Nizel Adams
I swear everytime I’ve gone into a fish place recently they’ve all been out of catfish, but luckily not today! This black owned business has above average standing room in the waiting area, two TVs and an ATM with a good amount of seats/benches. Seems like it might’ve been an old chinese food joint with a few tables, but they opted for a pure takeout experience (which is unfortunately the trend nowadays.) Since it was my first time I thought I’d try both the fish and chicken combo along with the dirty rice. The total came out to be $24 with the wait being about 15 minutes.
After leaving the place and checking the food. I realized that the combo dinner didn’t contain a roll and coleslaw like advertised which was kind of disappointing. It did have the fries though. The requested lemon pepper was there, but they also seasoned the chicken/catfish with garlic powder, salt and parsley which is fine. Everything was fried hard, but not dry which creates the perfect pleasurable crunch. The chicken and fish tasted better than a lot of the restaurants in the area with the fish having a lightness to the breading that’s sorely missed. Some of the chicken was weirdly tough though as if it was slightly undercooked.
Speaking of misses we have to talk about the dirty rice. Dirty rice is one of those dishes that seems like it either is absolute perfection or an abomination with no in-between. This unfortunately falls into the latter with it not only looking boring with all brown notes, but the initial taste as well as texture being an off putting creamy rancid trip to flavor hell. After a just a few bites my stomach turned which does not bode well for this dish. I have no idea what went wrong here, but it seems like it may have been sitting out too long. Even the smell was a bit rancid. At least it has a good ratio of ground beef to rice which a lot of places skimp on. They also attempted to add in some vegetables like peppers although they are barely noticeable.
Overall Surf’s up is a good spot with friendly staff, decent prices, but some issues with quality. My advice is to make sure the cooking temps are correct and consistent. Definitely make sure if food is sitting idle, that it is kept at the mandatory minimum of 140 degrees farenheit to avoid it going rancid so quickly. Also, double check the orders before sending them out or edit the menu if it is outdated.
… moreMisty “cookingmoma” T.
This is definitely a hidden gem . Love the shrimp & grits, the grilled shrimp, collard greens, fried green tomatoes and those biscuits was magical . They were kind and friendly so customer service was great too. I definitely say this is a go too spot. I would have given them 5 stars but they forgot a coleslaw to one of my order’s.
… moreLa Shone T. Kelly
They make sure to call you when your foods ready; which I thought was nice. I usually get the triple play but I recently tried the shrimp tacos (grilled shrimp) and I loved them. It was so fulfilling and delicious. Also, the biscuits are soooooooo good! UGH, I catch myself thinking about them frequently. I’m from the west side and I go to the Surf’s Up in oak park, the quality and seasoning consistency is amazing across both establishments.
… moreNakasha M. Bates
Today was my first time eating there. The restaurant was clean. The owner was very pleasant and very accommodating. My food was nice and fresh. I will definitely be going back.
… moreJannise Childs
This place will become my new vice I promise you. I haven’t been in the area long but I guarantee you I will be back again many times. The catfish and grits were really good. Those fried green tomatoes were very very good. The have these fried biscuits that literally melt in your mouth. If you’re looking for a good place to eat, head over to Surf’s up. You won’t be disappointed at all.
… moreShelton Davis
Me and the wife drove through this place a couple of times and decided to try it out. The customer service is excellent as it is a family owned business. For sides we started with the Fried Biscuits and they are amazing and a definite must get item. My wife got the fried shrimp and lobster and I got the triple play. The food was fresh, seasoned perfectly, and tasted great. I also tried their garlic fries which were good. We definitely recommend this place and will be back to try the other items on the menu.
… moreMsK AR
Food was made to order, fresh, delicious and flavorful. The customer service was great. We were give a sample of greens and the fried biscuits which were both delicious.
Wings were so good and the fried greens tomatoes are a winner.
Loved the shrimp poor boy as well.
Oh and the lemonade was so good.
Glad I saw am Instagram post about them. It was definitely worth the wait.
Will definitely stop again.
… moreYaTierra Henry
My guy and I tried the catfish/chicken combo, shrimp/chicken combo and friend green tomatoes. Everything tasted amazing. Amazing customer service from the lady that served us today. Environment very welcoming. It was a few older men sitting inside enjoying their food and watching television, the lady that worked there was also very kind to them as she kept coming to the lobby to check on them.
… moreJC Torres
Absolutely delicious shrimp po-boy with red potatos, if you haven’t ate at this place please hurry up and try it A++ Excellent service
… moreElly Farr
The food and environment were awesome! I got the chicken and catfish combo and it was super tasty, fresh, and the portions were big. Also, the lady working at the front offered me a side of greens and a fried biscuit while I waited, which were also delicious!
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