Went here the other night with my brother, sister in law and her sister. Initial disclaimer: my sister in law and her sister are very picky eaters. We all wanted fish. My brother and his wife ordered the flounder fish sandwiches. While the sister and I ordered blackened tuna Alfredo. My brother also ordered the steak bites for an appetizer. The steak bites were tender but could've used more seasoning and they came with a horseradish dipping sauce that tasted better on the fries. When our food came we were shocked by the portion sizes... HUGE. The flounder sandwiches looked like the bread wouldn't close. The pasta was nice and creamy and cheesy. No skimping on the sauce which I appreciated. The two picky eaters loved their food and took leftovers which they usually don't bc they are just that picky. My brother and I who have pretty hearty appetites took food home as well. We were too stuffed for dessert but they did have a good variety. Everyone was friendly. The restaurant seemed family oriented with a good side of sports bar bc the football games were on. Definitely a place to return to read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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The service was not impressive at all. My table was given the wrong food and our server told us we ordered the wrong food. Instead of acknowledging the fact that she brought my table the wrong food She argued with me about what I ordered. For the price I paid to dine here I don't think it's worth being treated like you don't belong at the establishment. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - The beautiful view - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Excellent! service and great food! Server was very knowledgeable and attentive. The atmosphere overlooking the marina and river was beautiful! read more

Great food and atmosphere Loved it and will be back Seafood was pristine and fresh read more

If I could give no stars I would! Arrived at 4:50 pm and was told the wait would be 35 min. After waiting almost 2 hours they sat our party of 10 at two different tables. While another group that arrived 20- 30 min AFTER us were sat all together. The drink I had was good (I had a rum runner... it was an exact replica of County Grill/ Harpoons frozen rum runner), food mediocre (fish and chips were cold) and their hostesses both need to be replaced. I could have gone to Virginia Beach and ate in the time I wasted sitting outside this place today. read more

Covid menu still in effect and was slim.... Decor needs an upgrade .... Views were amazing

I am a HUGE fan of seafood and Surf Rider serves some of the freshest seafood dishes I have had - well fresh food in general actually. Especially since a lot of times I think that most fried seafood I get at restaurants basically taste like the ones you get in those yellow Gorton's boxes at the grocery store. Based on what I saw on yelp reviews, I ordered the crab cake + fried shrimp and got a side of broccoli and hollandaise sauce (the dish normally comes with 2 sides, but the broccoli counts as 2 since they basically serve you an entire head of broccoli). Crab Cake = ALL crabmeat. No fillers at all. Delicious. Fried Shrimp = Big pieces of shrimp. I can't remember how much it came with... maybe you can count it in the photo I posted lol. Broccoli w/ Hollandaise = Eh, tasted like... broccoli... and hollandaise. Nothing really special about it except that you get a ton of broccoli. We also ordered calamari as an appetizer. BIG pieces of calamari, not at all chewy or rubbery, and came with a lot on one plate. I forgot what my husband ordered, but his came with fried oysters - which I also tried, and thought it was really good as well. Lightly breaded and not too greasy. Everything we had was delicious, I would definitely come here again. read more

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Went here on a recommendation from another website. We were in town for the Phish shows, so we wanted to find some good seafood that was not going to be packed with hippies and wooks. We found it! Decor here is simple, and location is very nice (though amidst a seemingly resedential area). Staff was VERY friendly and our server was on top of her game (refilling drinks without us even noticing we needed it, etc). We ordered several dishes and ate family-style. Fried clams were delicious--good mix of whole bellied clams and strips. French fries were mediocre. Tartar sauce was standard. Also got fried oysters which were HUGE and fantastic. The crab dip and toast points were TERRIFIC--they are a house specialty which must be tried--and finally the Tuna Bites melted in our mouths (we got the blackened cajun ones). The food was so incredibly good, I would definitely come back here and eat again. A nice, family-friendly restaurant with good prices--Yelpers should be all over this place! read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Service was prompt and excellent; atmosphere was not as noisy as it has been on past visits perhaps due in part to smaller crowd on a weeknight but also maybe some structural remodeling which may be helping with noise level. The major disappointment of the evening was the food, the quality of which has declined since our last visit some time ago. For $95 (which did include a $20 tip for the good service) we ordered the crab cake dinner with tossed salad and baked potato and the fried oyster dinner with cole slaw and French fries. The cole slaw was satisfactory, the fries were tasty. Oysters were okay but on the small side. The tossed salad was limp, the baked potato over cooked and mealy. The crab cakes were a major disappointment- very little seasoning and having the texture of a crab croquette. No lump crab discernible and nearly tasteless with an odd consistency. We ordered ice tea to drink - no alcohol - and for this mediocre meal we paid $95. We won't be making that mistake again and do not plan on any return visits to the Surfrider in Hampton. read more

