Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Surf Up Chicken

    4.8 (199 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Order Surf Up Chicken Takeout or Delivery

    Surf Up Chicken Photos

    Business Info

    SURF UP CHICKEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    More like Surf Up Chicken

    Recommended Reviews - Surf Up Chicken

    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

    CHICKEN WRAP CRISPY SHIRMP & CHICKEN (Surf & Bird)

    Brought my whole family and some relatives here. We really enjoyed the crispy chicken and the different kind of sauce that are offered. Next time, will get the lime sweet tea combo with our crispy chicken!

    Leo P.

    Crispy, juicy chicken, love all the sauces to choose from. Broccoli was seasoned nicely and the price was nice! Also love that it has some religious roots to them. Quick service and welcoming atmosphere. Will definitely come here again!

    Yadi E.

    5/5 chicken, service, and experience. The best fried chicken I have had in a while! Plus the variety of sauces really made the experience even more enjoyable. Seating & hours are limited as of now. Hopefully they can expand in the future!

    CRISPY SHIRMP & CHICKEN (Surf & Bird) and GRASS JELLY
    Klariza F.

    I came here as soon as they opened! I was pretty hungry. I ordered crispy chicken and shrimp with grass jelly. They changed their menu. I miss the tacos and salad. I need to try the wrap next time. Their sauces are the best! I liked the green one for the chicken and the Nashville hot for the shrimp. I've never had the jelly before and it was pretty great dessert! It was so fun to jiggle it and eat it. It was so soft. I like the cream/milk that comes with it. It's a very light taste and it's not super sweet. The service is always good and it was pretty empty when I came so it was comfortable. It does get pretty busy during lunch.

    Combo 2 - crispy chicken, fries, toast
    Don B.

    Surf Up Chicken in Carlsbad is a great lunch spot offering Fried Chicken in nugget or patty form. Very reasonable prices for combos and a la carte items. Seasoning on the crispy chicken is akin to pepper salt or chinese five spice. Great flavor on the crispy chicken but was a little salty for my taste. Fries were a great side item as well as the texas toast. The sauces are great with my favorite being the yum yum sauce for the chicken. Service was great and the wait was minimal. A great tiny shop located in a business park, all the tables inside and outsite were full during this lunch time visit. Would definitely love to visit again and try their other menu items.

    The BEST Fries in the area! Seriously!
    Richard T.

    "I gave my love a cherry that has no stone. I gave my love a chicken that has no bone..." Bonus points if you know which classic film that line is from (no googling allowed). Now, where do I begin with Surf Up Chicken in Carlsbad? This place has quietly become one of my go-to spots for a weekly meal that hits all the right notes: comforting, flavorful, fresh, and fast. Let's start with their newest menu item: the pan-seared cilantro butter shrimp. Holy moly. This dish is a total game changer. Juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp served over a bed of vibrant Asian coleslaw that's crisp, tangy, and just the right touch of sweet. I love to order a side of their salad greens and combine it all for a light, healthy shrimp salad that's low in carbs, high in flavor, and (I'm guessing) pretty easy on the fat content. It's quickly become my guilt-free favorite. But don't worry, I still embrace the sinful side from time to time. Their fried chicken? Sublime. Always tender, juicy cuts of dark meat and none of that dry, day old overcooked nonsense you get elsewhere. And if I'm feeling wild, I go for the cheese dip. I mean, if you're going to do it, do it right. And now, let's talk fries. Hands down, the best french fries in North County. Maybe all of San Diego. Crispy, light, perfectly cooked, and they'll leave off the salt if you ask. I limit myself to fries only once or twice a week because of my training schedule, but if I could eat these daily, I would. Service is consistently sweet, fast, and friendly. They've extended their hours, which means I can swing by for dinner after a long day and still enjoy a great meal without compromising quality. Surf Up Chicken nails it every single time. Great food, great service, fair prices. What more can you ask for? Answer to what film that song is from- Animal House fans, this one's for you!

    Japanese Chicken Curry
    Shay C.

    While deciding what to order through door dash for Friday night dinner, there it was... Surf Up Chicken. Like where did this place even come from??? Mmmm...chiiiicken..... They have an interesting mix of items on the menu that at times seem to not be connected, but once you put it all together, it makes sense. I ordered the chicken sandwich along with French fries for myself, Japanese chicken curry for my daughter and shrimp tacos for my husband. For sides we also ordered the veggie eggrolls and Texas toast, which seemed a little strange for the menu, but it was so delicious. The corn tortillas for the shrimp tacos were a little tough, and really the only negative I have. Other than that, everything else was perfect and delicious! The chicken sandwich was perfection. We'll be back for sure!

    Crystal F.

