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Surf Diner

3.8 (213 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Surf Diner Photos

Business Info

SURF DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Touristy
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Surf Diner

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This is a newly reopened restaurant on the Surfside Pier. It has been done very well. It is super neat and clean, and the restrooms are spotless. According to one of the staff, the beautiful wood accents inside the restaurant was recovered from the original restaurant that was destroyed with the pier during Hurricane Matthew. The owner refinished the wood. It looks amazing. We had breakfast out on the patio overlooking the ocean. The view and ambiance was spectacular. They had (not too loud) 70's soft rock and Motown playing through the outdoor speakers. The tables and chairs are quality composite faux wood which is nice and heavy, not rickety. I got the breakfast bowl and my wife got an omelette. They accidentally brought us grits that we didn't order which turned out to be delicious. All the food was delicious and well presented. We also got Caramel Macchiatos which were yummy. The staff were super friendly and the service was fast. They accept tap-to-pay which comes in handy if you're out for a morning walk with no wallet (our case) and happen to want to stop in for coffee and breakfast.

Peter M.

My first visit to Surf Diner was 25 years ago when it was called Nibles, which was named something else before that, I'm sure. It's been around since the 1950's, and like the pier, it ain't going anywhere, anytime soon. My Yelpy pal Kat S. writes, "The view is outstanding. Nothing better than sitting outside watching dolphins swim by . . . The food is OK but nothing memorable." That about sums it up. I was introduced to Surf Diner (Nibles) by my father-in-law, Dick. He liked their food, and because he was naturally good-hearted, he became friendly with the owners. He especially liked their fried shrimp platter on Friday night. Sometimes when at the beach in off-season (like today), we'd order coffee and pie in the early afternoon. I guess that's why I keep coming back--those days with Dick, and the owners, and the view, and pie. Memories. Looking to create a tradition that lasts, with food good enough to draw you back time after time? I say "Give 'em a whirl." If they're serving pie, start there.

Swiss cheese, mushroom, and bacon omelette with fried potatoes and a biscuit
Marie T.

We ate here yesterday morning for brunch before spending the day at the beach. The staff was warm and welcoming. The food was delicious, and the view was beyond gorgeous. We sat at the table closest to the deck with the beach literally only steps away. We got to enjoy the sound of the waves rolling in and crashing on the shore, the seagulls calling to one another from overhead, and the squeals of delight from kids playing in the salty water nearby. It was truly a delightful experience. Our waiter (I can't for the life of me remember his name) went above and beyond to make our visit a good one. He was friendly and talkative and very attentive. I highly recommend the Create Your Own Omelette breakfast. You can choose from several different toppings, and it comes with potatoes or grits and a biscuit or toast. I had a bacon, mushroom, and Swiss cheese omelette with potatoes and a biscuit. I also got honey to go on my biscuit. My son had the pancakes and bacon. He loved both of them. The pancakes were huge, otherwise he would have been able to clean his plate. The staff wore masks and seated groups with adequate space between them. They sanitized after guests left and wiped down other frequently touched surfaces regularly. The restaurant shares its parking lot with the main Surfside Beach public access pay to park lot. It was just $10 for whole day. Earlier in the week, we parked in the same lot and walked on the beach for an hour. That evening, we paid $2 for an hour. If you are looking for a place to have a scrumptious and affordable meal with an awesome staff and a breathtaking view, you should definitely make a visit.

Bacon Cheeseburger and Fries
William M.

We recently dined here after a nice walk along the beach. The restaurant is right on the pier and offers both indoor and outdoor seating-- both with great views. We chose to dine inside and take advantage of the air conditioning after our 2 mile walk under the hot sun. Our server was very friendly and welcoming and we were pleasantly surprised that the restaurant also was equipped with a full bar. We stuck with water and soft drinks but thought it was a nice touch if we were to come here in the evening. The menu has a lot of seafood offerings--calabash style as well as various sandwiches and appetizers. We enjoyed the burger and chicken tenders, both served with fries. The burger was a half pound and cooked just as ordered. It was really tender and juicy and loaded with fresh toppings. The chicken tenders weren't anything out of the ordinary but were just what we wanted. The fries were one of our favorites as they were battered and perfectly crisp! We definitely enjoyed our meal and the walk out to the end of the pier afterwards and intend to go back next time!

