Surf's Up South Shore

First-Time Visit to Surf's Up South Shore – A Bittersweet Bucket List Experience I’ve had Surf’s Up South Shore on my foodie bucket list for a while, so I was genuinely excited to finally give it a try while visiting the area. Walking in, I was ready to place an order for my mother and myself—a catfish filet and jumbo shrimp combo we’d seen on their website menu. However, I quickly learned from the friendly woman at the counter that the combo was no longer available. No worries—I appreciated her kind demeanor, and after conferring with my mom (who even came in from the car to double-check), we settled on two alternate combos: one with catfish and chicken wings, and the other with shrimp and chicken wings, plus a side of corn. We hit the road shortly after, with our food in hand (delivered to us by the same kind woman—great service!). The aroma coming from the containers was mouthwatering, and my mom couldn’t resist digging in early. Sadly, that’s when our excitement took a sharp turn. Her first bite of chicken was overwhelmingly greasy—not the usual crisp, but soaked-through. Hoping it was just a one-off piece, she tried the catfish next, only to find it equally oil-heavy. The fries underneath were practically drenched, to the point where you could press them and watch the oil seep out. The corn, while nicely seasoned, had no butter or salt—just missing that savory touch. All said and done, we paid just over $42. For that price, we expected quality to match the hype and the smell. Sadly, the flavor didn’t deliver the satisfaction we were hoping for. Our hope is that today was just an off day—everyone has one. But unfortunately, this experience has solidified our decision to hold off on any future visits, at least for the foreseeable future.

My guy brought a 20 piece Hennessy wings and traveled 7 minutes to home with it. They were amazing 🤗🤗🤗🗣️ I’m big on having good food so I had to do a review. Sauce was sooo good and wing quality was excellent!!! I will be back to order them for sure 👍🏽

Place is clean! Came there for fish but got excited when I saw fried green tomatoes Fried green tomatoes wings and catfish were on point!!! Good seasoned well fried just right! Fried Green tomatoes is a meal by it self

The fish and chicken was fried just right, and just how I like it!! It was flavorful and their breading didn’t fall off. the fries were cut just right, and homemade as well!!! I definitely recommend everyone to go here because they are very good and have good service 😊❤️❤️❤️

My mom and I were so hungry and this was an impromptu decision to stop at Surf's Up South Shore Restaurant. This was our first visit there. First off the service was awesome, as the owner was having to cover the areas of cook and cashier. The food was lovingly cooked to order. While we waited for our food the owner/cook/cashier blessed us with a full serving sample of the Fried Biscuits. OMG ... biting into these warm biscuits was darn near euphoric (I'm not kidding)! To me it was like the perfect balance between a biscuit and donut, with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. I even think I saw and tasted a hint of cinnamon. I definitely wanted more! Next up, we got to sample about a tablespoon full of delicious dirty rice. For my order I got the three wing special. They were perfectly seasoned with the perfect crunch. I was allowed to swap out the french fries for a serving of red potatoes instead. Mmm... these were soft and delicious. Since I love Fried Green Tomatoes I ordered the thin slice, as you have the option of thick or thin. The tomatoes were just right with the seasoning and corn meal. My mom ordered the fried Whiting fillets. I got to tase a piece and it too was delicious. I would eat there again.

Had 6 wings. Ranch and Bleu sauce on the side. Sauce was terrible. Chicken was good. Hot, seasoned, crispy. I really wanted to try the fried biscuits but door dash was charging $13 for half order. I better just take myself to the store in order that in person. Will try shrimp next time as well.

I’m from Houston and visiting. A friend recommended the Hennessy wings from here. I called in an order for the wings and fried biscuits, and my food was ready for pick-up in about 20-25 minutes. I couldn’t wait and dove in right there! The wings were perfectly crisp, even with the coating, and cooked through beautifully. The Hennessy flavor was subtle yet still full of flavor. The fried biscuits? My god! 🤤🤤 The service was awesome. All around a solid place with great food and service. Highly recommend!

First time visiting this place. Me and my daughter were in the area and when we saw it my daughter said that it was one of the places she had on her bucket list. So we went in and ordered. A couple of the combo dishes weren’t available and we were told that the website had not been updated. The young lady that waited on us was very pleasant and professional. We got our food to go and waited in the car. She brought it out to us and we thanked her. Unfortunately on the way home I wanted to taste it and when I did my heart stopped. It was some of the worst food I had ever had in a long time. It was horrible. I ordered fish and chicken, my daughter ordered shrimp and chicken. You could literally squeeze the oil out of it. There’s no way you could eat it. We paid $46.48 for food we couldn’t eat. Nobody wants to throw money away. So with everything we experienced we will never go back and suggest that others be aware. My daughter wanted to take it back but I told her no let’s just go home. I just didn’t feel like going through any unnecessary hassle. I just took the lost and lesson learned. My daughter wrote a review but I needed to express my disappointment too.

