4.5 Overall - A real beach-feel taco shack, less than a block from the ocean. Outdoor seating (no indoors) and weathered wood lends authenticity to the Surf City vibe, but then one also needs to contend with the birds and heat (minus the ocean breeze). We drove here with friends from Jacksonville (NC) and experienced the food and service and, afterwards said we'd definitely return here. Why? Tacos. We ordered four - Tuna, Shrimp, Chicken, and Veggie- all on a soft corn tortilla. Each one packed a mouthful of flavor combinations that were distinct and memorable. My blackened and seared tuna took a different turn with the bacon, yet it melded well with the cabbage and the spicy mayo. My favorite - the blackened and grilled Shrimp taco - included Asian slaw and sweet chili sauce that complimented the char. Our friends ordered the seafood nachos which frankly looked liked the shrimp and other seafood were overwhelming the chips! If I had been hungrier, I would have ordered this monster! Soft drinks (Coke products), adult beverages, and "Sweet Treats" are also available. The bathrooms are inside the surf shop. Paid parking is right next to the store. (If a song could be adapted for this review, it would start, "Shaka, Shaka, Shaka, Shaka Tacos) read more

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Man, I hate to give less than 5 stars, but this place has gone downhill over the last 8 years we've come here. It's so sad. This used to be our favorite, and let me tell you why it no longer is... First, and worst, the customer service. They couldn't make any exchange for the spicy salsa that comes with the kids meal, so basically I'm paying $7 for a tortilla with melted cheese. Additionally, my kid was taking our plates up the steps and fell, getting salsa all over his arm. As he sat there picking up everything, two workers walked by him and ignored him. Didn't ask if he was okay or offer to help. I guess that's what happens when you hire kids that don't care about anything. They all seemed unhappy and I encountered 5 different people and zero smiles. Secondly, the food and prices. I get that everything has gone up in price, but don't go up in price and down in quality, skimping on things that used to be free and plentiful. I just don't want to pay more for less. Lastly, we caught management in a lie and that's just not okay. You gave my husband an excuse for something and me a totally different one. Don't make up stuff to force your ridiculous policies. Bottom line, the food is pretty good, we've been here more times than I can count, but next time remember that customer service goes a long way and you could have just made right an issue that cost you pennies instead of reading this review. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Shaka taco is an outdoor taco "shack" with a beach vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It has an extensive menu that's can cater to anyone tastes. They have a dedicated fryer for their chips which is perfect if you have a gluten allergy. They can make all of their tacos with corn and flour tortillas. I ordered the blackened mahi taco which was a daily special with cabbage and pickled onions. I also ordered the tuna taco with bacon, cabbage, tomato and chipotle mayo. My favorite taco was the veggie taco which had a great mix of coconut rice, black beans, peppers, corn and cilantro lime cream. My kids had the beef taco with cheese and they loved it. The kids meal comes with chips and salsa. The staff was helpful and nice. The food came out pretty quickly for being really busy. I would highly recommend coming here for tacos especially right off the beach. read more

Went back a year later and was very pleased with quality of food, quick service , seasonal specials that was super delicious! The crab and tuna stack as flavorful and nicely presented with tons of nachos chips. The blackened Machi bowl was so fresh and good. Got the Hawaiian cocktail & it was good Balance. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside in the lower area & staff had no problem finding us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Wine was canned and not worth the $ read more

Shaka Taco - More tacos - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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Ok so only negative, but no one's fault besides the owners - the fountain drinks were out because the machine was broken. No big deal as they sold bottled water. Food here is phenomenal! Seriously go and try the shrimp tacos, very good! Fish tacos also very good, but the star of the show was the special that day. The seafood nachos with mahi, shrimp and scallops. I don't even like scallops and these were amazing! Queso, chips, mahi, scallops and shrimp super good! read more

Usually I find beach food mediocre/disappointing but Shaka Taco pleasantly surprised me with how good everything was. There was a line to order but it moved quickly - the restaurant even offered to take some orders inside so it went quicker. There was seating inside & outside & they have their own parking lot which is nice, especially considering the area. The food was actually so delicious. They had a wide range of variety of tacos and quesadillas. I chose the veggie quesadilla which had grilled onions, peppers, cheese, and black beans. It came out really hot and fresh & I really enjoyed it. The tortilla was soft but the edges were the perfect amount of crispiness. The chips & queso were also really good - the queso had so much flavor and was really hot. You also get plenty of chips. My quesadilla came with a salsa which was on the sweeter side (I think maybe a pineapple salsa?) but either way, it was delicious & unique. I'll definitely stop by again when I'm in the area! read more

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Excellent food! Friendly. Delicious options. Ordered from a local spot. Highly recommend!!! read more

