Surf & Soul Spot

Take out only, but worth diving into once you're back in your car. Chollas park isn't too far away if you're into dining al fresco. Anyway, the food was incredible. Some of the best fried catfish and shrimp I've ever had. Keep an eye on their daily specials (we had jerk chicken nachos 😋) and don't skip dessert. Food is made fresh and worth the wait. Staff is so friendly and ready to answer questions. Check it out ASAP.

To start off strong, the food was awesome. Me and my buddy had the shrimp and the catfish baskets with fries and it came with a breadstick in each. The only two issues I had was there wasn’t a place to sit and eat, and that there was a 30 minute wait. Not really that big of issues in light of the amazing taste in the portion size of the food. I’m from Virginia and I haven’t had good catfish since 2013 so it was a nice reminder of home. I’ll definitely be back again to try some of the other things on the menu!

THE MOST AMAZING SOUL FOOD IN SAN DIEGO! I've tried every soul food spot in sd but this is by far the best. The best fried chicken, yams, and mac n cheese. Everything tasted homemade & the people are really nice. Do order it right as they open (you may need to call every ten minutes because it seems like they're phone gets backed up).

I could cry. This place is so GOOD. We got two combo plates and all the sides. When I asked about getting peach cobbler they said it’s included with the plates 😭 like we did not have to pay separately for the dessert!! This is the best place ever and they are so nice to customers.

Sooo delicious Great portions I had the shrimp and grits and let me tell you I would go back just for that!! The shrimp was a nice size perfectly seasoned and the grits with the cheese was perfection Soo good My mother had the fried fish and she isn’t a fan of fried but said it was good The breadstick that came with the order was delicious too My only disappointment was the dessert I ordered the banana pudding It wasn’t Bad just not as good as I hoped since the other food was soo good I will definitely be returning

Excellent food. Loved the shrimp and grits! You guys should seriously consider putting a menu up out front, and maybe a better sign too. I'd been driving past this place for a year before I realized it was a food establishment. You'd get more business if you had a menu posted above the ordering area.

Our wait time was maybe 15 minutes. The portions are very generous, I wasn’t expecting my fish sandwich to be so large. The coleslaw on the sandwich was delicious as well and I liked that the cabbage wasn’t diced but more-so shredded. The seasoning of all of the seafood was wonderful. The fried shrimp was my absolute favorite. They were also very generous with sauces: tartar and hot sauce. And we shared a grape soda flavored lemonade which was wonderful. Lastly, who doesn’t love a black owned business❤️

Pros: Customer service was good. There was a young lady taking our orders. Garlic breadstick delicious Kiwi Pineapple Lemonade pretty tasty Fried Fish and shrimp delicious. Cons: Truffle Chicken Sandwich - My daughter hates fish and bit into her chicken sandwich and fries and the whole thing tasted like fish. Believe they cooked the chicken in the fish grease (dangerous practice) if this is the case they should have a note warning customers. On the positive side it looked delicious! Unfortunately a waste of money as she took her meal with her to work before she was able to taste it so she had to throw the whole meal away. Arrived at 1045, they opened at 11 and I was second in line and my order took an hour. I understand they take phone calls for orders however they should Ensure that their customers that were there as soon as they opened, should not have to wait an hour. several people arrived to pick up their orders well before 11:30. This means they called in their orders at 11 but like I said, I was there before 11 to have my order taken. I wonder if they started accepting calls earlier than 11. The banana pudding was just OK. Would I return? I’m not sure, but I encourage others to go and try it for themselves. Just ensure you call your order in before going so that you’re not waiting.

Delicious and definitely not something you find often in San Diego. I got the fried catfish, baked Mac and cheese, and rice with Turkey gravy. Pros: savory and delicious. Great options for a wonderful home cooked meal experience. They give you good sauces for dipping and an amazing dessert as part of the combo. Friendly staff and easy ordering process. They do a different menu whether it's the weekday or weekend. Something for everyone. Cons: not much parking so plan on finding a spot down one of the side streets. Takes a bit to make so call ahead to order.

There is nothing else like this place in La Mesa, it's unique. Delicious flavors and everything is cooked to perfection. I love how they do occasional weekly specials that aren't found on the menu (they post them on their instagram). Parking was a little hard to find since it's just street parking, so keep that in mind. I would also try ordering ahead of time so you don't have to be waiting and can just pick it up. Service was prompt but since the food is fresh, it might take a little while to come out. It's worth it though!

