This post is the second part of Things to Do in Surf City, NC. Like I said in that post, I consider eating an activity but my list of restaurants that I love in my perfect little beach town was way too long. So, I decided to make a post specifically dedicated to my favorite eateries in Surf City. If you keep on reading you’ll notice that I mention how friendly and great the staff at these restaurants are quite a lot. That’s because Surf City is a small town, where everyone knows everyone and if you’re a local you quickly become a regular. A lot of the owners and staff at these restaurants are good friends of mine and old colleagues that I adore and appreciate. Others are familiar faces that have been kind and understanding as my friends and I made Surf City establishments our little playground. As I’m exploring my new environment in Okinawa, I miss the repertoire of the place I left behind and strive to make similar relationships in our new stomping grounds.

Below I have listed what is important to me to note about each restaurant but I’ve linked the websites for you to find the basics. I have also included not only my go-to order but also that of my husband’s and firstborn’s go-to orders for a little bit of diversity (the second one is just now getting into people food). My husband and I are also both fans of spicy food, and our toddler can tolerate spice so keep that in mind when taking our menu advice.

Camino Real

Camino Real was my second home when I lived in Surf City. Not only was it under five minutes from our house but I also worked there for around 6 months while I was pregnant with my first son and my husband was deployed (the first and so far only deployment we’ve been through together). The staff and owners were such an essential part of my support system at the time (whether they know it or not) and definitely helped to keep my growing belly well fed! Camino is the go-to spot for a casual date night, an outing with friends, a solid family dinner night, or even a solo treat-yo-self adventure (the bar is the best place to be anyways). The atmosphere is fun and they can accommodate large parties. There is outdoor seating, it’s kid-friendly and they do the whole shebang for birthdays (they’ll even -whip cream- pie the birthday person in the face if you ask them to)! Camino is definitely the most suggest spot by the whole crew.

My Order: The Carne Asada Street Tacos with salsa verde on the side. To drink I always get a house margarita on the rocks with salt (Thursday is margarita night).

Squish’s Order: The Playa Azul with salsa picante on the side and the “big boy” Modelo.

For the Gremlin: A side of rice and beans plus some meats from daddy’s plate. Sometimes we’ll let him have queso if we feel like cleaning up the mess. There’s a full kid’s menu though.

Daddy Mac’s

Another place I used to work at in Surf City. I worked here while I was getting my real estate license. Daddy Mac’s is where you bring out-of-town guests for the wow factor of eating on the ocean. This wasn’t one of our most frequented spots, because it’s a little bit pricey (for us) but it’s a great spot for special occasions! The food is great and the views are amazing. In the colder months it’s the best place to dolphin watch and occasionally spot a whale. The service is always great and they have a ton of fun beachy drinks! It’s kid-friendly, indoor and outdoor seating and after dinner, you can walk right onto the beach!

My Order: Seared Ahi Tuna (rare *duh*) with the wasabi aioli and for the two sides, a side salad with the sesame ginger dressing and mashed potatoes. For the drink order the sea turtle mojito, they give a portion of the profit from that drink to the Sea Turtle Hosptial, so when you’re drinking, you’re getting drunk for a cause!

Squish’s Order: Wild Ahi Sliders with the Vegetable as a side.

For the Gremlin: Pasta with meatballs (no sauce to avoid the mess).

Sears Landing

Sears Landing was our go-to “brunch” spot, we were there almost every weekend causing some sort of a ruckus or another. I say “brunch” because even though they had a brunch menu, we preferred the lunch menu. The only “brunch” part of our dining experience would be the drinks.

My Order: West Indies Seafood roles for an appetizer. The Wings, mildly hot with ranch. I like to start off brunch with an Irish Coffee or two but once the food gets there I’ll switch to a mimosa or a beer.

Squish’s Order: Onion rings to start (use the pink sauce to dip) and then the Tuna Melt with lettuce and tomato and a side of fries. Bloody Mary to drink (they have amazing bloody marys here!).

For the Gremlin: Chicken tenders with a side of plantains.

The Corner

Not only is The Corner a great hangout spot (see my last post on things to do in Surf City) but it also has really great food! It’s a fun place to grab lunch and then hang out and have some post-lunch drinks! It’s casual but classy and the staff is super friendly! They have boozy milkshakes which are super fun! When I was pregnant I loved coming here and just getting the non-alcoholic milkshakes to fit in.

My Order: The Fat Gyro and a Spice Spice Baby to drink.

Squish’s Order: The Notorious BIG with jalapeños and a chocolate boozy milkshake to drink.

For the Gremlin: The Kids’ Turkey and Cheese with chips.

Fancy Sushi

Who doesn’t love Sushi?! Just kidding I know a lot of people don’t. But for those who do, Fancy Sushi doesn’t disappoint. They have a large selection of specialty Sushi rolls and a large selection of non-sushi items too. When I was pregnant (and there wasn’t indoor seating because of covid) I would grab the pork lo mien to-go and share it with my oldest son at the sound side park. They have really big portions and even after sharing with my son, we would have leftovers for another meal! The staff is always very friendly, accomodating, and fast!

