Great views, easy ordering at bar and great food. Couldn't be easier after getting off the ferry

The best thing about the place is the view- gorgeous view of the water and lots of outdoor seating. I feel somewhat neutrally about this, but there aren't any waiters really. Instead, you wait in line and order at the bar and they bring it to your table number. If you're looking for a fancy dinner, this isn't the place, but if you're looking for an option in between cheap and nice, this is the place. My boyfriend got the mac n cheese which was $16 (perhaps a little pricey). He said it wasn't very cheesy but personally I like it like that! I ordered the salmon and asked for just farro and corn instead of the succatash and goat cheese and all that, but they didn't bring any farro. I then asked for it and the guy asked me if I ordered it. I said yes, I know I did, and he said he'd go check, but he never came back. After 10-15 minutes I went to find the guy I asked and he seemed confused. He said "I couldn't find her" and I didn't know what he meant, but apparently he was looking for the girl who took my order? I guess to validate that I hadn't asked them to remove the farro? Very odd. A nice employee at the bar told him to just get me some farro (because it's really not that big of a deal) and he brought me a cold small plastic cup of unseasoned farro (pictured). Whole thing struck me as very odd and a little annoying. The dish was $29 which also felt a little expensive, especially without a big portion, but it's definitely more affordable than other places on the island. Overall, great view, but the rest of our experience was meh! read more

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dinner on block island for the first time. all the places' menus started to look the same so we picked a place with a view and landed on the surf. it's an interesting hybrid set-up. they seat you, give you menus, but you go order at the counter, and then they bring it to your table. the brisket wasn't what we were expecting but nonetheless it was very tasty. the lobster caesar salad was my fave would get it again. it was $40 which is so wild but island prices what are you gonna do. the views were soothing. read more

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We've walked by the Surf a million times and for some reason haven't stopped in! I think the view may be the best in BI! At the point you can watch the views of Old Harbor and the boats and ferries going in and out! You sit on the porch, and order at the bar. The bar seats provide another excellent view! Food is delivered to your table. Service was fast and easy. I loved the menu! And we loved the food! Crinkle fries were crispy and hot! Salad was fresh and great Caesar dressing! We all loved it so much we came back again that same week! Got the family platter - that was sooo good! The brisket was so tender!!! And the bread was a doughy tasty sour dough! It's a new must visit for us! read more

The Surf Block Island - Smokeshow Burger - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

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I enjoyed probably the best egg and cheese breakfast sandwich I've ever had! Not only was it presented beautifully, it was also flavorful and filling. The eggs were cooked perfectly, very fluffy and seasoned well. The brioche bun added a buttery depth to each bite. The peppery arugula balanced the sweet brioche flavor. I was able to personally thank the sous chef, Matthew, who prepared my sandwich himself. He spent a few minutes chitchatting with me and a few other customers seated in the bar area. I enjoyed hearing his stories. It helped pass the time while I was trying to wait out a rain shower. This beautifully decorated restaurant is located right on the beach and offers seating indoors and outdoors. Great place to go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. Pro tip- go around sunset time for a stunning sky! read more

The Surf Block Island - Egg and cheese sandwich with arugula and avocado on a brioche bun - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

This restaurant sure does have an amazing view, but the food is so so. To start, a mocktail here costed $14 dollars, maybe it is just island price but for a nonalcoholic drink it seems over priced. I also ordered a lobster roll with coleslaw. The coleslaw was dry and had no flavor, the roll was good but had a lot of bread in ratio to meat. I also added a side of fries and they were cold and soggy. Finally I tried the mussel appetizer, this was very good. The sauce was flavorful and I thought there was a good amount of mussels. The hostess was sort of nice but she was in a rush and rushed us to be honest. Other staff were okay too. Overall, the view here is better than the food. read more

The Surf Block Island - Lobster Roll - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

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Clem and I dinned here at a slow hour and found our experience interesting... First off Clem spent $99 on our dinner which I found quite inexcusable. 2 mocktails alone were $28 which is insane because there's nothing expensive in there. That's the point. No alcohol so why so much money?? Also, I didn't think mine was that good but Clem seemed to like his. Clem ordered a salad and was not impressed. "It was like dumped with the vinagarette and then it's it was just like overloaded. It just didn't go well and the way that the menu described it was nothing like it came out." Thanks Clem As for moi I thought the black bean and corn tacos were yumsters. I also had a side of mac and cheese which was very yummy. Super heavy stuff bro. Overall, Clem and I enjoyed our meal because we are madly in love with each other and make the best of everything but girl you gotta lower your prices. read more