I have never had deep fried lobster tails before but they were delicious! I did melt some butter myself to dip in, though their sauce/mayo was delicious for the fries. The chicken sandwich was a hit also. Very nice servers, place smells yummy while you're waiting. You know your order is fresh because it takes 25 min. or so but it is so worth it! Or order ahead. It looked like everyone else had done that.

You woulda thought I done won a million dollars the way I was singing and dancing after I licked the plate clean after eating their grits and catfish. Came on Juneteenth and my ancestors were surely smiling down upon us that day. The food smacked. Plain and simple. And don't get me started on that tartar sauce. It was fire. The meal cost 20 bucks and there's about 10 things to choose from. It's all too go. It took about 25 minutes to get my order and it was worth the wait. Parking is trash which is the only bad thing about it. It's all to go orders. I can't wait to come back here!

Arrived upon opening. Truly satisfying. Orders 3 combo plates. Chicken was extra crisp. Greens good and flavorful. Turkey Gravy and rice was . No sit in options which I was fine with. Will be returning when I come back to San Diego

Surf and Soul provided a fantastic first-time experience! The customer service was attentive, ensuring a smooth ordering process. It's worth calling ahead to avoid any wait times since it's an order and go spot with no dining tables. As someone who struggles with decisions, I opted for the salt and pepper salmon sandwich, and it was incredible--the sauce truly elevated the dish! While the catfish basket was enjoyable, my heart was won over by the flavorful salmon sandwich. The Cajun fries served as a perfect side. I'm already planning my next visit to Surf and Soul; it's definitely a spot worth returning to for their delicious offerings!

Delicious soul food. Fresh hot food, made with quality ingredients. Let me tell you, must try salt n pepper salmon sandwich, honey lemon pepper wings and shrimp basket. Everything seasoned very well and fried to perfection. Reasonable portion sizes and realistic prices. And that house made ranch... ok!!! Extremely limited street parking and dining options not available. Call ahead to prevent waiting in the line however the wait is well worth it.

Wow this place is incredible. Follow their IG to see the special of the day. I got the special on Tuesday which was fried pork chops with cheesy grits and a biscuit with smuckers cinnamon butter. WOW! My brother loved his catfish plate but wish they gave more than one container of tartar sauce for that amount of fish. The hot sauce that came with the food was great, reminded me of Louisiana Red. Must try if you like fried food.

When i go i get the catfish plate and everything tastes amazing. The catfish tastes so good, the yams are delicious and the mac and cheese is so cheesy

First let me say the service is great everyone is polite , helpful, and happy to be there! Who wouldn't be the food is fantastic! I must say the chicken wings are spot on so crunchy and delicious not greasy!! sides we like best were the greens AMAZING! beans and rice, and yams. We've only been on Saturday which is Soul food!! Going to go during the week to try the baskets. You must try this place!!

I love their food. I have not found a soul restaurant with good soul food; but my kitchen. They make me want to hang up my apron and just go there. My favorite is the Fried Pork Chops; but it is all so good. The fried chicken, yams, mac & cheese, rice & gravy...those are the only things I have tried so far. I love to see what their mystery dessert and drink is going to be on the menus. I wish they did soul food 5-days a week...or do I? Lisa F and Ty

I've had Surf & Soul Spot 3 times now to try different items. Super busy place so order in advance and give yourself plenty of time to find parking. The food is good, nothing to brag about. It lacks flavor, for soul food, it's bland. The fish is better than the pork chops, Mac and cheese is good too.

Family owned restaurant that serves dynamite classic soul food with some 5 star fine dining flare with seasoning, boldness, and richness. All of the seafood has been coastal caliber. Either fried or fresh, the quality is there. What blew my mind here was the potato soup! Topped with deep fried croissant and cod pieces?! Seriously? And the soup itself was a huge portion and so amazingly rich. Price was fair too, like $19 bucks and can feed up to 3 people. Parking is limited next to the store. There's also no inside seating. I highly recommend ordering in advance and picking up. Dude waiting on customers was kind. Called me sir, when I'm just a dude.

