The Daily Grind

The Daily Grind on North Topsail Drive is two shops in one: a full espresso and smoothie bar in the morning and a hand-scooped ice cream counter later in the day. With a big deck out front, it’s one of the easiest places in central Surf City to sit down with something cold.

• Surf City
• Coffee & ice cream
• Breakfast sandwiches
• Deck seating

What stands out

Friendly, quick service is the most common praise, often compared favorably with chain coffee. The croissant breakfast sandwich draws the steadiest praise among the food, and the ice cream counter is worth a stop on its own; kids tend to pick the brightly colored flavors. A few visitors found some pastries, like the cinnamon rolls, on the dry side, so lean toward the sandwiches and drinks.

What to order

• Croissant breakfast sandwichEgg, cheese and bacon on a toasted croissant, served until 11:30am.
• Carolina Coconut latteChocolate, coconut and vanilla, and it can be made sugar-free.
• Cold brewSteeped for 24 hours; add cold foam if you like it creamy.
• Surf City Sunrise smoothieOrange, mango, pineapple and strawberry.
• A cone or an affogatoHand-scooped ice cream in a waffle, cake or sugar cone, or a scoop drowned in espresso.
• Pup cupOn the ice cream menu, for the dog waiting on the deck.

Photos: The Daily Grind

The setting

Bright and beachy inside, with Surf City apparel, mugs and books by local authors for sale, and a large deck with outdoor seating. It’s a block from the beach on the main road into town, so it fits a morning coffee run or an after-dinner cone.

Before you go

• Customer parking on site is free; the street spaces out front and the lot behind the building are paid.
• Order ahead online for in-store pickup.
• Many of the specialty flavors come sugar-free, and there’s a gluten-free bagel option.

Plan your visit

• Where: 114 N. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Hours change with the season. Check with the business before you go.
• Menu & updates: dailygrindsurfcity.com
• More nearby: coffee shops near Surf City · ice cream and frozen treats near Surf City

Staying nearby? Browse our Surf City vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on the business’s own website, menu and social posts and on recurring themes in public guest reviews; checked October 2026. Menus, hours and prices change, so confirm with the business before you go.