Surf Rider used to be the spot where my family would take out of town guest for an impressive seafood diner. I was in town with my girlfriend and thought to take her to Surf Rider to soak in the gorgeous marina view along with some awesome seafood. The view outside is still there but upon walking in I just thought "WOW this place has really fallen off." Inside was lit with fluorescent lights like a 711 with an old green carpet that has its fair share of food stains. There was 0 decor and it just felt like an old run down diner past its prime. The food wasn't even as great as I remembered. I was embarrassed I was hyping it up so much to my girlfriend. read more

Crab dip=bad dip See, I don't normally order appetizers, unless 1.) it's 1/ 2 price during HH, 2.) a substitution for an entrée, or 3.) my friends pay/share. So for me to order an appetizer AND an entrée here is kind of a big deal. I usually love all creamy, high fat dips, but this was a big disappointment. First of all, the name is misleading because this dip tasted like it was 99% cream cheese- I could barely taste the crab. I think they should rename it "cream cheese and crab dip." Other stuff eaten that night: Popcorn shrimp basket with shrimp, fries and hush puppies: Shrimp was bigger than I expected, fries mediocre and too soft, hush puppies deliciouso. Cocktail sauce had a surprising kick to it but the tartar sauce tasted too mayo-y. The sauces came in little plastic containers which I thought was a bit tacky for a seafood restaurant. Steak and crab cake combo with mashed potatoes, and apple sauce: Steak was oily?! My dining companion suspects that it was pan fried and not grilled. Lame. The crabcake was good (lots of crab meat) but a bit burnt. The apple sauce was chunky and natural tasting. Mashed potatoes were untouched and unattractive- overly whipped and pasty looking. Service was great. There was a bit of a wait on a Friday night (pretty small place), but we took a pleasant walk on the dock and looked at boats. Too bad they don't have outdoor dining. read more

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We enjoyed the our food and the looking at the boats in the marina. The service was fast and the prices were fair for seafood. I would definitely go back. read more

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I stopped by for a late lunch this week after a client visit. I can now see why Bluewater receives all these great reviews. I'm sure this a the place to eat when there is nice weather and you can sit outside and enjoy the view. I opted for the grilled seafood platter with a side salad and potato wedges. The salad was OK, nothing great, but the blue cheese dressing was for real and not Ranch with blue cheese crumbles, yech. The potato wedges were huge and I think I forced myself to have one or two. The star of the table was the seafood platter. If you don't like a healthy mound of crab meat, grilled shrimp, plump scallops, and a generous portion of grilled fish, and oh yea a couple of hush puppies then order a burger ;^) The old bay seasoning was a nice addition especially on the fish fillet. Having a trio of dipping sauces was pretty cool as well. Service was AOK and I was checked on a number of times and my ice tea was always full.. I will definitely return here on my next visit. read more

I was in the mood for some seafood one night and happen to come across this place on Yelp and it definitely did not let me down. Was it the best sea food I've ever had? No, but it was still very good! I'm in between a 3 star and 4 star. I got the broiled seafood platter (22.99) and fried oysters (7.99) to go and the food was ready for me in no more than 20 minutes. You must come to the store to place an order...unfortunately you cannot call ahead :( The scallops were DELICIOUS and so were the crab cakes. Those were the best on my "plate". I feel like to many seafood places put too much salt in their crab cakes which detracts from the food. The shrimp were also delicious and fried oysters were heavenly. You cannot go wrong with fried oysters! The only reason why this place won't get a solid 4 star rating is because of the broiled fish (the main dish)! The fish was "meh"... actually it didn't taste very good at all and I only ate a few bites. Maybe if I sat down in the restaurant, the fish would have been less over cooked and dry, but I'll pass next time. Everything else I got, scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, oysters, were great! Since I was waiting for my food there, the waitress was very nice at the bar- she offered me water right away and took my order quickly. There was another person at the bar waiting for her food too. The waitress would check on my food in the back periodically too and give me updates, to make sure I wasn't waiting too long. Overall, the restaurant seemed cozy and busy too on a Thursday night. read more

