“My husband and I have been here multiple times over the last 5 years and tonight was so disappointing. The steak was the dryest piece of meat you could have imagined and the remaining entrees our table ordered were extremely underwhelming for the price. The "rack" of elk was two extremely small pieces for an astronomical price. A $400 meal that was overwhelmingly disappointing and was not a culinary experience as we've had in the past. Save your money and go elsewhere.“
“Got there at 6pm and there was a wait. Staffing shortages. Everywhere I guess. Either way, got seated in about 30 minutes. The waitress looked tired as there were only two on staff. Didn’t matter as she took our order brought us drinks and kept a good check on us. Food came, hot and delicious. My steak was cooked perfectly and the wife’s seafood Alfredo was spot on. Staffing issues or not, we’ll come back. Just check before you go so you’re not surprised by the wait. They do the best they can.“
“Besides the exceptional lobster Mac and cheese and lobster grilled cheese, the service was exceptional starting with the owner. First he started by taking our order at the cash register and then he found the time to wonder the tables checking in on the customers. What really stood out for me though was the owners appreciation of his staff. I heard him on a couple occasions thank the waitresses and tell them they were doing a great job. While obviously I want good food, this is what makes the place special!!“
“We are on vacation and this was a dinner we had on our must try list. We ordered online and it was ready when we arrived. The staff member was very kind and informative, letting us know each step to get this good stuff steamed up. They also provide printed instructions. I’m not sure which bucket we ordered, but it had shrimp, clams, crab, potatoes, sausage, kielbasa, onions, and scallops. It was more than we could finish at one sitting, but we look forward to finishing off the leftover shrimp and potatoes! I love that we get to keep the bucket and we plan on ordering for home delivery in a couple of months. It was so good! And fun!“
“We have been coming to Topsoil for years and this is the one of two reliably good places to eat on the island, in my opinion. We've never been disappointed and always leave full.Ironically, never had their oysters, but their shrimp is delicious and we always, *always*, get the fries for the app.Dietary restrictions: Great with allergens to ensure no cross contamination on the menu. We've never requested modifications, though.Parking: Parking can be difficult during on season, but never any problems off season. Be careful where you park, because some spaces are reserved for specific businesses.“
“Love the food and service. The sushi is great, lots of hot items to choose from as well. Service is courteous and fast. We go every time we're on the island. To go orders have always been spot on. It just looks a little run down and intimidating from the exterior. If you can get past that, it's well worth the trip.“
“Easily my new favorite place in NC, or maybe anywhere. They grow and harvest all of their oysters. And wow are they magnificent. On top of that, they serve good wine + beer and chef driven food like tuna tataki, crudo, a fantastic shrimp roll, and a bougie hot dog with caviar!!I can't wait to come back next week. This a gem of this area!“
“Highly recommend. Went with a group of 10 including 5 children. Nothing bad to say (well, maybe paid parking but oh well). Great food, attentive and caring servers, great ocean view. It’s a popular place as we had a short wait…the sign of a solid restaurant.Parking: There are maybe 4-5 free parking spots but it’s a busy place so expect to pay for parking in nearby lots unless you go after 6pm (then parking is free).“
“Have been wanting to try this place for a little while! It has been closed for the winter season and just opened up recently. I came for an early dinner on Sunday after a beach day. Parking was a little tricky but was able to just watch my car from a paid parking spot while we ordered take out. We were able to walk right up to the take out window and order. The menu was posted outside and had many protein options and lots of options to go on top. I ordered the spicy tuna with lots of veggies, rice and kale base. Everything tasted very fresh! Bowl was pretty filling for $15. Great flavor! I would definitely come back!“
