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    Surf & Soul Spot

    4.6 (356 reviews)
    ModerateSoul Food, Seafood
    Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Surf & Soul Spot Photos

    Business Info

    SURF & SOUL SPOT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Surf & Soul Spot

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    Unreal. Been looking for some good comfort food since I moved to SD from Louisiana. This place is SO GOOD. Fried catfish and chicken was delicious and the rice and gravy is out of this world. The folks working there were awesome. Can't wait to come back for some fried pork chops and greens.

    Shrimp and grits
    Mya T.

    I almost don't want to review this spot because I wanna keep it a secret LOL but the food here is so delicious. My partner has said this is the closest to home cooking she's used to where she's from. I got the blackened shrimp and grits with a blueberry lavender lemonade. The gravy that is in the grits packs so much flavor to the dish. The grits were the right consistency and that lemonade was gone in less than 10 minutes. This is a place to pick up food, no dine in seating but service is great nonetheless!

    Catfish basket and shrimp & grits
    S H.

    The shrimp & grits were delicious and the catfish basket was thick & perfectly fried. I will be back to try more of the menu soon. Take-out only so call ahead or be patient because it's that good!

    Wednesday wing special  Buffalo garlic lemon pepper tenders and a side of fries
    vanessa c.

    My partner and I came on a Wednesday after I had been wanting to try this spot for some time and he had great things to say Recommend calling in an order since they do take some time and it is just a store front so waiting around can take a minute, we went with the loaded fries and the Wednesday wing special, specials are usually posted on their instagram so definitely recommend taking a look there!! Good came out hot and tasted fresh! The order of tenders was huge and very saucy, the loaded fries were also super good and whatever gravy they use was amazing! Definitely want to come back and their their soul section of the menu which is available on the weekends!

    Marshmallow topped brownie
    Soo H.

    I notice the line is a bit shorter for lunch.  4 orders in front of me and 5 came after me.  Price has gone up a bit at $27 for a 2 item combo.  I ordered fried pork chops and fried catfish.  Wait was a bit less than 15 minutes. Fried catfish was fried in a crunchy cornmeal batter.  I liked the salt and pepper seasoning.  Catfish was a bit overcooked as the edges had dried out and were hard.  Center part was not as moist as I'd prefer. Fried pork chop was coated in a hard crunchy batter and seasoned with salt and pepper.  While I liked the flavor, the pork chop was dry. Marshmallow topped brownie was extremely sweet with the melted marshmallows topping the sweet brownie.  Loved the brownie flavor but I not sure I like my brownies that sweet. Surf and Soup is takeout only so I walked a block to my car and ate there.  I found it unusual that the catfish and pork chop were not hot with that fresh out of the fryer aroma.  Instead they were warm like they had been sitting under a heat lamp.  If the food was sitting under a heat lamp it shouldn't have taken more than a couple minutes to put everything in containers and fill orders.  Felix's Bbq remains my favorite spot for fried catfish or pork chops. Staff was very nice and orders are getting out faster but the food quality has gone downhill.

    sampler: favs are the catfish and greens!
    Erin K.

    We tried this place for first time as part of the Taste Black food tour and wow. Impressed. Normally, we are NOT fans of fried food, but in expert hands we like! And the fried catfish here was perfect...NO greasy fingers. Tender fish with a light coating. Other favorite thing we tried were the greens. So good. We were also lucky enough to get a serving of the peach cobbler. Wow. We would prefer more peaches and less cobbler/sauce, but still the flavor was excellent. We had the food "to go" and it was super fresh.

    Catfish basket

    Pork chops, deep fry to gold imperfection, cheese, grits, creamy tasty smooth and delicious. I also got the catfish basket with fries and accoutrements. It was a walk up situation, but it was good. The staff was kind and a beautiful lady brought me my food kudos to the Chef can't wait to come back and get some of those sides and the price was right.

    Fried lobster tails
    Grace C.

    If you're in the area and craving a delicious blend of coastal cuisine and soulful comfort food, Surf and Soul is a must-visit! This vibrant eatery captures the essence of San Diego's laid-back lifestyle while delivering a menu that's bursting with flavor. Ambiance: As you enter Surf and Soul, you're welcomed by a bright and inviting atmosphere. The friendly staff greets you with warm smiles, making you feel right at home. There is no dining, all orders to go. Order a head of time to avoid the wait times. Food: The menu at Surf and Soul is a delightful fusion of fresh, local ingredients and comforting classics. One of the highlights are the fried lobster tails and salmon sandwich...It's a hearty option that's both satisfying and packed with flavor. The menu differs each week and the desserts are rotated also. Banana pudding was good Overall Experience: Surf and Soul in North Park is a fantastic spot to enjoy a meal that feels both comforting and refreshing. With its delicious food, friendly service, and inviting atmosphere, Whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to stop by and experience the unique flavors that Surf and Soul has to offer!

