Places can change over time and the Surf House is no exception. I have been coming here once a month since they opened and can say they have deteriorated in service & quality & portion size but their beer selection has remained superior. When they first opened, i bragged to family & friends about the quality of service, including water servers, and large portions. Can a resturaunt offer reasonable prices with high quality food & service & large portions and still make a profit? Apparently not. They have scaled back considerably. They no longer offer automatic water service. In fact, water is only available on demand and they are not attentive to refills. The size of the portions have been noticably scaled back (my shark bait burito had 1 shrimp in it!). And the nice napkins have been replaced with cheap paper ones. What has remained steadfast is "the presentation" of the meal and the beer selection. I understand the economics of business and the need to make a profit, but c'mon! I gave the Surf House 5 stars when it first opened. However, what set the Surf House apart from the others no longer exists. I'm no longer going to pay a premium for just a good beer selection & a nice presentation. I can get that at a less expensive venue elsewhere. Bottom line: The Surf House is no longer a good value. read more

My lunch was more of a 2-1/2, but I'm bumping up to 3 stars because the place has potential. The restaurant is only about 6 months old and they are still working on the menu offerings. The décor is pleasant with a surfing theme and the tables are nicely spaced. The staff is friendly and our waiter was very pleasant and efficient. I had checked the menu out on-line, but the item I was most interested in trying was no longer on the menu. I keep in mind when I review a restaurant that I don't eat most meat and now I'm restricting calories, which slants my view of the menu selection even more. Two items on the menu, a crab cake and fried shrimp, were marked as "coming soon". I would have liked to try the crab cake, but our waiter said the kitchen was still tweaking the recipe. I settled on a salad with chicken, greens and cauliflower. I took a bite of the salad and almost spit it out. I thought there was something wrong with the chicken until I realized it was cauliflower. I had expected small pieces of cauliflower, not big chunks which weren't very appealing. The chicken tasted good but there were a few pieces with gristle. A friend chose the restaurant and I'm glad I did a little research before I set off to meet her. I'm still not real familiar with the area and this restaurant is tucked away on the side of a small shopping area. I knew to look for a "Sandy Spring" bank sign and a Dunkin' Donuts. The only "signs" are one on the welcome mat and the surf board above the door, which aren't visible unless you walk around the side of the building. Apparently people are finding the restaurant though, because at a fairly late lunch they were still pretty busy. read more

This review is from memory of a visit several months ago. I found the place and it seemed nice, had good decoration. Seaside themed, fun. Didn't seem large. I had a great burrito there and enjoyed it. Prices might have been a bit more than expected. I'd go again. read more

Loved our first visit here! Food, drinks, and service were excellent. Nachos were delicious!!! Will be back!! read more

Surf House - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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What a fun new place in Urbana! I can honestly say I have never been to a restaurant like this before. The surfer/beachy theme really makes me feel like I am at Ocean City or something! They really did a wonderfully convincing job with all of the decor. And I love the music they play there, which I would not normally notice, but they had the beach boys playing. Silly I know but it adds to the theme! The menu definitely made it hard for me to decide what to get, I wanted a little of everything. My boyfriend and I decided to share the calamari first. The spicy wasabi dipping sauce was a new spin on the starter. It's sweet but then the wasabi part hits your nostrils after a few seconds and surprises you real quick! Still so tasty and I could not resist. Are eyes were bigger than our stomachs for the main course. We decided to share the lava rice bowl with mahi mahi. He also got 3 tacos, one being the GOAT. My lawd that thing was huge but so worth it! I got the rad snapper and rockfish tacos. All were delicious. The only thing I thought could be changed is the slaw on the tacos. They use the same one for every taco. They should vary it up based on the fish, and it had a but too much sauce and made the tacos soggy. It definitely didn't take away from the flavor though. I'll be coming back here to try many more options on the menu! read more

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We arrived on a Saturday evening around 5ish during our travels from DC to PA. Place was small and busy. Waiter was very pleasant and great. Food was delicious, fresh and fast. Our family tried the mussels, the French onion soup, spicy fish sandwich and poke bowl. All items came out fast! We all loved our food. We would definitely stop by again if in the area. We would like to try more things on the menu. Overall great experience, wonderful staff and delicious food! read more

