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    Surfing Crab

    4.3 (264 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 10:30 pm

    Order Surfing Crab Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    SURFING CRAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Surfing Crab

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    Betsy F.

    Oh my goshhh, this place is so good! I love that it's right by the Escondido mall so it makes it the perfect location for dinner right after shopping. I surprised my best friend for dinner for her birthday & we loved the interior. It looks small from the outside, but don't be deceived, it had corridors of booths and it wrapped around the whole place. The bar sits right in the middle by the entrance, which we were seated by; so the ambiance just felt so comfortable and nice with the booth seats. I'd have to say out of all the seafood broil places I've been to, their cajun fries were the beeeest! When served fresh, it was extremely crispy to my liking and the seasoning was perfect. It was actually a pretty big portion too. We both got the combo deal of snow crab, shrimp, and crawfish that came with corn, potatoes, and sausages. When the server brought us our food, I loved that they asked if it's okay to drop the seafood broil into a tin container for us. Our server checked up on us often to ask if we were doing okay or if we needed water refills, which is refreshing because not a lot of these types of restaurants do that. Food was great, seafood was fresh, sauce was yummy - just a little spicy though even though it was a medium, and the vibes were immaculate. I really loved the drink selection they had here, lots of mixed drinks and fun cocktails. Maybe next time I'll swing by for the bar!

    Sarah A.

    I've been wanting to try this place for a while now because so many people had recommended it and they did not live up to the hype. It didn't take us long to be seated which was great, but it was mediocre from there on out. We sat at our table for maybe 20 minutes before a waitress finally came over. They were moderately busy and I completely understand being busy, but multiple waiters passed us without a glance. The food didn't take too long and came out hot, but we had to ask for utensils and then wait another 5 minutes for that. The fries were okay, a bit bland but I guess i can't really complain. Prices are average for a seafood boil restaurant. The decorations were super nice and there was definitely lots to look at. Overall we had an okay experience. I would give them another chance on a less busy day.

    # 2 Pick Any Three Items
    Hannah C.

    We have been wanting to try this place for awhile now but since we don't live in the area anymore it's been hard to make it. Finally last night we were in the area and the surfing crab was open late enough for us to dine in, open till 11pm on Friday night. The decor inside was cool I liked that they had an aquaman life size figure. There is tons of seating inside which is great. Our server was really nice and pretty fast, I didnt catch her name though. We ordered a pound of green mussels with the surfing sauce and a #2 combo pick any three items, I added egg to mine. Always have to have boiled egg in the seafood boil. We also ordered a #3 pick any three items all with the surfing sauce medium. The presentation is great, the food bag comes out in a bag but siting on a huge platter; I liked the look of it. The worker bringing out the order asked if we wanted the food on the platter or just in the bag; we told him on the platter and he lifted the bag, mixed it back and forth for us & put it all on the platter with all of the sauce, making sure no food fell out at all and no sauce splashed everywhere. Excellent display and execution. This was a lot of food, huge portion! I liked how buttery the sauce was, but in my opinion the spice wasn't really there even though I ordered the second hottest level. I'll go the highest level next time I'm there to see if it is in-fact spicy at all. The corn was absolutely delicious, the potatoes were okay, the egg was awesome and the mussels, shrimp & crawfish were great too. They gave us gloves without us having to ask which was nice. They give you a bucket for trash and it's lined with like three bags which is cool so they just pull out the bag and there is already another bag ready to use. I personally really liked this place. The food was not too salty at all and great portions. Overall, great hours and customer service here; they also do military discount too. I highly recommend you try this place out if you're in the area.

    Liz R.

    I love Surfing Crab! I've been to a couple of other seafood boil spots they're also amazing but I'm glad Escondido has a local spot with great prices! My boyfriend and I love coming here for the portion and price. We like getting the Escondido Special: shrimp, crab legs, lobster, sausage, potatoes, and corn. With their house sauce and for spicy lovers you must get it spicy!!! Amazing. In the photo I provided I went with my family and we got a different boil: Shrimp, crawfish, and mussels. The service is always nice and attentive and overall a got to spot!

    Don Julio Special
    Kysa T.

    I've been here a few times now and always had a great experience! Parking is never an issue and I've always been sat immediately, with or without a reservation. The restaurant is very spacious and has a fun "sea" theme to it. There's bar seating with large tvs, which also makes it a good spot for that "sports bar" vibe. I normally order one of the daily specials. I like the Don Julio special as it comes with a pound of king crab. For the price, it's an amazing deal compared to other places like Boiling Crab. It comes loaded with a huge helping of corn, potatoes and sausage too. I like to get the Surfing Special seasoning, which is a mix of all their seasoning options. For appetizer I've tried the fried calamari that comes with Cajun fries. The calamari was good but the fries were my favorite. Service was friendly, quick and attentive. Surfing Crab is definitely becoming my go-to spot for seafood as the portions are great, price is reasonable and there is rarely a wait!