Highly recommend calling in your order especially if you're on your lunch break. I waited about 20-25 minutes but it was so worth it. The photo needs no intro. It's as delicious as it looks maybe better

I ordered the chicken wing plate and they said they didn't have any ranch just hot sauce red flag number 1 and I'm over here thinking the food is that good because you don't need ranch I take a bite the chicken is dry as hell and the fries are so soggy I'm so disappointed I could've just went to wings and things for cheaper and the food is way better shake my head. Waist of money I'm just going to give the food to a homeless they need to eat and I'm giving them ranch so there not eating dry ass food

I do not have anything bad to say about this place every meal every time is absolutely delicious leaves me sucking my teeth and smacking my tongue wanting more! Good job guys you rock

Service was great! No complaints there! Person who helped us was very kind and answered all of our questions. My boyfriend and I saw their reviews and pictures through Yelp, Google, and IG. We stopped by for the first time to try their special of the day. Turns out they ran out around 12:30pm that same day . According to one of their staff members, most of the time their specials of the day are sold out within a day and within the first hour or so of opening. This area is a very small one. Very limited street parking. Because it was a gloomy and cold day out, there was lots of parking out front. Currently there are NO indoor or outdoor seating. Everything is to go. You can call ahead and order, which I recommend because with no one else in line and for two orders, our wait was 25 mins! Everything is cooked to order. If they don't have anyone to come out and take your order, they have signs that say to call and keep calling even if they don't answer because sometimes they're busy/short staff. Someone has a picture already on this Yelp page of their menu from 3-4 weeks ago and it is still up to date. Their IG will have their specials. I forgot to take pictures of my food as we ended up throwing away majority of it. Pls see the rest of the review. Food was not as good as we anticipated. My boyfriend and I both got the baskets since the special was sold out. My boyfriend got the catfish basket and I got the chicken wing basket. We love seafood and always love to try new things. This catfish was deep fried, which is fine, but the breading/panko that was used was very gritty, almost like sand texture and WAAAAY too salty. Fries for both of us were also very salty. Chicken wings here have lots of potential. It's juicy, but no flavor and you could taste burnt pieces in the wings (like the oil wasn't drained of any excess pieces floating in and got stuck to the chicken wings). Which is surprising considering the catfish and fries were so salty! Neither of us got to finish our basket meals. It was just too much salt, grittiness, and lack of flavor and burnt taste in the food. On a better note, we got their lemonade of the day and their cookie crunch banana pudding. Lemonade of the day was a peach lemonade. Not bad at all! Def would come back just for a lemonade! Not too sweet and not under sweetened. Just right! The pudding to me was alright. My boyfriend enjoyed it a lot. It's banana cream pudding with whip cream and Nilla Wafers. When it comes to price, I think it was more expensive than it should've been. I paid $50+ for everything I got incl tax. My boyfriend and I would come back, but only if they have their specials available. I just wish they had enough of their specials to sell to last the whole day instead of just within the first hour of opening.

Good food and good service! There's no seating and parking isn't easy but the food is fantastic. It's sometimes difficult to find this type food in San Diego.

THE BEST FOOD IN SAN DIEGO! Choosing Surf and Soul isn't just about getting a quick bite to eat. It's an experience, from the food made with love, the friendly staff, and even being a prosperous Black owned business. They are a quality business that's worth every penny. The have a split menu that's Mon- Wed is surf days, where they have a seafood dominated menu, with specials during these days. They are CLOSEDDDDDD Thursdays and Sundays and open on Friday and Saturday with strictly soul food. Make sure to follow them on instagram to stay updated on all the delicious specials and lemonade flavors of the week! I must warn you, you might be tired after eating such rich food. So if you haven't eaten at Surf and Soul, then you're missing out and living under a rock. Please not only support a black owned business, but treat yourself, because its totally worth it. :)

Got recommended this place by one of my co-workers. I love catfish! Had it with mac & cheese and black eyed peas. The catfish was crispy & coating was tasty. Great portions too with the sides. I'll need to check out the store front but looking forward to eating their amazing food again. I love the cinnamon swirl bread too that came with the meal.

The food is amazing, they never miss and love the service always hospitable. They have different signature dishes for different days which I love the variety.