Not impressed. We tried it bc of the good reviews and since i grew up in urbana. We called an order in and the employee on the other line was very young. He wasnt very knowledgeable and we had to repeat ourselves over and over. I got the panda burrito, husband got the mahi sandwich and we shared the ceviche. Burrito was meh. The tuna was gray. There was rice, beans and gray tuna in a tortilla. Not a good combo. Husband liked his sandwich but the ceviche was tiny esp for the price. Not worth the wait or money. read more

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Our experience at Surf House this evening was excellent! Returning after a Covid era bad service visit, we were skeptical. Wanting to support our neighborhood restaurant, we gave it another try. Kalib was our bartender/server. He was personable, attentive and made amazing cocktails. He suggested the specials and we took his advce. Our food was perfect and the visit restored our fondness of this restaurant. If Surf House had 15 Kalibs, it would get all 5*reviews! read more

Welcoming staff, awesome service and amazing food! We have been there 6 or 7 times since they opened and it always exceeds our expectations with consistent quality service, fresh & healthy choices of appetizers and main courses through creative cocktails and unique desserts! It's a fun family environment. Was a perfect place to celebrate my birthday last night. Joe & Tracy read more

Food was good. Recommended! Laid back and simple menus Candice was a great waitress and really helpful.

I love this place!!! My mom knows I like fish tacos, so she made sure to take me here when I was visiting this weekend. The tacos were excellent! I got the mahi-mahi (Hawaiian) and the red snapper (Baja), and Mom got the shrimp (I forget the official name for that taco). They were all delicious, but the mahi-mahi was my favorite. We shared the shot glass key lime pie for dessert. I am a key lime pie devotee, and this one was among my all-time favorites. Since the menu was new to us, we asked a lot of questions, and our server, Crystal (or maybe it was Krystal) was really helpful and super nice. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the decor. They did an excellent job playing up the surf theme, without being cutesy to the point of cheese. It's clean (spotless), cool (in a Fonzie way, not temperature-wise) and comfortable. This will be my go-to place when I visit my parents from now on. read more

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Surf House is a hidden, very pleasant surprise in Urbana/Frederick. It's like Hawaiian/Mexican fusion, which sounds odd on its face, but it works. My husband and I visited on a Thursday evening around 6:30pm and it was PACKED. We had to wait about 45 minutes for a table, which was fine; we didn't have reservations. We watched surfing on the huge TV and the waitstaff brought us complimentary chips and salsa which was very nice. In fact, we finished the first serving and they offered to refill, both, for us. The Good: Once we were seated, we were greeted promptly by a very friendly server who quickly placed our order and delivered our meals. For an app, we had the conch fritters which were very good. My husband is from FL and is a huge fan of conch fritters and he was pleasantly surprised that a restaurant so far north, could do them justice. For our entrees, I had the rockfish tacos which were excellent. They had just the right amount of toppings and weren't weighed down with too much stuff. The fish was fresh and seasoned well. My husband had the Sharkbait Burrito which was HUGE! We could have easily split it. He didn't finish it. He really enjoyed it, especially the sauce that it had inside. He specifically commented on the sauce and stated that it was different but delicious. We ordered dessert and it was ok--nothing fabulous but decent. I had the banana pudding which came in something like a small highball glass and my husband had the chocolate pudding cake. I wish the banana pudding had more fresh bananas but that's not necessarily personal to Surf House, that's most all restaurants that serve any type of banana dessert. The Meh: It's REALLY loud. I love loud music, I always have music blaring in my car and my home but when you're eating at a small table for two and you can't hear your dining partner, the music is too loud. I noticed that immediately when we walked in and but for my husband wanting to stay, we would have left. We sat down in the waiting area (which consists of two chairs smack dab in the middle of the dining room) and once we started talking to each other and having to scream, I suggested we leave. I'm glad we stayed but it was way too loud for a comfortable dining experience. B/c the music was loud, all the diners were screaming which made it exponentially louder so they could afford to turn the music down a bit. The noise level was that of a busy diner on a late Saturday night. Also, the restaurant is small, which I like; it made a non-intimate restaurant, more intimate, but having the waiting area in the middle, right next to a dining table made it awkward. We were sitting directly in front of a table that had a party of six and we had to constantly avert our eyes b/c if we looked straight ahead (at the TV), it looked like we were staring at party. It was uncomfortable. Any time we watched TV for more than three minutes, they'd meet our eyes and smile nervously like they thought we were looking at them. B/c we were right in front of people eating and in the center of the dining room, it felt like we were on display. My suggestion would be to figure out how to add more waiting area along the perimeter to avoid that fishbowl feel to customers who are waiting to be seated. Lastly, the menu is dizzying. Maybe there is a method to the madness but it didn't seem to flow like a normal menu--there were tacos, then the kids stuff, then salad, then dessert, then more entrees and then apps (I exaggerate, but the point being, it didn't flow), I had to keep flipping it over and back to look for stuff. It was organized into sections but the sections seemed to be haphazardly placed. Overall, a good experience. We've recommended it to others and told them to go early or call ahead (if that's allowed, not sure) to beat the crowds. read more

