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    Drifters Surf Restro

    4.7 (41 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Drinks of the day
    Kurt K.

    Been wanting to try the new "hot spot" in town. Got the reservation and headed over. We were greeted by a child. I got it. Summer time get the kids out working but having a child be your hostess is not a model for success. More on that later. We had a nice table by the window overlooking the parking lot. Let me say small is a generous characterization of the seating. But the space is well laid out and there are options. Only three tables you can actually reserve. 10 seats total. Jimmy the waiter came over and showed us the specials and the specialty drinks. We ordered wine and a beer. Then we ordered the 27 dollar lobster sunburn roll. And the wait begins. In fairness they just opened and they were slammed since they have limited reservations. Twenty minutes later the sushi shows up. Fortunately we had ordered our entrees in that time. Entrees came out finally but our drinks were empty and water would have to do. Flavor was pretty good. I had the pasta with clams that had a white sauce. The center was hot but the edges were jaut barely warm. Partner had the grouper catch of the day. The cauliflower was hot but the fish was not. And I think I know why. Two folks working front of house. The owner and the waiter. Focused on the TV not working while food stacked I the pass. The kid was hanging out and kept looking at us, don't need that. Now I heard the owner say a reservation canceled for a five top. In walks a four tip and the child obviously did not know and told the party no table available. Away walks the four top. Table sits empty rest of our time there (45 minutes). Front of house can't be a child. The flavors were very good. And with improved processes they will reach their potential. Protip: make a reservation but not for right at opening. They got slammed and the kitchen took some time to catch up. Edited for brevity. I had a much longer response submitted before.: Thanks to the owner for the reply. But that just reinforces the why we had the experience we had. Never addressed is the temperature of the food. Standards are standards. Owners make choices and those choices impact the experience. Regardless I stand by my review of our experience that night. Next time will it be different? Won't know. Since the owner basically said there are other places I can take my business if I did not like my experience.

    Bob W.

    Incredible little find!! Wow, ordered two fish dishes that were out of this world good! A must try, looking forward incoming back and trying some other dishes

    Gaston P.

    Tucked away in a modest strip mall at 1875 S. Patrick Dr. in Satellite Beach, Drifters Surf Resto is the kind of spot that reminds you of those unassuming, intimate restaurants you might stumble upon in New York--think SoHo or the Bronx. Small in size but overflowing with character, warmth, and soul. This was my second visit, and I'm happy to say it was just as impressive as the first. I first heard about Drifters through a friend who raved about it--and they weren't wrong. Anyone familiar with Brevard County knows that while we have a handful of restaurants, very few stand out. Most tend to be either chain establishments or high-end spots with stagnant menus. So finding a place like Drifters--a truly phenomenal local restaurant--is a refreshing experience. Whether you're catching up with friends or sharing a relaxed evening with a loved one, it's an ideal spot. Some might initially overlook the location, which shares a strip with an Ace Hardware, a laundromat, and a pizza joint. But that's part of its charm. It feels like a hidden gem, the kind you'd only discover if you were lucky--or local. Inside, you're greeted with a laid-back, welcoming ambiance--not overly lit or flashy, but cozy and calming. The staff is attentive and friendly, and the best part is that the owners are fully involved. Danny Clark and his family run the place with heart and care, drawing on their background from Costa Rica where they previously owned a restaurant near a surf dojo. That surf-town spirit is infused in every detail of Drifters. Now to the heart of the experience: the food. The menu is on the pricier side and appears to change regularly, which is rare and welcome in our area. It keeps things dynamic and exciting, unlike many local restaurants that rarely rotate their offerings. We started with the beef Wego starter plate, and it was a showstopper. The presentation was vibrant and elegant--an open invitation to dig in. Even my wife, who doesn't typically eat red meat, commented on how flavorful and tender it was. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the meat was juicy and well-seasoned, complemented beautifully by the salad and dressing. It was so good I finished it too fast to properly savor it--definitely ordering it again. For our mains, I chose the lobster Pad Thai while my wife went with the sashimi bowl. The Pad Thai was phenomenal. Having made Pad Thai at home, I know how delicate rice noodles can be--these were cooked flawlessly. The sauce had a wonderful kick, and the lobster was tender and perfectly done. My only suggestion: I wish there were spice-level options for this dish, as it's naturally spicy. It was perfect for me, but those sensitive to heat might want to choose a different entrée. My wife's sashimi bowl was equally excellent. The freshness of the fish was immediately noticeable--not like some local places where the fish clearly has been frozen for days. Here, it tasted like it had been caught that morning. The quality was top-tier, and we both appreciated the care that went into it. On my previous visit, I had tried their ceviche. It wasn't the traditional Peruvian or Ecuadorian style I personally prefer, but more of a Central American take. Still, the fish was fresh and properly marinated. I also tried the dragon roll and was again impressed by the quality--if you love sushi, Drifters stands far above the usual suspects in Indialantic or Melbourne Beach. As for drinks, they offer a good selection of draft beers and a thoughtful wine list, but no hard liquor--so no tequila, scotch, or rum here. However, their mocktails are creative and refreshing. My wife, who doesn't drink, enjoyed her alcohol-free cocktail and found it both flavorful and fun. Final Verdict: Drifters Surf Resto is exactly what this area needed--a fresh, family-run restaurant that offers elevated yet approachable food in a relaxed, surf-inspired setting. With its ever-evolving menu, high-quality ingredients, and sincere hospitality, it's a rare gem in Satellite Beach. Whether you're local or just passing through, it's absolutely worth a visit.

