father's Day dinner here and from start to finish it was a great evening! My dad is a bit of a picky eater, but we all ate every last bit on our plates. The food was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the sea scallops. The ocean view of the restaurant was gorgeous. The service was excellent. Cannot wait to come back! read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Father's Day matching Daddy Mac's tshirts - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Ate here last night w my vegetarian granddaughter. The menu doesn't show it, but they had a separate vegetarian menu! Both of our dinners were very good. Service and the view was also great. For those saying this place is pricey, I question where you typically eat. 2 entrees, a glass of wine and dessert came to $60 w tip. Oh and did I mention the view. Normal Dinner prices and I'd say good prices for oceanfront. read more

The food was goood especially the fried seafood menu but some other things such as pasta and mashed potatoes could use more seasoning but overall really good service and food employees are super nice and helpful read more

It's taken way too long for me to write this review. I think Daddy Mac's is one of my favorite places to eat. It's not just one thing that makes this restaurant so special, so charming. It's the consistent and great quality food, the excellent and thoughtful service from the staff, the beautiful views, and the lively well-run bar. Daddy Mac's is a family restaurant that serves crowd pleasers. Everyone will find something they love. My favorite is the ribeye OR crab cakes. Shout out to Brie and Connor for holding down the fort and shaking up the best drinks around. And of course Kenny. I used to work in food, so I know a well managed restaurant when I'm in one. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - The unbeatable beach view - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Shame the food at this place was not great as it has great feel and view. Crab dib - no crab meat I could see Baby back ribs - very tough. Shrimp plater tased like they came out of a box from grocery store. 80 bucks later aggg - wish we went across the street to the hot dog place read more

Service was absolutely terrible. When I asked our server "Kaitlyn" about a lemon or straw for my water she responded with "well, did you ask for one?" She never smiled and wasn't friendly or polite at all. I could see that she was talking about us to her co-workers. Another server came out to see who' she was referring to (me) and stared right at me and my table. She had such a bad attitude I just refused to speak to her or make any eye contact with her anymore after I saw her talking about us with her coworkers. I ordered a Prosecco. She brought my bill before my glass was even half empty- and we still had food on our plates- and she stood there waiting for my payment. (Which we didn't ask for- I wasn't ready to pay and leave at this point yet.) It was completely rude. I've never had a server try and rush us away like this before. It was obvious she wanted us to leave. I watched her with the other patrons, she didn't seem to have an issue with anyone else. I feel it was discrimination. We were the only people of color in the dining area. It's unfortunate because the host was very nice to us. The food was good too, and the restaurant is pretty with a nice ocean view. Too bad the service from Kaitlyn was AWFUL. read more

Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - Fried green tomatoes and shrimp, Prosecco - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Wonderful food and great service As a newbie in the area it was recommended by my realtor labeling the place. Will certainly go again. read more

Seating; Fast Service; Excellent Food; unbelievable Price; Affordable You won't go wrong eating here. read more

We were hesitant about trying this restaurant because of the ratings BUT we're absolutely glad we did! Had to wait 30 minutes because it was packed but it was well worth it! The food was excellent! Our waiter, Charlie, was on point the whole time and he was slammed! And the location and ambiance are perfect! It was fun and rocking inside and the location is perfect on the beach! I definitely recommend and can't wait to return! read more

Say the food was very tasty little disappointed in the marinara sauce, cause it was advertised as spicy and I didn't consider it to be spicy for me. The service was excellent. We did have quite a while on a table, but understandable with how few restaurants are in the area, the view speaks for itself read more

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