Great service and their food is always on point. We have ordered multiple times from here, it is definitely one of our favorites.

Food is dope (try the shark bait or the grilled chicken sandwich!), & the painkiller is ridiculously fiiiire. Family-friendly atmosphere :)

I'm in town from LA and decided to stop by Surf House. My parents had eaten here once prior to my visit and have been raving about the food. I can see why now. I got the Salmon Lava Rice Bowl, it was delicious. Salmon was perfectly prepared and had a great taste. The rice was wonderful and the veggies in the bowl were very fresh. I would recommend this place to anyone who has a great taste for food. This is anything but ordinary. Will definitely be back when visiting. Banana pudding was great! read more

Extensive craft beer selection on-tap, hard to find and new seasonal a also; great fresh food, well-prepared and delicious - with an island bend that makes this place unique in the Frederick area. Wonderful waitstaff who seem to be in the groove of the whole relaxed atmosphere and working as a team. Can't wait to get back and meet up with friends. read more

Surf House - Toro Toro salad - very fresh spinach with generous filets of sushi-grade Ahi tuna, seasoned perfectly with avocado and papaya, feta - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Big Kahuna burger was good. Cooked to order. Fries were crispy, not under cooked. Large selection of craft beers. Took a little while to get food but good and fresh. Maybe some nachos would have been good while waiting, they looked good. read more

Surf House - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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Had lunch here today for the first time. It was great. Had the Rice Bowl with snapper and mahi. It was delicious. I would have liked it to be a little spicier, but it was still tasty. They did mention after the meal that they could "spice it up" for me if I wanted. The appetizers looked good as well and we opted for chips/salsa/and guac, which was also solid. We followed it up with a Coconut cream pie dessert, which was served in a shot glass (little bigger than a shot glass though). I'll probably go for the Key Lime Pie dessert next time if I do dessert. We'll definitely be back. I'm looking forward to trying the tacos and the burgers. read more

This place is up the street from my job so I know I was bound to check it out one of these days. The first time my wife and I went. As finicky as she is, even she enjoyed the food. read more

Surf House - The Surf House knows how to make wings for sure... - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

This place was awesome the food was very good the servers wer on point gonna be one our regular date nite stops for sure

These guys are off to a great start. The menu has a lot of interesting items that are super tasty. The tacos are really delicious and eating more than two can be a challenge. Burritos, nachos and even the burgers are superb. There's a great variety of quality beers and the desserts are unique and worth saving room for. The staff is super friendly and accommodating even to late arrivals and large groups. We arrived at closing and were seated without hesitation. read more

Surf House - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

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One of the better seafood restaurants in the DMV. They claim to have the worlds best fish tacos. I'd say they're the DMV's best fish tacos but I not the world's best. 4.5 out of 5 stars :) read more

Surf House - Their fish tacos. $5 each - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

I was not expecting to get such great seafood up in Frederick! We went here on a whim and I was surprised with how cute the Surf House was! They had an excellent selection of beers, the menu was diverse but not too long, and the prices were just right. I got the crab cake sandwich which was seasoned to perfection and did not have any filler in it. This is a place that I will certainly return to! read more

The beach finally came to Frederick! Surf House is a fun beach style restaurant and bar. Awesome staff, great drinks, and delicious food! We highly recommend! Good times had by all! Can't wait for outside patio to open. read more

Surf House - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Went last night for the first time it was great will definitely be going back The only thing that would make it better if you could sit out side and maybe had a Teki bar Try it you will like it read more

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Service was good today but there was a HAIR in my fish tacos!!!! No discount, just an apology Update: after seeing this review, I was kindly contacted by the owner and he apologized for the faulty dish and poor service. I was offered a dinner/drinks on them! This kind of response is what makes a mistake at this restaurant much more worth one made at one that doesnt take the time to apologize or make up for the mistake. Thanks Tom. We will be back soon! read more