    Fried chicken plate & fried catfish plate; collard greens, gumbo, mac & cheese
    Alyanna M.

    I've been missing that southern soul food so I decided to try this place out! We tried the fried chicken plate with collard greens & gumbo as the sides. Also the fried catfish plate with gumbo & Mac & cheese. The fried chicken & the collard greens were okay, not amazing. But the fried catfish, gumbo, & mac & cheese were really good! The plates also came with a cornbread & small dessert on the side, which was a biscoff cake. The dessert was also really good! The plates are a hefty ~$22, but it does come with 2 sides, cornbread & a dessert so the portion size is good. But I did wish they gave more catfish, they only gave 2 pieces. Overall, I'd come back again, but I'd skip the chicken & I'd probably try something else!

    Cat fish $7.50
    michelle s.

    It's a take out spot so no sitting you must call your order of u will wait 25 min surprisingly I was very happy. It wasn't done in 25 minutes. They actually did less but do call if you can. I didn't know this. The fish was good. The grits were delicious. I don't know if I'll get a 7.50fillet of catfish again but surprisingly everything was very yummy

    Darrell J.

    4 stars The Surf & Soul Spot is the definition of comfort food done right! Every dish is packed with flavor, heart, and soul -- you can taste the love in every bite. From seafood to Southern classics, it's all delicious, but let me tell you: the fried catfish is an absolute must. Crispy, seasoned to perfection, and just melts in your mouth. The ambiance is chill and food is always taking it to go, the vibe is always warm and welcoming. Service is solid -- friendly and fast, even when they're busy. You can tell they take pride in what they do. I've been a fan since day one, back when they were serving out of a little church kitchen -- and it's been amazing watching them grow while keeping the same heart and flavor. This place will always be one of my favorites.

    Shrimp & Grits
    Danii V.

    Sooo delicious Great portions I was surprised to see you cannot dine in at this location. You must find street parking to get to this place. And walk up to the window/counter to order and wait outside to pick up your order. I parked on the street a couple of feet away from the location. There isn't a big sign and it isn't a big restaurant so you may miss it if you aren't careful. The man that greeted and took my order was friendly, kind and helpful. I had the shrimp and grits and let me tell you I would go back just for that!! The shrimp was a nice size perfectly seasoned and the grits with the cheese was perfection Soo good. If I lived closer I would return daily. My mother had the fried fish and she isn't a fan of fried but said it was well seasoned. The breadstick that came with the order was delicious as well. I ordered the banana pudding for dessert. It was prepared well, cold, sweet and light. It just wasn't as flavorful and delicious as the other food but that's totally okay because everything else was great. I wish there was an option to sit inside and dine but the food still seems made fresh and packaged well to go. I will definitely be returning

    Jumbo shrimp and fish golden brown
    Denise S.

    Food delishous. Order to go. Fish was golden brown fried in fresh grease. You get enough grits for 2 people cheesy. Great service! It look close from outside, but know they were open.

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    Food I would definitely buy again whenever I visit this town. Every dish was flavorful, fresh, and worth coming back for on my next trip.

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    Ask the Community - Surf & Soul Spot

    Is there outdoor seating available?

    Not currently ,pretty sure they will soon with COVID guidelines Stepping back :) said

    Does anyone know if they fry their fish or French fries in the same oil as the chicken?

    No they don't!

    Do they take card?

    Yes they take cash, debit cards & credit cards.

    I went there yesterday in the middle of the day and it wasn't open. I know they were moving. Is there a new location?

