Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Surf City Grill

    3.4 (67 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers, Fast Food
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

    Surf City Grill Photos

    Business Info

    SURF CITY GRILL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Touristy
    Casual
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Surf City Grill

    Recommended Reviews - Surf City Grill

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Nichole S.

    Would not get again! Bought 2 monster corn dogs . Cost was $20.74. Corn dogs were huge. But after biting in to them there was so much breading. Not worth it at all !!!!

    French fried Artichoke
    Ram S.

    They are an all time favorite at the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk. Every time we visit the beach, we end up snacking something or the other here. Usually crowded on weekends, but that shows their popularity more than anything else. Service is fast and polite after you order ahead the counter. Our favorites include : - French fried artichoke. Unique snack and so tasty. Not many places make this with artichoke. Comes with a nice ranch dip - Fried Zucchini- another favorite -Vegetarian corn dog: a full meal by itself - garlic fries: another crispy and outstanding snack We will visit every time we come to Santa Cruz. Huge fans

    Clam chowder in cup
    Wing K.

    I stopped by for a cup of clam chowder while visiting the boardwalk, feeling a bit hungry. The kiosk is conveniently located near the center, and the service was quick. There's also a seating area in the back, which is nice. The price was expectedly pricey ($9.60) considering it is located in a fair area. The chowder was decent in both taste and portion, filled with potatoes and clams. It's a good place if you're craving clam chowder while playing at the boardwalk, but I wouldn't purposefully go to them for the chowder given the price.

    Fries, tasted great
    Jay P.

    Fast, decent food on the boardwalk. Corndogs, fried artichokes, giant donuts, burgers, beer, lemonade, clam chowder bread bowls, and fries. We wanted to just eat a bunch of little bites and this was a perfect spot for us. Sadly, I really wanted to try a corndog but we got too full eating at other stands like this to make it back here. Unlike some of the other food options they do have an inside space to sit and eat at. Interior is very nice and looks all original, there is a nice 70s aesthetic that feels nostalgic and optimistic, the walls are adorned with posters about the first Miss America pageants held on the boardwalk. Cheeseburger and fries: whole family split this, the burger was OK and we liked how the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles came on the side so you can add whatever you wanted. The patty was slightly under-seasoned but after a terrible burger at Oakland Zoo I was happy it was warm and the cheese was melted. Fries: Tasty and fresh, comes in a cup for easy carrying if you want to walk and eat.

    Corn dog
    Tricia M.

    All good - we came to the Boardwalk and got hungry! Lucky for us they had corn dogs and fries - we ordered and they were carnival style, fresh dipped. Kids were happy and we were back to the fun in no time.

    Marlon O.

    Went for something simple on the boardwalk. Not a bad place. Reasonable prices with simple food. Liked the garlic fries and the Hot Link Corndog. Didn't particularly "wow" me but something decent to eat while spending the day at the boardwalk. Gets all the nostalgic juices flowing when ordering from their stand and I guess that's what makes them a decent place.

    Location, location, location
    Ron R.