The reason why I gave surfs up a 1star is not that the food taste bad. Anything that I order from Surfs up on 71st on the east side was delicious... really really good food. However the prices are definitely out of order.... can someone tell me how do you charge anyone 25.00 and some change or even 22.00 and some change for a catfish po'boy sandwich and fries.... nothing else comes with it. Other prices where also ridiculous. The salmon burger was Lao priced extremely to high. 2 people should be able to eat well spending 32.00 and some change. This is really disappointing to see these ridiculous price. This will bring other opportunities to other foods places who make great food but prices are fare.

Surf's Up is a Black-Owned restaurant in the South Shore neighborhood. They have a variety of fried and grilled seafood items.

They need to stop playing with people for 5 shrimp 10.00 dollars and 3.00 dollars for Hennessey sauce. Really, we need to do better

I don't know what to say about this location. If you can get to their Atlanta Eastpoint location, then you might be better off.

Great food and service I highly recommend good fish and greens you want be disappointed

I was looking on ubereats on something different to try and Surf's Up showed up and I had heard about the Hennessy sauce. So I had to give them a try. I ordered the Fried Biscuits, Wings with Fries, Lobster and Shrimp and Hennesy sauce. The Fried Biscuits were good. When they arrived they weren't hot which is understandable. The Wings were seasoned good and the fries were good. The Lobster and shrimp were good but the sauce I ordered separate was on the lobster and shrimp. Never got the separate sauce. The sauce is really good especially on fries. I would have preferred the lobster and shrimp without the sauce. Price wise it is average. But be mindful the sauce by itself can be a little expensive. Overall I think they are on to something with the sauce. The food is good I can say that.

I got the triple play - 3 wings, 2 fish of choice, and shrimp. I asked for grilled options and they can grill the catfish and shrimp. Fried breading on perch was too crunchy and flavorless. Same for the fish itself. Seasoning on the grilled catfish was tasty. Shrimp was rubbery. Chicken wings were okay tender, breading was crispy and softer (good), just needs more creative seasoning. I like soggy fries but again....seasoning please... Wait time isn't ideal. I was the first customer at opening and my order took 25-30 min.

My only disappointment was, I did not order a side of greens to go with my Hennessey, wings and dirty rice. The Hennessey sauce was delicious, however, the wings were small.

I purchased the catfish dinner. Website required that I pick a sauce, which I didn't want and they charged for it. The order included 3 pieces of catfish, coleslaw, small dinner roll and two sauces. I also ordered a side of greens, which to my surprise was plenty. The catfish was so small that the three pieces really equal one piece. The roll was small. I will not order from Surf's South Shore again due to the very small portion size.

Absolutely the worst shrimp fish and fries we ever had I can't believe they charged us so much money for this CRAP Think twice before pulling your wallet out for this nasty stuff we give it NEGATIVE STARS

Great food highly recommend you try the fried lobster tail, greens, and fried biscuits!!!

We had just come from the beach and looked up fun places nearby to grab takeout- so glad we found this place! It's not far from South Shore community center at all you could walk there! Everyone was super friendly there- the owner spoke with me and they even gave us free fried biscuits while we were waiting- these were like the best beignets you have ever had. There was also a nice bakery next door- grabbed skillet cookie there for my son. We had tilapia and lobster po boys- both great. The garlic fries are exceptional. And the chicken wings I think are now my favorite in the city. We can't wait to plan our next excursion to South Shore as we look forward to becoming regulars here!

You might consider twice before giving up your money in surf's up. For 3 small wings. 5 rubbery shrimp and a half of a filet catfish cut in two to equal 2 pcs its not worth the $26.00 bucks they charge. The place is clean, the person serving is nice, but the food is horrendous. I purchased an order of catfish nuggets you could literally count the nuggets I got. The fries either the grease is old or the fries are just scraps. I spent almost 40.00 for nothing very unappetizing. The only good thing is they don't substitute Vietnamese (swai) catfish for the real thing! Will nor be spending my hard earned monies there again. This was not Southside it was Oakpark.

Update: Luckily it's not dine in because the service is subpar. Now the food, oh yes the food, salmon burger is top notch, you can smell the freshness, crisp and moist! Don't be confused, the fried biscuits are New Orleans own beignets, delicious!

They just can't get right. Ordered today and they substituted my bread with a wheat roll and substituted bbq sauce for my hot sauce.