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I love Surf Rider Bluewater, but there are some interactions in life that make you revisit whether the treatment is worth the money. My sister was in town from another state and loves Surf Rider. We went so she could get crab soup. It was the wrong day, as they only had the tomato based version. There was a huge hand-scribbled white board at the door saying that is a $2 additional charge in all menu items with crab. When the soup came, with the $2 up charge, you could not find the crab. I asked the waitress, Whitney, who was absolutely great, if they could add more crab. She said that she had to get the manager, and she seemed scared. The manager came over to the table, and in a otherwise quiet restaurant starts talking at the top of her voice where everyone around us could hear. This was incredibly embarrassing. We were asking for anything unfair or above and beyond, we just wanted them to know that there wasn't any crab in the soup. The manager continued to talk loud. I asked her why was she talking so loud, she said that she had a hearing problem. Even if that were true, I asked her to lower her voice, she refused. Now, it doesn't take much for me to be happy at a restaurant, I like food. I canceled my order, and two minutes later, the manager, not our waitress is smiling and bringing us our food, and announced that it was too late the food was already done. The people around us that were there before us, had not gotten their food yet. So, that let me know that good, fast service is a choice, just like lowering your voice when a customer asks. She was going to make sure that I was both embarrassed and charged. One thing COVID taught us, is that we can eat at home without the humiliation and up charge, living in an area brimming with crabs. read more

MARY WISEMAN is the manager and she is awful. She has no customer service, is extremely loud and RUDE. She should not be employed here if this company expects to be successful. Literally anyone else could be hired in her position and do so much better. What manager does not allow food to be returned that is NASTY? What manager makes you pay for food you did NOT eat because it was disgusting. That is such a SCAM. Taking money for poor quality food. GO eat literally anywhere else. read more

OMG!!! If you are in the Hampton area you MUST try this restaurant. We came for lunch on our first day and came back today for dinner. The service is EXCELLENT and everyone is happy and they work as a team. The food was fabulous!! You cannot leave without ordering the Hot Crab Dip. From the fresh oysters, crab cakes , shrimp and fish there is something that will leave your tastebuds super satisfied. Check and see if Mary is working...she is amazing! This will be on my list when I return. Until the next time Surf Rider!!!! read more

The service was fast and they were quick with our table of 8! The food was AMAZING! I did their seafood soup of the day and my husband did the swordfish tacos - both amazing! Definitely recommend! The view was pretty great too! read more

So again it seems you have to preface things by saying, because of covid they are short staffed, but regardless of the waitress not being good the food was not anything more than average. Myself and two friends ate here on a Friday night, no reservations are allowed any more so we have to wait 40 min for a table , at 8:30 at night. I'm glad they stayed open late at least. My buddy ordered some she crab soup, and it was very creamy and tasty I thought it was probably the best part of the meal. I ordered the seafood platter, which was flounder shrimp and scallops with a crabcake. The flounder was OK, the shrimp were small and over seasoned, the scallops were small but they were all right. The crabcake was the best part of the meal although it wasn't like a traditional crabcake. It was more of just more of a pile of crab stuffed together. The service was bad, she messed up one of our orders, she didn't bring us silverware, but left the table to get us ketchup and still no silverware. Then she finally brought us plastic forks because they had run out not because more people came in. My coleslaw had no flavor to it either. Honestly I would have enjoyed the seafood platter at long John silvers for half the price with twice the vinegar sauce. Won't be returning here, sorry maybe I've been spoiled with real seafood all over the country but this was just plain and simple not that great. Maybe they will get more good help when we stop getting checks to sit on our asses at home but I still don't think it will improve the bland taste of their food. read more

Surf Riders remains my favorite restaurant for seafood! Great shrimp , crab cakes, and fish ! I was concerned about their policy recently when I attempted to return a dish. I wasn't allowed to return it by a manager! I called their cooperate office and was given 100% satisfaction! Thank you Surf Riders for giving me complete satisfaction! I am very happy to enjoy you great food knowing that if there is confusion you care enough to step in and satisfy your customers! read more

The customer service at this place leaves more to be desired. I ordered the yellowfin tuna sandwich and it was tasteless and dry. I notified the waitress who took it away and still charged me for it. I bought it to her attention and asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over and it was not the most pleasant interaction. Needless to say I was made to make it seem like it was my fault that I did not like the meal. The end result is it was removed from my bill. I will not return to this establishment. read more