    ***Vegetarian Review*** Name that tune ... (Veggie Corndog) you will think that it's meat (Veggie Corndog) just steps from the beach (Veggie Corndog) it's a perfect treat Veggie corndog, corndog When you go to specialty locations that cater to tourists, you don't expect to find unique vegetarian options. For example, Pea Soup Andersen's (Buellton and Santa Nella). Truck stops in the "drive-by" cities on the way to L.A. that offer a delicious vegetarian pea soup. Hidden among the touristy meat options of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you'll find a vegetarian gem. Would I come back test? I've been back many times for about 6 years and it's always my first stop before hitting one of my favorite roller coasters, The Giant Dipper. Comparisons/Rankings: 1a. Surf City Grill, Santa Cruz, CA 1b. Davis Hotdogger, Davis CA 2. Hot Dog on a Stick, Anytown USA Surf City is about 30% bigger than Hotdogger and HDOAS which means there is that much more fried goodness from the first bite to last nibble on the stick. Surf City gets the nod because of the beach setting and the batter is slightly sweeter than Hotdogger. Hotdogger holds it own, but size does matter. Tips for first-timers: 1. Parking. Just pay for parking at the lot. Don't waste your time trying to find metered street parking. And just know it will be crowded, especially during holidays. Be patient, roll your window down, and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. 2. Surf City is located in the middle of the boardwalk. Walk under the "Boardwalk" arch and follow your sense of smell. 3. Order at the counter 4. Find a seat while your order is being prepared. Veggie corndogs are fried when ordered and take about 8-12 minutes depending on the crowds. This will give you a chance to scout the limited surrounding seating. 5. Pick up at the counter and prepare your condiments at the same counter. Make sure to hang around this area because they don't use a speaker to announce your order is ready. They just yell throw the window. Tips for meat-eaters: 1. It's fried fresh. You won't get the dog-piled corndogs under the heat lamp that lose the signature corndog crunch. Veggie Corndog ($5.49 - Grade A+): Surf City justifiably brags "World Famous Corn Dogs." The dog itself is most likely Yves (like Hot Dog on a Stick), but they must have a specialty order because they are almost twice the length of Hot Dog on a Stick. The batter is fried to a golden brown and the inside is always cooked. We've been here during very busy times and they still don't rush the frying process because the inside is always cooked. Nothing worse than a mouthful of uncooked batter. The first bite is perfectly balanced with batter and dog and as you make your way down the veggie corndog, you fall more and more in love. It's like eating a southern-style hush puppy that happens to have a veggie dog tucked away. And the last bite? You know what I'm talking about ... the bit of super-crunchy batter on the stick. The equivalent of the center of a cinnamon roll that everybody fights over. It's so good that you forget that you're in public while you gnaw on the stick like a starving UCSC student. French Fries (Large $6.59 - Grade B-): These get cold fast so make sure to take all your Instagram photos fast. That ocean breeze will cool these down exponentially, but fries and a corndog while sitting on the beach ... not too shabby. I like the skinny fries, but they are always a little greasy and inconsistent. Some are burned. Some are under-fried and/or too greasy which causes that limp fry effect. Large pieces and small pieces. But with all that said, the backdrop of the ocean makes these a must buy to compliment the vegetarian corndog. Other vegetarian options (only tried the garlic fries): 1. Texas sized glazed donuts - $4.39 2. Fresh garlic fries - $7.99 I've had these once and won't order them again. Super greasy and if there is such a thing as too much garlic, this was it. Plus, if you plan on riding rides all day long, I don't recommend. 3. French fried artichoke hearts - $7.79 4. French fried mushrooms - $7.79 5. French fried zucchini - $7.79 Overall restaurant observations: 1. Inside seating. Maybe seats 50, but why go to the boardwalk and sit inside. 2. Outside seating aka the beach. It's literally 20 large steps from the ordering counter to the sandy beach. They also have tables strategically sitting under the people mover to provide a bit of relief from the California sun. 3. Garbage cans. They have plenty of open trash bins so you don't have to touch that gnarly swinging trash door. 4. Thirsty? They have a souvenir beach bottle. If you plan on returning, $24.99 gets you unlimited all-season long refills. Just want to spend the day ... it will cost you $9.99 and get one free refill and then 99-cent refills after that. 5. Bathrooms located along the boardwalk are relatively clean. They have a posted cleaning schedule and sometimes they actually follow it.

    Cheeseburgers, fries, and clam chowder bowl
    NY Y.

    Cheeseburger and fries - good Clam chowder bowl - good Iced tea and apple juice - good Service - good

    Garlic fries and fried artichokes
    Indra Z.

    The best fried artichokes I've had. The tip here is to mix them with the garlic fries ! Yuuuummm!!!

    Clam Chowder Bowl
    Anson W.

