When it comes to savoring authentic barbecue flavors, few places capture the essence of smoky, slow-cooked perfection quite like Surf City Barbeque. Nestled in the heart of a vibrant coastal community, this eatery has earned a reputation for blending traditional techniques with a modern twist that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.
Every bite at Surf City Barbeque tells a story of passion, patience, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Whether you’re a fan of tender ribs, juicy pulled pork, or flavorful brisket, their menu offers an impressive array of options designed to satisfy every craving.
The atmosphere at Surf City Barbeque complements its culinary offerings perfectly, providing a relaxed, welcoming setting where the aroma of hickory and mesquite wood fills the air. The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight the best seasonal ingredients, house-made sauces, and expertly smoked meats.
For those seeking variety, the selection extends beyond traditional barbeque plates, incorporating fresh sides, inventive sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly choices that showcase the versatility of the cuisine.
Whether dining in or ordering to-go, the Surf City Barbeque menu promises a memorable experience that celebrates the rich heritage of American barbecue.
Signature Smoked Meats
The heart of Surf City Barbeque lies in its expertly smoked meats. Each cut is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the natural flavors to develop fully while absorbing the subtle hints of smoke from premium hardwoods.
This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every dish, making smoked meats the star attraction of the menu.
At Surf City, the smoking process is an art form. The pitmasters carefully monitor temperature and smoke levels to ensure consistency and tenderness.
The meat is seasoned with a proprietary dry rub that enhances rather than overpowers, creating layers of flavor that delight the palate. Popular meat selections include brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked chicken, each prepared with unique care and attention.
Brisket
The brisket is a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts. It arrives sliced thick, with a perfect smoke ring and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The fat is rendered beautifully, providing richness without greasiness. Served with a side of tangy house-made sauce, it represents the pinnacle of smoked meat expertise.
Brisket at Surf City is smoked for up to 14 hours, ensuring that every bite is infused with deep, smoky flavor. The balance between the savory rub and the natural beefiness creates a harmonious taste that keeps guests coming back.
“Our brisket is our pride and joy—we slow smoke it with patience and passion, so every slice tells a story of tradition and flavor.” – Head Pitmaster
Ribs
Surf City’s ribs are another highlight, known for their tender meat that easily falls off the bone. The restaurant offers both baby back and St.
Louis-style ribs, each coated with a dry rub and smoked until juicy and succulent. The ribs are finished with a glaze of sweet and smoky barbecue sauce that complements the natural flavors perfectly.
- Baby Back Ribs: Leaner, with a delicate smoke flavor
- St. Louis-Style Ribs: Meatier with a robust, smoky crust
- Glazed with a house-made sauce featuring molasses and chipotle
The ribs are often paired with traditional sides like baked beans or creamy coleslaw, making for a classic Southern barbecue experience.
Comparing Smoked Meats
| Meat | Smoking Time | Flavor Profile | Recommended Sauce |
| Brisket | 12-14 hours | Rich, smoky, tender | Tangy tomato-based |
| Pulled Pork | 10-12 hours | Sweet, smoky, juicy | Vinegar-based mustard sauce |
| Baby Back Ribs | 5-6 hours | Delicate, mild smoke | Sweet and smoky glaze |
| St. Louis Ribs | 6-7 hours | Meaty, robust smoke | Spicy molasses sauce |
Classic Barbecue Sandwiches
Surf City Barbeque’s sandwiches offer a perfect marriage of smoky meats, fresh bread, and flavorful accompaniments. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, the sandwich menu delivers hearty options that are both convenient and delicious.
Each sandwich is crafted from scratch, using freshly baked buns and high-quality ingredients. The meats are piled generously, ensuring every bite is packed with bold barbecue flavor.
Toppings range from crisp pickles and onions to creamy slaw, providing textural contrast and balancing richness.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
The pulled pork sandwich is a crowd favorite, featuring tender, slow-smoked pork shoulder hand-pulled and dressed with a zesty vinegar-based sauce. The sandwich is topped with crunchy coleslaw, adding a light, refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat.
This sandwich exemplifies the traditional Carolina style, where vinegar and mustard-based sauces are integral to balancing smoky sweetness. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying and well-rounded choice.
