The food was excellent. The service was great. The waitress was very attentive and the food came very quickly. Everything was hot and fresh. read more

I said I wouldn't leave a review because they were so so helpful in helping me coordinate a birthday cake surprise for my sister. But I decided I would just even it out at 4 stars. 5 stars for the team who took the cake to their fridge and put many many many candles on it and brought it out for us! The specific waitress we had was very kind but she seemed very overwhelmed and wasn't the most attentive with water or clearing plates...perhaps she was new because the restaurant wasn't even busy. The food wow I hated it so bad. If you like bland food, no seasoning, no flavor, cold fries you'll like their fish n chips. I added so much salt and ketchup and dipped it heavily in the tartar sauce and it still was bland. Another friend didn't like her Caesar salad (very anchovy heavy. I tried it and thought it was good it just didn't taste anything like a Caesar salad lol.) My sister liked her shrimp tacos. And my hush puppies were edible. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Fish n chips. Don't get it really bland. - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

It was my birthday, so met friends for lunch at Surf Rider Bluewater in Hampton. We started with tender crispy calamari. Three of us ordered the shrimp tacos. We all agreed we made the perfect choice. Gently seasoned grilled shrimp on a bed of coleslaw were very good. Two people got the special of the day, grilled fish. Both said the fish was on the dry side. We had a server who was very knowledgeable as well as attentive. Over all a good experience! read more

My husband and I took my mom here for dinner Tuesday night. My mom has been craving fresh seafood. And I immediately thought Surfrider. Our server was very pleasant and attentive. We ordered onion rings and calamari as appetizers. But the calamari was frozen and it would be a while before it was be ready so we got the crab dip instead, which I absolutely loved then we asked if we could have more pita chips for it and she said yes you get eight more for a dollar. Excellent deal so we did that. My husband got a rum runner I got a mango colada and my mom got a virgin mango colada all were very good. My mom got a scallop meal fried with potato salad, I got fish and chips with coleslaw, and my husband got fried oysters with collards and potato salad. All our meals came with delicious hush puppies. Everything was delicious, large portions, we were stuffed. The restaurant was clean and attractive. We had a very nice time. Staff seem friendly and like their jobs, which is nice to see. We will definitely be back. read more

See all

Awful experience. We waited over two hours for our food while the rest of the restaurant was eating. Three of us ordered baked potatoes and they ran out of them 1.5 hours in waiting for food. Some sides were ice cold and salads terrible. Entreats sub par. We love the Norfolk Surfrider is great avoid this one read more

Awesome setting, food was delicious and the drinks definitely had a kick! The calamari was cooked to perfection and the service was top notch. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Fried clams - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

I've heard so many good things about this place, but unfortunately that was not my experience. My server might have been the only good thing about the afternoon. I had a very bland broiled seafood platter. My fish was very dry. The crab cakes had more filling than lump crab and the scallops were flavorless. Just awful! read more

Had high hopes but this restaurant fell short on food and service! Hostess was nice and we got seated right away. We had asked to be sat inside and she accommodated our request. Our server was okay. Friendly enough. Had to remind her we had ordered a corona and also to have an extra plate for the salad we were sharing. Also only brought one plate for our dinner even though she knew we were sharing. I still had my salad plate because no one had cleared it off from us eating it. The food was not that great. The standout was the salad-nice and crisp and good ranch. Tater tots could have been cooked more to actually be crispy! The crab cake was undercooked. The flounder, scallops and shrimp were okay. Hush puppies had no flavor. Will not be returning with other seafood establishments in the area. read more

See all

The food is absolutely delicious. I especially like the broiled seafood combo. I've been there many times and it is always delicious.