This is definitely a place you would go just savior the view and enjoy being on the island . The covered outdoor dining porch is not fancy but offers views of the water and the cliffs. It's what savoring a day on the island is all about. We were heading for brunch and got sidetracked here because of the view. Ended up ordering lunch instead I had the lobster roll and my partner had a Caesar salad wrap. Both were pretty good. Nothing great but not bad. You place your order at the bar or online and they deliver it to the table. The piped in music is a little loud. It would be better off, going with the natural sounds of the waves. read more

The Surf Block Island - Back view - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Food is fine. Service, thats a different story. Not employee's fault, but rather management issue. They seat you with menus then make you go stand in line to order your food. Too fancy/pricey to be in-between with service. Charge me more and hire some servers. I'm on vacation and dressed for dinner. Not shirtless at beach takeout. And, btw, fix supply issues, 3 things i ordered weren't available. Too sad for such a nice spot read more

This is part of the lark hotel chain at the Block Island beach club (formerly The Surf). They've updated their rear outdoor seating area with couches & longe chair's creating a beautiful ambiance for sunset cocktails. You do not need to stay at the hotel to enjoy yourself here. There is a walk up bar and you can also order food and have it delivered to your seating area as each table is numbered. The margarita and strawberry lemonade cocktails were delicious. read more

The Surf Block Island - Outdoor seating area with walk up bar - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

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Great views for lunch! We went on a Saturday and got a table for 4 pretty quickly. I had the charred broccoli bowl and it was decent. Others were content with their food too... typical block island where food is average and prices are high.. but I'd say this place is better than most. Mud slides are made with ice cream and delicious! read more

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I have to be one of the pickiest eaters when it comes to only wanting high quality, tasty food. I'm happy to pay any amount if the restaurant puts care and attention into the food. We had the hummus appetizer, the autumn salad, and the corn and bean tacos and everything was delicious. Worth every penny, and the view is spectacular. I would have paid double for what I ate while enjoying this view. Thank you, The Surf, for caring enough to put together a menu that delivers. We'll definitely be back! read more

This place is horrendous went there with five other people we had to order our meals at the bar and then they got delivered to our table way overpriced for what you get really low quality food. I asked for a frozen mudslide and the bartender asked me how to make it. They're just doing it for the money. They don't care about the crap they put out. I wouldn't recommend this place to anybody. read more

Appears to be a tired run down salty old hotel and restaurant .... and perhaps it is, but the location, food and vibe is over the top amazing. The rooms and lobby a chic California style, nice but somehow doesn't really fit the Block Island "mood". Dining on the porch, directly on the water at Old Harbor with waves actually crashing up against its foundation...this is drinking and eating at its best! Food is casual, burgers are among the best anywhere, Caesar salad was perfect - except that there weren't any anchovies. Service is "order from the counter and we'll bring to your table" - style, but it was quick and efficient. You can go for just a drink at the bar or just sit and relax on the porch, either way, we loved it! read more

The Surf Block Island - tables and umbrellas on the beach - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

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Gorgeous view but the waitstaff is extremely rude and made for an unwelcoming and unpleasant experience. Took our order with poor attitudes and barely spoke to us. read more

The view is fantastic at the bar. The service is very good except for the bartenders. We went on a Thursday afternoon/evening and the two female bartenders couldn't have had less personality. The drinks were extremely expensive and my wife was told they couldn't do a French 75?!??? I'd suggest going to the National or Spring House for great views and happier bartenders read more

Terrible service. My friend is 24 years old came with a group of us all the same age and was refused service at the bar as soon as we walked in. When we went to the manager about it we received no apology from them or the bartender but were eventually served with terrible customer service being threatened to refuse service because we showed frustration (service people ourselves we would never be rude but this was ridiculous) the hosts/food runners were wonderful but the bartenders and managers need work. Nice view tho! read more

come here for the drinks and views not the food!!!! This place is gorgeous. there's a huge wrap around porch and bar that makes you feel like you're on a Caribbean island. The food was extremely pricy and not very good, but if you want a quick appetizer im sure you could find something. The staff was quite odd, bartender inspected my ID for a long time and looked like he was going to snap it in half! I am not sure what specific identifiers he was looking for or if he was just trying to look like he knew what he was doing? it's good that they thoroughly check IDs but he should know not to bend them like that because it can permanently damage real IDs. read more

The Surf Block Island - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

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It's ok drinks were small I had salmon it's was ok, no seasoning to speak of. Daughter got a burger but the Pattie's were small. Wife had steak frittats, instead of fries changed to broccolini since can't have carbs & there was a $6 up charge, even with the fries delete. No waiters, you go to the bar to order the food & drinks& pay immediately and they want the tip then.... NOT coming back next year. read more