While recently in Hampton we met an employee of the university whom suggested we try the Surf Rider. It was very good. The She-crab soup was good, within buttery, sherry finish. There were nine of us and we tried lots of things from calamari (yummy) to the shrimp po'boy, salmon, scallops (a tad bit tough) to clams. Dessert was ok, but we would definitely return. When driving here don't be alarmed if you travel through a residential area...we considered it an adventure. read more

We had a great experience! Started off with rum runners, piña coladas, and White Russians: all strong and delicious! The crab dip and tuna bite appetizers were great; I would recommend both! Crab legs were fantastic! So so sweet with generous portions! Our waitress, Tara was awesome; friendly and on top of her game! read more

I love the Cesaer salad here! I've been for lunch a few times and have never been disappointed. This time I added tuna - cooked to ordered, giant portion, just delicious. Never too busy at lunch time, and food arrives quickly. Staff is friendly and the view is great! read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Lunch - cesear salad with tuna - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Although there are a few Surf Rider restaurants in the region, my fiancée and I had tried them all but chose the Hampton location to be the absolute best! Then yesterday happened. I had my final visit to Surf Rider Hampton. First, after the hostess seated us, we waited 15 minutes before we were even acknowledged. When they realized that we'd been forgotten, both the server and the hostess came over and apologized. Mistakes happen; forgiven. However, their service and food have declined significantly; they need something like Restaurant Rescue if they are to survive as a restaurant. I had several issues that I believe are valid concerns. Let me preface these comments by saying that I do a LOT of online reviews but most of them are Five-Star; I simply tell it like it is. I DID NOT want to give a negative public review on my favorite restaurant so I politely asked to speak to the manager, thinking that talking with him, the issues would be resolved or explained and there would be no need for a negative review. Unfortunately, my chat with the "general manager," did not help. His appearance was so unprofessional that I wondered why this person was approaching our table. He wore khaki pants and a seemingly much worn red Polo-type shirt that needed ironing or replacement, and he wore a baseball cap. He just didn't look like he worked there, he was unkempt. Nonetheless, I began to speak with him and all along, he seemed totally disinterested in what I had to say. I even explained that I was talking with him for his benefit so that I would not need to make a public review. People, Surf Rider's signature dish is the "award winning crab cakes". I would certainly agree...the first few times we visited. Unfortunately, the delicious crab cakes from Surf Rider are a thing of the past. The crab cakes are now mostly a mushy filler with a few flakes of crab meat. It was pretty bad. He tried to defend the crab cakes saying the recipe has not changed. That may be true but the preparation has changed from a Five-Star crab cake to the consistency of sweet potato pie filling. Anyway, I had a few things to address with Zack but before I could finish, he started walking away as he mumbled, "Sorry you had a bad experience." I called him back to again explain that I the only thing bad was the crab cakes. Again, seeming hurried and unconcerned, he very unenthusiastically said, "Thanks." Oh, before he scurried away, I did get to mention one more of the several things I wanted to ask him. I asked about the whole colossal broccoli thing. Per the menu, you get two sides with your entrée. EXCEPT IF YOU GET BROCCOLI, you get no other side item. But if you get the broccoli, you get a super-dooper family sized portion. I do like broccoli but I don't need a half pound with a meal. His only response to that question was, "We've always done it that way," as if that makes it good, right or reasonable. I'm sure that some people eat the whole broccoli tree and that is fine. Yet, he was unwilling to consider the idea of offering a choice of the big broccoli or a normal portion of broccoli with a second side. When he walked away after simply trying to defend bad food, I realized that a well circulated review would be necessary. This is a very expensive restaurant and it used to be very much worth the drive and the cost. Alas it seems to have become a really bad restaurant with great atmosphere and it is wasting a great location. I truly believe that the manager is the root of the problems that will eventually close their doors. Zack needs some help desperately! He needs more management training and he needs to learn what customer service means. If I owned the place, I'd immediately remove him from the position until he can be prepared to handle the job. Get a haircut, trim his unkempt beard and moustache, dress like a leader rather than like the guy cleaning tables. These things will make his employees and customers respect him and then, Surf Rider Hampton might survive. I'll never know. Happy eating to all, caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. Farewell Surf Rider Hampton. read more