    Yes. Now open at 7229 El Cajon Blvd San Diego CA 92115

    View All 8 Questions

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    Lemon Grove Bistro

    Lemon Grove Bistro

    4.7
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    1.9 mi
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    My sister-in-law recommended Lemon Grove Bistro, saying the food is always on point and that we…read morewouldn't be disappointed. There were four of us dining on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant was fairly empty when we arrived, but more customers began coming in shortly afterward. They have a spacious, garden-style patio that can accommodate larger groups, but we chose to dine indoors in their nicely decorated, modern dining area. For our meals, we ordered the Grilled Shrimp, Beef Bourguignon, Meat Loaf Sandwich, and Classic Burger. Every dish was a solid choice, and I would definitely order any of them again the next time we visit. Normally, we skip dessert when dining out, but our waiter did an excellent job describing the dessert options and convinced us to give them a try. We ordered the Chocolate Molten Cake, which is similar to a chocolate lava cake, as well as the Brown Butter Cake. The Brown Butter Cake was incredibly moist with a rich, buttery flavor and a lightly crisp exterior. Both desserts were excellent, and I'd highly recommend them. Before we left, our waiter mentioned that, as part of the restaurant's anniversary celebration, they're offering 20% off every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday through the end of August. That gives us even more incentive to come back and dine with them again. Overall, Lemon Grove Bistro was an excellent choice, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking for a great place to eat in the Lemon Grove area.

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    Inside: barstools, TVs and swag
    Inside: barstools, TVs and swag
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    Crab Pub

    Crab Pub

    3.9
    (581 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    This place has really redeemed themselves. The price of king crab was reasonable and ample portions…read moreof clams, scallops, sausage and shrimp made it even more great! They had a simple garlic butter with no spice and was just right on the flavor. I was tasting the crab the following day in my mind. LOL Glad was able to come back and see that they have gotten a lot better. Service was also great and welcoming. For sure will be back!

    I love crab leg seafood boils and they are my #1 favorite food to date. I always like to try a new…read moreplace on my birthday or special occasions and in this case it was the crab pub because the menu looked perfect online. They seemed to have a ton of options for my family who didn't specifically get seafood boils so we went ahead for Mothers Day. When we got there the service was okay, our waitress didn't really check on us much at all besides putting a bunch of lemon slices on our table but no major complaints. We did start off with drinks and some of us got the wrong ones but no biggie because it's busier on a holiday. What I had a problem with was the food itself. I asked for the combo #2 because I thought it was 1lb of snow crab leg like I get every single time, I got it "pub style" which is supposed to be all seasonings like garlic butter Cajun lemon pepper in one. They asked me if I wanted shrimp, sausage or craw fish as my second and I told her I didn't want any of that and just wanted ALL crab legs. I don't know if she fully understood because when I got my boil I could tell it was noticibly smaller. There wasn't 1lb by any means, and looking back I wish I could've said something. I think they just took the amount of crab they got me and cut it in half instead of substituting and adding more. I wouldn't mind if it's extra money, I just want the crab so oh well. The sauce was the second worst thing ever. It did not taste anything like other places, but way worse. All I could taste was a watery spicy Cajun, and even on mild how I got it it was pretty spicy. It lacked any real flavor so on that alone I'd never go back. I usually always get a Cajun garlic butter and it's seasoned to the Gods but still light and potent. This was just not good, and didn't even feel buttery but more a watery oil. We did also get the garlic noodles and they were good. I make garlic noodles at home AMAZING though, so these were average and nothing to write home about since other places can still do them just as good, if not better. A place in SD that had ones even better was called Crab City and their boil tasted great. I would recommend that place instead of this. The reviews and menu pictures had me with much higher expectations and I was super let down. Forgot to mention, my husbands shrimp po boy, he said the shrimp tasted off and fishy like not fresh which made him only eat half and never go back for the leftovers. There was a super sweet sauce on it as well that tasted random to me when I took a bite so I would stay away from that as well. I also had to pay extra for my potato's that normally come with your boil at every other place. They usually come with potatoes and corn but this place came with nothing and you even needed to pay extra for potatoes but they were bigger and different then usual with no salt or anything so they were not worth getting at all, nor finished by me.

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    Crab Pub
    Oysters
    Oysters
    Crab Pub

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    Mariscos El Prieto

    Mariscos El Prieto

    4.0
    (107 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    I tried their Chula Vista location last month and saw they opened their taco truck back up again so…read moreI had to give them a try!! Quality is the same but dare I say even better than the chula vista location! We ordered the following: -fish tacos (must order) -shrimp quesdilla (must order) -aguachile rojo (must order) -quesabirria taco I love that they don't overcompensate with batter when it comes to their fish tacos. You can actually taste the fish and everything about it is SO flavorful! Their shrimp quesadilla was also a surprise banger! Incredibly tasty and can last as 4 meals between 2 people, the portion is HUGE! Not too salty at all but so addictive. Lastly, their aguachile is a must! I tried this at their chula vista location and it's still fire! And ofc they give you complimentary consome! This spot is a hidden gem for sure!

