The Surfside

4.4

10 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Great for outdoor dining

Chef David is a French master chef, trained in culinary techniques by the finest restaurateurs.

He believes in seasonal, fresh, farm-to-table food that has been sourced locally but with flavors from around the world.

Our menu changes with the seasons to ensure that you are getting everything at the peak of flavor.

Conveniently located next to the Surf Ballroom as well as across Clear Lake.

We offer a patio dining experience to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Phone number
(641) 357-0444
Website
https://www.surfsideclearlake.com/
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
444 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428-1373
Neighbourhood
Clear Lake
Parking details
None

What 10 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

10 Reviews

M
Molly Suzanne
Des Moines2 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The Surfside was our first experience in French cuisine, including French onion soup. Delicious food and fantastic service! The lighting could have been a tad dimmer. Otherwise, it was a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner for two.
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C
Cindy
Phoenix1 review
3.0
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
We arrived at our 7:15 reservation for their 3 course meal special New Years evening and were seated within 15 mins. It took the waiter 30 mins to come and ask if we wanted drinks. The menu was selected for the evening and there was 3 choices. We were told one choice, the filet, was not available. I ordered the mushroom ravioli a Cesar salad and creme brûlée. The ravioli was amazing! The Cesar salad was decent. After 2 hours they came out with an apple tart and stated the creme brûlée was out, “here ya go”without telling us even what it was. No apologies nothing. 3 hour later we leave with our 280 bill. The food was amazing! I had one drink the special was an old fashioned. That was REALLY good! Service was poor. We saw many tables get served food they didn’t order and couples waiting 45 mins for their seat. Definitely needs to be organized more. I can live without food not being available and a busy dining area but I do expect excellent wait staff to make up for it. If service would have been good I would have given it 5 stars! After hearing rumors not to go there we gave them a shot anyway. I can honestly say we will not return.
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S
Susan
Des Moines1 review
5.0
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was big city great! There were three in our party and we each had different starters. Caesar salad, wedge salad and French onion soup which were all fabulous with such presentation! Our main entrees were also a work of art. I had sea bass in a chanterelle sauce, my husband had duck and our son had venison. The venison was medium well and was ordered medium rare but that could have been a misunderstanding. It was delicious anyway. The chef walked around to all tables checking on our food. We had dessert of molten lava cake with ice cream and a crème brûlée. All were wonderful. We had not been here before but will definitely return.
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J
Jennifer
Minneapolis3 reviews
5.0
Dined on November 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful gem to find and great place to dine before going to a concert
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B
Brian
Des Moines4 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Classical preparations from seasoned chefs. They bring a European flare to high quality ingredients. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The wine list has both old world and domestics options that pair well with the cuisine. Make sure to ask about the specials.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines1 review
4.0
Dined on July 28, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
My husband had fish and risotto and thought it was very good. I had the beef ravioli and it was very good
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LS
LisaS
Minneapolis12 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have always loved Surfside but the chef's this year for season 2024 are amazing. A changing menu with wonderful specials and a great wine selection. Upscale Lake Dining.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines1 review
5.0
Dined on July 5, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nice menu selections, lovely service, food was well prepared, love that the Surfside is open in Clear Lake.
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SS
SteveS
Palm Springs1 review
4.0
Dined on June 28, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
I would like to know the kind of bread that was served with the marinated olives?
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BS
BradS
Des Moines10 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 16, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was decent, expensive for amount served. Service was good, will go back again.
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FAQs

The Surfside is rated 4.4 stars by 10 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 p.m.

444 N Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428-1373

Dining areas

Additional information

Neighbourhood
Clear Lake
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None

Website
https://www.surfsideclearlake.com/
Phone number
(641) 357-0444

The Surfside

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 10 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is The Surfside restaurant rated?

Is The Surfside currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information