Local guide
Surf City food & drink guide
Where we send guests to eat and drink in Surf City, from easy beach lunches to evening spots.
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Sweet Alicious Surf City
Over-the-top mason jar milkshakes, scoops and candy at a colorful sweet shop on NC 50 on the Surf City mainland.
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Celtic Creamery Surf City
Small-batch ice cream churned in the shop from Irish family recipes, plus brownie sundaes and fresh mini donuts in Surf City.
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Starbucks — Surf City Hwy 210 & Hwy 50
A standalone Starbucks with a drive-through at NC 210 and NC 50 on the Surf City mainland, open early and into the evening.
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Daybreak Donuts
Cake donuts fried to order and served warm in Surf City; pick a glaze and topping or try the Sandy Shore.
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Sundial Coffee & Tea
Mainland Surf City coffee shop for the signature Sundial latte, an in-house bakery, plenty of seating and a pickup window.
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Diver Surfside Cafe
A waterfront Surf City cafe by the bridge for açaí bowls, smoothies, avocado toast and Counter Culture coffee with a view.
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Sea Blue Coffee & Ice Cream
Super-premium ice cream, dairy-free scoops and nitro cold brew a short walk from the central Surf City beach accesses.
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The Daily Grind
Espresso, smoothies and croissant breakfast sandwiches by morning, hand-scooped ice cream later, with a big deck in central Surf City.
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Surf City Coffee
A tiny owner-run coffee shop near the Surf City pier, full of local art, with frozen mochas, smoothies and a warm welcome.
- The Patio at the Surf Breakfast with Filipino, Korean and Mexican twists, evening tapas and a dog-friendly patio in mainland Surf City.
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unWINEd
unWINEd is a relaxed Surf City stop that can move from coffee to wine, beer, music, and an easy drink with a view. It is a strong choice for adults who want a laid-back break without leaving the beach-week rhythm.
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Sugar Island Bakery
Giant cookies, jam bars and island-roasted coffee in a rambling Surf City shop of books, antiques and gifts, open Wednesday to Saturday.
Staying nearby? See our Surf City vacation rentals, all managed by our local team.