Shaka Taco - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

I really wasn't expecting much because beach food usually isn't great, but this is by far the best beach food I've ever had. It was somewhat busy when we went so the wait was a little long, but it wasn't anything terrible. It's all outdoor seating at this restaurant. Once you order, you grab a number, find a table, and wait for your food to come out. The server who brought out our drinks and food was very nice and made sure we had everything we needed every time he dropped by. The food was out of this world. I got the tuna and pork taco. Both were extremely well seasoned and flavorful. The fillings for both tacos were pretty much pouring out of the taco shell, which a nice change up compared to most taco joints. The tuna taco was a lot more expensive than everything else but it was definitely worth it. I usually had tomatoes and always ask for them to be removed. I forgot to ask this time and they were too imbedded to pick off, so I ate the taco as is and the tomatoes were surprisingly tolerable. It's one of the only times a tomato hasn't ruined a meal for me. read more

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We've eaten here many times over the years, most recently on Spring Break 2026, and it's always great. Shaka Taco is one of our staples every time we're at the beach. The tacos are so good, I always get the shrimp, but the fish and pork are a hit too. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's got a cool, laid back beach vibe with outdoor seating[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the guacamole dips are always so good. Just an easy, go to spot we always enjoy. They do get pretty busy around dinnertime but usually work through the line quickly, don't let the line deter you! read more

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Mmmmmm so yummy! Ordered DoorDash and it arrived within 25 minutes (during off season ) lots of vegetarian options. Slaw was delish and chips were amazing. read more

Shaka Taco - Shrimp taco - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious, fresh, and great outdoor seating![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I always love to try the different specials and fish tacos.

This place is hopping! It's great for a quick bite to eat on the island. It's an outdoor restaurant with walk up window. Be prepared to wait awhile to order. Plenty of seats. Food is delivered to your picnic table. We had the carne asada, chicken, and beef tacos. I really liked the chicken the best. Though, we all felt it was over hyped. read more

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We were so excited to try this place while on our trip to find a new home..it was so busy we had to wait till the second day..we got there when it opened and were the first to eat..the food was awful..literally the worst taco and taco bowls we ever had. The chicken was so dry it was awful like it was days old..the beef tacos were bland the fish taco was just ok...2 tacos and a chicken bowl was $30..ridiculously expensive for food that wasn't fresh at all..truly sad about this experience I hope they improve their food. Visually it was pretty, but the taste didn't match read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great location, no beach view, but it's so close.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is layed back and easy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered the ground beef nacho, really yummy with great chips. I got the fish taco bowl with coconut rice, so good! This was our first visit, we will be back! read more

Definitely recommend! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Family came here and everybody was happy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The wings were good, quesadillas were good, and the tacos were solid. I had a fish and Carne Asada. Both were solid. read more

Shaka Taco is my family's favorite! We vacation at Surf City twice a year and before the week is over, we make it a priority to visit Shaka Taco. We go to enjoy drinks on their patio while we wait for our food. It's completely outdoors, so go on a beautiful day. You can hang there and eat or just grab it to go. Usually a line, especially on a nice day, but it moves quickly. Not even a vegetarian but get the veggie taco!!! You won't regret it. read more

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I was visiting my son and daughter-in law before the Antarctic decided to leave its normal place and take over NC...!! Shaka Taco showed up as being nearby so we decided to stop in. Between 4 of us there were a many different proteins in the tacos ordered. This place is so good!! The service was good and super friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside seating is limited but the outdoor area has many areas to sit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was born and raised in Arizona, my parents owned a Mescan (Mexican) Restaurant when I was growing up. My mom was the best cook ever in my life. But I tell you "people who make good food are artists. You buy their taste buds!" Go buy their taste buds....I mean tacos! read more

Shaka Taco - Logo - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

YUMMMM - we got the steak nachos today. I was nervous to get them to go but my goodness they were perfect. With the queso on the side. Definitely a spot to check out. read more

My family and I went to Shaka Taco and brought our food home. I think it would have been better to eat at the restaurant. I ordered the fish taco and the shrimp taco, both of which were delicious, but they didn't taste as great because I had to wait to eat them at the beach house. My sister's nachos were amazing, and I highly recommend them. Overall, the service was fast and easy, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambiance was nice, with many families sitting around enjoying their meals, so most tables filled up quickly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Had quesadilla and the sweet chili chicken wings. Ordered take out so no need to review the restaurant. If I only remember to not eat them before the photos are taken. Both the wings and veggie quesadilla were delicious. read more

Best tacos and bowls on the island. They are fast and high quality food. Their service is fast and very professional.

