Seagulls, unfortunately, have great taste in seafood. That's not necessarily surprising, but it is annoying. I say that because it is a tradition in our family to bring a couple pounds of boiled shrimp to the beach. I defy you to name a better beach snack. The only complication is that the gulls feel the same and are not dissuaded by copious Old Bay. I have enough siblings though that I am comfortable eating with one hand and 'shooing' with the other. Anyway, all that is to say that Surf's Up is a great place to pick up seafood for a low country boil. And FYI, the friendly staff will boil it up for you. Or you could go the DIY route and buy the uncooked stuff. I've seen people load up coolers to transport for the long ride back home. That's genius behavior, because the stuff from here is as fresh and delicious as it gets. read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Outside - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

This was recommended to us by a friend and WOW! It did not disappoint! We actually went twice. Trip #1 we did the traditional seafood boil. It was our first time trying something like this and the staff were incredibly helpful with instructions, tools needed, etc. Even threw in butcher paper to cover our table at home which was an awesome touch. Next night we went back and got some fresh fish filets to cook at home which were fresh and delicious. As other reviews have said, there are a lot of places like this in OBX but I would keep going back to this one! read more

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I have lived on the Outer Banks for 30 years and I have been to all of the seafood markets. There are three reasons why I make the drive to this market in Avon. Number 1, the seafood is the freshest and of the best quality. Number 2, the drive down Hwy 12 is beautifully scenic (especially if you have children). And finally, 3, the owner John is so friendly and knowledgeable, I simply enjoy the conversations with him. I refer to him as Dr. Seafood because he prescribes crustacean perfection. Thanks again Surf's Up Seafood, we can't wait to see you! read more

First visit to OBX. Our Airbnb has an enclosed patio perfect for a seafood fest w family and friends! Found this place on Yelp. Called and ordered the 2 buckets. One with andouille sausage and 1 without. Came with easy to follow instructions. This place made every effort to prepare in a short notice! Came with butter, cocktail sauce, lemon! If you have a fire, you can too make this on the beach! Just BYOB!!! Yum!! Thank you and I hope to make this a tradition to visit and eat every year! read more

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Best seafood shop on the island, never disappoints! Shrimp and crab cakes are over the top and the owner never disappoints with hospitality and the shop is awesome clean! read more

John never disappoints! We look forward to going to Avon for family vacation each year and Surfs Up is a big part of our annual tradition. I like to try different fish throughout the week and always get a bucket before I leave. Service is always outstanding and great selection of seafood to choose from. Highly recommend! read more

OK y'all so there's lots of crab shacks on OBX. Ok I got you. HOWEVER, this place ain't just ok. This little family shop (not shack) is Awesome. It's really awesome not just ok with somebody exaggerating. Its sooo good. The seafood is so fresh it's still jumping around. The dips and spreads a delish. You can even call in an order (before 10:30 am is smart if you want blue crabs) and they'll even season, steam and have hot and ready. It's like the seafood version of Krispy Creme! Go getcha some crabs y'all. You'll love em. read more

The owner operates this location and he is very pleasant to speak with. Call ahead with your order to ensure you can get crabs! Very clean shop and has all the tools you need to eat your crabs and other delicious seafood. The crabs were all jumbo/large and very meaty. We got a bushel of crabs and a few pounds of shrimp and clams for a very competitive price, around $400 or something like that. Some might think it's expensive but keep in mind we had absolute monster sized crabs. I would definitely go back when I'm back in the area! read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

Quality seafood as always. Tried the boil combos for the first time, didn't disappoint. read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - crab legs and corn on the cob - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

I have been coming to get any seafood I need from John since I moved to Avon a couple years ago. Upon entry you will notice how bright and clean everything is from the floor to the actual display counters. Another thing to note is how nice it also smells inside, not like many other fish markets I've been to before. John and his staff are always very nice and welcoming as well as genuinely interested in how you're going to prepare their product. They have also made some great recommendations to me on different ways to prepare certain things and also new fish I've never tried before. His recommendation to try tuna for a coconut ceviche was one of the best ways I've ever had it before and I would have never thought of that on my own! Definitely go see him when in Avon as he will set you up like no one else can! Picture is of some coconut mahi ceviche I made with avocado and tostones! read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Coconut mahi ceviche with avocado and tostones - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

We have been coming to the outer Banks for generations. I think this has to be the smallest half bushel I've ever received. I honestly think they made a mistake and gave me the 45 crabs versus the half bushel I paid for. $150. It was in a really small box and usually we could snack on the crabs for a couple days. I should have said something then or at least counted them but it was a little bit larger than a couple of shoe boxes. Just surprised but didn't speak up. :( I noticed they also had a full bushel a half bushel and another item on the menu that sold I believe 45 crabs. That's about what I got for a1/2. The third listing was the 45 count. read more