After a long day of riding and sightseeing, we stopped for lunch. We asked for a table and hostess sat us and gave ordering instructions. We looked over the menu which sounded like decent bar food. We ordered at bar as instructed and bartender had to run for items to make drinks, missing pitcher and alcohol. Finally he was back and made drink but tried to give them to someone else. The "koko" drink was good as we sat waiting for food. If you wanted water and cups you had to get them yourself out of a cooler. The food was ok but not for the price. A little over priced for the service and quality of food. If the rating was for just drinks it maybe be a 3 star. Recommend just for drinks and the view. read more

This is the place to go on Block Island. Staff are kind, the view of Crescent Beach is incredible, and the food is tasty and affordable (all sandwiches below $20). You do have to order at the bar, but the food comes quickly. To be honest, I actually prefer it to the system of waiting for a waiter to come around. Highly recommend! read more

The Surf Block Island - Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, Onion Rings - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

The views here are amazing! We had a great time sitting on the porch and enjoying the beautiful view but we were let down when it came to our food. The poke bowls were good but unlike normal pole bowls they were devoid of any sauce, even though they were supposed to have sauce according to the menu. I also ordered the fried oysters which really disappointed me. It was about 5 total fried oysters in a basket on a huge bed of lettuce with fried peppers, they tasted good but I will never be ok with paying $17 for a total of 5 oysters.... All said and done for 2 poke bowls and the oysters our total came to about $85 tip included. I would come here for drinks in the future but there are better places in the area to get a bite to eat. read more

The Surf Block Island - Beautiful Porch View - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

So we four wanted to try a new place to eat. We headed to the The Surf. Funny, no one picked up the phone if reservation is required. We took a chance. We had a table facing the waters. Dressing was casual. My spouse had steak and frites and I had a poke bowl. Our friends had pan seared salmon and a hot lobster roll. Instead of potato salad, crinkled French fries were substituted. Delish! Food wasn't a disappointment. My poke bowl could use a little sesame oil with soy sauce together. It will make the bowl more fragrant. Also, a little heap of seaweed as a condiment instead of cabbage would make it more authentic. My spouse and I met the chef inside the building and he asked of our food. Overall, our friends appreciated the hot lobster roll and cleaned up the salmon dish. My spouse steak was a tad dry from over cooking but the taste was satisfying though. Patrons were usually chatty and enjoying the food. We had to walk to the bar section to order food and drinks first, take our drinks to our table and wait for our food at our designated numbered table. On the overall, we will return in our next year's trip. read more

We tried the street corn which we thought could use a little more toppings on the corn but the charr was good. Fries were good nothing special. Got one beer. Would come again. read more

The Surf Block Island - Grilled Street Corn and Thin-Cut Fries - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

The views are obviously really great, and the staff is very friendly. Do take caution ordering the Margarita. It's a tap beverage that was unbelievably sweet. When I went back to return the entire pitcher, they were pretty accommodating and offered me a good enough accommodation. read more

It isn't easy to eat vegetarian on Block Island, especially if you want to enjoy delicious, thoughtful dishes instead of just get full on a menu afterthought. The Surf was an absolute pleasure - the salads were beautiful, delicious and satisfying. Yes, $18 is expensive for a salad but I ate many mediocre meals on the island for more. Also, the view is magnificent, the staff was friendly and professional, the bathrooms were clean, food came quickly ... When we were on Block Island years ago, this hotel was closed. I fantasized about the life of reopening it and living on BI. Since I know nothing about running a hotel and restaurant, I am glad people who do know what they're doing have it hopping again. read more

The Surf Block Island - Greek Farro Corn on the Cob - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

This place should not be allowed to call itself a restaurant when customers do all the work. If you want me to take my own order, give me a tablet to make it easy. The Surf doesn't even provide pencil and paper. Trying to remember all the drinks, appetizers and entrees for my entire party, I forgot the table number which apparently is the most important thing since the woman at the bar did not know it, even though the table was visible from her location. We left to avoid the pending fiasco and went to Mohegan Restaurant a few blocks away with a similar menu, comparable prices and full service... you know, where someone takes your order then brings your food. I advise against it, but if you must go, leave yourself a nice tip. read more

I wish I didn't have to leave one star. This place is just awful. We were a party of 4, we each ordered a cocktail with 2 appetizers. We got our drinks from the bar and the server brought our 2 shareable appetizers with 1 single napkin, no plates, no utensils and 1 single napkin for 4 people. We asked another waitress fir napkins who looked at us confused and gave us bar napkins. When we asked the hostess her reply was we don't have dishes and the server probably forgot the napkins because we re busy. She was very rude about it as well but 110.00 for onion rings and 4 cocktails is not expensive but should include napkins. Although the venue is beautifully situated in the beach the food was terrible and the service was horrendous. Save your money! read more