Whoppers of onion rings! Amazing
Marcelena S.

Loved everything about this place.. Our server was super nice We had a big party of 7 and were sat immediately outside with a great view of the beach and ocean. Everything we ordered was correct and came out in perfect order/ timing! Can't wait to go back and try their amazing burgers.. Peanuts to share and kids writing all over the walls!!! Which is encouraged! Awesome time for the whole fam!!!

Mickensie W.

Loved this diner on the pier. Great fast service and a large menu. The prices were low and you definitely get your money's worth here. We ordered the fried shrimp and flounder plates, which were delicious. My dad ordered the shrimp nachos with boom boom sauce on them, and it was super cheap for a huge plate size of nachos! You get a lot of toppings too. He also said the crab soup was yummy. I would definitely go here again for a inexpensive pier dining experience. The drinks looked good too, and they also serve breakfast!

Heather T.

I live here and try new places often so we drove down to Surfside to see how rough the surf was with Dorian coming this way and to try out Surfside Diner. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich made like grandma's with grapes, mayo, blk pepper, celery, onion on Texas Toast and French Fries. My daughter has a crab cake sandwich with fries also. Both sandwiches were very good. However ...I thought the prices were higher than necessary.. Lunch was $33 before tip. The service was ok but nothing special and a bit impatient because it was busy. Also says they do brunch, which around here means Mimosas and set menu with or without special pricing. They do not have brunch at all and Mimosas are much more expensive than other nearby locations

View
Cindy G.

We came here Sunday afternoon after a workshop nearby. The hostess gave us the best table in the place with an amazing view if the beach. Our waitress was exceptional and very attentive. Hubby's pecan chicken salad was loaded with fruit and chicken salad. I ordered the crab cake sandwich without the bun and was a little disappointed in the portion. The fries came out hot and fresh. Overall a great experience.

Michael W.

A great choice for breakfast on the beach. A good view and reasonable prices. Service can be a little slow. If you are back for any other meal, then please let me know what the go to's are because I went back to split the seafood nachos and they were awful. Please note - if you are a pain killer fan (the drink) they feature this and it's not bad. No where near as good as one you would get in the carribean mind you, but a main lander can only be so picky, plus they at least use Pussers rum which is a deal breaker at most places ;) They also feature fun rum voodoo buckets for two. I have noticed this as a drink trend of late and it seems to be a real lady pleaser. The service is friendly and like I said, great view, right on the beach, within walking distance for most of surfside and I would stick to breakfast and drinks.

It sits back by Surfside Pier.
Joan G.

It would be hard to screw up a breakfast and this place was no exception. There is seating outside with a great view of the ocean and beach. We did not have to wait at all for a seat (we arrived around 9:30 a.m.) inside. Our waitress came by shortly after being seated to take our order. We did wait awhile for our food but that was understandable because of the crowd. Breakfast arrived. Eggs, bacon, grits and toast. Pancakes and bacon for Mike. It was good and came out warm. A tip for people who have never had grits. You must put butter and sugar in them to make them edible. All in all, a good visit and I would go back there.

On the outside deck
John D.

I'm literally sitting on the ocean! Best seat is outside on the deck with a beach drink. While you're waiting for food, some of your party can take a quick stroll on the beach. The club sandwich is fantastic. Ham and turkey come in thinly sliced strip stacks on toasted bread, I really think it's the right light dish to have on a hot July day, especially with a frosty Pina colada.