I first ate here 8-9 years ago and thought it was near-upscale. Took my fam this past Sunday and either I was mistaken then or this place has drastically gone down hill. On the bright side, everyone was friendly and the vibe of the place was chill. The food was deplorable. My wife and I ordered the same thing, broiled fish platter. And if the Surf Rider is anything I would say consistent as both of our meals tasted the same. The fish was bland and just not good. I had to force it down. The crab cake tasted like a bread and mayo sandwich w bits of crab meat sprinkled in. The shrimp was over cooked and the scallops were ok. For side my wife had the Cole slaw which she liked. I had a Caesar Salad and wow, ordered mashed potatoes after I was told they were out of corn pudding which I just realized (next day) they never came. Maybe a blessing in disguise. My older son ordered the shrimp pasta. He's a huge pasta anything fan and couldn't finish it all. Saying it didn't have much flavor. Even the coke was nasty and how do you mess up Coke. The service was ok. The server took like 7 mins to get to us but did apologize and tried her best to follow-up on our orders. Definitely WONT come back here. Sadly disappointed. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Bro Filet Mignon - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Steamed clams were almost raw and barley warm. Fried Seafood Platter - way too salty as usual. Shrimp (3) were eaten. Ate maybe 4 oysters and 4-5 clam strips and pushed the platter to the bar's edge to throw away. Hey, as I look to the right, I see another of my Surf Rider reviews. About the same. This company is for out of towners and people who dont know seafood. read more

Surf Rider at this location in Hampton is a long time seafood venue. Apparently it is going to be closed Feb and March but I have have never known the eatery to close. The location is lovely, right on the water, surrounded by boats docked next door. It is off the road and around through the marina. Parking is sufficient. In the past my favorite was the Chesapeake Bay Burger with a large lump of crabmeat on top. More recently I get broiled flounder for a lunch special and it is always prepared beautifully. Today they had a lunch special of sea scallops and they were fabulous. It came with 2 sides and 2 hushpuppies. My sides were applesauce and lima beans, two childhood favorites. Companions got the salmon dinner, a bowl of she crab soup, and a blackened chicken salad. Everyone was very pleased and the blackened chicken portion on the salad was large! I took away one star because today they were unable to serve anything steamed. We asked for a pasta dish and were told the pasta is steamed. I expect pasta to be boiled so this was a bit perplexing. The iced tea is always nicely brewed. The wait staff was friendly and attentive. The hostess has been a fixture for 20 years at least. The price point can be reasonable to costly depending on your meal choices. A steak and crabcake is $50, and the scallops lunch special was $14. I paid for the scallops lunch and the salmon dinner with 1 tea and cost was $50. I find this to be a lovely spot evocative of fine dining but casual enough for lunch with friends, or drinks at the bar. There are plenty of reviews and photos, and frankly when my friends arrived I forgot to take more photos. But better yet, check it out for yourself! read more

See all

I sat at open seat at the bar, suggestions for food was fantastic, appetizers were fantastic! Did not have a single complaint. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Fish n chips - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Nice having a local family to direct me to the good spots. Cousin knows where to go. Started with a Blue Moon while I checked out the menu. Didn't take long to figure out what I wanted. I ordered the colossal fried shrimp. The side I ordered was a whole stalk/head of broccoli with hollandaise sauce. So so soooooo tasty. I also ordered the fried scallops. Very nice sized and tasted great. We set at the bar and the bar maids (Mary) service was exceptional. Would go back for the broccoli with holidays alone. I'm definitely going back read more

This was our first time at Surf Rider. We ordered the spicy shrimp appetizer, which was very overcooked. For dinner, we ordered the flounder. We were not aware that we could have had our flounder broiled and got it fried. The batter was crispy and plain, but not greasy. Unfortunately, the flounder was a little overcooked. The collard greens were very mushy and seemed like they were in the pot cooking for days. Baked potato was OK. Service was OK, but our waitress seemed to be waiting tables all over the place. We're not planning to come back. read more

Decided to give this place a try based many of the reviews we read online. This restaurant is hidden in a marina surrounded be yachts and great views, but the surrounding area is a bit rough. Parking is ample and it's easy to navigate where to go. Food was ok, not terrible and not great - overall it was quick and fresh, so that was a win. The atmosphere of the restaurant has the diner feel and really plain inside, but they were quick to seat us. The service is where the visit wasn't great - food came out quick, we ate and waited and waited and waited. I think it was about 30 minutes from the time the restaurant staff cleared our table until we flagged down a waitress to get our check. Overall this place has a lot of potential and maybe was having a bad night, so I'd recommend giving it a try read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Outside - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Food was delicious they have hands down the best clam strips and she crab soup and their frozen rum runners was top notch read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Rum runner - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

