Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Surf City

    2.8 (787 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Seafood, Sandwiches
    Closed Closed

    Surf City Photos

    SURF CITY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Surf City

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Giseli C.

    Bartenders are simply amazing , friendly and efficient.. The food is great , always something different on the menu Vibe is definitely a summer vibe with a beautiful view of NYC.. Definitely recommend ..

    Incredible views all around.
    Roy B.

    We came for a company party with about 50 people one night after work and we had a nice time. Very relaxed and beachy in feel, this is a great place to come and relax out of doors. We reserved a section out back and all the way to the left as you enter. Warming trays of food kept perfectly heated let us fill our bellies- sliders and shrimp and fries and chicken fingers were ordered and everything was very good. They provided us containers to take home the leftovers. The star of the evening was Roonie, (spelling?) , an absolute doll and very friendly. I arrived first from our party, and she made me feel comfortable and made the conversation enjoyable. She told me that this was her first season at Surf City and I wish her all the best and current and future success. Well done!

    Fried Crispy Chicken Sandwich, great fries
    Katey G.

    I never would've discovered this spot if it weren't for Yelp. Surf City is hidden behind parking lots along the water in JC. This is a massive space with multiple bars, food ordering windows, picnic tables, and an area with waited tables. We came on a Saturday afternoon around 4pm. Parking was free a couple hundred feet away, no line/cover to get in, a decent amount of seating available. We chose to go to the waited table area which served the same menu, plus more. Kids allowed before 8pm! They have a large frozen drinks menu, so I decided to go with a Miami vice - half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada. Very well priced considering all factors at $15. But the drink itself was kind of terrible. Imitation strawberry and coconut syrup blended with ice. No actual strawberry puree, and definitely no coconut cream or coconut in any form. I would've been happy paying $20 for a better drink. We ordered the crispy chicken sandwich to share. The fries were actually delicious. Perfectly crispy and well seasoned. The chicken sandwich was ok, probably a Purdue cutlet between a bun - but it was still tasty. I saw on the menu a bottle of whispering angel rose for $45. Pro move would be a bottle of rose and a couple of orders of fries, sit by the water and enjoy the ambiance.

    Fisherman's Platter
    Portia D.

    Only certain things on menu are good...specifically the fried food. On my last two visits there-I shared the Fisherman's Platter with my boyfriend. Delicious. We had tres leches for dessert. Also delicious. However, the mahi mahi sandwich is dry & flavorless. The drinks are overpriced with very little alcohol. Service is good!

    Impossible Burger
    Sara G.

    Fun time at the beach as always. Service is friendly and as quick as can be when they're busy. We sat at a table for the first time (usually order express). It's a little expensive, and the food isn't GREAT, but you come here for the *vibes* anyway. Very family friendly. Every season they seem to make improvements.

    Stella L.

    Nice atmosphere by the water. Liked the lobster rolls we ordered. But the service was really horrific. We had to ask at least 3 times to get water after we sat down. I saw my server running around who was probably overwhelmed but it was also impossible to get his attention to pay at the end. I even asked another worker if we could pay and she just told us we had to tell our server. It would have been courteous if she told us she would tell him. We waited about 15-20 minutes to finally get his attention. Can't say I'll be back anytime soon.

    Sama C.

    A lot has changed but it's still a hangout spot worth checking out. Back in the day this used to be called Sandbar, and it was a hell of an experience. You had a tough time just finding parking (in a huge empty lot). You had a tough time getting to the bar for a drink. You didn't have a tough time meeting people and getting into fights. Fast forward, Surf City is a much more tamed venue. It still has a big parking lot even though they put some kind of field in the middle of it. The inside layout is huge and open, but mainly everyone comes here to sit on the dock enjoying the shore view and seeing the yachts. It's huge to still have that outdoor bar so you don't have to go far to grab a drink. Plenty of benches, a fireplace seating area, high chairs, bar chairs, and plenty of standing space. The drinks were made nice and strong, but I did not try the food.

    Mango&Strawberry Margarita was delicious...
    Oneida S.