    The food here is really good, we stopped in before closing time and we're able to get out order in. Very chill inside, the owner was very nice and explained the what was popular on the menu. We started with nacho cheese chicken, fries, Thai ice tea and a shrimp taco. Everything was delicious, very crispy and flavorful. We got some sauces on the side, the green cilantro sauce was a favorite of mine and so was the chipotle. The owner offered us a free cookie when we finished dinner which was very nice. I will definitely be coming back here, hopefully they will extend their hours soon, they close at 6pm. Parking is easy here which is a plus and there is a brewery in the same complex.

    Jason N.

    This place is great! Endeavour is seriously THE nicest guy. While the location is a bit hidden and not where you would expect a restaurant to be, once you find it you will go back and back. If they were open a bit later, I would frequent them much more often. Their chicken is perfectly cooked, the fries are amazing, and their Shrimp Taco is just absolutely perfect. Don't forget to taste the sauces, they are made in house and delicious! They are super clean, super friendly, and super tasty! Do yourself a favor and go here!

    Crispy chicken and fries
    Josh B.

    This was my first time here at Surf Up Chicken. Some of my colleagues in the surrounding business plaza told me that I should try it the first thing you noticed when you walk in, Is that a very small place. The girl who took my order was very nice. I only waited a few minutes before the food was out and they had lots of sauce options and I really liked the zesty green sauce. The most the fries were really crispy and good and the chicken was genuinely the best fried chicken I've personally ever had. It was a light crisp on the outside, but not too much and the meat inside was super soft and moist, even though I was eating fried chicken it almost felt healthy because of how good quality I could tell the chicken is haha. I will definitely be returning this place is awesome and it's definitely a hidden gem of Carlsbad.

    Henry's T.

    You ever have one of those days at work when you're so busy that allocating a few minutes for lunch seems like an unlikely aspiration? On those days mere survival appears to be the most reasonable goal and time to eat is a cute luxury afforded to others. When I was still working I recall on more than one occasion ordering something (typically at a drive thru) based upon some glam shot on the window. This form of deceptive advertising always left me wanting when I opened the bag and unwrapped something doing a very poor imitation of the item championed on their ginormous color poster. It always felt like I was another losing participant at one of those street shell games only to find out that the meal I thought I had ordered was actually under the cup on the right. That exasperated destination is exactly where I figured I was headed when I visited "Surf Up Chicken." I was intrigued by the featured picture of their "Crispy Chicken Sandwich" and wondered if there was any way it could taste nearly as good as portrayed. I figured no way, but was curious enough to find out. Given my previously disclosed pessimism I decided to hedge my bets and also sample their "Crispy Chicken Taco", "Chicken & Waffles", "Thai Tea Boba", and "Grass Jelly". Surely something had to hit for me, right? When my sandwich arrived it not only looked just as good as advertised, but it also tasted as good as it looked! The food quality here, and their fast-casual format, makes this a formidable opponent to their mega chain adversaries! While there are several options for the sauce enthusiasts out there, it's all about the "Yum Yum" sauce for me! During my visit I noticed a Biblical reference printed on their bag (and given their commitment to truth in advertising) I'd recommend that they add another: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 And that's...Henry's Take. #truthinadvertising #yumyumsauce #megachainlunchalternatives Hand model credit @danavoros

    Trevor T.

    I just LOVE Surf Up Chicken and every time I come in they either have a new menu item or are doing something cool like their happy hour roll a 6 challenge. They are so nice to top it all off. Support this family business that brings positivity to the world!

    CHEESY CRISPY CHICKEN.
    Kevin M.

    Surf up chicken is a great chicken spot with cool scenery inside and great service. When I walked in, I was greeted by what seemed to be the owner who was super excited to have guests in! He was very friendly and provided great answers to all my questions on what's the best thing to get as it was my first time here. The food here is real good! I ordered the cheesy chicken combo which comes with fries and toast. I also ordered a chocolate chip cookie. The price overall was about $14 dollars, which is on the cheaper side for Carlsbad food. The chicken is similar to popcorn chicken that I've seen at boba spots, but it's a little bigger. The cheese was a great touch too. The fries were spectacular and very crispy. They have many selections for sauces too that you can grab on the side. The yum yum sauce and Nashville hot sauce are must grabs. The only downside of this place is the location, it is easily missable as it's off the main road. But it's helpful that they have a sign at the main side of the street off the bed of a truck that was helpful to see and locate. A must try spot!

    A few fries and broccoli were eaten prior to photo lol

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gena L.
    295
    627
    15

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sean T.
    138
    10
    0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Scott G.
    63
    43
    11

    1 year ago

    Everything was delicious! Amazing meals. My daughter and wife loved their chicken and waffles.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Endeavour S.

