Outstanding service from Alex the bartender! She was on top of everything as in water refills and checking on us. She reminds me of old school service that helped you before you HAD to ask! Will come back because of her! I JUST wish for a meal w fried flounder and shrimp & scallops. I don't want to feel sick eating everything fried. I always have to order this separate and it costs more. Broiled flounder is JUST NOT GOOD! Do broiled CoD fish instead!!! read more

Best seafood restaurant close to my house. Recommend the Broiled Seafood Platter. Good food, quality, quantity and price.

I met a friend for an early dinner at 5pm here on a Friday evening. It was really busy but we scored an oversized booth. I had to wait a while for my friend to arrive but the waitstaff was super nice and friendly with me. When she arrived we immediately ordered. I ordered the shrimp and crabmeat combo with broccoli and hollandaise, and a baked potato. My friend ordered the shrimp tacos and caesar salad. My shrimp and crabmeat was very good. I was super impressed and grateful that they brought cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and butter. The shrimp was a bit overcooked but still yummy. When I doused the crabmeat with the butter my mouth did a happy dance. Sooooo delicious! I loved that they had broccoli with hollandaise and the broccoli was huge! Great service. Great food. Big fan! read more

Arrived at 5:30 so there wasn't a large crowd. Ordered as soon as the waitress arrived, and didn't order anything special, just menu items It took an hour and five minutes for the food to arrive. People that arrived 20 minutes after we did, were served and almost finished before our food arrived. read more

Best crab cakes in the area! Several locations with water views. Service is always excellent read more

Visited this restaurant for the first time, 8 January, 2025. This was probably the best fried seafood we have enjoyed since coming to this area in 1998. Our server was cheerful and efficient and the restaurant was comfortable. Also, best baked potato side I've had in years. read more

The food was great! I had the fried oysters and was more than satisfied! The rest sitting at my table were extremely happy. Our customer service person kept a watchful eye on us as she also maintained relationships with other guests. There are many restaurants in the area that one could enjoy seafood dining, and I believe they are fully aware of that as everyone seemed to have been on point. The price was what you would expect to pay. read more

Service was speedy and they were clean , she crab soup was thick as hell salty not good , tacos were very simple good but this place isn't the fancy place it once was known for read more

Today I met my friends for our Christmas gift exchange. Our server was okay- kinda not around and seemed frazzled, but it was all good. I don't eat seafood or much meat, so I ordered the classic wedge salad, and it did not disappoint one bit. I very thoroughly enjoyed it. They have a few non-seafood items here, so I am eager to go again. read more

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Nice Sunday afternoon at Surf Rider, Chesapeake Square area. Good looking crowd of people and good she crab soup! Sometimes your server can make all the difference in the world! Cara was amazing and super friendly! You can tell she enjoys her job. Husband had a steak burger with caramelized onions, mushrooms and brown gravy. He said it was delicious!, oh and don't forget the collards! Nice cool sunny Sunday! read more

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My sister wanted to take me out for a seafood dinner for my birthday so I decided on Surf Rider. We both enjoyed the crab dip especially the pita rounds for dipping. I absolutely love their crab cakes and my steak was tasty, too! She enjoyed her seafood combination especially the crab cake! Our waitress was awesome. Made sure we were happy all around from my Sangria to the appetizer to our meals. Definitely recommend! My husband really enjoyed the Shrimp Po' Boy we brought back for him, as well! read more

Surf Rider Restaurant - Crab Cake and Sirloin Strak, Broiled Seafood Platter, Tater Tots - New American Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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Good food, ambience is mediocre, but to not offer to-go is a losing game. Especially when you go in person and are willing to wait for the food. They are losing a lot of money and could probably pay employees more if they had this option. Bottom line: the owners must be RICH. They are missing an entire demographic that is willing to pay 'market prices' in this economy. Guess we'll get our seafood somewhere else! read more

I think of Surk Rider as your standard Seafood Restaurant when it comes to the menu. Nothing on the menu that is out of the ordinary. Service is always great and the ambiance is...i don't know...a seafood restaurant. There is a bar that has flat screens which are viewable from most of the restaurant if that matters to diners. Would I come back...i have been for about 10 years now. read more

Food was great! Alex, our waitress, was top notch! I ordered the she crab soup (so creamy) and seafood surfrider (great portion) Husband got the tuna bites (very juicy and delicate). Will definitely be back for the food. The atmosphere was the only thing that could be improved. Very outdated and felt like a cafeteria feel. read more