    Wonderful view, drinks and food was delicious.. would recommend and definitely go back

    Mango Tango Miami Vice
    Shelby A.

    A hidden gem in jersey city! This spot is great if you're looking for a place to grab a drink on the water or sit down and eat. They have covered seating, a sand area, and are right on the water. The drinks are a fantastic for the size and price! Especially since for an added $2 you can get an additional shot on the side. I ordered the twin lobster rolls and shared with my friend! How great a deal $32 for two full size lobster rolls and a side of fries. We also ordered a side of Mac and cheese to share for the table, it was flavorful and you could tell the used quality cheeses to make it. Personally I added a little salt but otherwise great. Our friends ordered the crab fries to share and oh my we wish we knew how big a portion was, all of the fries were crisp and seasoned to perfection. The crap dip was warm and delicious, very filling and heavy. The pizza had a great crunch and taste. I will definitely be back as it is a great place for groups! Service was maybe a little slow as they were definitely understaffed but all of our food was out quick and so were our drinks. It definitely has a bit of a dive bar vibe to it but well worth it. Also they have a giant parking lot next door which is a huge plus for jersey city!

    Lakeshia B.

    Here we go!!!! I am going to give it four stars, and this was my first time going I try to find something to do on my days off or before I go to work, because the weather is finally clearing up and outside was calling me On this particular sunny Sunday at the waterfront, Surf City caught my eye. I was doing research during the week on some of the best places to eat for outdoor seating/a good vibe/rooftop and Surf City was on that list When I finally decided to head out, it was after 12 pm My friend and I linked up, hopped on the Path and arrived at Marin Blvd. You walk off the Path, turn to your right, and follow the crow and music You are greeted by the waterfront, boats, and aquatic activities. There are small shops along the way but a large parking lot. When you walk in, it gives "dive bar and I LOVE IT!!! Surf City was already packed when my friend and I arrived There are no frills or putting on airs, what you see is what you get There is a host area, next to that is the bathroom, there is a bar outside and inside. You will need to note that you can grab a menu, look over it at the table or inside because they have a designated area for placing orders/paying for the food, and then picking up your order Its not complicated just follow the signs and instructions The music was bumping, the bar was packed, the boats/jet skis/kayaks were hitting the water giving me a good show At first, my friend and I grabbed drinks (you won't be disappointed they were strong but be mindful...if you order double liquor it will cost you...we will get back to that) We started at the bar but when I saw a couple get up and leave two seats facing the water...I jumped at the opportunity and thanked the couple for leaving LOL Now remember I told you there is designated to place your order/pay for your food/pick up your food. Well, my friend was kind enough to order for me, herself, and pay while I continued to drink, enjoy the sun, and good vibes We played it safe and opted for the Fried Shrimp Platter, but if we do go back soon we must try the Lobster Roll (it looks worth it tons of meat) The Fried Shrimp Platter I could taste the Old Bay in the seasonings (I am from Maryland LOL) The food was fresh, fried to perfection, and the fries were darn good too I like the personal touch of the small bottle of hot sauce that goes along with the lemon for garnish Now getting back to those drinks, remember I told you to be mindful of how much you alcohol you order? Well, before we exited the bar area, a gentleman came over to our bartender and inquired about what he paid $93 for? Well it turns out, when he ordered double liquor for 4 Sex on the Beaches, that was him basically ordering 8 drinks . As soon as I heard that, I turned to my friend and said "Guess what we will not be ordering or drinking?" It was a funny way to end the night, the gentleman walked off and said he needed a cigarette .. As for my friend and I, we enjoyed ourselves and will be back again

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex H.
    70
    117
    49

    13 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sama C.
    4994
    1011
    13470

    2 years ago

    Helpful 183
    Thanks 68
    Love this 133
    Oh no 3

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pimp D.
    4
    504
    21

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of J S.
    2
    798
    69

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shah W.
    1
    12
    10

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    They say dogs allowed but they actually wont let you if you have a certain dog. We have a pitbull mix and was denied entry

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Judy H.
    172
    2
    0

    11 months ago

    Terrible restaurant! Constant playing loud music through the night when the city has ordinance that quiet time is 10pm.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 20

    Ask the Community - Surf City

    Can I have a corporate happy hour during the week?