    Endeavour S.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kayra C.
    93
    22
    22

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    very good chicken, shrimp, fries, and milk tea. service is very fast. Very friendly ambiance. very nice staff.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Awesome flavors, super friendly staff, great vibes and music! Will definitely be back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim E.
    218
    846
    1760

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Stu C.
    0
    16
    0

    7 months ago

    Very tasty and great value with friendly service. Loved the new chicken wrap. Nice to have few outside seats.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Diane G.
    67
    22
    10

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Clay S.
    124
    7
    1

    1 year ago

    Quick, Friendly, Delicious Food. If you're in this part of C'Bad it's a must hit for lunch.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe C.
    1
    14
    4

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 3
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Excellent service and really good coffee. Just wandered in while killing time. Very impressed.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Best BEST Chicken I've ever had. I don't how it's cooked, maybe with an Asian flare but WOW

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John N.
    30
    30
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 3 of 5

    Ask the Community - Surf Up Chicken

    Is the chicken breast meat or dark meat? Thank you!

    Great question! We use leg and thigh meat because it has a richer flavor and stays tender and juicy—perfect for our style of cooking. It’s all about delivering the best taste in every bite.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Chick & Hawk

    Chick & Hawk

    3.9
    (187 reviews)
    5.3 mi
    $$

    Really, really solid chicken sandwich. We got the lowest level of spice and it was plenty of spice…read morefor us. The slaw is saucy, slightly sweet and the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. I like that it was crispy without having to be heavily breaded. The bun was toasted nicely as well to add to the crispy, freshness of the experience. Overall it was just really well balanced. On the critical side, I agree with previous reviewers that this doesn't need to be/shouldn't be a full service restaurant. The service was slow even when not busy which was fine since we weren't in a hurry but under different circumstances unnecessary. We actually got up and paid at the counter as we were tired of waiting. Also, duck fat fries were fun and I enjoyed having a few but having similar seasoning to the chicken was more than I needed. I would have preferred the plain I think. Next time I want to try the fish sandwich because I could see it being really good based on the chicken sandwich quality. Also, all the drinks coming out were so pretty and would be fun to try especially if slightly sweet to balance the chicken spice. Overall, we consider our visit a success and will be back for sure.

    We were so looking forward to trying this spot, but it was a big miss for us…read more The chicken sandwich just had too much going on flavor-wise. The coleslaw-pickles-spread-bun all have nice flavors individually, but crammed together with the chicken as well, they become cacophony rather than a symphony. We also tried the fried fish sandwich which was not fried albacore as the AAA Westways magazine stated. It was meh. The highlight was the potato chips and onion dip but they were too expensive for what they are. The $4 Diet Coke is a hilariously small bottle of soda. They don't offer ice for their water, servers are friendly but not too attentive. And finally... the bar stool seating at the tables on the covered patio is comically uncomfortable.

    Photos
    Covered Patio (Photo: Kimberly Motos)
    Covered Patio (Photo: Kimberly Motos)
    Ecto Cooler - Reposado Tequila, Sour Green Apple, Melon, Chamomile (Photo: Kimberly Motos)
    Ecto Cooler - Reposado Tequila, Sour Green Apple, Melon, Chamomile (Photo: Kimberly Motos)
    Chick & Hawk x Viewpoint Browing - Cheep Skate American Lager (Photo: Kimberly Motos)

    See all

    Chick & Hawk x Viewpoint Browing - Cheep Skate American Lager (Photo: Kimberly Motos)
    Felix's BBQ With Soul

    Felix's BBQ With Soul

    4.2
    (112 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Such a good fun! We ended up visiting a couple times during our trip in San Diego. We loved their…read morelunchbox specials for only $12. You get an entrée, side and cornbread. I tried the fried southern style catfish. It was a great size and well breaded. It was super good. I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of being back south. I also got a side of candied yams. They weren't too sweet It was a perfect side to my cat catfish. We also got the southern BBQ rip tips, chopped spare rib ends, which were well seasoned. With this dish, we got the side of mac & cheese, which was very cheesy and one of our favorite dishes. We also tried the BBQ baby back ribs. The lunch portion comes with four pieces. We got it with the side of hoppin John which is like beans with other stuff in it, it was pretty good. We also got a side of mashed potatoes which was really good and had plenty of gravy. Loved the service, this place is pretty small and most people who came got take out, but if you're in the the area, it's definitely worth a stop!!

    First time here. I thought the meats were alright but nothing special. The brisket was def like 1/3…read morefat in the middle, the ribs were hardly tender, fried chicken was meh. Not a big catfish person myself, but the catfish nuggets were actually pretty good. On the flip, sides were really good. The mac and cheese is amazing, potato salad was boring (pretty much just potato and dressing) but at least homemade, hushpuppies were some of the better Ive had. The woman at the counter was handling the many takeout orders like a boss and super helpful/friendly for this first timer. All that being said, I was disappointed to end up unswallowing everything for an hour straight. Not sure what item made me sick but the rest of this $41 meal is going in the trash.

    Photos
    Inside seating
    Inside seating
    Eli wanted
    Eli wanted
    Felix's BBQ With Soul

    See all

    Surf Up Chicken - hotdogs - Updated July 2026

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