    When I'm in an amusement park, I expect to get ripped off. So I was surprised that prices at Surf City Grill at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk were actually reasonable. You can get a normal burger and fries here, but some menu items are a cut above standard fast food. The wife and doubled down and each got our own New England clam chowder bowls ($7.59). It could've used more seasoning, but it was pretty enjoyable. The ambiance here is bright red and yellow colors everywhere, reminding me of an old McDonalds from twenty years ago. The workers are friendly and keep the place pretty clean. So if you're at the Beach Boardwalk and can't make your way over to the Santa Cruz Wharf, this is a decent place to get your fast food grubbin' on.

    Fries. Regular corn dog. Cajun corn dog.
    Tram N.

    Not heavily overpriced like I originally thought. Long lines - beware because people seem to go wherever they please. I was cut twice but figured it is best not to make enemies since I have my kids on what is supposed to be our leisure day. What stood out to me: - garlic fries - Cajun corn dog - corn dog - turkey leg - deep fried cheesecake - chili cheese fries - clam chowder The menu is quite extensive so ordering might not be a simple task to do. I knew I wanted to try the Cajun corn dog so I ordered it along w/ a regular corn dog for my daughter. I ordered an order of fries (large, I think) and it came up to $12 something. The corn dogs are huge; very crispy and fried perfectly. The batter is very thick so if you have trouble w/ carbs then it's best to go elsewhere for your beach grub. The fries were a little too salty but it was also fried perfectly. There is a small station by the window towards your left for your ketchup, mustard, and napkin needs. I am one of the ones that will never and I mean NEVER put ketchup on my corn dog. Mustard for the win! But yes, eat the corn dog right then and there because a few hours old corn dog wasn't exactly awesome tasting like the day old pizza from underneath the couch cusion.

    We still don't have our order!
    Susan W.

    The fried artichoke hearts caught our attention, but we never thought they had to walk to the farm to pick them! Terrible customer service! We addressed the wait and they still didn't have the order ready... Move on! Many other places in the boardwalk where you can pay high prices for mediocre food... When we did FINALLY get our order, the artichoke hearts were ok. Not worth the wait!

    Oooooooooohhhhhhh. Yeah!!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Cam S.

    Cam S.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 84
    Thanks 0
    Love this 64
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    It seems the corn dog recipe change? The big corndog taste like a biscuit dog! Not very good anymore

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Amy T.

    Amy T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dean C.
    1146
    1602
    4576

    5 years ago

    Helpful 90
    Thanks 1
    Love this 92
    Oh no 0
    Photo of NY Y.
    94
    1348
    2158

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Indra Z.
    3
    49
    100

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anson W.
    1206
    1107
    1267

    12 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tram N.
    903
    3372
    12656

    13 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan F.
    395
    328
    1179

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul V.
    376
    864
    1830

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carl E.
    81
    28
    32

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Friscoco C.
    69
    310
    297

    13 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rose B.
    75
    658
    2385

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rick H.
    384
    1386
    1101

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kalani K.
    601
    79
    59

    15 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John N.
    89
    129
    421

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Surf City Grill

    You might also consider

    Belly Goat Beef Burgers - Seoul Surfer Burger, Forager Burger

    Belly Goat Beef Burgers

    4.0(208 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Burgers were delicious, fries were very good as well. Little tough to find a table on a Saturday…read morebut the live music and overall vibe are solid. Slightly overpriced since there is no table service. Parking is less than ideal as well since it's central to Santa Cruz but that's expected. Maybe the best part is the fact that everyone in your group can find something to eat (even if it's not Belly Goat) since there are several options in Abbott Square. This is what the US should look like. People of all ethnicities enjoying food from all over the world (I know, I know, I got a burger lol). But everyone just chillin', enjoying great weather and good food. Highly recommend a stop here

    If you're a cow eater, this is your place. My husband devoured his Cowboy Burger ($18.00). He…read morethought the burger was juicy and prepared perfectly with paired toppings. The Lost Boys ($6.75)(garlic fries) were perfection. The fries are separate from the garlic confit and herbs provided in an Individual container. The garlic was well balanced in flavor, far from being overwhelming, fresh and so satisfying when paired with the fries. The Ahi Burger ($15) was not my favorite. The brioche bun was soft and toasted slightly, the slaw was crunchy and flavorful, the burger itself needed flavor. It felt like an afterthought rather than a main highlight of this dish. If we return, I would try the Forager ($14) a portobello, avocado mash burger I missed on the menu.