The customer service is very good. The food was tasty and the atmosphere makes you feel like you are at the beach. Relax and have a great meal and a delicious cocktail. read more

Awesome little local spot that endeavors to serve local food in their dishes. We've gone a few times now and have enjoyed pretty much everything off of the menu. read more

Update: went back again! Saw Tom was our bartender again! He was super attentive and helpful! It was a busy night and he still made sure we were taken care of! I got the shrimp tacos with a side of the adobo sauce and man oh man! If you like spicy that's where it's at! Surf house has yet to disappoint me! Thank you Tom for your continuous good service! I'll for sure keep coming back! read more

Great Saturday lunch with friends. Server was friendly and attentative. Everyone enjoyed their choices: dude burger, shark bait burritos, tacos and fresh salad with salmon. Third visit and haven't been disappointed. Try it out for yourself. read more

We ordered the fish and chips and the chicken sandwich! The food was fresh and delicious. I had the red sangria which was super yummy. The nicest couple paid for our meal and it was a great blessing to us!! Will come back for sure. The staff was patient and kind. read more

I got the Lava Rice Bowl and I'm utterly confused by the name because nothing about this dish screams "lava" or "fire" or "heat." A weird combination of sweet and savory flavors and a really cheap cut of steak. Unimpressed. read more

OMG! The food was so delicious. Blackened magi magi tacos with Home made sweet potato fries. And in house key lime pie to finish it off. Every bite was a fantastic! Service was outstanding as well. Thanks for a great meal. read more

Great atmosphere. Makes you feel like you are at the beach. Casual and welcoming vibe. Excellent food and drinks. I always look forward to unwinding at Surf House. Parking is a little tight. read more

Disappointed. We had been here a handful of times in the past. The last time aside from today was a year ago when the place didn't have a sign up...I guess once they put up a sign they couldn't afford to have good food. We ordered the feijoada stew which was not a stew...no liquid and not much flavor. The fat panda is skinny and the tuna was cooked. Before it was seared, now there's no difference eating it from the can. Single tacos are no longer on the menu. The two tacos combo is almost $13 and the waiter said we could get one taco but it would still be in the ballpark of $6. I know this is seafood, but legit Mexican tacos are only $3 or less. Not upscale enough for $6 taco. Staff is friendly. read more

Was excited to try the newest restaurant in town worth my family tonight. I got the spicy dicey fish sandwich. It had a nice kick and good flavor but it was super messy to eat because everything slips out of the bun. My wife and daughter both enjoyed their meal. They got the roasted chicken and a rock fish rice bowl. Overall I'd say the food was good. The reason I only gave them 3 stars is because the service was really slow and there was confusion about whether we were to pay at the bar or if the server would eventually return to take our payment. One thing that was impressive was that a moment after we exited a gentleman ran out the door just to thank us for dining there tonight. read more

Surf House - Spicy dicey fish sandwich - New American Near Me - Frederick, Maryland

Excellent. Excellent food. Excellent service. Excellent cocktails. Such a fun place! The shrimp canoe is my fave!

Went with my boyfriend yesterday off a recommendation from another friend and was not disappointed! The service was good the hostess got us a table right away and our waitress Kelsey was very friendly. Their food was always very good, came out quickly, was a great portion size and had a ton of flavor. I highly recommend getting their tacos and margaritas! We have already made plans to have another date night there and recommended it to serval of our friends. read more

So very disappointed in this place. Had such high hopes based on the reviews. Walked in excited by the decor and the attentive waitress. Ordered a fat panda and goofy foot so no reason to take long. 35 mins later we are still waiting for food. The people that came in behind us received their food in a timely manner. 37 mins later our waitress brings us nachos. Telling us it's almost ready. Did they have to go catch the shrimp and Tuna? Only other people in the place were 2 men sitting at the bar not even eating. We gave up and walked out. Terrible service. Can't speak for anything else all we were served after 3o+ mins of waiting was water. Hope they get some kitchen help. The lady back there was busy checking her nails most the time. Don't see how she got anything made. Had the potential To be good. We drove 40 mins out of our way to try it. What a huge disappointment. read more

The food was descent, not the best but it was okay , and so was the service, but my stomach was a mess for 24 hours after we ate there. I was concerned with hygiene and food quality after that. read more