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This was our first visit back, since the pandemic. It was okay, nothing to write home about. The service wasn't the same. Not as friendly, and helpful. We had to ask, for drink refills. The food??? Well let just say... During the pandemic, we learned how to cook.. It's a WHOLE lot cheaper at home, and actually taste better. But don't get me wrong, it was a good meal. Just not as good as before.... If you want more $$$ for the same ole thing, put more into it.... read more

I would normally go to the Surf Rider in Hampton, VA but my wife made me aware of several locations around the Tidewater area including this one across the bridge in Chesapeake. It was a nice so we made the trip across the Monitor-Merrimack to this one. First thing I notice is this place feels up fast. On arrival, the parking lot was packed. Once instead, only also setting was available that I could see. The hostess asked if we mind setting there but we denied and waited. Just our luck a booth came available and it was a window seat. The restaurant needs some upgrades, looks out of the '80s BUT, it appeared very clean. There was plenty of seating, a bar, the bathrooms were clean and the water in there was hot. Now, our server Alex was AMAZING! She was bubbly, full of energy, knowledge and really seemed to have a really good handle on all the tables in her area. As a looked around, all the servers were like this. They just looked like they were having fun at their work. Alex took our drink order, and explained the specials and specialties. She gave us plenty of time to decide and got our food out to us Expeditiously. She made it a point to check on us, see how we enjoyed the food and our comfort level, I mean Alex really was special The food was just AMAZING! I love the portions that you get and everything is served hot and seasoned to perfection. When ordering, and there's something you want that to don't see on the menu, ask. Cause my wife heard about the seasonal corn pudding, and they have been it, just not that day. They had just run out so I suggest getting there early. The food had that homemade flair to it. I mean everything was just that good! Can't wait to come back. Happy Yelping!!! read more

I'd give a 0 star review if I could. I'm not from the VA area and wanted some shecrab soup, I saw this place had it and I went, I received Maryland crab soup, not knowing the difference because I'm from the New England area, I call expecting the issue to be resolved like any other restaurant I've ever been to has done when a mistake or mix up happens and just remedy the situation. However when I called, I was told basically, too bad so sad. If this is how this business is run, I can't imagine if any other item was ordered and it came out unsatisfactory, you'd probably just be stuck with it like I was stuck with mine. Visit at your own risk. Will not be going back. Edit: the woman taking my order did confirm Maryland crab soup which I thought just meant the crab was sourced from Maryland. Clear mistake, however ridiculous I spent $11 on something I didn't want and didn't even know was different than what I requested because they only have shecrab soup on weekends; which should have been communicated. They are the ones who work there, not me. I wouldn't have a clue seeing as I was a first time customer. Again, will not be going back. read more

This was my first time visiting. I have dined at other Surf Rider locations, but I totally forgot about this location. My babe and I visited in honor of his grandmother's birthday. We decided to take her here for a seafood meal. The waitress was pleasant and helpful when we had questions concerning the menu. I must say, this location is not shy to fill up your plate! I ordered the broiled platter and it was a lot of food!! Overall it was tasty, not the best I have ever had, but I was pleased. His grandmother's plate was filled as well. She thought it was a lot as well, but she was happy to be able to take some home to have for lunch the next day. The restaurant seems a bit dated inside, I suggest they spruce up the place a bit. But the locals could very well be happy with the atmosphere. It appears to be a hangout spot for the older men... We visited during a week night and a group of older men were present... just chillin and talking. There is plenty of parking... Check it out if you will. Have fun and enjoy life :) read more

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I COMPLETELY RETRACT ALL PREVIOUS GOOD REVIEWS OF THIS PLACE!!! It has gone way down hill. It feels a century old inside, seafood potions are tiny/overpriced, and waitstaff inattentive. We will no longer be back. The nail in the coffin is a big line on the menu stating that patrons cannot exchange or return food and must pay for anything ordered. Really? I need to be told this. Your messaging should be toward customer satisfaction, not toward your plan to get paid no matter what. YOU HAVE LOST ME!!!! TOO MUCH RESTAURANT COMPETITION IN WESTERN BRANCH NOW TO PUT UP WITH YOUR NONSENSE. read more

