Took my son to Marina Joes for lunch and the food was great. Had the wings and a burger. Excellent service by our server and enjoyed the views. read more

Food: overall a good food experience. Of eight people table, four had the shrimp and grits. A unique gravy type sauce that was tasty (a bit creole taste) everyone agreed and unique to what typically would get with this dish. Shrimp were cooked perfect. One scallop dish with good of lemon, garlic, wine sauce. They say these are jumbo scallops but were a bit under jumbo and should have give 5 instead of four for this price and size. However, the dish was tasty flavors and scallops were cooked right. The other few dishes we had were the seared ahi tuna sandwich with side of roasted asparagus. Good taste, I would have preferred a double sear, but that is my preference. Another dish was the standard fried seafood, this was a good size serving and fair to good, but nothing spectacular. Hard to make fried food spectacular. The downside of the meal was that both the tuna and the fried fish came out cool to warm, so guess it had been sitting around a lot. I do hate paying for food that has very little warmth, but not worth sending back as we were already waiting a bit for the food... On to Service: we did wait 55 minutes for our food and rarely had our waitress check in on us. When asked for how much longer at the 35 minutes in we were told it would be a few more minutes....then we never had waitress come back to table until 20 minutes later. Waitress never did introduce her name or feel obligated to check in. I had plenty of time to just watch all of the happenings while waiting. The manager on this floor was helping to move tables around and clean the tables. For three of the tables cleaned off, he had the table spray but never used it between changing tables. Just used hand and towel to wife off food and wipe table. This does drive me nuts and could reflect there acceptance of cutting corners...hopefully not in the kitchen. So we had to pay the 20% service which was totally undeserving. Hoping all wait staff is not as poor but do believe that it is likely reflective of lack of expectations on the servers. Ambience: as in other reviews I have seen, I agree that the views are spectacular. The way the seating on the table of eight was done, only four were faced to the view so the others were deprived. But as we had plenty of time to get food, we did walk out I. The balcony where there is outside seating. A little warm with sun coming down, but would reco a dinner time around 8:00 to watch sunset and eat outside if you can with smaller group. I would have liked to give this a four star for food as several dishes worth coming back for but the cold food and really bad service and wait time just destroyed that rating. read more

Great atmosphere! Great views! Knowledgeable server (Preston) We had great drinks and dessert for a sunset view on the top balcony. We recommend the Basil lemon spritz and the Marina Mist with Tequila. We can't wait to return for entrees. We were informed almost the entire menu can be made gluten free read more

See all

Food was OK, the menu was small. Amazing views and beautiful. Service was OK but not memorable. It wasn't very busy but our appetizers took a bit to hey there. We didn't order alcohol so maybe they didn't feel they needed to be on their game. The dessert was in a small mason jar and it was $12. I am local and was disappointed in the experience. Visit for a good view. read more

Arrived at dinner time on Sunday night (in season) with no reservation, we were sat immediately on the top deck, which was our ideal table. Margarita was great, we ordered three appetizers, and they all were 10/10. Wedge salad, shishito peppers, sunset shrimp. Emma, the server was helpful with the menu, friendly, great conversation. Zach, manager was great also, he helped us get seated quickly and followed up on our way out. Incredible view, lots of outdoor seating, great food. Highly recommend read more

See all

It was recommended we visit Marina Joes. We had a great experience with reservations and I really appreciated the follow up the day of the dinner. We arrived on time and were seated upstairs overlooking the were. The dark haired hostess was a doll. It did seem the support hostess needed to learn a little more as we watched double seating gone wild. Our server was nice but the wait for food was exceptionally long. That said the food was really good. The best meal was the Poke Nachos. We know it's a newer spot so probably still working out the kinks! read more

Marina Joes - Seafood Platter - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