We literally just got done eating here. And I had no time to take pictures because I was spending too much time enjoying time with the family and scarfing down our food. We ordered two shrimp, two carne asada and two fish tacos and they had alllll the toppings. I also ordered the kid meal: quesadilla and fish taco because my daughter couldn't decide was she wanted. We also got the chips and tuna and crab stack because I was hungry and it looked sooooo good. I wish some of the tacos didn't come with extra chips because we had so many with the stack but that's okay, we know for next time. The shrimp was so flavorful and really, really good. Not overcooked at all. The fish was probably my favorite. I haven't had a good fish taco in years and when I bit into this I just felt like it was fresh. I wish I had more to bring home. The carne asada was good, but I usually have those when I go to other places, but I would try something different when I go again. For as many people that were there, service was FAST! I was so surprised at how fast they got our food out and how fast the tables turned over too. I felt bad because we got our food to go thinking we would have had to sit at our car to eat but the tables cleared out pretty fast. Drinks are self serve and we got typical soft drinks ourselves. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were able to sit with our dogs outside and that was nice to sit under the patio with them after a nice day at the beach.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The crew came around and cleaned up the tables too pretty frequently.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm sure this place is packed during the height of summer fever, but I think we came at a great time. The tuna stack was good, and it was so surprising to see real crab and not imitation. I think I would have liked some spice but I'm sure I could have added the hot sauce on there myself. The salsa that they gave us with the chips was so good, the smokiness added a nice surprise heat at first but then as you went on it turned out to not be spicy! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A little taco joint in the heart of Surf City. No frills dining, outdoors only, beside the parking lot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food was decent. We had beer battered fish tacos on flour tortillas and chicken nachos. Food comes in plastic, paper lined baskets. The beer batters cos tacos were dressed with fresh slices of avocado, pico de gallo and a lime crema & cilantro. I would have liked more fish but good if not slightly overdressed. Nachos were messy and soggy chips. Chicken was shredded and dry. Good beer selection with some local brews, wine and a few cocktails (stick with beer and wine). Not sure if the fish is local. read more

Shaka Taco - Beer-battered cod fish tacos and chicken nachos in the back. - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

So great. We got a selection of tacos and chips and queso. We ate on site. This is our go-to dinner out when we're in Surf City. So yummy!

Food: mediocre and over priced, queso has good flavor. Chicken beyond bland, tortillas stale. Service: employees are snotty but seems to be the NC trend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]You'll be swatting flies the entire time, bring a swatter or fan.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This little taco stand in Surf City attracts tourists due to its location near the beach and great reviews. We visited today (off season) and there was no wait. We ordered at the window and then found a seat outside. The outside seating is rustic, but in a fun way. Tables are clean. We were able to have our dog on the patio. We tried three tacos. The shrimp taco was excellent with spicy Cajun shrimp and a sweet slaw to round out the heat. The taco was generously filled. The Fish Taco with cod, was just ok. I think the cod was frozen - it did not taste fresh. The avocado was fresh and delicious. The Chicken Taco with avocado, onions, lettuce and tomato was very good despite the chicken a tad dry. The service was mixed. The clerk that took my order was friendly and attentive. I was surprised/disappointed that they charge of a cup of water. The server that delivered the food was less than friendly, not very Shaka. Food came out quickly. They have a free public parking lot. read more

Great quality! I have yet to try their carne asada but their tuna/blue crab stack was deliciously fresh and their fish taco kept its crunch- not soggy at all! Shrimp was perfectly cooked however it was a bit on the sweeter side for my preference. May need to see if the shrimp bowl is different from the taco next time. Don't skip out on their hard cider slushy, especially in these 95+ degree weather. read more

Shaka Taco - Tuna/Blue Crab stack - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect place to eat with a dog![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Tacos were good! I tried chicken & fish and thought the chicken was better, although both were good! Definitely get the queso it was soo yummy! There is a line so make sure to get their early read more

Shaka Taco - Fish Taco Chicken Taco - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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My boyfriend and I stopped at Shaka Taco during a beach walk on our vacation, and it ended up being one of the best food decisions we made all week. At first, we didn't know what to order--there were so many delicious options on the menu--but once we tried the shrimp taco, we were blown away. Honestly, it knocked our socks off! Now we totally understand why our neighbors said they eat here every single day. The food is incredible, the flavors are fresh, and the portions are generous. Even with the line out the door and the place packed, the service was impressively quick and super friendly. That kind of efficiency (without losing quality) is hard to find in a busy beach town spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We also loved hanging out on the patio--it's such a fun, laid-back place for people-watching while you enjoy your food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Between the amazing atmosphere, the great staff, and those unforgettable shrimp tacos, we're completely hooked.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Shaka Taco is officially a must-stop tradition for every beach trip! read more

My fave spot for the best loaded nachos you'll ever have! Great food, close to the beach, amazing vibes, and the sweetest service. What's not to love? Get the pork nachos and you won't regret it, plus bottomless chips and salsa.... So good! read more

Very tasty tacos, great beach vibe, and friendly staff. Definitely worth trying while on vacation! read more

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Good tacos near the beach. Makes for a quick lunch and very good. Will definitely be back.

