Surf's Up

The $25 hollar is amazing. It's enough food for two people. Every piece of seafood, corn, and potato was seasoned and cooked really well. The cheesy grits where on point. They were thick and just right on the cheese. The turkey greens are phenomenal. Reminded me of Mama's greens. The chef was on fire. The young lady working the counter was so friendly.

Had the chicken and grilled shrimp. It was REALLY good. The mild sauce and cocktail sauce had so much flavor to go with the chicken and shrimp which were also seasoned to perfection. Really really good food. I will be a regular. Also it’s a nice size location with great parking!

I had the fried lobster! Yummy and so Delicious. I'm bragging to my sons, one of which lives right around the corner. One comment; it was slightly too salty so because of my blood pressure it will have to be an occasional treat but So Good!

Everyone was super friendly to me when I went in to pick up an order, it’s a very laid-back themed in the restaurant, I’ve never had any issues at this place I highly recommend you go and try the wings and fry combo it was very filling I’m a 6,3 220 pound male and I couldn’t finish all of it

They have mastered the deep fried lobster 🦞. The staff is always friendly no matter how busy they are. Their shrimp 🍤 are phenomenal. You will not regret ordering from here and you WILL become a repeat customer... I know I have❤

Great tartar sauce first off, if it’s homemade like it taste, I need the recipe! Very good whiting and grits are to die for. I came all the way from Cincinnati, Ohio and I was not disappointed I ordered the fried biscuits and they had just sold out... The manager, I’m assuming, light complexioned man, assured me that he’ll be back by 6 with more and will give me a courtesy order for my inconvenience. So overall my experience was Amazing. Great Food Reasonable prices and music playing, smooth R&B while you wait Cheese grits, amazing!

A great place for a good seafood diner on a sunday evening. The service was quick and staff was very friendly and inviting. The place was really clean everything seemed well organized and put together. When it came to the food 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 i was in loved. We ordered the lobster shrimp combo and crab leg diner and it was amazing. It was very fresh and delicious. Obviously i was had more with the order but everything was made to perfection. I will definitely recommend to my friends and will be doing a repeat.

I like the shrimp po boy. The chicken is pretty decent too. May be too salty from some. Nice & crispy the way I like it. My niece loves the potato & corn side. I enjoy the greens.

The food smelled so good. Cooked fresh to perfection. A friend of mine hosted an open mic there and that went well also. Good moments and good times. Definitely will return

This is the REAL deal right here. Fried lobster, hennessy sauced wings, crab, fried biscuits, shrimp & grits...the food here makes me wish I were a cow so I could continue eating throughout the day with my 5 stomachs. After hearing so much buzz about Surf's Up throughout the community, my girlfriend and I made it a point to check it out and stopped by for lunch. From the moment we stepped foot inside, we knew we were in for a treat. We were greeted instantly by Eric and Denise, the owners, and Shawn, the manager, gave us his personal recommendations since it was our first time. We ordered enough to feed likely 4 people since I'm terrible at choosing between options (I want my cake AND eat it too), finished it all between the two of us, and ordered MORE to go. Our favorite was the fried lobster. I mean, have you even heard of fried lobster before? Somehow Surf's Up figured a way to batter up a lobster tail (no shell), still keep it juicy, and serve it up with some Surf Sauce that was an explosion of flavor. The hennessy fries were a close second--very few institutions can master the art of layering a sticky, BBQ-like sauce while keeping the skin crispy and all the juices still seared inside. Needless to say we will be back. "Tha Bomb" has been on my mind since I've left and I GOT to try it.

***Not the best pic*** I finally went to Surf's Up Oak Park and they did not disappoint! I ordered "Da Bomb Shrimp & Lobster Tail sandwich" topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their house made remoulade sauce (I got the grilled option however, you can get it fried). My order was made fresh and when I tell you my tastebuds were satisfied!!! The shrimp and lobster were seasoned to perfection (healthy portions too) and the bread was so soft. I tried to eat the sandwich as slow as I could (to savor each bite) and I was sad after my last bite LOL ... An honorable mention goes to the manager Sean who recommended the sandwich as their best. He was friendly, accommodating, and kind. Besides the fresh, great tasting food, he is the reason I'll be back. Got to try their Hennessy wings next!!!