Overall: killer location, great views, attentive servers, but a bit expensive for what you receive. The bartenders need to be a tad more generous with their pours and the kitchen needs to hone their seasoning skills, especially with their side dishes. Our two-top arrived at 5:30pm on a Wednesday evening and we were pleasantly greeted by the hostess, then quickly seated upstairs after a quick glimpse at the waterfront bar on the first floor. Obviously, the main dining room is great for large parties - we saw several eight, 10- and 12-top tables seated when we arrived. That said, the room itself was very (very) loud, but the view overlooking the waterway certainly made up for the noise. We kicked off our meal with a pair of cocktails and shared a salad; the Front Porch Swing ($14) came with well-worthy Jim Beam bourbon, watermelon puree, lemon juice and peach bitters. The Cucumber Paloma ($16) featured Hornitos tequila, "grapefruite and lime huice", and muddled cucumber. While quite refreshing, the drinks were certainly light on booze. The Roasted Beet salad ($14) arrived quite quickly with bright red beets, fresh spinach, candied pecans, a generous topping of goat cheese and apples wedges. Our dinners came out just as we were finishing our salad - the "Crispy Chicken" ($30) featured a half "flash fried" chicken on top of rather thick gouda grits and charred asparagus. The skin on the chicken was super crispy, but the meat was quite bit dry. My date's Glazed Salmon ($32) was a rather smallish 3-4oz salmon filet topped with a citrus-y soy sauce and microgreens over flavorless, gooey mashed potatoes (if I had to guess, the mash was made with dehydrated potato pearls). Instead of broccolini, she got the same charred asparagus as my dish. We hoped to save the evening by enjoying one of their signature desserts - the Homemade Banana Pudding ($12) arrived in a small Mason jar and tasted just like the pre-packaged puddin' mix Granny used to bring to the monthly church dinner. Sigh! We look forward to giving Marina Joe's another try - maybe the Tuna Poke Nachos and Dockside Steak Melt. read more

See all

We went to Marina Joes on 7/3 which was a crazy Friday night. Usually places on the island don't take reservations bc they know they'll be packed, but this night they did. We did not have a reservation but arrived early enough 6PM. The hostess was super accommodating by saying we could sit at the bar if there was room and eat off the limited menu. No problem! The place was slowly filling up but we had the (beautiful) bar to ourselves. I ordered a cocktail and he ordered a beer. We then got the picnic order which was a hamburger, hot dog, potato salad, baked beans, a bag of chips and a prepackaged cookie. Not bad for $20. I ordered the kids one which had the hot dog and the sides which was $10. They were smart to have someone grilling this outside to accommodate the ones without a reservation. The people with a reservation were able to pick off a pre made menu. Smart when you know you're going to get slammed! The staff seemed to be busy and the ambiance was pretty but LOUD. We had a nice shot of the inlet - to our backs, but one day we'll check out the outside deck and get the better view. Since we didn't try anything off their typical menu, we aren't able to make a great decision on their food. Will try again. read more

Marina Joes - Kids platter - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

See all

The restaurant was exceptionally loud. That's what I remember most. I couldn't hear the waiter, nor converse without yelling with my family. Our appetizers and entrees came out at the same time... why??? Food was very basic. Nothing stands out enough for me go want to go back. read more

The swordfish and mahi mahi were very good! I can't leave five stars because the bread on the shrimp app wasn't fully cooked. The presentation was nice though! Bartender was awesome! They have inside and outside seating. read more

Title: A Breath of Fresh Air - Worth the Wait! I rarely write reviews, but Marina Joes deserves the hype. We waited an hour, but the serene bay views made the time fly by. From the moment we arrived, the experience was unprecedented. The peaceful bay views and gorgeous sunset strip set the perfect tone. The vibe is clean, cozy, and modern--a relaxing escape that makes you want to stay awhile. The Food: Tuna Poke Nachos: Absolutely amazing. Perfectly balanced flavors and beautifully presented. This is a must-try for anyone visiting. Crispy Fish Sandwich: Come hungry! This tempura-fried fish on toasted brioche with house tartar sauce is huge and incredibly satisfying. Shrimp and Grits: A standout dish. The Creole seasoning on the shrimp pairs perfectly with the soft, creamy grits. Consistency is clearly a hallmark here. The Experience: Yes, we waited an hour for a table, but it was completely worth it. Use that time to enjoy the views, talk to the friendly staff, and grab a drink. By the time the food arrives, you'll be relaxed and ready to enjoy every bite. Marina Joes isn't just a restaurant; they are setting a landmark standard for this area. This was my first time, but it certainly won't be my last! read more

Went to Marina Joe's with a large group of friends for a ladies night. Our service was excellent, as were our drinks. Everyone was very happy with their meals. The view is great too! I will go back with my spouse and highly recommend it for a date night or night out with friends! read more

Marina Joe's is one of my favorite spots to stop after a day at the beach. The portions are generous, the parking is easy, and there's a great mix of casual and nicer dining. The big upstairs dining room has beautiful bay views, while the first-floor bar is a fun place to catch a game. And if you're an oyster fan, sitting outside with oysters on the half shell is tough to beat. read more

As a full-time resident of Topsail, I'm really glad Marina Joe's now makes it easy to order online. I usually order pickup, get there a little early, grab a beer at the bar, and enjoy some local oysters while I wait. The upstairs dining room has great views over the bay, and the outdoor deck is hard to beat around sunset. It's casual enough for lunch after the beach but still feels like a great spot for a date night. read more