This restaurant is hidden well. The entrance is confusing, almost everyone in our party went to the wrong door. Service was friendly and nice atmosphere. The food was not bad. The run runner was good, it tasted like a pink starburst. Crab cake was good. If you order broccoli as a side it counts as two side because they give you a whole head of broccoli. It comes with a hollandaise sauce but it just kind of tasted like cheese. read more

See all

Surf Rider is my absolute FAVORITE place for a crab cake sandwich. I almost missed out today because Google hadn't updated their hours, so be sure to check their website: https://www.surfriderrestaurant.com for the most up to date hours! I'm glad I did! The service was very friendly. Neveah was our waitress and she took our orders very quickly. The sweet tea was delicious! I had the crab cake sandwich with fries (of course), and my husband had fish and chips. The fries were hot and crispy, and the crab cake sandwich was just as I remembered it! They do have a sign on the door stating that all dishes containing crab are $2 more than menu prices to compensate for the increased cost of crab meat. 5 STARS! They never disappoint! Great food and fast and friendly service. The crab cake has minimal filler. Also a great view of the marina. Can't wait to come back! read more

See all

Been there quite a few times before, and it's always what you expect. And I mean that in quite a good way. Main reason for the review is that we got the calamari appetizer to share with a group of five. And it was cooked perfectly. It's always scary to order that and wonder if you're going to end up with rubber bands, but whoever cooked that on 10/16 nailed it. No adhesion for the batter, but that can be fixed as it was still crispy. Three salmon specials at the table, all good (all different choices), but the blackened was just more 'seasoned' than blackened. I had the Baja fish tacos. And while I know, after living many places on this planet, coastal Virginians are still scared of something resembling a bell pepper, the fish was tasty and nicely cooked. Tortillas just a little toasted, and the mildest guac and pico de gallo you can imagine to go alongside. I assumed as much and asked for some salsa on the side, which I didn't get. BUT! I didn't care too much because just like the calamari the fish was perfectly breaded and fried (still enough for me to remember). Minor minor little things were off, but this is a place that just likes to try. I apologize that I don't remember our server's name this time, but younger than most and thick-rimmed glasses like mine, and funny and helpful (kind of what we get from everyone there, so not too helpful a description). We don't live too far away, but it's nice when friends or family come to visit, and today just proved it's still a 'You know, you might like this' kind of place. read more

Best seafood restaurant we visited in the Hampton area! The broiled seafood platter was absolutely fantastic and delicious! read more

See all

Stopped by here after walking near the beach. It was definitely worth it. The crab cakes were worth the price hardly any bread crumb filling all meat. The cocktail sauce is just right not too much horse radish. The tartar sauce also paired nicely with the shrimp and crab cake. Only con was we came right during a shift change so it took a minute to get our food and the fries looked like they just refried them. If I go next time I would sit at booth or table and not the bar. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

See all

This place has great seafood. I'm typically a fried oysters lady. But, this time I tried something different and I devoured it! The fried seafood platter was just the right amount of seafood goodness, and the price was right!! The fried scallops were cooked perfectly, not too hard. The fried oysters - well, I just told you they're my go-to so they were yummy. The fried flounder and jumbo fried shrimp were also great. And let's not forget about that broccoli and those hushpuppies. Our server was very nice and we were seated in the back section away from the crowd. It was quiet and almost made me feel as if we had that section to ourselves - loved it. The view is amazing as the restaurant sits in the water. It was late though so I didn't get a photo - next time!! read more

See all

Ambience here has been outstanding. We've been staying for a few days and taking a break. Surf riders at the marina that were at a Safe Harbor. We've had several meals here. There is not any reason to leave unless you're looking for something they don't have. It's all been very good. The service has been outstanding with the whole crew. Highly recommended you can't beat the view and the scenery keeps changing as boats keep transiting through. We had our last meal here last night. read more