When I say that the biscuits are the best confection that will ever hit your taste buds - I mean it. At least from an unassuming seafood restaurant. The largest issue was, they were out of a lot of dishes that were represented on the online menu, so that can not be trusted. You should order in-person or call ahead. Fish, chicken, and fries were all cooked well and very flavorful. The grits had a bit more to offer. I'd genuinely give this a 3.5 but do recommend!

It's always sketchy when you trying new fish spots however I saw this place featured on Chicagos Best and thought i would try it out. Great patience from the lady behind the counter. Pleasant enough to change my mind from a takeout order to enjoying the restaurant...( Coming to America was playing on the tv...) The grilled lobster was fresh with the accompanying sauce.....p.s. sauce wasn't needed... The shrimp was nicely sized.....fried wonderfully(not to hard or soft)...with the accompanying cocktail sauce.... Glad I stayed.....

Black-owned, great seafood, incredible service. What more can I say?

I've been dying to try this place for awhile! I should have done it sooner! I'm from Florida and I know seafood & this place was 10/10 - I got the crab dinner - fresh and hot to order! Perfect amount of seasoning, juicy corn & buttery potatoes!! My partner got the Bomb sandwich (Grilled) that was also deelicious!! The guys behind the counter were so nice and helpful too! Thank you guys so much!!

We've been talking about hitting this place up for at least a year. I think we may have seen it on Chicago's Best or something similar. We were in the area & everything just fell into place. One thing to note, the menu on their website is missing a few things namely their sandwich Tha Bomb, which comes grilled or fried and contains lobster & shrimp. I'm not sure what else might be missing, but placing your order in person might be a better bet. We both ordered Tha Bomb, he got fried, I got grilled. The sandwich is a little pricey, but you get a ton of food. The sandwich was loaded with seafood and served with a bed of handcut fries. We both enjoyed our meals & were so full from our lunch, we didn't want dinner. If your looking for some solid seafood, give this place a shot.

We drove through River Forest on the way home from a day trip. As we were passing through, we planned to pick up dinner on our way home. We both craved seafood so a quick Yelp search led us to Surf's Up where we placed a to-go order for two Lobster Po boys and beignets. Overall, our Po boys were delicious and the remoulade had solid flavor. To our misfortune, our fries didn't make the ride home and by the time we ate them they got soggy. I would've easily rated this place at a 4 but sadly we received a scant amount of lobster in each of our sandwiches. It was no doubt delicious but the sandwich could've used more lobster meat. The beignets were very good and we enjoyed them. The beignets reheat well in the oven the next day if you end up with leftovers. We hope to try their beach feast on the next visit. This place has promise, their menu is appealing and I hope they expand their business to the northwest side.

BLACK OWNED FRANCHISE ‼‼‼ I had to show my support and I am glad I was able to visit one of Surfs up locations! They are currently open during the pandemic. You can go inside and order your food and they will bring your order out to you. Customer service was great. The cashier was amazing and helpful when I was trying to figure out what to order. I ordered Hennessy Wings (6) came with fries and Fried Green Tomatoes. Hennessy wings was DELICIOUS. Chicken well seasoned and they wasn't stingy with the sauce. Fried Green Tomatoes with dipping sauce was very good. It was my first time trying fried green tomatoes and they were good. The batter was seasoned and I like the sweetness of the tomato. The sauce compliments the dish very well. There is a wait time but the food is definitely dropped Fresh! I highly recommend others to give them a try and support. I believe they are also located in Chicago, Maywood, and Aurora.