This take-out only establishment is a gem. How could I have driven past it for all of these years and have not noticed it? It was only when I looked online for a nearby restaurant that served fried catfish that I found this place. Your food is cooked to order. I ordered their (you guessed it!) catfish with fries and garlic bread. All was yummy. The fish and fries were enough for two! The garlic bread was hot, fresh from the oven, and sooooo delicious, I could eat just a basket of this. On certain nights only they change up the menu, offering a special soul food menu, so check out their website so you won't be disappointed. Order ahead, as wait time can seem long, especially if you're hungry.

The food was great. The yams were fire! So good just how I like them. The cat fish was good too, not a flavor I am too familiar with but still tasty. That cornbread though was so good. Idk what they put in it but man that was great. I mean everything was bomb.com. Only down side about this place is parking and if you get there too late they may be sold out of what you want.

this place is on my top ten fav spots in San Diego. They never miss! The food is always amazing & the service is the best. one time on my way to pick up my food, i got a flat tire. I ended up calling them and letting them know I'm going to be late while I waited for triple A. When I got to surf & soul an hour later, they remade my food for me so I wouldn't leave with a cold plate. this place is the best & always wants to make sure you leave happy!! Forever a customer.

This place makes amazing food. Some of the best I've had. I dream of the fried fish with grits and turkey gravy. The pork chops, rice and turkey gravy, candied yams and corn bread I had today were exquisite. They even threw in some kind of apple empanada that was delicious. Order by phone and be ready to wait about 30 minutes. There is no seating that I could see. It's to go only.

The best way to get your meal is to call in and order ahead 30min prior, because most likely they would be sold out or a long line will form everything excellent here great food staff and people. Used to be able to eat inside before Covid but they have now how stuck to take out only.

I began getting take out here when they were at the church. Always friendly service and it was convenient to my job at 32nd St. My go to was the fried shrimp basket. The portion was on the large side and the shrimp were always light, crispy and well seasoned. I hope the quality is the same at this new location. Congrats on the brick & mortar.

My husband really wanted to try this place. I could eat any of it, mainly meat. So this is his perspective. It was pretty good, the cat fish was well seasoned and not too overly greasy. Collard greens tasted good with the meat, but we've had it without before and it's just as good (so we outdoors share, but we can't). The candied yams I could have and they were candied for sure. Sweet and soft. He liked them as well. The cake qas out last favorite but that because we aren't cake people. It's a small shack like restaurant. It's probably best to call and pick up. The wait is about 20- 30 depending on how many people are there and phone orders. They typically sell out so I suggest calling and having two people go to pick up. So one can stay in the car and drive around if need be and another to go get the food.

Really really exceeded my expectations. My people tend to have some peculiar practices with their establishments and Surf & Soul was no different. So we weren't surprised but were hella frustrated with not being aware of their MENU SWITCHING WEEKDAYS V. WEEKENDS. "Surf" food is weekdays only, which includes most seafood. "Soul" food is weekends only which includes chicken and pork chops...oddly however you can still get catfish on soul days. Thus expectations plummeted since we thought we were dealing w a buncha nonsense. However, the service phone and in person was A1! I wasnt interested in their wings but i got stuck ordering them. It was a BLESSING. The pictures dont do them justice. I dont order wings out as I am super particular about how they are cooked. They NAILED IT. Probably brined since they were still tender and juicy despite being beautifully "hard" fried. The crunchy batter didnt overwhelm the meat and it was super flavorful & not over-seasoned, so much so that i didnt use the hot sauce much at all. Someone knows what theyre doing! Plus the wings were huge! No matter I smashed every one. The mac and cheese had a great consistency, slightly creamy but still a good cheese clump. They make theirs with fresh onion incorporated somehow. Maybe pureed into the cheese? I dont care for onions so after a few bites I was set, although it was good. The yams were a show stopper! The rice with turkey gravy: amazing.....thank god I got it as both my sides (each main dish came with 2). My wife got the catfish and devoured it so fast it was hard to tell what she even ordered. Today's cake was buttered rum pound cake, though the cake offerings seem to switch up often. Haven't busted into it yet but it looks promising.

