Island Delights

Island Delights is a 1950s-themed diner on New River Drive with a jukebox, Elvis and Marilyn on the walls, and a full ice cream bar. Some families have been coming for generations for a burger, onion rings and a hand-dipped cone in one stop.

• Surf City
• 1950s diner
• Burgers & ice cream
• Family tradition

What stands out

The burgers and onion rings get the strongest praise, with the delight-style cheeseburger and Paul’s relish from Rocky Point both named. The ice cream side covers hand-dipped flavors, soft serve, shakes and sundaes; banana pudding and key lime are favorites. A few recent visitors felt the bill ran high for diner food.

What to order

• A cheeseburger, delight styleHand-pattied and cooked to order, with Paul’s relish.
• Onion ringsThe side visitors single out.
• Hot Fudge Brownie DelightThe house sundae.
• A malt or milkshakeMade with real ice cream.
• Banana pudding ice creamA favorite flavor in the hand-dipped case.
• BBQ pork sandwichPulled pork the menu calls a local favorite.

Photos: Island Delights

The setting

Booths, oldies on the jukebox, a fortune-telling machine and 1950s memorabilia. It’s a small place, so expect a short wait at busy dinner times.

Before you go

• The grill closes an hour before the ice cream counter.
• Carryout is available, and soft serve is a summer offering.
• It has been closed on Tuesdays during the summer schedule; check off-season hours.

Plan your visit

• Where: 316 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Hours change with the season. Check with the business before you go.
• Menu & updates: islanddelightssurfcity.com
• More nearby: 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.