If you want some of the absolute *best* She Crab Soup in the region, this is the place to go. Unfortunately, if you want some of the absolute *worst* other seafood in the region -- this is also the place to go. After several visits to three different locations, I can affirm that their shrimp is a total joke, completely tasteless & unidentifiable as shrimp -- basically straight out of the freezer case at Sav-a-Lot. The Mahi-Mahi (sandwich) is equally flavorless, and their fish & chips offering is an unimaginative glob of "fried" stuff that all tastes essentially alike. As mentioned, their She Crab Soup is wonderful, incredibly flavorful, with the perfect amount of crab meat & complexity of texture. So, with the possible exception of their fried flounder entrée, it's simply baffling that the other menu offerings remain throughly sub par. The wait staff all have been very attentive & eager to please -- even though they are having to fight from behind, so to speak. Each location seems to stay busy -- which is excellent news for them. And, while I won't go so far as to recommend 'not' going there, I 'will' step up & recommend that you start with a bowl of the She Crab Soup to make sure you have something really great to eat -- but after that, good luck -- you're on your own! read more

Visited surf rider on Thursday about 7pm for my sons birthday. We were able to walk right in and be seated with no wait. I forgot all about this surf rider location in western branch. I ordered the 2 crab cakes meal which comes with the choice of 2 sides or broccoli and 2 hush puppies. For my sides I chose the fries and a side salad. My salad was tasty and fresh. My meal was delicious I wish the side of fries was a bit larger as it felt like a child's size. I had the same amount of fries my two younger children had with their kids meal. The birthday boy went with an entree and ordered the shrimp and crab meat with fries and mashed potatoes for his sides. He loved his meal but couldn't finish it all surf rider 1 birthday boy 0. Service was great! Our waitress was friendly and attentive I will return again read more

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We had shrimp tacos, she crab soup, Pork chop special and tuna bites. Everything was cooked perfectly. Service was friendly. Restaurant is cozy and clean. read more

Embargo on! Stand for Lauren! The fish and chips looks nothing like the photo provided here. Last meal had three small croquettes of fish cold fries inattentive service. Lauren was the best, so apologize and get her back on duty. read more

I recommend that you visit the Surf Rider Restaurant . The food is great and the waitresses are very friendly and helpful. read more

Food was ok. Not great. And it's too bad the owners didn't look for a location that featured water like their locations in Hampton and Poquoson. If I'm going to Surfrider, I'd much prefer to go to the other locations just for that alone. read more

Surf Rider Restaurant - Shrimp Basket - New American Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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All around great seafood. The sides are average but the quality of the actual seafood keeps us coming! Service is generally decent depending on how busy is it bur overall this is one of my faves! read more

Surf Rider Restaurant - Fish and chips - New American Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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The food is excellent and only surpassed by the amazing staff. We go frequently. Glad we live close by read more

I'm not saying that beer battered fish and French fries are healthy, but they sure did taste good. A bunch of us ate lunch at the Surf Rider this weekend. We just attended a life celebration of a friend who ended his 88 years on this planet, and we were hungry. And we wanted to talk, to destress and connect and talk a bit about Dan. When his son (Keith) invited all of us out to eat for lunch, he definitely picked the right restaurant. Lots of space, delicious food, and a staff that knew how to make people feel comfortable. I drank sweet tea (and got two refills by an observant waitress) and ate the Classic Fish & Chips. I dipped everything in tartar sauce and took home extras (because I spent so much time talking to friends I've known for years and a visiting minister I didn't know before today). The Alaskan pollock was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. And, of course, fries go with everything, so all was good on my taste buds and in my belly. I didn't have to eat seafood, though, as their menu also had burgers and sandwiches and salads. But, I did. If you are ever in the mood for something tasty while in Portsmouth, drop by and try their food. You can find their menu online if you are curious. read more

Went once before but had been a long time didnt remember how good it was. Had six shrimp dinner with tater tots. Both cooked to perfection and a huge meal for the size. Fried shrimp were very tasty and large. The tarter sauce was a one time indulgence. Will choose again read more

I decided to stop in at this location a couple of nights ago. The only Surf Rider I had ever been to before is the one in Hampton, which is located right behind my Dad's back yard. Have not been in quite a number of years, and I find that the menu has changed. No matter...this time I started with the Cajun Steak Bites, followed by Penne pasta with marinara and blackened tuna. I must say that everything was absolutely delicious!!! The waitress, whose name I have forgotten (receipt indicates Server ID: 0733), was very attentive. She checked on me a number of times throughout my meal to make certain that everything was satisfactory. Please be sure to let her know that this customer appreciated her service. This is a place I will definitely visit again!! read more