I had heard good things but big disappointment. I had catfish poboy. Smelled like old grease. 2 small pieces of fish overcooked. French fries greasy and overcooked. pricing is ridiculous.

Figured I pick up something on the way to the 3rd district Caps meeting and found this spot. It's clean, and when u walk in the aroma makes ya salivate!... I'm hella hungry I guess‍ I asked about the Hennessy shrimp turns out it was fried; not a bad thing but not feeling fried today. And they have so have grilled options so I was like, perfect! Many options! Fishes, shrimp styles, chicken and VEGGIES! It's clean, the service I got was great, Mike was patient with me ( 1st time here) so I didn't know what they had... offered up what they had and alternatives. I only wish I didn't plan to make the meeting on time the wait I felt was.... order placed 6:25, served @ 7:05 order for 1/2 lb shrimp fries and 2 bottles of water. A 40min wait and I couldn't eat cuz as I mentioned I thought I could pick up something to eat b4 the meeting. I'll update after i eat it possibly an hour later. -- I did request a refund but Mike said they are bagging my items and asked if I still wanted the refund but thing I was hungry, he tossed in 1/2 order of sugary goodness I didn't catch the name of them in the pic they are to the left. Warmed up the meal and the shrimp were so flavorful! The wait was too much but I'm gonna try them again when I know I have nothing to do in an hour span so I can wait the 40 and eat it. Food was damn good tho!

Pretty cool spot for South Shore, Chicago. I really enjoy the sweet rolls. Pretty much all I can brag on. I've had the shrimp po boy which was not brag worthy. They do have fake beignets that I enjoy!

So this evening I decided I was in the mood for fried green tomatoes and some Hennessy wings . Since I've had great service from here bf , I was very disappointed tonight . Walked in surfs up bf 5 pm music was blasting and I heard laughter coming from the back I waited 5 mins or so until an Hispanic lady standing behind the counter washing her hands pretending to not see me . I politely said hello no one answered , I had to literally raise my voice ! Finally young black lady comes from the back saying she heard me with an attitude. I placed my order noticed that the prices was not matching with menu she rudely said the menu was wrong . Ok so after placing my order she comes back to the counter and says they are out of tomato's and asked me did I want a refund , I told her no don't go thru that trouble I will choose something else's or a larger order of greens . The young lady rudely said no and mentioned I can order onion rings or grits and shrimp which I'm not a fan of , so I told her to refund the money back to my card . Next problem young lady did not know how to refund back to the card , she calls the owner which basically told her to give me what I asked for . Lesson of the story we need do better with how we treat are brothers and sisters , we can't prosper with rudeness ! To the owner im sure there is customer service classes so that your employees can take or hire people that is going to appreciate a job !

The food was good but don't order the 1/4 shrimp unless you want a snack. It was only 5 shrimp and a few fries. For the price I thought I would get more food. Maybe the menu could have estimated food amounts so the consumer isn't blindsided.

2nd time visiting the south shore gem. The building the occupy has had several businesses that just couldn't get it right. So far so good. I came in around 1pm and ordered the special. Catfish nuggets with fires. Food took around 12-14 minutes. Lobby area was clean and the customer service was good for the most part. If I could request or add anything....let's add the adequate amount of shrimp to the shrimp poboy and y'all decent.

I tried Surf's Up South Shore for the first time thru delivery order after seeing their famous #hennessywings on their IG page. Overall, I found the food to be enjoyable. The six wins in the order were varied in size, some bigger and some smaller. While I would love everything to be same size, I also like that the wings were naturally sized and didn't look like they were pumped with steroids. The sauce was ABSOLUTELY amazing, BUT, it was an extra $7 for the Hennessy sauce and i neither tasted the Henny nor do I think it should have been that much regardless of if I did. The fries were NOT good; I would definitely get another side if I could. They are natural cut fries and those are only good if they are crispy. If I were to go back next time, I would try the seafood, which is what the restaurant is most famous for.

Oddly enuf, most times I get chicken wings, maybe a fish add-on. Went in last week, they were out of wings. So I tried the Shoreboard sandwich (Po'Boy w/whiting fish). I don't want to overstate this- it was a meal. A sandwich that costs $6. A complete meal. Really tasty. I bet 'cha everything on this menu is good. I'll get around to trying it all one day.

I had the Triple Play, it was amazing. The flavor was dynamic and layered, really nice. The Hennessy sauce was a really nice touch on the wings.

