Surf's Up Old Town

Restaurant · Near North Side

Surf's Up Old Town

Restaurant · Near North Side

1

1143 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

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Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null
Surf's Up Old Town by null

Highlights

Surf's Up serves up mouthwatering Louisiana-style seafood with fried or grilled options, including their famous Hennessy wings, amid a lively, casual vibe.  

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1143 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 Get directions

$$ · Menu

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1143 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610 Get directions

+1 312 600 6147

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"Surf’s Up is a Black-owned casual seafood mini-chain that opened its first location in 2012 in suburban Hillside. The business has expanded to 10 locations, primarily on the South Side, and has recently opened its first North Side location in Old Town. The restaurant offers specialties such as Chicago-style rib tips, fried lobster, fried green tomatoes, and chicken wings smothered in Hennessy sauce. The owners, Vanetta Roy and her brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Denise Roy, are planning further expansions both locally and nationally." - Ashok Selvam

Black-Owned Surf’s Up Hopes to Shatter Expectations on the North Side - Eater Chicago
View Postcard for Surf's Up Old Town

Brian Jacobson

Google
I stopped in impulsively on my way back from the grocery store. I was really hungry and realized my kid and husband were likely not going to wait for me to make lunch when I got home so I ordered some fried shrimp. It was a big hit. The shrimp and fries are fried and seasoned to order. I imagine opening during the pandemic was a challenge but I am glad they are in the neighborhood. We will return.

R F

Google
The flavor was okay just a bunch of seasoning thrown on the seafood. Sadly I got more potatoes than anything and paid 30+ dollars. First and last time. The chicken and lemonade is really good though. Don’t recommend the card and shrimp combo. 2fish and willie joes give you two times more for the same price. Staff is super friendly just wished they warned me about the poor portions. UPDATE : Had better and more expensive. Your quality is not worth your price. Anyways guys my cluster was spoiled and I second guest it now I’m up with food poisoning. THANKS SURFS UP

Kevin Lord

Google
Great food great service wanted a delicious po boy and I found it!! Also have to give a shout out to the onion rings hand made in front of me and the fried biscuits which are better than any beignets I have ever had!! Will be back for seconds and prolly thirds.

Bruh Luuh

Google
I’ve been doing my best to support black owned businesses in Chicago. This one! This one is special! I apologize for the presentation of this photo. It was at night and I used the flash on my camera. Also, the food was “to go” so the presentation is subject to me taking it out of the bag… Considering that - It still looks amazing. What you are looking at is an entrée composed of fried shrimp and yes! #FriedLobster! Coincidentally, I found out that one of the chefs lives next-door to my cousin. He was amazingly friendly and let me know That I had the option of grilled shrimp or lobster as well. He also told me that I should try the house-made Hennessey sauce. “Hennessey sauce?” “Yes Hennessey sauce…” The owner is a uber-cute young lady (she bad) that looks like we could have went to high school together if I grew up in Chicago. She is amazingly congenial. I was fortunate enough to have her greet me as I walked in and give me a menu. Much success to her! Not much ambience in this place, although the outdoor seating is fabulous, and there is a section for a DJ and live music! Overall, the five stars that I gave this restaurant is for the sheer taste. I’m sure that this restaurant will become a Chicago staple. It is “a must visit” and *must return* establishment. I’ll put my 4,000,000+ views as a Google reviewer on it.

Keith Lawson

Google
Booiiiii fire!!!! Had the Beach Feast, dipped the shrimp in the Hennessy sauce 🤤. Great vibes in the place too. Everyone having a good time.

Daniel Flannery

Google
Food was tasty and well-cooked, but I was a little surprised at how pricey it all was for mostly fried food and pretty standard side options. I ordered the fish and wing combo, and they were both good. Their cheesy grits might have been my favorite part of the order. The fried biscuits for dessert) were also very refreshing. I'll definitely be back to try the crab, lobster, and shrimp, but I do wish it was a bit more affordable.

Kona Hatcher

Google
I was excited to support a black-owned business especially in the Old Town neighborhood that specialized in seafood. I ordered the grilled catfish and chicken wings. I was surprised to see the cashier without a mask on. My grilled catfish was mediocre at best. The presentation was not appealing and a little too salty. I did however enjoyed the chicken wings. I know they are working on all the kinks, so I will definitely give them another chance and order something different next time. I wish them the best.

Thom Britton

Google
Super cute place with amazing food! I moved here from New Orleans, so I'm kind of snobby about po boys..... This place rocks!