My Order: Clear Soup and Edamame to start. The Lava Roll for my meal and a large hot sake to drink.

Squish’s Order: Clear Soup to start. The Dragon Roll, The Big D, and The Scorpion King for his meal. Sapporo to drink.

For the Gremlin: Just share whatever we’re eating (he’ll eat sushi).

Chug n Grub

Super delicious craft food! There’s a large bar with lots of TVs so it’s a great place to go watch games. There is a large selection of beers on draft and some great cocktails! Although it’s not my typical order, the PB & J Wings are worth a try!

My Order: Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich with Tots and ranch. A Moscow Mule to drink.

Squish’s Order: Caprese Salad with Seared Tuna and Balsamic Vinegar. Whatever beer looks good on draft to drink.

For the Gremlin: Share food from our plates.

Crab Pot

Probably one of the best places to eat and hang out in Surf City that we didn’t go to nearly enough. Crab Pot has such a cool set up and during covid they built a deck (or porch whatever you call it) making it even more fun! Located right across from the Sound Side Park I always thought it would be a great plan to take the kids to the park and then grab drinks on the porch after (seasonal timing and pregnancy kept me from seeing this plan through to fruition but may you can enjoy my plan instead).

My Order: Our Famous Frogmore Stew for 2 and a margarita (on the rocks with salt). If you’re feeling extra salty grab the 64oz, Margarita.

Squish’s Order: Same.

For the Gremlin: Also same.

If it’s not obvious by the above, the “Our Famous Frogmore Stew for 2” was a perfect meal for the whole family and was plenty of food. Such a fun meal!

The Fast Fish

A fun Poke Bowl spot with a few other menu items. In full transparency, I’ve only been here once. Waylon was sleeping and my husband has no idea what he ordered (hence their order’s not on the list) but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal so I wanted to include this place on the list. Super cute walk up to order spot right by the beach. Would be a great meal to bring along to the beach, but they also have a fun outdoor patio to eat at.

My Order: Build Your Own Bowl- Seared tuna, rice Base, seaweed salad, cucumbers, edamame, jalapeños, mangos, avocado, and spicy mayo drizzle. Nigori Sake to drink (one in the green glass cup).

Squish’s Order: N/A

For the Gremlin: N/A

Shaka Taco

An island-wide favorite for sure! My husband has some weird vendetta against the place but I’m obsessed so it became Waylon and I’s Friday fun-lunch-out spot! Like The Fast Fish, it’s a walk-up to order spot and most of the food is beach friendly but I love sitting on their patio and soaking in the beach town vibes. I’m pretty sure since I’ve left they expanded their patio as well!

My Order: Carne Asada Bowl with the Coconut Rice. El Sully to drink.

Squish’s Order: N/A

For the Gremlin: A chicken quesadilla from the kid’s menu.

Quick Bites to Bring to the Beach (or home)

Since it’s a beach town and the best thing to do at the beach… is go to the beach. I thought I’d add in my favorite bring to the beach places as well.

Pub Subs

Publix Subs are a beach staple. They’re easy to eat and you can make that dad joke about sandwiches and the beach. Plus it’s in a grocery store so you can easily pick up whatever other beach supplies you need (like beer and sunscreen). 100% better than a Subway sub and they’re pretty cheap!

My Order: The Italian sub (of course!).

Squish’s Order: Chicken Tender Sandwich with fried okra.

For the Gremlin: A small sandwich from the pre-made food area across from the sandwich line.

NY Corner Deli

NYCD is on the island and close to the beach. This is another great place to stop and grab a sandwich before heading to the beach. Everything I’ve tried here has been delicious! They also have great breakfast sandwiches if you’re going early morning to the beach!

My Order: The Italian combo with a side of the tomato-cucumber salad.

Squish’s Order: The Club sandwich with fries .

For the Gremlin: Normally just share with him. He’ll eat the tomato-cucumber salad too, it’s that good!

SurfDog

Such a cute little place and they have outdoor seating but we typically grab and go from here. Their food is delicious and their hot dog/dog theme makes me happy. There’s just something about a hotdog that hits the spot on a summer day and SurfDog’s hot dogs are extra yummy!

My Order: A Lab and a Boxer.

Squish’s Order: A Lab and a BLT hotdog add jalapeños and ranch (I think he just makes that second hot dog up and it’s not on the menu).

For the Gremlin: The Chicken Tenders and fries.

Burrito Shak

We used to go to the Burrito Shak up in Hampstead every now and then. When they opened one in Surf City, minutes from our house, my husband said he was glad we were leaving because they would take all his money! It’s like chipotle but 10 notches better. Burrito bowls are perfect to snag on your way to the beach.

My Order: The Rincon Bowl with Carne Asada.

Squish’s Order: “I don’t know I just make up a bowl every time”. *eye roll*

For the Gremlin: The Kid’s chicken quesadilla.

Enjoy your meals and tip your servers!