His: Farmer's Omelet, cup of Grits, and GLUTEN FREE toast. Me: scrambled eggs with cheese, cup of grits, and toast.
Kellva262 ..

This is the 6th year we vacationed in Myrtle Beach and after discovering the Surf Diner in the 1st year, we have always come back. Normally, for breakfast. This year we discovered they have gluten free bread, which hubby got toasted. It was very good he said. Better than most. Unfortunately, we did not get the mimosas. Oh, no. I just heard the city is tearing down the pier, which includes the Surf Diner and Pier Outfitters! Destruction starts in October and construction will be completed in around 18 months, give or take. The diner will be 2 stories, so that is good. But it will not be here next year. Bummer.

Anny Z.

Food was delicious, comforting, and well-made. The first time, we had the BBQ Pork Sandwich and Fried Flounder Sandwich. The second time, the catch-of-the-day (White Sea Bass) and fish tacos. The fish was fresh, flavors bright, and overall, very satisfying. Seating is outdoors and indoors. Outdoor seating is right on the pier, over the beach. Beautiful views and sea breezes. More importantly, the Surf Diner has showed me the most care I have ever experienced, regarding my Shellfish allergy. A person I assume was the owner came to ask details on how separated the food needed to be, and how she could best ensure I was safe. I was incredibly touched. The staff are kind and considerate. I will return.

Bucket drink

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9 years ago

We went for breakfast. The food was good, the service was good as well and the view was even better.

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11 years ago

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

Beautiful view. Great service. Good cheap food. What more could u ask for? Outside seating as well.

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7 years ago

Nice employees. Great breakfast. Nice view of ocean. Can't say enough good 2 times there will always go back every time I'm in town

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9 years ago

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13 years ago

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9 years ago

Was there for breakfast. Great service, great atmosphere. The omlette was great and you have to try the grits...best I've had.

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12 years ago

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9 years ago

Great breakfast with lots of options. It was too cold to sit outside but we had a great view of the ocean outside of our window!

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

Fantastic little place. Beautiful view. The food was as good as home cooked. Staff was very friendly with my requests.

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Holy cow!! Food and atmosphere is phenomenal. Food came out fast and fresh, cooked nicely…read more Waitstaff is personable. We got the nacho crunch burger, and the jamming jalapeño burger and oh my goodness. Coming from food industry you know they care more about quality than quantity when the jalapeños are fresh and not pickled. They definitely know what they're doing with the space they have and we plan to come back again :)

MY RATING SYSTEM 5/4 = Exceeds expectations = 4 (1)…read more3 = Meets expectations = 3 (3) 2/1 = Does not meet expectations = 0 OVERALL POINTS RATING 0 - 5 1. AMBIANCE = 3 Going up the main stairs to be seated. They set it up that people can do graffiti on the walls. Feels like one is walking in a subway that has been abandoned or factory. Offer shelled peanuts which can be thrown on the floor. Working to create a dive environment. There is inside and outside seating. We choose to sit in the none sunny area outside. There is a set of stairs that come up off the beach as well. 2. FOOD/DRIINKS = 3 Had new England style clam chowder. Ok. High salt content. Burgers were good though messy. Had a local IPA was good. Food came hot and in time. 3. SERVICE = 4 I give a 4 because from the person who seated us was upbeat and accommodated our request for seating. The waitress was aware but not overbearing. 4. BATHROOM = NA did not use. There is one located in parking lot area. 5. PRICING = 3 What you would expect. Burger. Tea. Beer. Soup came out $40 tax is 10%. 6. OBSERVATION My overall impression was good though this is the low time of the season and it was mid afternoon. I would probably try some of the other places that are in the general area of the pier. The view from outside seating ok. But nothing about it gives the wow effect. I would probably try this place again. 7. POINTS 13 out 25 points. 20 to 25 = Exceeds expectations. NO 10 to 19 = Meets expectations. YES. 0 to 9 = Does not meet expections. NO

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Surf Diner - seafood - Updated June 2026

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