“We were driving through trying to find food after 9pm. We stopped here on a Monday night at 9:20 & the bartender was super sweet-Linda is her name!! I got the chicken salad sandwich, husband & uncle got the steak & cheese sub, and my aunt the hamburger. GIRL. BANGINGGGGGG FOOD!!!!! 10/10/10/10. burger was juicyyyyyyy. Steak & cheese was chunks of steak, not like a thin steakum (we actually ended up taking 2 more to go they were so good). Chicken salad sandwich was actual chunks of chicken & not some weird paste.“
“Loved this restaurant, they made us feel like family and the food was always excellent! Ate there at least once a week over the past 5 months! We travel a lot so we know our food! Hope to one day cross their path again so we can enjoy another delicious meal! Definitely going to miss them. ❤️Kid-friendliness: family friendly and great kids menu.“
“Oh. My. GOODNESS! This place was SO GOOD!! The food *Mouth Watering!!* The service *Debbie was Super Sweet!!* We started with Mahi bites ? and then had the grilled Mahi with crab cakes with cheese grits, Yummers! And last and BEST of all was the Key Lime Pie!! You HAVE TO save room for this!!! We WILL be going back at least one more time this trip!! Highly recommend!!!“
Seafood • $$
“There were 6 of us a week ago for dinner. We were able to dine in their new dining room. We all had something different & were so pleased with the food. Our waitress Addison was gracious , conscientious, & funny.Parking: Ample parking with a lovely setting too.“
“I had a great experience, I ordered steak and eggs and it was delicious. My server was Kaylee and she was very nice and on top of things even while slammed. I will request her section next time. I really like the teamwork. There wasn't one person that walked by my table that didn't look to see if I needed anything. Great experience and will be back.“
“Love the food at Cowfin. Everything we have ever eaten there has been great. My husband especially loves the peanut butter and bacon burger. And the service is usually great. However, I am not happy we were charged $2 for a split plate. I ordered the Nachos and he ordered the burger. They brought them separately so I ate and he had some. Then they brought his burger cut in two (and squished flat). Didn't think anything about it until I looked at the receipt this morning. Maybe servers should ask if people are sharing and not assume. Also, this is not documented on the menu!“
“Took my 97 year old father-in-law on Wednesday around 4. We both got the shrimp basket and it was more than either of us could finish. Very reasonable, the staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Great view of the marsh and lots of birds to watch while you eat.“
“At this popular local favorite is best food you'll find on the island or anywhere in Surf City for over 21 years. B-211 is a scratch kitchen with each order prepared by the chef who created the menu. Executive Chef David and Chef Dora are amazing craftsman who will personally guarantee your satisfaction! Drop by the full bar for a specialty cocktail, your favorite local brew, or a glass of fine wine while you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset over the ICWW from the second story dining room!!!“
“Amazing service and food was phenomenal, I’m not sure why previous reviews were bad and it made me nervous, but this place is so amazing. It is a little pricey, but their seafood is so fresh! An amazing experience all together! Sara was an amazing server and she made sure everything was perfect but wasn’t overbearing, we loved her!“
“This is the spot if you want to have a really good burger, I got the ranch chips with mine they were seasoned and cooked perfect! The atmosphere is very laid back and friendly. “H” took care of us she was arguably the best waitress we’ve ever had. Even though it was jam packed she made sure to keep our drinks filled and continued checking on us making sure we were satisfied.“
“Whether I'm here by the pier, spending the weekend at one of the many rentals, or of course eating at Buddy's it's always a great time, this place is an epicenter of what ENC has to offer, you won't be disappointed, unless you have a shellfish allergy or don't like sand......why did you come here if you don't like sand...? Anyway.....100% recommend it as a permanent stop when in the area.“
“The seafood shack is next to the seafood market, where the fresh fish is sourced. And there’s fish delivered to the dock off the market. The clam chowder (really good) is white but not too thick. And you can order local fish (broiled is our preferred) in your choice of taco, sandwich, bowl or platter. The platter comes with rice and beans, which are good but I’d rather save room for the seafood. Our son is vegetarian and they made a veggie bowl (rice, beans, slaw, avocado) for him. Wish they have some seating. We ate in the car but the food made up for it.“