    Driving down University Ave it's honestly hard to miss Mariscos El Prieto. You'll see the flags and…read morethe food truck right away, that's what caught my attention. I wasn't even planning on getting mariscos that day but it felt like a sign so I took it as a little treat. It's a food truck setup with folding tables and chairs and a pretty big parking lot since the plaza itself is kind of dead. Parking was easy and there was plenty of space. I walked up and they were doing construction on the tent right above where you order and it was really loud. I feel like that could've been done during closing because it disrupted the vibe. The area is already a little rough so it just made things feel a bit off. The lady working was super sweet. She took my order, you pay right after and they do accept tap to pay which I love because I don't carry cash. They take your name and call you when it's ready. I got mine to go, waited about 10 minutes, and everything came out pretty quick. They packaged everything really well too which I appreciated because aguachile can easily spill. For the tostada they gave two packs of saltines and three tostadas which felt like a good portion. They also had fresh salsas at the truck but I skipped them since my taco already came with sauce. I ordered a fish taco and an aguachile verde tostada. I went home excited to try everything but honestly it didn't really hit for me. The fish taco was a good size with a lot of cabbage and a white sauce, but the fish was a little too soft. I wish it had more crisp and overall the flavors just weren't memorable. It's about $3.70 so fair, just nothing standout. The aguachile verde was the weakest part. Some shrimp textures were off and a few had a strange aftertaste. I've had a lot of aguachile recently and this was probably the lowest quality. I will say they were generous with the avocado and the sauce itself had a nice spicy kick, it just didn't come together overall. There was also an earthy note from the seeds that was very prominent which I have never experienced in aguach For the price, I paid around $20 with tip for both which isn't bad for the portions. It satisfied the craving in the moment but not somewhere I'd go out of my way to come back to.

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    Mariscos El Prieto
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    Coqueta
    Aguachile verde

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    Aguachile verde
    Guanatos II Mexican And Seafood

    Guanatos II Mexican And Seafood

    4.8
    (46 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    I don't even know where to start except WOW. After trying an amazing mariscos food truck the day…read morebefore, I was hooked and it was all I could think about. I wanted to find a sit down spot that could deliver that same citrusy, flavor packed experience and this place was everything. We came in pretty close to closing without realizing, and I hate doing that because I know how it feels working in food service, but the staff still maintained such a great attitude. We were told to seat ourselves and while the inside was way too hot to sit comfortably, the outdoor patio was perfect. Our server brought out water and menus almost immediately and even after realizing they closed at 8pm, we never felt rushed at all. The menu is full of mariscos classics like ceviches, aguachiles, tostadas, and larger plates. Prices range from affordable to a little higher, but the portions definitely reflect that. My husband and I both got tostadas to start. I got the La Special and he got the aguachile tostada, and thinking the portions would be small, we also ordered carne asada fries and a California burrito... which we definitely didn't need... BUTT I am glad we got them because YUM! The tostadas were a 100/10. The portions alone felt more than an appetizer/snack. The La Special was loaded with raw shrimp, cooked shrimp, and octopus, all super fresh with great texture. I just wish there was a little more avocado. The aguachile had that perfect citrusy, spicy kick that makes it addicting. Incredible, and I mean it. Our server also brought out a variety of sauces like chipotle crema, green salsa, red salsa, and sour cream. I added some chipotle sauce to the carne asada fries, which already came with guac and sour cream, and it took it to another level. The portion was huge, especially compared to places charging $20+ for fries. These were around $15 and came with crispy fries, flavorful meat, and a good amount of cheese. The California burrito was $12.99 and really filling with carne asada, fries, and cheese. The tortilla was soft but held everything together well and it hit exactly how a California burrito should. I seriously left with no complaints. The service was amazing, the food exceeded expectations, and this is definitely going into our regular rotation.

    Food and service was amazing!! Las micheladas están deliciosas! Probamos el menudo, la tostada…read moreloca, tostada aguachile, torta de milanesa, and the oyster shooters... y todo estaba delicioso. The place is very clean and the guys are friendly. Thank you for a great experience!!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Rolled taco - Rock Hard - inedible
    Rolled taco - Rock Hard - inedible
    Inside

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    Inside

    Surf & Soul Spot - soulfood - Updated August 2026

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