Brisket Sandwich
For those who prefer beef, the brisket sandwich is a standout. Slices of juicy brisket are layered on a toasted bun with a smear of barbecue sauce and a hint of pickled red onions.
The acidity from the pickles brightens the deep, smoky flavors of the meat.
- Toasted brioche bun for added richness
- House-made pickled onions
- Optional melted cheddar cheese
The brisket sandwich is ideal for diners who appreciate a balance between smoky and tangy elements.
Vegetarian BBQ Sandwich
Recognizing diverse tastes, Surf City Barbeque also offers a vegetarian option featuring grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in a smoky barbecue sauce. Paired with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a creamy chipotle aioli, this sandwich provides a hearty, satisfying alternative.
This option showcases the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity without sacrificing flavor or quality, appealing to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Delectable Side Dishes
Complementing the main courses, the side dishes at Surf City Barbeque are thoughtfully prepared to enhance the overall dining experience. Each side is made fresh daily, offering a variety of textures and flavors that balance the smoky richness of the meats.
The menu features traditional Southern sides alongside creative options, making it easy to customize your meal. Whether you prefer classic comfort foods or lighter, vegetable-forward dishes, the sides are designed to elevate every plate.
Classic Sides
Signature sides include creamy coleslaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese. These staples are made using time-honored recipes that emphasize comfort and indulgence.
The coleslaw is tangy and crisp, baked beans are slow-cooked with smoky bacon, and the mac and cheese is rich with sharp cheddar and a golden breadcrumb topping.
- Coleslaw: Fresh cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing
- Baked Beans: Slow-cooked with molasses and smoked bacon
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy cheddar sauce with a crunchy crust
Fresh and Healthy Options
For lighter sides, Surf City offers a seasonal garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a house vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, are also available, seasoned simply to highlight their natural sweetness.
These options provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich barbecue meats, appealing to health-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Side Dish Comparison
| Side | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With | Dietary Notes |
| Coleslaw | Tangy, crisp | Pulled pork sandwich | Gluten-free |
| Baked Beans | Sweet, smoky | Ribs | Contains pork |
| Mac and Cheese | Rich, creamy | Brisket | Vegetarian |
| Garden Salad | Fresh, light | Any meat dish | Vegan, gluten-free |
Appetizers and Starters
To kick off the meal, the appetizer selection at Surf City Barbeque is designed to whet the appetite with bold flavors and satisfying textures. These starters are ideal for sharing or enjoying solo as a light snack.
Each appetizer is crafted using fresh, quality ingredients and prepared with the same attention to detail as the main dishes. Popular choices range from crispy fried pickles to smoky barbecue nachos, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Fried Pickles
The fried pickles are a beloved starter, featuring hand-battered dill pickle slices fried to golden perfection. Served with a cool ranch dipping sauce, they offer a delightful contrast of tangy, salty, and creamy flavors.
This appetizer strikes a perfect balance between crispiness and juiciness, making it an excellent introduction to the meal.
Barbecue Nachos
For a heartier option, barbecue nachos layer tortilla chips with pulled pork, melted cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro and diced onions, these nachos provide a smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavor explosion.
- House-smoked pulled pork
- Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses
- Fresh jalapeños and diced red onions
They are perfect for sharing with friends or as a standalone treat for barbecue lovers.
Smoked Wings
Smoked wings are another favorite, slow-cooked over hardwood and finished with a choice of sauces ranging from sweet and sticky to spicy and tangy. The smoking process infuses the wings with a deep flavor that sets them apart from typical fried varieties.
“Our smoked wings are a perfect blend of tender meat and bold sauce, capturing the essence of barbecue in every bite.” – Sous Chef
Desserts to Savor
After indulging in savory barbecue delights, Surf City’s dessert menu offers a sweet conclusion that complements the smoky flavors of the meal. Each dessert is thoughtfully crafted to provide a satisfying finish without overwhelming the palate.
From classic Southern favorites to inventive treats, the desserts are made in-house daily, ensuring freshness and quality. They strike a balance between traditional comfort and modern decadence.
Pecan Pie
The pecan pie is a classic choice, featuring a flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey mixture of pecans, brown sugar, and butter. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it delivers a perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and creamy textures.
This dessert embodies the Southern heritage that inspires much of the Surf City Barbeque menu.
