Surf Cantina — Restaurant in Westerly

We absolutely loved the atmosphere at this place! You felt like you were in California seeing all of the surfboards/wave videos on the tv screens. The decor was nice and relaxing with a west coast vibe! We came here on a Sunday craving tacos and didn't realize this place was doing brunch until 3pm with only lobster and egg tacos on the menu. We were amazed with the kids menu as there were many options along with crayons and the wikki stix. They also have a pool table in the other room that's more of a loungy feel! This place also has a huge wrap around bar too! We were greeted right away by the hostess. Our server, Kristin was really really nice and cared a lot. The manager was also awesome and checking in on everyone to make sure everyone was happy and taken care of. We ordered the cantina guacamole and will agree with other reviews that it could be mashed a little more but the chips were nicely salted and thin. I would say it's probably worth paying extra for the additional guac otherwise I wish they offered some salsa with it so you could dip the remaining chips in it once the guac was gone. Our son got the pork tacos (kids menu) with rice and beans which were good and a little sweet (like pulled pork) & we got those because we wanted to try some tacos. He also got the Mac and cheese bites with french fries which were good. I got the Over the Falls dish (Butter poached lobster tacos, scrambled eggs citrus crema, home fries) which was alright. Tacos were easy to eat and not messy could have had more lobster. The home fries were okay more on the sweeter side. My husband got the Mexican Flatbread (Refried black beans, green chile aioli, avocado, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, chihuahua cheese) with steak which was pretty good. I also got a cappuccino which they had illy and it came out better than expected. They also offer bottomless mimosas and Bellinis during brunch for $25 per person which is a nice option! They do offer their sunset hour from 4pm to 6pm on the weekdays which has $2 tacos, $6 nachos or $4.50 for the Mexican flatbread. Also, I think on Wednesdays they offer kids to eat free before 8 maybe? The manager told us but I can't verify on the website. If you come from 3 to 4 on the weekends, you won't be allowed to get anything from their menu besides chips. Then at 4, the regular menu will be available. So definitely make sure you know what you want and go at the right time so you can get the meal you want. The restaurant, service and staff are awesome! We definitely would be back again to try their other menus. They also offer...

Update: 1/23/23 - Husband and I decided to give this place another shot after coming out of a movie at the United. We went on a Sunday at 4:15pm. We were the only people in the restaurant as they had just opened. Our server was the bartender and she was very nice and very efficient. My husband got the fish tacos (which he enjoyed) and I got the shrimp tacos. They were a bit too spicy for me, but the flavor was absolutely fantastic, so it was worth the pain. We both received a side of beans and rice with our order, and while the beans were good, the rice tasted a little undercooked as it was still hard. Not sure if that's because it had just been made, but that was the only issue. I figured this place needed a little time to work out the kinks, and I'm glad we came back. I would absolutely recommend it.

Original Review: 4/22 - 2.5 Stars. I’m gonna give this place a little wiggle room since it’s so new, but our first lunch there was not great. My husband and I came in today (a Saturday) with no reservation (HIGHLY suggest you make one), yet we were seated immediately, so that was nice. The place was packed and the music is VERY loud. The waitress came and took my drink order (hubby was parking the car). He came in and a different waitress came to take his drink order and our food order. She was confused that I already had a sweet tea. There was some miscommunication with who our server was, and it took 15 minutes and me flagging down the original waitress for my husband to finally get his coffee. It took 25 minutes for us to get our food. My husband ordered the Cantina Scramble and said it was good. A little bland, and not the best thing he’s ever had, but ok. I ordered the Over The Falls (which I was SO excited to try as I love lobster) and it was a huge disappointment. The lobster was so dry and chewy and overcooked. I’m not sure if the cook overcooked it, or if it sat under the heat lamp waiting to be brought out too long, but it was not good. Being a restaurant in a coastal New England town, you have GOT to do lobster right, cause we locals know how it’s supposed to taste. That being said, I will come back here. Not on a weekend ever again, but I will come back to try a few other options. Should the food improve, I’ll up my rating, but for now, I’m not...

Wonderful renovations, tasty food, attentive service & overall fun atmosphere. As a long-time supporter & friend of 84 Tavern I certainly had mixed emotions walking into the place last night while also feeling relieved to see life breathing into that end of downtown Westerly. We sat a 2-top near the window & surprisingly enough, the stools were comfortable & offered just the right amount of back-support in addition to having a perfectly placed footrest. I was blown away at the size of the bar - it's ginormous! Decor & music were spot-on highlighting the "surf" vibe. Give the Seafood Guac a try as my GF & I both enjoyed it. For dinner I had the flatbread + carnitas which was colorful & flavorful without being too gooey & messy. Once it cooled off I could eat with my hands but I'm usually a fork & knife kinda gal anyway. The Sun & Sea pasta looked amazing & there was plenty left over for my GF to take home as did I with the flatbread. Our server Travis was kind, knowledgable & attentive. Both of the owners/managers were flying around all night making sure to support their team, shake hands & welcome every guest. The host wished us well on our way out & during the meal she also checked in to see if we needed more water. This might sound silly but it drives me NUTS when I have to keep asking for more water (I drink a lot) but there was never a time when my cup was empty during our experience. Also, hate waiting for your server to come back after giving them your card or cash to pay the bill? Wait no more! You can scan a QR code right from the bill they drop, pay via your phone & be on your way. Smart! My ONLY constructive/negative feedback is with regard to the margarita situation. When I order a margarita I do not expect to receive a small martini; had I have known that, I would've just ordered a beer. The Bikini Line was delicious but if it was served with ice & salt in a margarita glass (like the icon shown on the menu) or even a pint glass, I would certainly order one again. Fingers crossed the Cantina rethinks such a signature cocktail when promoting tacos + tequila. In closing we will 100% be back & I look forward to grabbing a seat at the biggest bar in...