    Don Julio special added 2 lobster tails
    Elizabeth D.

    As always, the seafood is delicious never dry, Juan ( the owner) is always so kind. All the staff are very kind and attentive. Good lighting and not super crowded. Good vibes! He always gives us garlic butter ( its amazing 100/10 would recommend) Surfing special seasoning. medium spice.

    Fatima M.

    And there were no crumbs left behind. The hospitality made me feel like I was family. The season and spices; 9/10, seafood itself 10/19. And the fact that it was an actual piece of corn - not a sliver was included along w/ the sausage and potatoes had to be the cherry on top. I ordered takeout and was so happy to have found this gem. Finally, a place in north county that I can add to my favorites.

    Specials
    Vivian T.

    What a better way to enjoy Valentine's Day eating seafood boil! I put my name on the one hour wait list since I knew it was holiday, and it was one of the late hour restaurants that were open after doing some shopping at North County Mall. The seafood combos intrigued me the most and was calling my name. What also was intriguing was that they offered Chinese food on the menu, which I was not expecting, but something I wouldn't really order since the intention was for seafood boil. I ordered Combo #2 that includes Snow Crab Legs. Our two choices of seafood were the manila clams and crawfish. The seafood was quite salty, along with the Surfing Special sauce (all the sauce combined). It was very spicy, quite dry, and I would keep my order in the bag as they do for other seafood boil places as it tends to lose heat pretty quickly once dumped on the tray. I did enjoy the meal, however, there were some instances where the experience could have been improved. We were not provided gloves and had to wait a bit for service. I do like the buzzing atmosphere and the restaurant has a large dining space. I do think it's worth another try though, as I got a chance to check out some of their deals posted on the board outside. Not exactly impressed, but perhaps I'll give it another go on a less busy day!

    Maureen J.

    Location is easy to find as it is right next to the freeway and North County Fair Mall. There is plenty of parking. We had great service and delicious food. We got shrimp, crab legs, mussels, and crawfish. I forgot to take a picture of the crawfish because I was busy eating. We also ordered steam rice because we are Filipino lol You can get an additional side of sauce for $2.50. The house sauce was garlicky and yummy! The bathrooms and restaurant were clean enough. The prices were comparable to other seafood restaurants like the boiling crab. We left pleasantly satisfied! We will probably come back here again if we are in the area.

    The Hook's Special
    Mitch C.

    Great Service, Food, and Price. The Escondido Surfing Special great deal for the amount of shrimp and crab you get. It's a deal you can't pass up. For drinks I recommend the Lake Hodges. I go here about twice a month and have never had a bad experience with Makeyla as our server. Lastly you know a restaurant serves high quality food if the staff and management bring their family to dine in!

    Escondido surfing special
    Cydelyn R.

    We got seated pretty quickly on a Sunday at 3pm. The restaurant itself has quite the decor inside, love it. Unfortunately, I didn't get her name but the kind lady with the bandana was serving us and she was very kind & attentive. The food was amazing. The amount they give for the price is literally chef's kiss. We ordered the Escondido Surfing Special (flavor seasoning: Surfing Special. Spice level: mild), and the Fried Catfish basket. The seafood broil was very flavorful and had a lot of meat. I really appreciated how they have an actual huge tray for the broil itself so it was much easier to eat from compared to eating from the plastic bag. The Fried Catfish basket had amazing crunchy Cajun fries while the catfish itself was good. The only complaint I had was how oily it was so the breading fell off the catfish. For drinks we were in during happy hour which was $1 off draft beers (kinda weak of a happy hour if you ask me). Could be better. Will probably come here again.

    4th coming back to surfing crab, service is always super fast and very friendly. Brought my friends to try it and they loved it. Everything like the potatoes, corn, and sausage are included in the combo bags which is a plus compared to the other seafood boil restaurants. Tried the Loaded fries GAHDAMN THEY WERE GAS! They definitely fucked! So good.

    1 lbs shrimp (no head), surfing style, medium heat with a side of fire.

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    7 days ago

    Food is amazing , I come here every other week ! The daily special and some noodles all the time

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    Dinner was great and the people were very friendly. Would definitely come back. 10/10

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Surfing Crab

    Do you need a reservation?

    No you don't but if you have a large group it's recommended

    Do they take reservations for large groups?

    Yes, there is an area for larger groups.

    Is the Escondido location serving any alcohol? Cocktails, wine, beer?

    Yes, they have a full bar.

    View All 5 Questions

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