Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille:
Oceanfront Dining in Surf City, NC
For visitors to Topsail Island, few dining spots capture the coastal spirit quite like Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille. Located directly on the oceanfront at 108 North Shore Drive in Surf City, this family-owned restaurant blends fresh, locally inspired food with panoramic Atlantic views. It has become a staple for both locals and travelers looking to enjoy authentic island dining with a front-row seat to the beach.
A Menu Inspired by the Coast
The menu at Daddy Mac’s is designed to highlight the flavors of the Carolina coast. Seafood is the star here, but the kitchen also serves hand-cut steaks, sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Some of the most popular menu items include:
- Maryland-Style and Louisiana-Style Crab Cakes – a signature dish, praised for their flavor and generous portions.
- Fried Seafood Platter – a customer favorite featuring a variety of crispy fried shrimp, oysters, and fish.
- Lobster Bites – tender, lightly fried pieces of lobster tail, often ordered as a starter.
- Calamari – golden fried with house dipping sauces, perfect for sharing.
- Mahi-Mahi Sandwich – grilled or blackened, topped with fresh fixings and served with fries or chips.
- Ribeye Steak – hand-cut and cooked to order, popular with guests who prefer turf over surf.
- Shrimp & Grits – a Southern-inspired classic with a Topsail Island twist.
For those with dietary preferences, Daddy Mac’s also offers vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free dishes, ensuring that every guest can enjoy a satisfying meal.
Sunday Brunch by the Sea
Sunday brunch at Daddy Mac’s has developed a loyal following. Guests can enjoy breakfast favorites with a coastal flair, such as:
- Crab Cake Benedict – poached eggs served over house-made crab cakes with hollandaise.
- Shrimp Omelets – stuffed with local seafood and fresh vegetables.
- French Toast – thick-cut and served with syrup, fruit, or specialty toppings.
Pair brunch with a Bloody Mary, mimosa, or a drink from the full bar, and it’s easy to see why many say it’s the best way to start a Sunday on Topsail Island.
Dining with a View
What truly sets Daddy Mac’s apart is its location. Guests can dine indoors or on the oceanfront deck, listening to the waves roll in while enjoying their meal. Few restaurants in Surf City offer this kind of setting, and many patrons say it’s the highlight of their visit.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxed — flip-flops and beach attire are always welcome. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch after a morning on the beach or enjoying a sunset dinner, the experience feels quintessentially coastal.
Guest Praise
Visitors consistently share positive experiences at Daddy Mac’s, often mentioning the combination of food, service, and location:
“Absolutely loved this place. Be ready for beach time – takes a long time to get in, get seated and get food but your server will keep a cold drink in your hands … you are right on the beach so it is worth it every time.”
“Daddy Mac’s know what they are doing when it comes to food for sure. We split the fried seafood platter and it was all fantastic. We loved sitting outside and viewing the beach.”
“The place has a very nice beach view. The food is good. The service was wonderful and we were enjoying the view and drinks the whole time.”
A Topsail Island Tradition
For more than a decade, Daddy Mac’s Beach Grille has been a must-visit destination in Surf City. It delivers what people come to the Carolina coast for — fresh seafood, friendly hospitality, and unforgettable ocean views. Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or simply craving a local meal with a view, Daddy Mac’s is one of those places you’ll want to return to time and again.
Author’s Note
I personally found Daddy Mac’s to be one of the best dining experiences on Topsail Island. The seafood was incredibly fresh, cooked perfectly, and full of flavor. The service was warm, attentive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. For anyone visiting Surf City, this restaurant truly delivers the coastal dining experience you’re looking for.
This article is part of A Complete Guide to Dining on Topsail Island, which provides an island-wide overview of restaurants, dining districts, cuisine types, and local food experiences.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, coastal activities, and community events throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells reports on local happenings and provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.