My my my!!! First off if you have never been here you are missing out. If your looking for real authentic southern home cooking you betta bring ya stomach here like yesterday!! This food was soooo damnn good. I know it must of been somebody momma, grandma, grandpa, auntie and uncle in that kitchen!! From the fried catfish, mac n cheese, the yams, banana pudding, chicken wings and even the tartar sauce!! That food was soooo fire, i woke up this morning thinking about what time they open!! My fish: fried to crispy, crackety perfection! The tartar sauce was big homemade fire! My yams: made like grandma used to for thanksgiving!! Now i cant speak for how the chicken taste because i dont eat meat, but the way my wife smashed them and left the bones out to dry, id say they was bomb. She said they were the best fried chicken she ever had! (And she didnt even want to get the wings in the first place). I really wanted to risk it all because of the way those wings looked!! It took all of jesus spirit to get me to not eat that wing!! EVERYTHING WE ATE WAS FIRE!! My banana pudding pic speaks for itself! Im very picky about this desert being that i would often visit my grandma in the Carolinas when i was younger.. i think i know a little but about banana pudding!!

This place used to be REALLY good during the pandemic, but the prices keep going up while the quality seems to be going down. The 2 meats with 2 sides combo used to be $20. Now it's up to $27 with less food. Not to mention, I'm tired of them substituting butter beans and black eye peas for the red beans and rice. Nobody eats that and last time I was there others were complaining too. Bring back the red beans and rice. Don't get me wrong, the fish and chicken are still tasty however it's just not really worth spending almost $30 for take-out when you can go sit down somewhere.

Delicious. Delicious. Delicious. I would always drive by this place and see a bunch of people waiting outside for food, and people don't just wait outside in the heat for food unless it's really good. I checked the menu and it looks like they break up the week into "surf" days and into "soul" days. Today being Friday, it was a Soul day, So I tried this place on my lunch break. I called in the order at 12:30, it was ready to be picked up by 1:05. Friendly staff gathered all my food and checked the order with me first before I left. I ordered the combo meal. (2 meats+2 sides+dessert of the day). I also got the lemonade of the day. So good!!! I totally recommend the red beans and rice-a little spicy but very flavorful! And pleeeeaaaseeee make sure you try the Mac n cheese. You will not regret it.

Service was amazing and the staff is very nice. The mac & cheese is to die for !!! The yams and fish are really good as well. we weren't impressed with the greens they didn't have much flavor and were pretty bitter. The wings were good . All in all it had ups and downs but was good overall.

Everything was cooked with so much flavor and still fresh and crunchy after a 25 min ride home. I can only imagine how much better it would be fresh even eating in restaurant. The only con I can admit is when ordering by phone I asked if the red beans and rice were vegetarian and was told yes but once I opened the container there was mostly shredded meat and sausage inside. A little disappointed but the rest of the food made up for it.

Great tasting food and great service. I would love to see this place grow to have a dine in. Until then I'll keep going. Yummy

This may be one of my favorite places to eat! I love the fact they change their menu items weekly. The price of the food isn't bad either. I love how you get a little dessert when you order the meal. It makes me want to stop by often. The people are friendly and the food is always fresh. The shrimp and grits are as well as the wings! I love how they make their grits, reminds me of back home. I hear good things about their fried pork chop. That is something that I will be trying in the near future. I wish they had a dine-in option though. Other than that, I have nothing negative to say about this place. I'll probably stop by there after work sometime this week

Customer service just isn't there today... Told me 15-20 min for my phone order to be ready than had me wait an additional 20 min...

Where the west coast meets the south " This little establishment beckoned me right away. They are "over achievers " this unique blend of coastal and southern food is absolutely well done. The food is cooked to perfection " Your mind will simmer in the menu . This is truly a one stop "little place" that serves "big satisfaction". The staff here knows a thing or two about a thing or two....

This place is a MUST when visiting san diego! it's so good and will be coming back! my favorite is the catfish

Called in my order, got there and they were closed. I was glad I chose what options they had left for sides. It was still fire! Definitely recommend you try this location. I tad bit too much salt for me as I don't really use it when I cook, but still good. I had 2 plate combo so I could try a few items. Chicken wings were fire! Catfish was what I thought was a little salty for my taste but good. Mac and cheese was bomb! And the rice and gravy was different but great flavor! Order ahead early to avoid food running out.