    Photos
    Belly Goat Beef Burgers - Inside

    Inside

    Belly Goat Beef Burgers - Pork belly fries

    Pork belly fries

    Belly Goat Beef Burgers - Seoul Surfer Burger

    See all

    Seoul Surfer Burger

    Pretty Good Advice - Santa Cruz - It Ain't Chicken Sandwich & House Cut French Fries with Garlic Rosemary Aioli

    Pretty Good Advice - Santa Cruz

    4.5(117 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Okay, it took me years to try this place and I literally *drank* the rest of the dressing from my…read morebleu cheese avocado salad last night, what the heck was that. Flavor on point, literally everything I ordered. The tofu bahn mi was just the right size for lunch, so delicious, and just really no fuss perfection. Garlic fries were crispy and fresh (not greasy) and I think the best in town? I realize I've started to assume that SC places are trying too hard to impress, that's just not this place- you can see the intention is just to make good, approachable food with good ingredients. That's reflected in the pricing, too, everything was reasonable & affordable. Special mention to the staff yesterday, so friendly and genuinely attentive. So much props!

    What do you see in this picture? The answer would SHOCK you! I've been a long time local to Santa…read moreCruz, but i've never actually went out of my way to try one of the most popularly recommended establishments targeted towards vegan and vegetarians. I had ordered myself a cheeseburger and I was able to fill up my water bottle on site. It had been paired with a sauce and I had ordered extra. Upon the first bite, I cannot even believe that what I was eating was not actual red meat. Now, perhaps I am biased, because I truly enjoy delectable black beans. My only qualm is that I found it a little bit salty, but I have a sensitive palette, and I still couldn't find myself putting the burger down. On my next visit, because this is definitely going to happen- i will be trying the brussel sprouts. I would say it's a little bit tight in there, but I feel like I came early enough to get great seating. I would say this place is recommended to take on the go, but if you have a little time and you're in the area. Definitely check it out for a sit in stay. I can't wait to go back to pretty good advice.

    Photos
    Pretty Good Advice - Santa Cruz - Menu

    Menu

    Pretty Good Advice - Santa Cruz - Madi's Moody Morning sandwich. Vegan AF!

    Madi's Moody Morning sandwich. Vegan AF!

    Pretty Good Advice - Santa Cruz - Interior of Pretty Good Advice - they also have lots of outdoor seating under a tree so not too sunny.

    See all

    Interior of Pretty Good Advice - they also have lots of outdoor seating under a tree so not too sunny.

    Betty Burgers - Chicken | Garlic Fries

    Betty Burgers

    3.8(1.5k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I've eaten at this Betty Burgers many times because the food is usually good. It's not the best…read moreburger in Santa Cruz but it's a decent and I want to support the businesses affected by the road closure. This visit was a little disappointing. The burgers seemed sloppier than usual and just weren't as good as they've been in the past. What really bothered me, though, was the 3.95% credit/debit card service charge. I didn't notice it until after I had already paid because the only explanation was printed at the bottom of the receipt. If you're going to charge customers an extra fee for using a card, that should be made very clear before they order so they have the option to pay cash. Between the food that wasn't up to par and an added processing fee, this visit just wasn't worth it. I don't mind paying for good food but I don't like feeling nickel-and-dimed over an extra charge that wasn't obvious before ordering. Transparency goes a long way.

    We stopped by for some take-out to bring with us to our beach picnic. They were having a FIFA watch…read moreparty at that time so customers were enjoying their food while watching Spain and Argentina play. I ordered the Point Grinder which is a burger with bacon, sauteed mushrooms, bleu cheese and green onion and it was a great combination! The only reason why I'm giving a 4/5 stars is because my patty was still very red instead of a standard well-done. My friends and I also ordered one side each and tried garlic fries, sweet potato fries and onion rings and all were delicious. Garlic fries were seasoned well and had lots of garlic, sweet potato was slightly thick cut and soft and yummerz and the onion rings wasn't just batter, it had thick slices of onion! Their ranch was also creamy and aromatic! Parking could be difficult on a busy day! 9/10 would recommend!