The absolute best vibes and food. If you are in the area don't miss this spot. We came in from a day on the boat and the owner was so welcoming! The sunset views are unmatched! read more

Marina Joes - Basil lemon spritz! - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Where to start!! 1. - upstairs way tooo loud - acoustics are terrible 2. - after ordering, no appetizers, took way to long for food to come -about 45 minutes!!! 3. - ordered seafod platter, seafood was over cooked, oysters looked like little cinders, slaw had no seasoning 4. no condiments on the table The view is very nice. Needless to say, I'll never go back. I have never given second chances. If you can't get it right the first time, then you have lost me. I am a local and was hoping for a good place to dine. read more

I so much wanted to like this restaurant. I am in Surf City year round and to have a restaurant this beautiful on the island itself almost within walking distance was huge. The two stars or for the atmosphere, staff and cocktails. I have gone twice figuring the first was so close to opening. They have very unique flavors. The Blistered Shishtos have like a Chinese 5 spice on them and are way over cooked. The "fried chicken" tastes just like duck you would get at your local Chinese restaurant and was very dry. We had the Crab Stuffed Mahi a few days ago and it was at least 10 minutes over cooked. The kitchen and menu really need help. Sadly it will make it through tourist season but will never survive the locals in off season. It is too bad, it is a beautiful place with a great view. read more

Our lunch was excellent from start to finish. Starting with our server, Marghi, who was so nice and attentive. We had a party of six and ordered ahi tuna nachos, roasted oysters, steak sandwich, pimento cheese fried green tomato sandwich, ahi tuna sandwich and a fried shrimp basket along with fries and a couple different salads. Everything was more than good. Drinks too! read more

This restaurant delivered a truly memorable setting for the Fourth of July. The views alone made the experience--an incredible sunset over the sound followed by a perfect vantage point for the fireworks. It created a festive and scenic atmosphere that is hard to beat. The environment itself was clean, upbeat, and well-suited for a holiday crowd. There was a lively energy without feeling overwhelming, making it an enjoyable place to spend the evening. The food was good overall, with solid flavors and presentation. That said, the portion sizes were a bit smaller than expected based on the menu, which took away slightly from the overall value. Service was acceptable but not particularly standout. Given the holiday and the crowd, it was understandable, though there is room for improvement in attentiveness and pacing. With a few adjustments--particularly to portion consistency and service--this has the potential to become a go-to spot for both special occasions and regular visits. The location and atmosphere already set a strong foundation. read more

salads were edible, burger was undercook and greasy, crab dip tasted off, the view wasn't worth the price. I'm a local, won't go back.

Based on a local recommendation, my wife and I recently had the opportunity to visit this restaurant while visiting North Topsail with our children and family, We decided this location would be great for a date night for just the two of us, and couldn't be happier with the service and experience. We frequent many restaurants in our local area in PA and while traveling, and consider ourselves foodies. The Tuna appetizer was top notch, and the Salmon was perfectly prepared and delicious. The staff was super friendly and attentive, the ambiance was relaxing, and the view over the inter-coastal waterway at sunset was breathtaking. read more

I understood that the place had recently opened, however how can the kitchen staff leave out the pickles from their Cubano Sandwich. (Cubano - Pulled pork, tasso ham, swiss, pickles, mustard, on a pressed hoagie roll) My sandwich was awful, it was dry, had a touch of mustard. It was ok that they didn't have scallops for the fried seafood plate that my husband ordered and substituted more shrimp. But to totally screwup a sandwich? They weren't even busy when we were there for lunch. Much better places to eat on the island we were not at all impressed and won't be back. read more

Great patio on the water, nice staff large bar, good selection on the menu, something for everyone read more

Marina Joes - Seafood Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

Came here for Father's Day absolutely horrible!!! Service was horrible !! Chicken salad is there some of the nasty chicken salad I've ever had did not eat it.. steak and cheese super dry fries totally burnt.. I crab dip fishy fishy, street corn fried to a crisp ridiculous!!! Just another crappy Surf City restaurant nobody has any passion in their food... if I could give them zero stars, I would don't waste your time. read more

We arrived early at 3:45pm figuring it would be a quiet time to go. The parking lot was almost full and as others have stated it seems like a small parking lot for this restaurant. We decided to sit at the bar and our bartender Holly was very sweet and attentive. The view was nice from the bar. We ordered a drink and relaxed then ordered the edamame hummus which was very good after we seasoned a little with salt and pepper. For our main dish we got the cheeseburger and the seafood platter. Both plates came full of fries. The burger was good, the seafood platter had 5 pieces of shrimp, 4 oysters and 3 thin slices of flounder. While we were dining more customers came in and we found that the acoustics were horrible. A few baffles would fix this. My overall opinion is that it is overpriced for the portion size, our bill was over $150 including the tip. This restaurant seems more like a tourist destination. read more

Food, ambiance and our waitress Holly was perfect! We are excited for this new restaurant! We will back next year!