The food was not what we expected from this particular Surf Rider Restaurant in Chesapeake, the service was up to speed, but the like of good food has a lot to do with the rest of our visit, so the ambiance was just ok. read more

Every surf rider is a little different in atmosphere, but the food is consistent! First, our waitress tried really hard, but she had no sense of urgency. Our appetizer made it out before drinks, she kept forgetting items we ordered etc. We started with some beers, and the crab dip. I love that their crab dip comes with pita rounds! I ordered the Greek salad with blackened tuna, and my date ordered the broiled seafood platter. The best thing about surf rider salad - they never skimp on the seafood. The tuna was cooked very well. My dates broiled seafood was fresh and cooked well. read more

The food was very good. The staff is friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed our lunch. We also had the mudpie dessert and it was soooo good! read more

The shrimp were over cooked and sides were fries and okra. Neither good. Don't waste the money. read more

This location for Surfrider restaurant just opened! Yeah for the Chesapeake Square area. The location is great with plenty of parking. Great booth seats with comfy cushions. Great color schemes. The bar area is coming along nicely. The hostess was excited and her smile cheered us up. Our waitress knew what she was presenting. She knew the menu items and how to pair the appetizer with our entree for the best dining experience. She asked all the right questions to help us select our food. We started with a bowl of SheCrab soup, it was good. Moved on to Calamari, it was excellent with a wonderful homemade marinara sauce. Our entree was the Broiled Seafood Platter, it was amazing. Tasty and plentiful. Cooked to perfection just like the menu said it would be. Yummers! We arrived later in the evening and saw many of our fellow foodies were already there. Cool! The service was amazing. I will update this review with our waitress' name. Come, eat and enjoy! This location is a gem. The place was packed with happy people and they were not even serving alcohol until next week so you know the food was fabulous! I will come back and update this review. I am excited to see what will happen when they are finished with all the details. Woo Hoo! read more

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Great food great service and great drinks and great decor ! Have to have the crab cakes and broccoli! Amazing. read more

Surf Rider Restaurant - Surf rider restaurant. Great decor! - New American Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Went to Restaurant in Western Branch. The food was great and we were served very quickly. The server was very nice and knowledgeable about the specials that day. Flounder and shrimp combo with loaded baked potato, and home made applesauce was very good! I strongly recommend this restaurant! read more

I had the broiled seafood playter and Tuna appetizer (medium rare). All were perfect. Inhave been to mother surf rider locTions and as with those it certainly didn't disappoint. Good service as well. I have been on a keto diet so some great options ions here (although I wasn't paying attention and ate a hush puppy - it was worth it) read more

Somehow, this place is better at lunchtime rather than dinner time. Service is horrible. Simple Mash potatoes was horrible. Maryland crab soup was so peppery, I had to return it. I just could eat it. The waitress said she would not take it off our bill. Thank goodness, manager understood. She said she would take it off just this one time. Beware, if you're unsatisfied with your meal, you will have to pay for it anyway. read more

Absolutely ridiculous customer service. Our waitress was very nice and friendly but unfortunately her manager and supposedly "company policy" are to blame for this review. My wife and I stopped by for lunch today looking forward to enjoying their crab cake sandwich. Because of medical issues I cannot eat bread or potatoes, so at other restaurants when I order I tell them to just keep the bun, roll or bread and if it comes with some type of potatoes they always swap them out for something else. I saw on the special board upon entry their sides today were green beans and collards, so I knew they already had these prepared. When I tried to order my sandwich and told them I couldn't eat potatoes and asked to swap for either the green beans or collards their choice I was told it couldn't be done. Our waitress asked if we wanted to talk to the manager which we did. The manager walks up and right off the bat said "what's your problem" no problem just an issue and I explained the issue. I only wasted my breath she immediately said it's company policy even though there were different sides available. Then she said I can up charge you for a different side if you like. Wait let me try to understand this, you are saving money by not using the roll or putting any potatoes on my plate and I'm going to pay full menu price per my choice but you want to charge me extra for not an additional side but just a swap. No thank you just bring us the check for my wife's glass of wine. Check was $7.28 I left $10 wasn't the waitress fault. Way too many restaurants around to put up with treatment like this. read more