    Do they accept walk-ins?

    Absolutely..it's not a reservation required kinda of place

    Lots of mixed reviews here. I'm attending with a friend. What is the experience on a Saturday evening?

    Everything there is nice, but I didn’t recommend the food, I have been there a lot of times, we always had a good time but the food is always cold.

    Do they allow pets?

    Yes!

    Are dogs allowed?

    I don't think dogs are allowed, at least I didn't see any. And the sand makes me think not.

    Is it open on Mondays?

    Yes! They open at 4PM on weekdays.

    Are the lobster rolls warm or cold?

    The roll was warm but the lobster was Luke warm. However, it was really good.

    Do they have any IPAs?

    Yes that have a bunch of different ones

    Are dogs allowed? Tried calling all day but it's impossible to speak to someone!

    Yes

    View All 17 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Bars 80,972 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Crab House NYC

    Crab House NYC

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    5.1 miMidtown East
    $$$$

    I had a great experience here. There are so many food options to choose from, including lobster,…read moreshrimp, all kinds of crab legs, and even blue crabs. It's honestly a seafood lover's dream. I highly recommend coming with a large group so you can try a bit of everything. They also offer an option to pay an extra $45 to take your leftovers home, which is absolutely worth it. I ended up with so much food that my fridge is still full. The service was impeccable from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made the whole experience even better. I would definitely come back and highly recommend this place to others.

    If I had to choose a death row meal, this would be my new selection!! WOW - the offerings on the…read moremenu were so plentiful and a meal that would usually cost probably a thousand dollars was only $125 per person. The lobster is a little chewy, but the spicy claws were very flavorful. All of the crab had so much meat and the seasonings were all amazing. Surprisingly, the iron steak was one of our favorites despite this being a seafood spot. The waiter did say to just check mark the paper instead of quantities, but they end up bringing you 2 of everything you order. The sweet & spicy fish is also very solid, garlic noodles were buttery, and even their iced tea was super refreshing. Could not recommend this place more!! Bonus: they play a great 2000s throwback playlist that got us singing along and dancing while we were peeling all our seafood to pass the time. Shoutout to whichever employee put that playlist together!

    Photos
    Crab House NYC - First dining room when you walk in, more space down the stairs farther in

    First dining room when you walk in, more space down the stairs farther in

    Crab House NYC - Cajun butter shrimp

    Cajun butter shrimp

    Crab House NYC - Salt & Pepper Fried Lobsters

    See all

    Salt & Pepper Fried Lobsters

    Crab House Times Square

    Crab House Times Square

    4.7(62 reviews)
    4.1 miMidtown West, Theater District

    Wanted to enjoy a post Mother's Day dinner, had been looking at Crab House Times Square for their…read moreluxurious seafood experience! All I can say is this place is very impressive! From the moment I entered the restaurant, I knew the experience was going to be next level. Thank you Jay for seating me and my friend at the best table in the house. Thank you to our phenomenal server Shamim. Your service was really over the top stellar. Soon as you sit at the table, menus are placed. Complimentary delicious bread, water, and warm hand towels are provided to clean your hands. The seafood buffet is $168 and you can order everything, as many times as you like. The buffet is contactless. The food is served to you at your table. Because the food is served in a manner that is based on a shared dining experience. All guests at the table have to order either buffet or Prix Fix menu. My order of Rockefeller oysters, and clams were simply the best I ever tasted. The way they were prepared is the only way I want to taste them. The next dishes they brought out were fried shrimp, sizzling shrimp scampi. Soft shell crab was cooked to perfection. My garlic butter Nova Scotia Lobster was divine. Cooked, and served to perfection! Next the sizzling sea bass was brought to the table! O-M-G! Within a second after arriving to our table still sizzling. Jose came to personally debone the fish (never had that done before) and he added the Thai chili sauce. At this point, my body was in a foodie coma! After a brief clean up of our table. I left our dining room, and went to the ladies room. When you walk in the ladies room, between the floral scent, and decor you are in awe of the details, the bathroom was dreamy. Back at the table our two servers set up a Picasso style dessert with hand drawn chocolate with the ice cream and a delicious cheesecake. Thank you for the birthday wishes, and celebration for my friend. José out did his self with his talented art skills. Special thanks to the Manager Sam for stopping by every table to see if everything was to our satisfaction. It was beyond our satisfaction. Tip: Make reservations even if your a party of two. Be sure all guests arrive at the same time. Tip#2: The upstairs level is perfect for large gatherings, corporate events, holiday events, bridal, baby showers, bar/bat mitvah's, and industry events.

