Sweet Island

Sweet Island is a casual ice cream and burger stop on Roland Avenue in Surf City, in the space that used to be Beach Bunny Subs & Grill. Big hand-dipped scoops, milkshakes and made-to-order burgers make it an easy answer after a long beach day, and it stays open late in season.

• Surf City
• Ice cream & burgers
• Family friendly
• Open late in season

What stands out

Expect generous scoops; ask for one and it arrives big. Milkshakes and soft serve are popular, and the burgers and hot dogs make it work as a casual dinner too. The fruit smoothies and coffee drinks get weaker marks than the ice cream, so this is a place to order dessert.

What to order

• Hand-dipped ice creamOne or two big scoops in a cup, cake cone or waffle cone.
• A milkshakeFlavors like brownie batter, cookies and cream and cotton candy.
• Brownie sundae or banana splitThe featured sundaes.
• Flavor Burst soft serveSoft serve swirled with flavors like cotton candy, a quick pick for little ones.
• A made-to-order burgerWith fries; ambitious eaters can ask about the Surf City Burger Challenge.

Photo: Sweet Island

The setting

Beachy and bright, with a neon sign, a pink flamingo, indoor seating, outdoor tables and a corner of T-shirts and beach gear.

Before you go

• Order burgers ahead online for pickup, or use DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats.
• Posted hours differ between its site and other listings; its website shows today’s hours.
• Beach Bunny, farther down Roland Avenue, is a separate business.

Plan your visit

• Where: 306 Roland Avenue, Surf City, NC 28445
• Hours: Hours change with the season. Check with the business before you go.
• Menu & updates: sweetislandti.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.