Place looked nice inside. It might be somewhat understaffed or alternately something is amiss. Went today at 2:00 with intent to sit at bar and order a beer and appetizer. Unfortunately, after 10 minutes I got up and left, telling hostess apparently no one is working the bar since no one there. One young lady, who I'm sure worked there, walked behind the bar and retrieved something and went and sat down at table with another young lady that also looked like an employee. Maybe shifts change at two? Nevertheless, lost my business. No comment on food since never served. read more

I arrive at 7:15pm on Monday June 15th. My two young children and I walk up to the second floor and are immediately greeted by two lovely young ladies who promptly got us a table in the middle section on the far end next to wait station and kitchen. We were then approached by our server a few minutes later, she did not introduce herself by name but was friendly, asked for our drink order and told us the specials. She returned 5 minutes later with our drinks and as she proceeded to set one of the drinks down on the table the other two full drinks spilled all over my lap, my purse and some on the table and floor. My reaction was slow to get up, I did project any frustration or negative energy, I just proceeded to ask if the waitress was OK because of the glass, I wanted to make sure that she wasn't hurt. She did immediately step in and say I'm so sorry and proceeded to get things cleaned up, two other waitresses stepped in to help and get napkins but I couldn't help being a bartender and server 10 years of my life to help. We were then directed by our waitress to go sit in the booth table combo next to us, but I proceeded to help clean up a little bit and begin to dry my white cotton shorts off, which were completely soaked on the one side and my suede purse. Once we sat down are waitress came back and said I will go get you new drinks. Nobody else approached our table after that and It took another 5 minutes to get our second round of drinks and that's probably because she was bartending alone too. When she came back with our drinks and took our order, I asked for the muscles and the shrimp tempura as well a cheeseburger with just cheese nothing on it and ketchup on the side to split for my kids. She left and another five minutes maybe went by. And in passing she asked if everything was ok. I said yes but I should have mentioned my drink was all ice and 2 ounces of liquid. Then probably another 10 minutes passed by and we got our food served by a nice young man. But upon setting it down I noticed that the burger was fully loaded with all the toppings. They did manage to cut it in half and brought an extra plate. I begin to eat my muscles and noticed that they were not super clean, some sand grit were still present when biting into them and they were way overcooked. There was also at least five broken shells with pieces in the bowl and one empty shell. And I actually pulled shell out of a bite or two that I had and there was maybe a quarter cup of broth in my bowl. And on top of that, the shrimp was well over cooked in my tempura. I had to scrape off everything from the burger for my kids. My children then said that the burger was not good and they didn't care to finish it. My kids have never had a bad burger on the island in the 3 years we have lived here. I wasn't approached by a manager until the end of the meal and it had been 30 mins or more from sitting down at the new table. He also had walked past a minimum of five times I believe and made eye contact with our table a few of those. When the manager finally approached and asked how was everything this evening, I proceeded to say umm not good and explained what happened and told him that I felt that it was completely inappropriate how management didn't come over and address any of what had happened. The only thing the waitress offered was covering the two sprites I got for my kids and my drink, which was maybe 2 ounces of liquid and the rest ice. The manager responded and said I'm sorry, I had no idea that happened. No one approached him on it. But it didn't feel genuine at all. He did agree with me that he would take care of everything in regards to the dinner. Because I had said that I was not going to be paying for that quality of meal and the manner that the situation was handled by management. I also said I would not be coming back to this establishment and I would let my friends and family know about my experience as well. And it would not be a recommendation for my renters at my rental homes on the island. I then got up a moment later and walked out with my children. I personally have worked in the restaurant industry for over 10 years. I have served, and I have bartended, and expedited food. I have never seen a situation handled like that and I've never worked for a management staff that would handle a scenario like that. Nor would I let food leave the kitchen without quality check. I sat in that restaurant for over 40 minutes with soaking wet shorts, and on top of that it was one of the worst meals I've ever had on the island. Such a shame! Maybe this place will get bought out and have new owners and staff that know how to train and run a restaurant. Topsail island and its visitors and residents deserve better. Oh, and the best part is I still have yet to hear from the owner of Marina Joe's about this when I emailed a couple days after this incident. read more

Food was delicious. Great atmosphere, we watched the sunset and had a great father's day.