Not from here but this was recommended to me and I can see why! The food was delish, quick and reasonably priced. The tacos were a good size too. Very dog friendly, they even let me order a side of chicken for my pup, which she definitely approved of! Highly recommend. Staff was also quick to get her a bowl of water and the atmosphere was extremely welcoming, professional and friendly. Will come back next time I visit! read more

Shaka Taco - Princess Wynonna approves of the chicken. - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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There's a reason for the line outside of Shaka--the food is some of the best in the area. We came by after Ocean Fest for lunch before we headed out. This time we got the shrimp taco bowl and the shrimp nachos. Despite the long line we were able to find seating quickly and were served within ten minutes. The cashier had a difficult time hearing my spouse, so we did not end up with waters ($2/ bottle or $3 for water from the soda machine). Due to the price and long line, we opted to not get water there today. Seating is all outside with most of it covered. For users of mobility devices, it could get a little tricky but there is ground level seating and a ramp to the order window. Bathrooms are inside of the surf school, which also has a cool shop. The location is directly across from the pier, and parking just outside of the restaurant can be hard to find. If you're up for it, a walk to the restaurant might be best! read more

Shaka Taco - Menu view 1 - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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After going to the touch tank aquarium, the fam was hungry, so we went next door. You wait in line on the ramp to order at the window. After ordering, there is plenty of covered outside seating, although I imagine it can get busy. There is a surf shop connected and they offer lessons. We got a mix of items - shrimp Grom Dilla, chicken taco, carne taco, bottomless chips and salsa and queso. I'm not usually a fan of green salsa, but their's is amazing! I love the freshness and lime flavor. Lots of cheese and shrimp in the Dilla and the carne taco was delicious. The queso is a hefty portion and very good. I also got a pear cider, which a little sweeter than I normally liked, but with the spicy food, it was a great compliment. Great experience and I would go back. read more

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Amazing food! Consistently the best meal we eat in the area every year. I did a veggie taco and my husband did fish tacos. Beyond flavorful, perfect portions. I got a blackberry lemonade Rita which was pretty good. Service is quick. The patio is very cute. Highly recommend! read more

Love Shaka Taco! Shrimp tacos are so delicious, cooked perfectly not overdone The slaw adds a nice crunch and the chili sauce is tasty but not hot The carne asada bowl also excellent, steak was tender and full of flavor. The Mexican rice was great, I've been here many times and am never disappointed read more

They serve breakfast up until 11 am, we waited until 11 to order lunch. I ordered a taco bowl with ground meat. The portion size was very big, I would say it could easily be shared between a couple. I also ordered a jalapeno margarita which I found unimpressive. It lacked flavor from the jalapeno and was carbonated and tasted more like a soda than an alcoholic beverage. They only have outdoor seating, however the upper patio has fans. Use the restroom inside and walk through their gift shop. You order and pay at the counter here and they bring the food and drinks out to your table. read more

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Fresh, delicious generous portions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Casual, beachside vibe with family friendly set up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Convenient location right next to the Surf City beach! Walking distance from numerous public parking lots. It was POURING rain so orders were taken inside the surf shop that's attached to the restaurant, Limited outdoor seating, but even though it was POURING Little Debbie's tropical storm heart out, the place was still popping! Service was pretty quick and was delivered to our outdoor table. We were soaking wet from being on the beach in the rain so we had swimsuits and towel attire. We pretty much had one of every taco and got the little one the kids cheese quesadilla! Tacos were EPIC in flavor profile and I would say our favorites were probably the shrimp taco and the carne asada! We got an order of sweet chili wings that were excellent and super fresh! We also got the red salsa and the tomatillo salsa along with the queso dip for two giant baskets of tortilla chips! The QUESO was amazing!!! Generous portions and even brought things home! Decent beer selection and coke products on tap outside. Only complaint would be the flies trying to eat our food too, but I mean it was THAT good so I don't blame them haha! Highly recommend trying the place out and will definitely be back again before we leave!! read more

Shaka Taco - Nachos, queso, and salsa! On the bottom right is the shrimp and carne asada taco. On the top left is the chicken and ground beef taco. - Tacos Near Me - Surf City, North Carolina

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