Family operated and just wonderful people. The very fastest seafood, local clams and except crab can. It's ALL good

This was our first year staying in Avon. We spent the last 15 years in Corolla and always used the same company for our crab bake night. That being said. Surfs up, by far gave us the best crab bake we have ever had. I'm not sure if it was cooked the right amount of time or the area they were picked up. But absolutely would recommend using them for your next crab bake!! Thank you and we will be back next year!! read more

Annual tradition Fresh seafood from surfs up Always fresh, local & delicious The owner is very helpful Love this place! read more

Bought items for a seafood boil one nigh while in Avon and had to come back to do another seafood boil! Fresh, reasonably priced and friendly, helpful staff (especially the owner Jon)! read more

Highly recommend the guys at Surfs Up in Avon. The shop is conveniently located right near Food Lion and prices are generally reasonable for the location. The selection tends to change with the tides as would be expected, but I haven't had anything I wouldn't have again. Their oysters in particular are a high point for me - always have to pick up a case when we pass thru. They also stock some frozen fare - jonah crab claws, king crab legs, and occasionally some salmon. If you're looking for seafood, please - please - don't be tempted to shop at the Lion. Come on over to Surfs Up - you will be glad you did. read more

Ordered crabs and shrimp from this market for dinner while in town. When arriving, the line was out the door and they were very busy with orders. Once at the counter, the young lady working was very sweet and apologetic for the wait. She quickly rung us up, gave us newspapers for our car and the house, and ensured we had everything we needed. The crabs were delicious. We tried the crab legs as well and they were meaty and flavorful. We also got a bag of hush puppies. They were frozen and easy to pop in the oven. Awesome little market with a ton of variety. I thought it was nice they even carry butter, seasonings, sauces, and dessert. read more

Wonderful service and fresh fish and shrimp. Can't say enough about how great the steamer pots were too! We so enjoyed them. We were there in July and will definitely be going back for more next July when we are there again read more

We ordered the clam bake for 4 . The owner John was super nice and we talked for several minutes. We were newbies to OBX but went with relatives who know steamer buckets, this tasted great, just heat, follow the instructions and enjoy. AND we had leftover shrimp and potatoes next day. AND save your tin bucket, we went back later in week for Dungeness crab for John's advice, seasoning and all. We loved it. Surfs up has scallops, fresh catch and good luck in choosing. Thx John / Surfs up well be back. read more

We ordered the clam bake for 4 and added 2 extra crab claws plus 4 lobster tales. First off, the owner (really wish I would've gotten his name) was super nice and we talked for a few minutes. We also got the krab dip which was so so good. We've been to OBX several times and we always do the steamer buckets, this was by far the best we've had, the owner had everything seasoned perfectly! We'll definitely come back here next year! read more

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Best seafood I've had in a long time! Will definitely be stopping in next time we are in town! read more

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I walked in this morning to order some steamed blue crabs. The guys working were very personable and easy to deal with. They made sure I had newspaper to keep things neat. It was a pretty straightforward experience. I even picked up a couple of Lobster tails and a container of Old Bay butter. The place was clean and the prices were more than fair, especially for a vacation spot. The crabs were delicious and there were quite a few really heavy ones. I'll definitely come back on the next vacation. read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

Ordered fresh seafood while on vacation and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, gave great recommendations on how to prepare our fish and steamed our shrimp and crab legs for us! the fresh Mahi Mahi, Flounder, scallops and Black tip was delicious! 10/10 recommend and will definitely get our seafood from them while visiting Avon! read more

The selection here is amazing. It was hard to decide what to get. Also, the gentleman helping us, not sure if he was the owner or not, but he was so nice. Would definitely recommend purchasing any of your seafood from Surf's Up Seafood Market. read more

Surf's Up always has the freshest seafood. I've been to other spots over the years and these guys are by far the best in the OBX. The owners will treat you like family and are willing to take the time to get you exactly what you need. We had a number people in our group who don't eat raw oysters and John suggested to grill them with some garlic butter Parmesan and a little bread crumbs. They were a hit and went quick. If you want an amazing crab/seafood feast and are hesitant to go to a restaurant Surf's Up Seafood Market is your one stop shop for everything you'll need. read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

My friends and I are renting a house in the Outer Banks and desperately wanted a ton of fresh seafood to eat. So we got a couple of the Combo #2 Clam Bakes from Surf's Up: wow was it spectacular! The crab legs were insanely delicious, as was the rest of the bucket. We were all absolutely stuffed and had plenty of leftovers (there were 6 of us and the buckets are meant to serve 8.) My recommendation is to monitor your buckets closely on the stove, especially if you're renting a house in OBX. Turned out that the burners on our oven were a bit wonky so it took our buckets a little longer to fully cook the shrimp. Be patient, follow their directions and you'll have a perfect seafood boil. Will definitely return when I'm back in OBX for the fresh seafood and kind owners! read more

