Rob F.
Yelp
My wife and I vacationed in Montauk to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. As Kevin mentioned, we too had heard good things about the Surf Lodge. However, rather than trying it, we were happy to see that the Surfside Inn was located close to where we were staying right on Old Montauk Highway. Although it's not right on the ocean, but across the street, it is a nice setting to have a good meal and spectacular view without the ocean becoming a distraction because of noise.
We did not have reservations, but showed up around 6 pm on a weeknight. Now keep in mind we vacationed in September after Labor Day, so the tourism had slowed.
What we found was the perfect atmosphere to celebrate an anniversary. We were seated right on the front porch and were treated to a spectacular sunset filled with purple and orange sparkles and then the moonlight reflecting off the gently crashing ocean waves. Our waiter was extremely courteous and explained that his father served as a waiter for nearby Gurney's for 50 years!
We had the most amazing salad with raspberry dressing and goat cheese, crab-stuffed shrimp with a delicious creamy butter sauce, and a dessert of fried cheescake (think fried sopapilla stuffed with cheesecake) with ice cream. Yummy!
Admittedly, it's hard to bank on having the same atmosphere every night, but I would heartily recommend Surfside for great food and great views. It's a must for a nice romantic dinner.