We stopped in close to closing & still received fresh food! The order: Crab leg dinner Fried green tomatoes 1/2 lb shrimp dinner Salmon burger Fried donuts Everything was cooked while we waited so it took a while but it was worth it. The seasoning was great & each item was cooked to perfecmy only wish is that I could've gotten some jalapeños to spice up my burger (wink wink). The tea was pricy but good. I'm so glad you guys came to the west side!

Wow! Delicious food and kind owners. I love supporting small businesses. The seasoning on the crab boil is delicious. The fried green tomatoes are fantastic! The hush puppies are on the smaller side but still delicious.

Holy Sh*t! I drove past here today and quick made a "U e". This is the real thing! Cheese grits, fried green tomatoes, lobster po'boys, beignets... I'm in heaven and I'm in trouble st the same time!! Order da bomb! You won't be sorry.

Excellent...Excellent....Excellent!!! Ordered da bomb lobster and shrimp sandwich, the whiten fish nuggets and a order of the fried green tomatoes and it all was delicious and all cooked fresh to order. The flavor and the seasoning was so mouth watering good. The staff were all kind and professional. The wait time was around 15-20 min which when ordering fresh made to order food this is to be expected and normal. I would rather wait a little bit longer for hot, fresh food than get my food in 5 min and it's old and cold from being pre made and sitting. The price point was pretty comparable to the other takeout/sit in seafood style restaurants. If I ever have a taste for some good seafood I will not hesitate to head to Surf's Up Oak Park.

Our first time stopping in after passing them daily on our commute up and down North Ave. We ordered "Tha Bomb" sandwich and the Lobster & 1/4 Shrimp combo. Everything was made fresh right in front. No back of the house cooking. Loved that. Staff was helpful and nice. Phone was ringin off the hook ;) busy Saturday night, love to see it. We met the owner and she was so sweet, she helped us pick out our order. Not to mention this business is a BLACK OWNED BUSINESS. I love we got to meet and talk it up with the owner on a Saturday night. She was great! The shrimp and lobster were juicy and full of flavor. Tha Bomb sandwich is just that, THA BOMB. Popeyes sandwich doesn't have a thang on this one. Juicy shrimp and lobster, mayo, tomato, lettuce and my fav, crunchy pickles. You have to try the Hennesy sauce too. I added that to Tha Bomb sandwich and dipped my fries. Delish!! Definitely recommend and definitely comin back ASAP!

This place was the only place that fried my salmon but I guess they took it off. Their catfish is also yummy. I would go for seafood if I want something fast

love love love surf's ‍ up oak park ... best seafood sandwiches, dinners & beach platters

First time here & food was great!! Service was awesome...very friendly! Will be back for sure!

We have ordered surfs up up several times and have enjoyed it every time! I love the shrimp and grits and turkey greens especially! Others in the family have ordered cat fish and wings and thoroughly enjoyed their dishes.

Food's really really really great but I've picked up food twice and both times they hadn't started my order yet even though the clover app said it would be done. That's kind of tough bc I've been in a rush both times and to have to wait when the clover app said it was supposed to be done twenty min ago is kind of frustrating. So I have to give 4/5 stars for that. Still an amazing meal every time.

OMG! We stopped in here to get some fish and fried chicken, but we discovered so much more! The fish, shrimp, and chicken were seasoned and fried to perfection, the greens: so full of flavor, the corn and potatoes were so good I could eat three servings if possible! But the best part of the meal was the fried lobster! Omg again! My taste buds went into overdrive. I was truly in heaven. Pricing was very good and portion sizes very healthy. Going back when I get back to the city. Absolutely! #ChicagoEats #Chicago #WeWillTasteItForYou #Everytarian #GoodEats #Vegetarian #Meatatarian #Food4DaSoul #AdventuresWithTheKid #Foodies #Blessed

Owner was there and he was incredibly friendly. The food was fantastic and modestly priced! Home cooked goodness all around! Highly recommend.

Love the food. I've ordered several items from here and the catfish po boy is my favorite. The fries are fresh out potatoes and portions are a good size.