The atmosphere overlooking the beach is so nice on a beautiful sunny day. I loved this place! The drinks were fantastic and the food was good. Employees were all very nice and friendly. read more

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The Surf is a casual lounge spot located at the back of the Block Island Beach House. Their front and back doors are wide open, welcoming guests right onto the back patio and beach. There are 3 bars (inside, upper deck, and lower deck) and you are invited to find your perfect table, walk up and order like it's your favorite snack bar, and the food will be delivered to you. The food and drinks are incredible. We ordered wine, beer, Piña Coladas, the brisket sandwich, French fries, and Mac n' cheese. The bbq is smoked on premise and is flavorful and sensational! Many were ordering the mudslides and they looked great too. The staff is friendly and accommodating. We cannot say enough nice things about the food, service, playlist and environment. Also, the views are our favorite! read more

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Food is fantastic here! It is far better - taste and freshness - than the majority of food on the island. I've been coming to the island for decades and since this re-opened it is our go-to when we want a great ocean view and great food. The mussels, fish tacos, and fish sandwich are made with fresh fish and mussels and homemade sauces (rare on the island unfortunately). read more

Chic aesthetic with a great drink menu. My group of friends came here after watching G Love and were so pleasantly surprised. The menu is simple and precise, everything you are looking for. The inside honestly reminds me of LA: bright, beachy, cream colors with a variety of textures. They also have coffee and a small gift shop full of sunscreen, lavender garden kits, plants and surf coffee table books I LOVE IT! read more

The Surf Block Island - Great mudslides and decor!!! Yea! - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Had dinner with my family. The view is to die for and the food was delicious. It's was a walk from our hotel and dinner was great. The waitress was so polite. She remembered us for earlier. We renter bikes and she helped us. A must stop when you come to BI. read more

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Great location, great food and good service. I guess you can't go wrong for location on freaking island as small as block island but this one is pretty good. Check out the pic. We got fish tacos (delicious) and the wild haddock (fantastic). Outdoor seating is the way to go. read more

The Surf Block Island - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

Over priced even in this economy. Portion control city and drinks are weak. Inside is nice and location is one of the best on block island. Had to go get a second lunch after... read more

Sixty minutes to get a sandwich and a salad. There has to be a better option on Block Island! read more

TLDR: comically slow and in accommodating service. We arrived at 3pm, ahead of our 4.55pm ferry. We were seated right away, ordered, had a drink, and then sat for over an hour without food. We asked where our food was and why a table of young men who appeared to be friends with the server got their ahead of us, even though they showed up around 30 mins after us. The server told us there was an "auction" system at the restaurant and some tables with similar orders got served first. We eventually had about 25 minutes until our ferry was about to leave, and had to ask for to-go boxes before the food showed up. We jammed everything into ill-fitting boxes and ate it cold on the ferry. Things tasted good enough, but we also got probably the smallest side of mac and cheese ever served. No one was particularly apologetic when we ran out. read more

Leaving hungrier than we came.... What a beautiful view and perfect spot for a restaurant. Unfortunately, the service and food is not worth the money. We got seated and after 15 minutes, we had to go get someone to get a waiter. Dont bother ordering drinks, the couple next to us ordered drinks and they came after their meal. Ordered a ceasar salad, $13... there was 6 pieces of lettuce... the presentation was nice but maybe as a side salad for $4. My friend got an egg and cheese, $8 its impossible to mess that up. The waiter took out plates and then just disappeared for 15 minutes. We called him over multiple times and finally he came over to tell us we could only pay in cash. Took another 10 minutes. Let's just say we will absolutely not be coming back. Should have gotten a refund for how awful service was and the pathetic salad. How sad considering the location. Now going to have to find somewhere else to eat another more filling lunch.. read more

The Surf Block Island - $13 caesar salad - American Near Me - New Shoreham, Rhode Island

We dined here the second day they were open of the summer season, so they still had some kinks to work out but we enjoyed the meal. The view is, of course, so beautiful, and the bar view makes you feel like you're in another country. The food was great. We enjoyed the homemade biscuits with honey butter, the Mac and cheese side, crab cake sandwich and fish tacos. It took a long time to get drinks (one of the kinks they are working on), but once we ordered food, it arrived quickly. Love this spot and will be back. The interior is beautiful as well read more

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Great little restaurant overlooking the beach, harbor, and coastline. Great for cocktails, appetizers, and food. They take reservations and good for groups. If the weather is good or bad you have a great view which is nice. Their cocktails are affordable and delicious. We liked the crab cakes. The clam chowder was okay, pretty hearty and filling. There is a food dish here for everyone and the service is always pretty good. We have only been for cocktails/ appetizers and lunch. read more