Hands down my favorite restaurant, despite living in Chesterfield, VA. I'm always eager to drive to Hampton and other Surf Rider spots for special celebrations. The crab cake with broccoli is my top pick, and the staff are consistently fantastic and helpful. The Hampton location's stunning marina view, overlooking Newport News and Hampton on the water, makes it even more special. read more

See all

We got there right before the lunch rush. When we left there was quite a wait. The parking was super funky but I guess that is normal for where this location is. The staff was nice and the place was super busy. We were seated on a corner area so I was looking right into the kitchen over the plexiglass wall. The food took a while to arrive but again, it was a weekend and during lunch so I wouldn't knock that. The prices are expensive as I would suggest from fresh seafood. I choose to splurge and get the steamed combo. When I want fresh seafood why mess it up by frying it?!?? It was $18.99 for 6 oysters, 6 clams, and 1/4 shrimp.... It was COLD! All of it, the shrimp, the oysters, the clams (that were so tiny which was disappointing!!). There was some water in the bottom of the bowl and it was all cold. I was pouring cold salt water out of the clams and oysters before eating them. That was super disappointing. I got the shecrab soup as well, very creamy and good flavor and NOT full of crab meat. There was definitely small amounts but again, not what I would expect from here. read more

See all

Used to come here once a year when visiting Hampton. I was very disappointed with the food! Everything came out cold, the crab cakes are no longer what they used to be, much smaller and so much filling! The tuna bites were terrible and they used to be my favorite! The service was excellent though! Our waitress couldn't be nicer and attentive. read more

In Hampton visiting my Dad and we stopped in at Surf Rider for Seafood. Glad we did. Nice location on the marina. We started with the steamed oysters for an appetizer. It tasted fresh. For our entrees we had the steamed shrimp and boiled seafood platter. Both were excellent. The scallops, shrimp, fish, and crab cake tasted perfect with the old bay seasoning. Great service. read more

Damn. Jenay (the manager) was beyond rude and dismissive- Wtf? Called to place an order to go and was told that they don't take orders over the phone after 5pm, I would have to place an order in the store. Ok cool, drove up there from Ft Eustis to place an order in person just to be told "oh no you can't place take out after 5pm"? You mean to tell me in this economy and where gas is the price of Harvard GPAs, I drove out here for NOTHING?!? After leaving, Something in my spirit told me "nah this isn't right" so called up there to speak to a manager. That's when I spoke to Jenay, who expressed to me that the information that was given should have been explained better, because she was standing next to her staff member who told me the WRONG information. Needless to say after getting rude/unprofessional towards me, my SO got on the phone to explain the situation. Which Jenay completely was dismissive, saying there's nothing furthermore she could help us out with and that next time we need to come in earlier to order take out and hung up while still in the middle of speaking. Which we ended up turning around to speak to the manager in person. Even in person the "manager" Jenay was still rude and still dismissed us and our frustrations. Idk maybe I'm just used to situations being handled in KY a lot differently. Because I can guarantee any establishment would have been more than happy to take a small order for the miscommunication and inconvenience. Which here I see that customer service is not common a lot of the times. It really sucks because I've had tons of foodies from the 757 area recommended the spot more than once. So to receive this kind of treatment from a manager is beyond wild. Definitely will not give them a try in the future ‍ read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

The food was good but everything else was just okay. Went here with my boyfriend and his family for the first time. I ordered the Fish Tacos which were tasty. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips which was even better! I think food-wise this is a great place to eat, however, the experience dining in the restaurant could have been better. We had to wait for more than 30 minutes for our food, we had to ask for silverware, and the plates were not big enough for the quantity of food given. What bothered me most was that there is no social distancing between many of the tables inside. We went at 8PM and wanted to eat outside where there were plenty of tables and a nice view, however, the hostess told us that they don't seat people outside an hour before closing. Totally understand, but I wish there was more distance between tables inside especially when Covid is still a concern. The restaurant was packed, there were some people coughing (not the staff) and it all just felt a bit claustrophobic to me. However, if you're ordering to-go or can get a table outside, I think it'd be an enjoyable experience. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Fish tacos - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Food was good but not filling. Too many dollars for too little amount of food. I feel like I got a Happy meal at a fine dining restaurant. Financially I got raped! I guess they are more geared to people with money because they would eat there and not flinch about the price. Atmosphere was very dull also. read more