Loved: Customer service Price The butter AND sugar biscuits (ordered both) Crab leg dinner (slightly over cooked) Lobster and shrimp (grilled) The fries were amazing Grilled shrimp (slightly salty)

Um damn this ish is GUUUUUDDDDDD!!!! Do yourself and your taste buds a favor. Go eat here. Period. Stuff your face with the finest tastiest seafood you've ever eaten!! You know that last meal you get in prison? This will be mine. Is is that good. Shelley at the front counter will hook you up. The owner Rick is quite the gentleman. These guys make you feel like family. They check to make sure you're ok and everything is at your liking. Get that Beach Feast (gotta ask for it, secret menu). Lobster tails, shrimp, crab legs, corn and red potatoes all in a tin with the flavor that makes you wanna sing and slap your mama. And YOU MUST GET THE BISCUITS!!! Let me shout it out for those in the back. Holy cow. These are no ordinary biscuits. They are like donuts, hush puppies and funnel cake all rolled into one. Thank me later. Really?? JUST GO!!!!

I've only had the fried catfish po boy sandwich, and it is super super good, I'd go so far as to say it's the best sandwich in Oak Park, right next to Carnivore's fried chicken sandwich. Everything is fresh, especially the bread and lettuce, with just the right amount to sauce and spice. And with a generous mound of rough cut fries that were just perfect. Great!

So happy I found this gem conveniently by my house. Food was fresh and flavorful. Potato's were so soft and the biscuits.. don't get me started on the heavenly biscuits with butter and powder sugar. Definitely going to be a regular!

Amazing food and service. The grilled fish and shrimp are my go-tos. Henny wings Amazing as well but wings are really expensive

Food and flavors are on point. My favorite is the catfish. Would have given a 5th star but the ambiance is a thumbs down. Furniture is reminiscent of a kids restaurant rickety and sticky. Get it to go.

This place is a total gem. The food was delicious! Ordered 1 lb of friend shrimp and 2 perch dinners and boy was that some of the best fried seafood I've had in years. Shrimp was perfectly fried, extra lemon pepper for me! And of course it wouldn't be Chicago if you didn't get the mild sauce on the side. Look no further for great service and amazing food!

Good food, generous portions, dirty restaurant. Had a taste for crab legs decided to give this place a try. THE GOOD: Crab legs were generous and tasty, dinner included great red potatoes and corn on the cob. Fried Green tomatoes we're good, not great. Greens were okay. THE BAD: trying to eat crab without napkins, drink with straws that were cracked, use flimsy plastic forks to try to break crab shells, etc. THE UGLY: dirty tables, bathrooms with no soap or toilet paper, tables that were not flat causing plates to slip and slide. Suggest taking this food to go or bring your own supplies. That's kind of disappointing when you spend $50 on a meal.

This is a place you must try out in Chicago. The Hennesey & hot sauces are both bomb. We are yet to try the other items but what we have tried are: fried shrimp with Hot Sauce, Hennesey wings, and grilled lobster. I do recommend to get the shrimp and lobster fried. It's just soooo good. It is Black-owned, the food is good, the people are friendly, and outdoor dining is available right now -- what more do you need?

Tasty, if you don't mind waiting.but I will say I will make another visit and pass the word on about the warm hospitality.

Unique offering of seafood and chicken wings. My guest and I sampled the wings, lobster sandwich, fried shrimp and catfish nuggets. They were all very good. The staff was friendly and offered us free refills on our beverages. Please give this place a try !

Just finished up my meal from here and let me tell you. Don't walk, run to eat here; Whatever spices they use on their crab dinner makes my belly sing. And dear lord the fried biscuits? I could eat nothing else for a week. Prices are more than reasonable for the amount of food that you get. Reminds me of some of the best seafood and crab shacks back East. This will be my go-to take out place!

Absolutely great crab legs and amazingly seasoned potatoes and corn. You get a big pan and generous portion for about $22. Easily could be lunch and dinner. The wait is entirely too long though! Call in and then wait 30 minutes before pickup.

