The Surf — Restaurant in New Shoreham

This was our first time in Block Island so we were trying out most of the restaurants. The Surf crossed our radar because of its boho atmosphere and variety of foods.

Pros: I will start off reviewing the food as that was the highlight of our visit there. I had the salmon BLT which was delicious, salmon as cooked perfected and the ciabatta bread was fresh. My partner had the ahi tuna poke bowl which was also fresh, very light on the ahi tuna, but good enough to hold her over for lunch.

Cons: The service was terrible. First day we went here, we were guided to our table by the host who was pleasant, she told us that when we were ready to order, to order with the bar which as fine. When I went to order, the bartenders looked completed unhappy to be there, inattentive, and unappreciative for the tip that I gave for the poor service. I don’t expect a thank you, but anything would’ve been better than the stone cold face and half eye contact I got, felt like they couldn’t be bothered. Another thing, the bussers for both times of our visit, all four of them were standing near the bar talking to each other not being attentive to any of the tables nor offering menus or anything. As a fellow restaurant service employee, I understand when times are slow, however they need to be somewhere other than hanging out in front of the people dining. Now, our second visit was even less pleasant. We arrived at The Surf at 10:30am, their breakfast service ends at 11am. We walked in as there was no host, so we went and sat in the back by the bar. The bussers were congregating by the bar, I had to ask them for menus and I asked them how I can order as there is no bartender. The boy said, oh she should be back soon, so we waited 10 minutes until she arrived. Just for her to inform us that if we want breakfast we are to order from the inside bar. We walked and sat at the bar and asked for menus and were informed that they are no longer serving breakfast at 10:50am. This wouldn’t have been a problem, however that’s the only reason we sat to eat there.

I understand that they may have first time employees and younger staff. But the lack of management to keep their employees on task was very apparent and for the price you pay for their food, I would...

I typically enjoy the surf at the block island house, but this year I didn’t have the same feeling. I love the view you get and the chill environment, but they didn’t even have the seat cushions out? It did storm earlier in the day, but we were there around 630 and the storm was long gone and the sun was shining. The lower bar wasn’t open, which I assume is due to being so early in the season. I don’t mind ordering at the bar and it being brought to the table, I understand that everyone is short staffed at the moment. The reason I am giving a 4 star is because I don’t feel the staff cares. I said thank you when ordering my food at the bar and the bartender didn’t even smile or say your welcome- that’s customer service 101. Secondly, as one of the food runners passed the table I asked for a Togo container, they said no problem and then never came back with it. I had to go back up to the bar and ask. It wasn’t busy so that couldn’t be the reason why. We will go back again, because we genuinely like the place, I just hope next time the service is a little more friendly and the charm of this place is...

I was disappointed. I went to this place thinking it was going to be really good by what it had on its menu. Very nice young man sat us but told us we had to go to the bar to order (which is totally ok especially seeing how everywhere is lacking staff right now.) Went to the bar and the person who took our order didn’t seem very happy to be there. I ordered a grill cheese but asked if I could get fries instead of the potato salad because I am allergic to eggs. Was told no but I could get coleslaw instead. (Coleslaw also has eggs because it’s made with mayo). Said it’s ok I’ll just have my husband eat the potato salad. Still don’t understand why I couldn’t substitute it for something that is usually cheaper than what they were offering. I mean the kids meal had it. Anyways I ordered a drink called the kook. It was 13 dollars not filled all the way up and in a small cup. I understand I’m on an island but this is a little extreme. I won’t be back to this restaurant next time. I wish them luck during this crazy time though.

(Picture of drink only had two sips...