    Nami nori trio
    Dacqueri M.

    WOW!!! Drifters in Indian Harbour Beach is a must! Don't miss the newest gem: a family-run sushi (and more) restaurant that offers a unique menu unlike anything else in the area. The intimate setting adds to the charm, making it perfect for a cozy meal. The service is exceptional, reflecting the warmth of a family business. A definite must-try for any sushi lover! We got the Nami Nori Trio and the El Jefe roll. Both were excellent!

    The tuna poke
    Jesse H.

    Went there on a Tuesday hoping for a quiet dining room. Was greeted right away with a smile and was shown the bar with 4 stools by entrance and the sushi bar with 8 stools. We chose that latter. Ice water was poured and menus presented in a few short minutes. I was explained that Tuesdays were only sushi and bowls available and the full menu is Wednesday through Saturday. Although the menu was one page every option looks super desirable. I chose the sublime dish which is salmon and short rib over a lovely noodle and my companion shows a vegetable bowl but wanted to add tuna as a protein and what she really wanted was a poke bowl. The kitchen accommodated And created a bowl on the fly that met her expectations. After the orders were taken within moments we were offered an Amuse-bouche including four petite muscles in the half shell with delicate accompaniments and garnish. The entrées arrive shortly after and the utensils were great although the stainless steel chopsticks reproving too hard to handle and I resorted to the fork halfway through the dish. The portions were generous and flavors were profound. Super happy with our choices and completely satisfied with the meal. Drifters occupies a small space and its family owned and operated. Reservations are recommended Wednesday through Saturday. Looking to try the full menu soon.

    Coffee cacao crusted steak

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    27 days ago

    Very cool place. They need to expand. Food was great as was the service. Will visit again.

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    2 months ago

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    Katie C.

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    2 months ago

    Great food and service. Amazing specials and always very fresh. Highly recommend visiting.

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    3 months ago

    Great food atmosphere and great staff our area really needed this restaurant! Food was amazing!

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    8 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Food and service wax amazing! Will definitely go back! The smash burger with lobster on ''twas my favorite!

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    6 months ago

    Great, innovative food. Creative sushi. Great options and nice staff. Cute decor. Is small but worth a try.

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    9 months ago

    Everything was great! The rolls and specials were all unique and delicious. The service and atmosphere were equally amazing!

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    6 months ago

    Everything was wonderful--flavors, service, ambiance were exceptional! Left wanting more, but were quite full. Happy 1st anniversary!!

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    1 year ago

    So good! Best quality! Get the tuna and ponzu noodles! Sushi was also excellent. We will be back!

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    Ask the Community - Drifters Surf Restro

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    My last Yelp review for 2024. My family was in the Satellite Beach area and yelped for the best…read moreseafood restaurant near the Air Force base and Goombay was listed as #1. We got there and definitely a beach bar/restaurant vibe. The place is quite small and you're eating outdoors on picnic tables. Atmosphere is really nice but the cleanliness is sub par. Let me start with the positives. 1) The waitress provided great service and was very patient with us on the ordering. 2) Food: the fish and chips was good. Tasty, Not greasy and crispy. The shrimp po boy is cooked nicely and taste is good. The highlight are the waffle fries and sweet potatoes tots. 3) the food cooked and served in a timely manner. Now the negatives. 1) the steak skewers. Very tough and bland. 2) the seafood bisque. It wasn't a bisque and very watery. I think it was microwaved and wasn't cooked fresh. 3) sweet ice tea. I can tell it was brewed but wasn't made that day and wasn't sweet. 4) You get 1 small tartar sauce. If you want additional sauces, it's $1 extra (each). Why? You get 3 large pieces of fish in an order of fish and chips but a small amount of tartar sauce which covers one piece. 5) $$$ I like supporting local mom and pop type of restaurant but the prices are a bit on the expensive side. My family goes to the AFB commissary on a daily basis. We may comeback for the fish and chips but will bring our own tartar sauce.

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    Drifters Surf Restro - caribbean - Updated August 2026

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