The catfish filet fried was sooo delicious. The greens were a bit salty but good. The biscuits was gross because of the excessive oil.

It's ok so far...lobster tails are a bit small. Food is decent after 2 visits. The portions could be more. The dirty rice is a good buy. The shrimp is very good but small quantity of the half pounds. Also, a cup of slaw should accompany the shrimp basket...that's not really offered. If you offer a chicken basket, a shrimp basket should be offered as well. Lastly, get your technology in order. Tried to place an order on what appeared to be their website, only to be told the order was never received. Either take down the website or get it to work properly.

Ordered the chicken wings,perch and catfish fillet pans ...reasonable prices ,great service,clean,food was tasty,love the fact it's black owned and operated I'll be back for fried green tomatoes and greens next time

The Crab boil was delicious and really flavorful. I would recommend this place to anybody.

This spot is a solid place to eat. I ordered in for my Mom's birthday and wanted seafood. We decided to order the lobster poboy. For the sides we got fries, dirty rice, cheese grits and also ordered fried green tomatoes. The lobster po boys were good. It was crispy amd came with a nice remoulade sauce. The fried green tomatoes were soo good. The tomatoes were nice size slices thick and nice and crispy. Loved them! The cheese grits were ehhh not the best. The dirty rice had a nice spice and flavor. The fries were ok. The sandwiches were definitely the star. I will go back to try more.

I enjoy the food here. Very few places cook actual American grown catfish. They get that foreign brand. This restaurant gives good portion sizes. Food is well seasoned. Good people.

Had not so good experience with my tomatoes on Saturday, spoke with owner Denise to prepare another order of fried green tomatoes to make it right this time they were better they were green they were OK

Pros: The food is good. Cons: Pricey I don't know why you can't order more than 1/2 lb of shrimp. Small portions.

I write this review with mixed emotions. The food is decent, but the service is poor. To begin with, I just left this establishment at 8:30 pm on October 28th, 2022. When I arrived there were two young men sitting directly outside the front door in a car, windows partially open and marijuana filling the air. I went it to place my order, and when I looked up, one of the two young men walked into the restaurant reeking of marijuana. The second young man walked around to the back and came in the rear door. That is when I realized it was the same two men who were sitting in the car. The young man with the dreadlocks walked around the counter and took my order. He then started fixing another customers order, and I realized he hadn't washed his hands, no gloves and no hair net. I also observed the second young man frying food with no gloves or hair net. I was especially disappointed when Sean, who is either owner or manager (he previously told me he was owner) failed to say anything to either right away about hand covering, and when he did, they both only put on one9 glove. I might add that I had been in there a week earlier, and paid one price, even though they have the prices covered with paper, this time the price was One Dollar plus higher. When I mentioned this, I was told "that's not true", and I told him I knew what I paid. Again, Sean said nothing though he waited on me previously. I got home and found the fries burned and Cole slaw missing. Needless to say I am extremely disappointed, and will NEVER GO BACK. Hate to write this, but was advised to do so. I wish them no harm, but I want everyone to know what they are up against. Love my people, but we have to expect service regardless of who the owner is.

This place is a little gem! Really nice staff and amazing food! Tastes like grandma's house in Baton Rouge. We drove out from the suburbs and will do it again! Bring pants that can stretch because you are going to eat well! Thank you Jesus the diet is over!

Quality food that last even after a few days of warming up. I will definitely try other items on the menu.

SHOUT OUT TO THE STAFF AT SURF'S UP OAK PARK. Selly IS THE BOMB.COM. Always professional and MORE than helpful. We needed a pan of fish for a party-per her recommendation we got grilled catfish and fried nuggets. THE FOOD WAS AWESOME! At the end of the night people were eating the fish COLD-THATS HOW GOOD IT WAS! Thanks for setting the bar very HIGH!

Great food and service. Was looking for something quick & easy & these guys nailed it. we hit the Catfish & Shrimp Po-Boys. will try others...