    I had an amazing experience at Crab House Times Square! Honestly the most luxurious AYCE dining…read moreexperience I've ever had. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is beautiful. LOVE the rococo inspiration. The opulent decor made me feel like I'm dining in a palace. Most of the tables are set up in private rooms too so you can have your own space for your feast. The all-you-can-eat menu is made fresh to order, not sitting out like a typical buffet, which makes a huge difference in quality. I loved the seafood selection: lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, octopus, fish, calamari ... you name it. What really stood out to me was how much variety there is. Even the steak, fried rice, noodles, lamb, and veggies were delicious. The service was super attentive and quick with bringing out dishes. The price is definitely a splurge, but worth it for the experience and high qualit. It's not just a meal, it's a whole vibe. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable, over-the-top dining experience in Times Square!

    Photos
    Crab House Times Square - Room for corporate meetings

    Room for corporate meetings

    Crab House Times Square - Lobster rolls

    Lobster rolls

    Crab House Times Square - Beautiful private room

    See all

    Beautiful private room

    Fish Cheeks

    Fish Cheeks

    4.4(2k reviews)
    2.8 miNoHo
    $$

    Finally tried Fish Cheeks after having been on my list for so long. I will preface this by saying I…read moream typically disappointed by Manhattan Thai food. I find it oftentimes to be overpriced, coming with a lot of bells and whistles and lacking in flavor compared to Little Thailand in Queens where I grew up. This place is an exception! From beginning to end everything was excellent. The pork belly was the perfect temperature of warm, tender, a bit acidic/sour (YUM), and so delightful. I can see why many reviews recommend it. The crab curry was so nice and clean and fresh. The crab was so tender, and the curry strong, and went beautifully with the rice. It's actually such a sleeper hit, and we added it onto our order last minute. The steamed branzino was delicious, too - tender, limey, sour, sweet, a little heat - it's got everything!! And it tasted so so clean. Beware! There are tiny fish bones, so be careful as you're eating it. The dessert was good too, and very authentic.

    Food: 5/5 We got the Market Oysters ($22/dozen HH), Zabb…read moreWings ($18), Steamed Fish with Thai Herbs ($40), and Crab Fried Rice ($28). The steamed fish was the star. It was incredibly tender and comes on a heated tray so the Thai herbs and sauce stay hot. I've never had anything like this at any Thai restaurant. Service: 3/5 The service was inconsistent. The front door was open and it was cold. We asked a waiter to close the door and he said they had to leave it open. We saw the manager constantly closing it when customers would swing it open so we ended up asking him and he said no problem and closed it right away. There were so many waiters and waitresses crowded behind us just standing around, it was a bit awkward because they were right there 2 inches away. We also saw people get shrimp chips? We never got ours. Ambiance: 5/5 The ambiance is lively, trendy, and full of energy without feeling overly chaotic. The space has a modern downtown NYC vibe with colorful touches and a buzzing atmosphere that makes it great for group dinners or date nights. It's definitely a place that feels fun and memorable from the moment you walk in.

    Photos
    Fish Cheeks - Coconut crab curry

    Coconut crab curry

    Fish Cheeks - Grilled branzino with garlic peanut sauce

    Grilled branzino with garlic peanut sauce

    Fish Cheeks - Goi nuaa- beef tartare

    See all

    Goi nuaa- beef tartare

    Surf City - bars - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...