What a wonderful place to end our trip here in Virginia. We ate outside along the marina and the weather was perfect. Armory, our waitress, was great: friendly, efficient and went out of her way to serve us. Mark ordered a Tanqueray Martini while Michelle and I each had their House Rum Mojito. A hot crab dip with crispy pita rounds was our appetizer. Mark had the Seafood Surf Rider and my daughter and I shared the fried seafood platter. Delish. So light and tasty. Ended this feast with a shared coconut pie and coffees. Sat back to enjoy the beautiful view of water, boats and mother duck and her ducklings. A lovely evening indeed. read more

Fourth time with NO baked potatoes. Go to Food Lion and get some. They are so proud of the broccoli eh? Duh?

I've been a few times and never had a bad experience. The food was good. Nice location and scenery and the service is always on point. I would recommend it read more

See all

People are really nice and I came to this place for 1 year and shocked how nice the place it the food is good and crazy views of outside even a small outdoor sitting era? Crazy. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Bluewater surf riders. - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Had the Red Snapper stack and it was AAmazingSo good, can't wait to repeatplus the view of the harbor is incredible

Stopped in today while in the area by the docks. When on the waterfront we usually just eat at the Hampton Yacht Club but today we wanted something different. I had had the Poqouson location but never the Hampton. It was good- I had a delicious Bloody Mary called the crabby Mary based on the seasonings. All the food we ordered was delicious- except there was a mistake. I ordered the Chesapeake Burger which has crab meat on it and instead got a cheeseburger. I didn't realize right away and the waitress did adjust the ticket to make it a cheeseburger. I would give more stars but I can't ignore a mistake in an order brought. I still recommend their food- their bartender seems to do good with her mixology too. read more

See all

One of my favorite local restaurants. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the specials. On this last I was part of a twelve person international team in town for work and dinner! The local beer selection is quite good. And no matter what your fare fancy the staff can help you pair up food and drink. One of the things I like most coming here is that just about every seafood dish can be fried, grilled, baked or blackened. That's really great for diet and prep conscious folks like me. I started off with calamari that was in yooge chunks of lightly breaded heaven. Perfectly seasoned too. I got the fish tacos and veggies. Absolutely thrilled with the prep, presentation and flavors. Others around me had baked stuffed fish and the very popular crab cakes! The place is always busy but you'd not know it given the spot on service and attention we received. We took over the marina end of the bar area and had a great time. Food and service are hallmarks here. read more

See all

I look forward to eating at Surf Riders. I always order the flounder and am never disappointed. The sweet and spicy chicken appetizer is delicious as well. read more

Fresh seafood, southern cuisine, and the Downtown Hampton marina all seem to go together seamlessly, and the fare and atmosphere at Surf Rider Bluewater is no exception to this rule. Found within the historic Hampton area this casual waterfront restaurant is a fine choice for a delicious dinner, breezy lunch, or just a nice drink and appetizer. The Surf Rider Bluewater environment highlights the seafood-centric menu, which features a solid array of starters and snacks, shellfish specialties, sandwiches, entrees, meats and poultry, and even pasta. Diners of all tastes can certainly be accommodated with the range of items, but visitors who love coastal fare will want to consider the seafood selections, which include southern specialties like fried flounder, crab cakes, seafood soup, calamari, and shrimp.  My favorites are their broiled or fried seafood platters and the sweet and spicy shrimp.  The crap soup is a must have as well. This is a consistently awesome restaurant with great service Surf Rider Bluewater is an excellent option for classic east coast style seafood.  I'm a huge fan of this place - highly recommended. read more

See all