I saw that this was a black owned business so I was very excited to try it out. I ordered 6 wings and fries and ordered mild sauce (sauce is separate and a small up charge). I ordered pickup and by the time I arrived at the restaurant my food was ready so that was a plus. When I got home my food was still warm and I dug in. The fries were okay, not as crispy as i like my fries.( I consider myself a fry connoisseur) They gave a roll too, but it was pretty hard and i didn't eat much of it. The chicken was pretty good. It had a nice crisp and good seasoning. I wish it would've had lemon pepper but it was good with out it. Overall the food was decent. If i were to go back i would get a different side

The food is sooooo delicious and when you receive great service like I did from Cliff it is the perfect place to treat yourself‼

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I ordered the shrimp and wings combo-- it was really really good!

Their customer service is VERY poor despite the food and watering tastebuds, I couldn't get past the rude employees & unprofessionalism at this establishment. Sadly... Me & my family walked in, and out.

Fantastic shop in the south shore, and other spots too. I had a fantastic lobster po'boy and a beignets that was as good as anything in New Orleans. Check it out.

I drive pass all the time and Always wanted to try this restaurant, So I decided to see what they were about. The restaurant is clean, and The staff were nice. They gave a few samples of their fried biscuits topped with butter & confectioners sugar to me and a few other customers and they were great. I ordered a 4 wing special dipped in their special Hennessy sauce. With a order of fried Lobster & Shrimp. The chicken was fresh, seasoned well, and cooked perfect. When it comes to the Hennessy sauce, I couldn't really taste the sauce that much on the chicken. You can tell it was dipped in sauce, but It was like it wasn't any sauce on the chicken. The fried Lobster & Shrimp was fresh, cooked perfect and seasoned well. The only thing I didn't like was that the batter was to thick in my opinion. Besides that, this restaurant has good food. So this is a place to go check out. I will be back!!

Admittangtly I thought "Hennessy shrimp or chicken" was a hoax however after experiencing the intense flavor I am hooked. The Hennessy shrimp is literally an amalgam of flavor that is satisfying while simultaneously confusing your taste buds. You can definitely taste the cognac & it's a big & bold flavor. Far from bland food. The lobster is merely decent but when coupled with their special sauce it's quite tasty as well. I ordered the lobster & shrimp combo which came with a side & I chose an upcharge of $1 so I could get the "cheese grits". The grits I really didn't care for however that doesn't mean you shouldn't order them, just not to my liking. While waiting for my order, which took maybe about 15 minutes because everything is made to order, I was given a complimentary order of "fried biscuits" which were an amazing appetizer or pre dinner dessert depending on who you ask. Extremely patient & welcoming staff was the icing on the cake. I will be returning soon.

Probably deserved two stars just on food quality alone but I support all black businesses. So I was hyped to finally order from here. I would drive or walk by and although super small seemed like during the day they would have a DJ playing music and all the workers in a good mood. Finally had some time to order. Got a half pound of the buffalo shrimp,greens,fried biscuits, Hennessy wings, and catfish. Came in when my order was ready and noticed all the workers were eithier on their phone or talking in the back. It was hard to even speak had to keep repeating myself or shouting because they had a DJ playing music. But the workers seem nice and down to earth. They will stare you down though. Anyways, to the food. Went back home opened it up. And was pleasantly surprised on how delicious the food looked. Although I will add how when I opened the greens half of the top was filled with more grease than natural juice. Went to take a bite out of one of the fries and had to immediately spit it out it was DRY lifeless barely warm LIMP and literally tasted like used card board. No wonder they add the fries for free. I hope they change up the type of fries they add to a meal because I've seen other yelp pics with different fries the one I got was DISGUSTING. I'm a French fry type of person it complements a meal. Then the bread roll they add to the meal was also Nasty it was dry barely soft in the inside just yuck. Went to try the greens next before diving heads on into the real food. The greens were decent kind of on the greasy side but still ok. Tried the fried biscuits and it was crispy greasy and sugary but ok. It literally tastes like the funnel cakes you get at the taste of Chicago from the sugar powder and everything else. Now to the actual catfish shrimp and wings. The buffalo shrimp was honestly the best tasting thing out of all I ordered. It was drenched in buffalo sauce wouldn't say it looked presentable as it does it some of these yelp pictures but it tasted really good. The Hennessy wings on the other hand, was a disappointment. The sauce was disgusting and the wing quality was fairly low tasted like old meat they used for wings and just dipped it in sauce. Didn't taste fresh. The catfish BREADING was horrible it tasted like some generic one dollar breading you buy at the dollar tree I couldn't get past that nasty cheap tasting breeding but the catfish itself on the inside was soft and delicious. Overall the food was subpar the buffalo shrimp was the only thing I could see myself coming back for and I pray they switch up the fries.