This is my first time ever eating here ..and Omg when I took a bite of the Mac and cheese I said Wtf ... best Mac and cheese I ever had no lie .. all of the food was so good ! Amazing job

This place does not disappoint. Food is always hot, fresh, & flavorful. Reminds me of back home. Catfish & grits came with a turkey gravy that I got on the side (not pictured) thankfully I did that because it would have been overkill with all that cheese. 10/10!

Delicious place. Best to call ahead & pre-order for pick up. One of the top creole offerings in San Diego. I got a catfish sandwich and the whole filet was on there!

These folks just get better'n better! Consistency is their specialty-fried fish to perfection, tender greens, ultra comforting mac 'n cheese. Luv their (never dry) corn bread! Be sure to call/order early 'cause they sell out fast.

Most amazing shrimp and grits I have ever had wish it was not only a Wednesday special

The food is amazing service was incredible. My wife got the fishhook sandwich and I got the blackened shrimp and crab roll. I would like to tell you can't go wrong with either one but that fish hook is a whole nother story boy that thing was a gift from the Lord. My boy chef Chris sais on the ones and twos doing his thing boy. I haven't tried the soul but that surf got me like surfing usa. Now I need that soul to have me like a change gonna come and we in the mix. Keep up the good work. If I may make a suggestion maybe you do maybe you don't but is there a way of getting the sandwiches ala cart. Ps.... That lemonade is sweeeeeet.

Suuuuuper tiny little storefront that sells really amazing food! Everything on the menu is seasoned really well and the flavors all pack a punch. The fried catfish is probably my favorite because they give you hot sauce and it tastes so good with the hot sauce. My favorite side would probably be the rice because it was soaked in some turkey gravy sauce thing that made me want to eat it all without sharing. I would say one plate is enough to share for two people since the 2 sides come in pretty big containers. Definitely look for this place and try it out, you won't be disappointed!

First off, I lived in Atlanta for almost 10 years and I never thought I would get a taste of it here in San Diego! I don't eat meat but my hubby had the catfish 100/10 I had the macaroni and cheese 100/10 greens 100/10 candied yams 100/10 banana pudding 100/10 that everything brownie 100/10 cornbread 100/10 cucumber lemonade 100/10 REAL cucumbers was used. I am very anal when it comes to food very hard to impress. Damn that food had me jumping up and down like it was Sunday morning yes Lord, that's somebody granny hands touched that food!! Again I don't eat meat but will be down for some sides. I hope one day they start deep frying some cauliflower for real. This really made my day. The guy who took my order super nice got me together love it, good service! Whew again amazing this is my first time here I seen them on IG. KEITH LEE come to San Diego!!!! Unfortunately no pics we ate that food like it was our last meal

always great customer service! food is sooo delicious and good portions! definitely recommend this restaurant!

I remember the first time over 20 years ago.  I discovered soul food at Huffman's BBQ.  It was a 20-30 minute wait for the fried chicken as it was cooked to order.  It was worth it as that chicken had a delicious crunchy batter and tender juicy meat.  Sadly Huffman's closed.  I was excited to see Surf & Soul Spot opened on El Cajon Blvd.  I've had many great meals on the boulevard.  This place is tricky as the first part of the week they feature their surf menu and the later part of the week they serve their soul menu.  My first visit I went and tried their surf menu. Fried catfish basket came with fries and garlic toast.  Fries were crunchy and lightly seasoned.  Nice potato flavor.  Fried catfish was coated in cornmeal and had a nice crunch.  Loved the mix of flavors from the fresh catfish and cornmeal.   My second visit I tried the soul menu.  About 8 customers in front of me formed the lunch crowd.  This place seems busier when the soul menu is served. Fried pork chop was a delicious mix of fried pork and southern style batter flavors.  This is one of my favorite pork chops. Fried chicken wings were tender and battered in a crunchy southern style batter.  Very good tasting wings. Pound cake was dense and had a delicious sweet buttery flavor. Third visit I tried the shrimp basket.  Fries were crunchy and had a nice potato flavor.  Shrimp were tender and coated with a crunchy southern style batter.  Loved the flavor.  This time I visited after lunch and there was no line.  :-) So far my favorite dishes here are the fried catfish and fried pork chop.  I love the thin & crunchy southern style batter they use here.  Staff was nice.