    Photos
    Betty Burgers - Inside

    Inside

    Betty Burgers - Chicken | Garlic Fries

    Chicken | Garlic Fries

    Betty Burgers - The Duke Burger

    See all

    The Duke Burger

    Oblò - The Croquettes that were potato, mozzarella, and ham inside and had a very yummy sauce.

    Oblò

    4.4(84 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Upon entering, we were promptly greeted and lead through their nice lounge area to the…read morewell-appointed dining room. After selecting our drink preferences, bread service was initiated. Attention to details by our host was evident and appreciated. Our entrées arrived nicely plated in a short time. We greatly enjoyed our entrées of Spagetti alle Vongole and Seabass Fish of the Day. Live music was being performed in the lounge throughout our dining experience which greatly enhanced the ambiance of the meal and restaurant. The live music was a contemporary jazz quartet followed by a clarinet and drums duo ensemble. The atmosphere of Obló is conducive to a relaxing rendezvous for a drink or dining with friends, or to embrace the intimate and romantic undertone of their fine dining venue with one's significant other.

    Oblo is located in the cusp of downtown, across from Abbott Square where you are close enough to…read morehear (and feel) the music while dining in a circular glass windowed room. Oblo has a family-style warmth with the paper menus and touch lamps that look like candles and yet it also feels like the perfect Date Night restaurant because of the ambiance, cool lighting, top shelf bar menu, great service and impressive food. I was there for a birthday, and Oblo surprised even me with their stellar service when they marched a line of smiling staff members out with a slice of beautiful cheesecake over a zigzag of blueberry compote and sung happy birthday in such a joyful way that the other customers joined along. It was definitely special. We had great service all night -- from the first person we saw to the last. Every dish was delicious!

    Photos
    Oblò - One of their soft cocktails and so yummy

    One of their soft cocktails and so yummy

    Oblò - Seared Scallops

    Seared Scallops

    Oblò - Risotto Funghi

    See all

    Risotto Funghi

    West End - Fountain

    West End

    4.0(1.2k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We had dinner here during our stay. We ordered the okonomiyaki fries and pacific calamari to share…read more I ordered the steamed mussels for my main. The okonomiyaki fries were delicious. The fries with the spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce made the dish. It was very savory. My son enjoyed it. The fried calamari was also good. The calamari and jalapeno peppers were crispy and salted well. The sweet and sour sauce that accompanied it was added a slight heat to the dish. We enjoyed our meal here and would return the next time we are in Santa Cruz.

    I returned to West End over a year after my last visit, and so much has changed! They rebranded to…read moreWest End Izakaya and now serve Asian-inspired dishes, rather than their previous American farm-to-table menu. Honestly, I can't say this change is an improvement. My grandma and I visited around dinner on a Saturday and were seated on the (dog-friendly) patio. They did have propane heaters, but not enough of them, so it was quite chilly. For drinks, we both got hot Green Tea to warm up, which was very standard - served in pre-packed tea bags. For food, we ordered the Okonomiyaki Fries and Maitake Mushroom Flatbread to share. The Okonomiyaki Fries were pretty good and I enjoyed all the toppings, especially the spicy pink mayo. I usually prefer thinner fries, but I liked the crispy texture. However, the Maitake Mushroom Flatbread was a bit disappointing. There just wasn't enough bechamel and mozzarella on top and the flavor somewhat bland. Service was friendly, but I miss their old menu offerings, like the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread. Not a huge fan of the rebrand!

    Photos
    West End - Booths

    Booths

    West End - Fireplace

    Fireplace

    West End - Ipa sampler

    See all

    Ipa sampler

    Surf City Grill - burgers - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...