Chocolate Bourbon Cake
For chocolate lovers, the chocolate bourbon cake is a standout. Moist and dense, it’s infused with a subtle bourbon flavor and topped with a smooth ganache.
The richness is balanced by a hint of smoky warmth, echoing the barbecue theme.
- Made with high-quality dark chocolate
- Light bourbon glaze
- Paired with whipped cream or ice cream
Fruit Cobbler
The seasonal fruit cobbler changes based on availability but usually features fresh berries or stone fruits baked under a golden biscuit topping. It’s served warm with a dollop of whipped cream and offers a lighter, fruit-forward option for dessert.
Beverage Selections
The beverage menu at Surf City Barbeque is carefully curated to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the food. From craft beers and fine wines to hand-crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic options, there’s something to enhance every dining experience.
Each drink is selected or created with an understanding of how it pairs with barbecue, whether through contrast, balance, or complementing flavor notes. This thoughtful approach elevates the overall meal.
Craft Beers
Surf City offers a rotating selection of local and regional craft beers. These include hoppy IPAs, smooth amber ales, and light lagers, each chosen to highlight or contrast with the smoky meats.
Beers with citrus or pine notes are particularly popular as they help cut through the richness of the barbecue, cleansing the palate between bites.
Wines
For wine enthusiasts, the menu features both reds and whites with a focus on approachable, food-friendly options. Zinfandel and Syrah are favored red choices for their bold fruit and spice flavors, while crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays provide refreshing acidity.
- Zinfandel: Pairs well with ribs and brisket
- Sauvignon Blanc: Ideal with chicken and salads
- Rosé: Versatile choice for all dishes
Signature Cocktails
The cocktail list features creative drinks inspired by Southern flavors and barbecue culture. Highlights include a smoky mezcal margarita, a bourbon-spiked peach iced tea, and a refreshing mint julep.
Each cocktail is handcrafted with fresh ingredients and a balance of sweet, sour, and smoky notes.
“Our cocktails are designed to reflect the spirit of the South – bold, refreshing, and full of character.” – Bar Manager
Family and Catering Options
Surf City Barbeque understands the importance of sharing great food with family and friends. That’s why they offer family-style platters and catering services tailored for events of all sizes.
These options make it easy to enjoy their signature barbecue in a group setting.
Whether hosting a casual backyard party, corporate event, or special celebration, the catering menu provides a convenient way to impress guests with authentic barbecue flavors without the hassle of cooking.
Family Platters
Family platters include generous servings of smoked meats, sides, and breads, designed to feed groups of four or more. These platters are customizable, allowing diners to mix and match favorites to suit their tastes.
- Choice of brisket, pulled pork, ribs, or chicken
- Two to three side dishes included
- Freshly baked buns and sauces on the side
Catering Services
The catering team at Surf City Barbeque works closely with clients to plan menus that fit any occasion and budget. They provide on-site service options or drop-off deliveries, ensuring food arrives hot and ready to enjoy.
Special requests, such as vegetarian options or themed menus, are accommodated to make every event unique and memorable.
| Service Type | Includes | Best For | Price Range |
| Family Platters | Meats, sides, buns, sauces | Small gatherings, family meals | $$ |
| Catering Delivery | Full meal with setup options | Corporate events, parties | $$$ |
| On-site Catering | Staffed service, equipment | Weddings, large events | $$$$ |
“Our goal is to make every event deliciously effortless, letting guests focus on the celebration while we handle the barbecue.” – Catering Manager
Conclusion
Surf City Barbeque’s menu reflects a deep respect for tradition paired with a willingness to innovate, creating a barbecue experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes and occasions. From the expertly smoked meats to the carefully crafted sides and beverages, every element is designed to deliver satisfaction and delight.
Whether savoring a brisket sandwich, indulging in creamy mac and cheese, or enjoying a smoky cocktail, diners are treated to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that celebrate the essence of Southern barbecue.
Beyond the food, Surf City Barbeque’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer experience shines through in every aspect of the menu. The thoughtful inclusion of vegetarian options, family platters, and catering services ensures that everyone can enjoy their offerings, no matter the setting.
For anyone seeking a memorable barbecue meal that honors time-tested techniques while embracing fresh, bold flavors, Surf City Barbeque stands out as a destination well worth exploring.