The restaurant was very clean and the staff quick and friendly. Greeted by a young man and asked if table or bench. The waitress; Maddie was friendly, very helpful and the food came quickly. She-crab soup was amazing and loved the Clam strip basket. Will be back. Thank you Maddie! read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Inside of the restaurant. Very clean - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Great fresh seafood! Never have I ever had any bad played her. Best seafood in town! The clams were just right and hot on arrival to the table. The crab legs were also nice and steamy. The lump crab is always always always seasoned just right and is a good portion. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Nice restaurant. A little heavy on fried offerings but plenty of other choices. Good service. Kind people. I'm a fan. I stopped in for a quick lunch in the midst of a turnaround at Bluewater Yachting Center. Surf Rider was the high point in a disappointing visit. Service was bright, quick, and non-intrusive. Lunch was good and I was back working on the boat in short order. read more

First time coming here, it was delicious. I got the blackened tuna Alfredo and the sauce was perfect. Great service! Will definitely come again. read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Blackened Tuna Alfredo - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Had a huge seafood fix this Easter Sunday. This restaurant is new to me but was recommended. It's in the middle of the Marina which I thought was nice. It's not fancy but you can eat outside on the water and it has a pool. YES! A POOL! The decor almost nautical. Could use an Interior Designer. Just saying. I ordered the fried shrimp with loaded baked potato with string beans. Have to admit. The shrimp was cooked just right. The baked potato slightly over cooked and the green beans were soggy...ewww! Staff was short handed which delayed out food. Our Server was VERY friendly. All in All, it was a good experience. Good food. Good service. They drop a star because they were missing menu items. Took a while to order because of this. read more

Friendly service with large portions of food. Our server was friendly and quick to deliver our drinks and food. I asked for a water and I don't think it ever got half empty before she came by to refill the glass. A good selection of craft beers at a reasonable price is available. The food comes in large portions Although my halibut and shrimp were both a little over cooked. Our table ordered raw oysters which I thought lacked flavor. The food was good and was reasonable priced read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

Best seafood in Hampton. We celebrated my mother's 86th birthday here. I highly recommend the shrimp and crab cakes. The view is gorgeous and the service is excellent! read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia

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Have gone to the location numerous times and have had a few issues with cross contamination and food poisoning. Initially thought these were isolated incidents but this is the only seafood restaurant I have ever had issues with. The food tastes great but I just can't risk it anymore. :-/ read more

Went out for dinner for my birthday, I have always enjoyed this restaurant. However tonight it was not very good. I had fried flounder. It was dry and overcooked. My wife had the broiled seafood platter. The shrimp on it was also overcooked. It was tough and dry. One other person in our party had the flounder and his was also overcooked. I also had the hot crab dip appetizer. That was awesome. I should have stopped eating after that. read more

On business in area, locals recommended this gem located on the water at a marina; don't miss the flounder they said. That being in mind, menu and specials made it hard to choose just one fish or seafood. Being a late lunch, I was fortunate to have a Tommy Boy sandwich...both flounder AND a crab cake, served nicely open face on a long hogie bun to fit the entire flounder filet with tomato, lettuce, onion and tartar and cocktail sauces to use as I wished. In reality the flavor was so fresh, the crab cake almost completely crab that all I used was some fresh lemon. Full 5 stars for setting, service, and food quality read more

Excellent service food is fantastic large portions i recommend the crab dip as appetizer and the fried seafood platter it was fantastic will be back at least twice a month or more!!!!! read more

The friendly staff aims to please (which can be a daunting task, given the crusty mien of some transient mariners traipsing up from the marina); the open and warm interior is welcoming; the outdoor views of the marina are fabulous for yacht-gawking. The crab cakes lived up to their "award-winning" designation, and Heather, the bartender, was a treasure, tirelessly whipping up fabulous cocktails laced with good-natured and witty repartee. read more

This restaurant was outstanding. We experienced good food and fast service. We arrived early afternoon on Sunday without reservations and got seated immediately. read more

This is probably my favorite restaurant ever. I would eat here everyday if I could. The staff is amazing. The management is even better. 10/10 would recommend read more

That crab cake was no joke! Absolutely delicious! And the most massive bunch of steamed broccoli which for me is perfection, a crab cake and a bunch of broccoli I can't ask for anything more. Service was good and you can't beat the view! read more

Surf Rider Bluewater - Seafood Near Me - Hampton, Virginia