If I could rate the customer service a 0 I would; it is lacking all the up the food chain. I would recommend that the staff and owner be open to some continuing education in customer relations. Your net-worth is only as good as your network and bad news travels faster than good news. I wish you much success and growth!

Finally made it to Surf's Up! Called my order in and it was ready when I arrived! My fish was fried a lil too hard, but still good. The wings were fried and seasoned to perfection. My fries were a tad bit salty, BUT they were fresh cut, shoestring fries, fried hard, as I requested, and they were freakin delicious!!! I would go back just 4 the fries. There are so many things on the menu I can't wait to try. Guess I'll be back!!! Even if its just 4 fries.

Other than calling in and someone answers "hello" like its their house phone, the food was good! Actually very yummy! Worth the money and was Done on time! Definitely will be back!!

The food here is always good but TODAYYYYY the chef was over the top ! I ordered the catfish po-boy w a side of dirty rice. I called in my order and picked it up. Food was hot and amazing! Perfect sandwich. Fries were sooo good n I never liked those hard fries they used to make. They was outta fried biscuits but I will be back for them!

I walked in and walked right out. If I am required to wear a mask to enter, I would hope that the staff would also. The restaurant does not take Covid seriously, if they did they would make sure their staff would mask up.

My buddy and I played a round of golf at Jackson Park, and since this place was nearby, we decided to give it a try. I had the shrimp po' boy and he had the salmon burger, and both were excellent. We also had the fried biscuits. We'll definitely be back.

The fried bread are awesome. Must always get the lobster po-boy. They are very filling and the portion is huge.

The food here is wonderful. The customer service was spendid. It was a little hard to find at first but it was worth the travel. Prices can be sterp, depending on what your getting. My only issue was they were out of fried shrimp and fried green tomatoes. Best to call order in or order online (if possible).

Last minute decision and i was pleasantly surprised! The catfish was very well seasoned, fried green tomatoes were fresh and everything was piping hot. We'll definitely be back.

I've been here before but I had to come support on the last day of CBRW2020! I wanted henny wings and shrimp but it was a wait for wings so I opted for grilled shrimp and grits and henny shrimp. I was not disappointed! Shrimp fried to perfection and just the right amount of sauce. And the shrimp and grits were on point as usual. I gave it four stars because I waited 45 minutes for the shrimp so I should have gotten the chicken as well and lastly because I didn't receive my fried donuts that were supposed to be free when you ordered from the CBRW menu :(

Fan of seafood and not ... ever .... have I seen the option to order a 1 pound of Alaskan Crab legs, ready in 20 minutes. Have you? Professional and prompt.

Lamenting a former favorite spot! On my way home from work today I decided to order some Surf's Up to my dismay. I ordered my food driving from Matteson, and was told that my order would be ready in 15 minutes, I arrived in about 20 minutes due to traffic. My order was not prepared, in fact I was told they had a delay because they had to thaw the fish. Obviously, I was upset and demanded my money back. I was cursed out by the two owners and told "shit happens" by the owner. I love to patronize my people and have no problem spending my money with us, but noone should tolerate disrespect whatsoever. Order from this restaurant at your own risk!!!

I've been here before and I was disappointed but I wanted to support the goodness behind this business. However, I was disappointed today because my wife and I had to wait 30 minutes for a $14 jr. deal and a fried tilapia meal (my wife told me to reconsider because she knew they would take too long for our simple order). I think 30 minutes is way too long for well priced, home cooked FAST FOOD! Enough Said, You've Been Warned, eblanks

Not worth the wait, I got better chicken wings at JJ. They seem to be able too find every cheap way too open. Basically it's a hole in the wall.

Super service and super food!!! Enough said... Go for the Salmon Burger! Or any of the Hennessy products...

I stopped in Surf's Up on 71st because my sister kept telling me about the food. Let's just say I am looking forward to going back. I had the greens and fried shrimp which were flavorful and plentiful! Thank you for bringing GOOD FOOD to the neighborhood!

It took two hours for delivery because they delayed my order due to it being busy mind you it didn't get busy until 45 minutes after I placed my order I watched 3 Uber drivers wait and leave after waiting damn near 15 minutes and I'm right up the street then when they finally did deliver my food I was extremely disappointed....I literally felt like I wasted my money ordering from here....not sure I'll be eating here again...but who knows maybe they just had a bad day.

I ordered the 1/2 lb fried shrimp with Hennessy sauce w/fries. I also ordered a side of collard greens so good sorry no pic I didn't get a chance to snap a pic once I took a taste I couldn't put them down. The greens made up for the missing lemon wedge I like on my shrimp that's usually included in the meal. Come check them out!