Second time ordering from Surf's Up! I've been dreaming about the clambake bucket for a year. I can't say it was the reason we can back, but high in the list. From the ordering process, to the fun watching the whole family dig in and get messy! One of the "must do" things in this fantastic area of NC. Thanks to the staff for another great experience! Show less read more

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The finest crab cakes, tuna and fresh shrimp Thant you can find. The family owned.. love the island vibe is wonderful. My go to place. Their seafood is fresh and the service i beyond what should be expected.. read more

Awesome Service!!! We made a last minute call to get a take home boil pot. He hooked us even though they was about to close!! Gave us a the fixings for our last meal in Avon!! Thanks alot! read more

Surf's Up is a staple of the OBX that every family needs to try. In addition to the freshest seafood on the island, the selection is always phenomenal. Even before peak season John and Kim had selections of blue crab, swordfish, and wahoo in stock. They were always helpful and courteous (and we even got some tips on appropriate oyster shucking technique). Our family enjoyed countless restaurant quality feasts (shucked oysters, oysters rockefeller, grilled wahoo and swordfish, grilled and steamed shrimp, steamed mussels, blackened salmon, grilled red snapper, seared scallops, etc.) right from home. So, if you want to support a fantastic family owned business while simultaneously enjoying memorable seafood feasts, Surf's Up is the place to go! read more

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We had red snapper from here and it was delicious. We pan fried it. We also tried the crab dip- it was good but probably wouldn't get it again. read more

John does a mean clambake! Fresh crabs, clams, shrimp, corn, potatoes, and special seasoning (better than old Bay). Everything you need is in the can, just add water and follow the stovetop directions, anyone can do it. Two combo number 2s fed 4 adults and 5 kids. We loved it so much we came back for more to refill our can! read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Clambakes at the beach - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

Bought one of their clam bake buckets (#2 for four people, $125 market price) and it was amazing. The seasoning was great, they give you cocktail sauce, butter, and lemons, and there was so much food! Definitely more than 4 people's worth. My only comment is that because the buckets don't have flat bottoms, they don't work well on glass stove tops, which is what our rental had. We ended up having to find a really large pot and dump the stuff in and cook it in that instead of the provided bucket. If there was a gas range or electric coils, it would have been perfect. Just keep this in mind if you, too, have a flat stove top. Otherwise, it couldn't be easier or tastier! Highly recommend this spot. read more

We bought fish there twice on our vacation. The fish , crab cakes , clams and key lime pie were fantastic. We also ordered steamed crabs. Excellent . Great owner and very friendly. read more

Another great experience from Surf's Up. Thanks John for a great Maryland style steamed crab. The crabs were packed and perfectly steamed. Also, really appreciated the conversation. Wishing u a great summer and will see u again later this week. Take care! read more

John always provides the best selection, prices and freshest locally caught seafood on Hatteras Island! read more

Surf's Up Seafood Market - Tuna tataki - Seafood Markets Near Me - Avon, North Carolina

Another disappointment here in Avon. Had great expectations for this establishment after reading reviews. Traveling from Maryland, I'm very familiar with the Blue Crab. We were looking forward to NC Crabs on vacation, as we often have them in Maryland on our pre-season. They sell them as "#1's Jimmies". I asked the owner what size are these and he told us "large". We ordered a half bushel for $103. So, how were they?? The seasoning was awesome. The crabs- like we call them in Maryland- shit crabs. We had to throw 12 away because they stunk and were mushy. These are small crabs, just legal. I wish they would just tell you what you're getting instead of proclaiming #1s and larges. I know this is a local business, and I always support local businesses . But I'm giving an honest review. Thank you for recognizing this post. As a vacationer, I'm leaving a review for anyone looking for good crabs. I've had amazing NC Crabs's in MD. The Crabs you're selling are Smalls and light read more

We ordered crab legs and bought fresh Yellow Fin Tuna steaks from this shop. The service was great. When I called I was helped with my selection and for a very small up charge they steam and season the shrimp for you. This made surf and turf night especially easy and much better than we could've pulled off. The shop is quaint with a cool setup. Highly recommend. read more

I have been getting my seafood and provisions from Surfs Up for years and they are the best! Staff is very knowledgeable and the customer service is fantastic. If you are looking for fresh seafood at great prices, look no further. read more

Another year in Avon, another year at Surfs up! Best "cook your own seafood" on the island. Don't get me wrong, John will steam it up too and will be amazing. Do yourself a favor and save the Alaskan king crabs for ........anywhere else..... and have some fresh grouper, shrimp, tuna, or homemade and amazing crab cakes. Also, his own cocktail sauce is just the right amount of spice. If you need cooking advice, just ask. Been coming here since he opened 19 years ago, never disappointed. read more