From fried catfish to crab legs, wings, and DAYUM, those fried biscuits, our menu is bursting with Deep South flavor passed down through generations. Try one of our crowd-pleasing combos, swing by for Happy Hour, or savor the recipe your grandma always made from scratch.
When folks talk about the best soul food restaurants in Chicago, Surf’s Up is always part of the conversation. Surf’s Up delivers bold, soulful flavor inspired by generations of Southern tradition. From crispy catfish and fresh shrimp to fall-off-the-bone wings and buttery fried biscuits, every dish is cooked with heart and heritage.
At Surf’s Up, we welcome you like family. Our Chicago locations serve more than just great food. They celebrate the traditions and communities that shape who we are. From grabbing takeout to sitting down with a big ol’ plate of Po’ Boys and hush puppies, every plate is made with care, flavor, and a whole lot of soul.
Each franchise is independently owned and rooted in love, pride, and serious Southern flavor.
Stop by, grab a plate, and experience the flavor and the feeling of home.
Every dish at Surf’s Up has a story. Our recipes come from kitchens where cast-iron skillets stayed on the stove, where seafood boils brought the whole block together, and where biscuits were brushed with butter until they melted in your mouth. These are flavors carried from one generation to the next, refined over Sunday dinners and family reunions, then brought here to Chicago with the same love and pride.
The fish and chicken was fried just right, and just how I like it!! It was flavorful and their breading didn’t fall off. the fries were cut just right, and homemade as well!!! I definitely recommend everyone to go here because they are very good and have good service 😊❤️❤️❤️
I’m from Houston and visiting. A friend recommended the Hennessy wings from here. I called in an order for the wings and fried biscuits, and my food was ready for pick-up in about 20-25 minutes. I couldn’t wait and dove in right there! The wings were perfectly crisp, even with the coating, and cooked through beautifully. The Hennessy flavor was subtle yet still full of flavor. The fried biscuits? My god! 🤤🤤 The service was awesome. All around a solid place with great food and service. Highly recommend!
The moment I walked in the restaurant it was extremely clean. The owner was very friendly he explained his menu and how everything is freshly made. He even gave me some beignets to try while my food was being freshly cooked. the Hennessy chicken was juicy and fried just right, the cheesy grit was cook perfect and I’ll definitely return. The area looked safe and well lit so no worries.
The staff was extremely helpful and explained every item I inquired about. I tried the fried lobster and it was so good. This was my 1st visit there and was pleasantly taken care of and the food was absolutely delectable.
Just hit up Surf’a Up South Shore and let me tell you, the food is straight fire! Fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s worth every dime. And don’t even get me started on those fried biscuits – they’re a taste sensation you don’t want to miss. If you’re looking for a vibe-filled dining experience, this spot is where it’s at!
Food was made to order, fresh, delicious and flavorful. The customer service was great. We were give a sample of greens and the fried biscuits which were both delicious.
Wings were so good and the fried greens tomatoes are a winner.
Loved the shrimp poor boy as well.
Oh and the lemonade was so good.
Glad I saw am Instagram post about them. It was definitely worth the wait.
Will definitely stop again.
The food and environment were awesome! I got the chicken and catfish combo and it was super tasty, fresh, and the portions were big. Also, the lady working at the front offered me a side of greens and a fried biscuit while I waited, which were also delicious!
EVERYTHING WAS SO DELICIOUS!! They have MASTERED the art of frying up some food in there! I bit into the fried green tomatoes and they were hands down the best I ever had. The whole meal made me feel like I was transported to the South with that good ol’ tasty soul food! Thank you all so much for blessing this neighborhood with your tasty and QUALITY food!! 🙏🏾😋😋 I highly recommend! 5 stars! 🙂
The food is fresh, the service is great, the people are always kind. Fried green tomatoes and biscuits are soooooooo good. Greens are good too. Pretty much everything on the menu tastes good. Love this place
They make sure to call you when your foods ready; which I thought was nice. I usually get the triple play but I recently tried the shrimp tacos (grilled shrimp) and I loved them. It was so fulfilling and delicious. Also, the biscuits are soooooooo good! UGH, I catch myself thinking about them frequently. The quality and seasoning consistency is amazing across establishments.