The Surfing Pig Restaurant Review: A must try spot in Wildwood, NJ

The Surfing Pig, Wildwood, NJ

The Surfing Pig
231 W 10th Ave
North Wildwood, NJ

The Surfing Pig: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: American - BBQ/Seafood

Price: Moderate - Expensive

Food Quality: Excellent - Specializes in BBQ dishes prepared slow-smoked with real wood.

Service: Friendly, attentive

Ambiance/Decor: Strong Jersey Shore vibe. Has retractable walls that open. Diners can feel as though they are sitting on the Marina, looking out over the water. Great for sunsets

Overall Rating: 2 1/2 Stars

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = poor to Four stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate

Dress: Very Casual

Recommended For: Families, Couples seeking sunset views, Groups looking for live entertainment

Not Recommended for: Diners seeking upscale, quiet gourmet experiences

Recommended dishes: When available, The St. Louis Ribs served Sweet, tender with a real hardwood smokey flavor; The Smoked Prime Rib, served with choice of 2 sides: and The Coconut Shrimp rolled in a sweet flakey coconut breading served with their signature key lime tropical cocktail sauce.

Liquor:  Full service bar with a good selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

The Surfing Pig in North Wildwood, NJ, is more than just a restaurant—it's a full sensory experience. Nestled on the South Dock Marina, this bayfront destination offers slow-smoked BBQ, fresh seafood, and panoramic sunset views. With retractable walls that open to the water, diners feel immersed in the laid-back Jersey Shore vibe.

🏄‍♂️ History & Vision

  • Owner: Bill Bumbernick, a local entrepreneur passionate about waterfront hospitality.
  • Vision: To create a casual yet high-quality dining experience that celebrates local flavors, live entertainment, and the beauty of the bay.
  • Known For: Authentic wood-smoked BBQ, coconut shrimp, and being North Wildwood’s only bayfront restaurant.

🍽️ Cuisine & Food Quality

  • Fare: American BBQ and seafood.
  • Style: Slow-smoked meats, fresh seafood, and raw bar offerings.
  • Ingredients:
    • Locally sourced seafood.
    • Farm-to-table produce when in season.
    • No fillers in crab cakes.
  • Preparation:
    • BBQ smoked with real hardwood up to 18 hours.
    • Coconut shrimp beer-boiled and rolled in sweet coconut breading.
  • Signature Dishes:
    • St. Louis Ribs: Sweet, tender, and smoky.
    • Smoked Prime Rib: Served with two sides.
    • Coconut Shrimp: Paired with key lime tropical cocktail sauce.
  • Breakfast Menu: Skillets, French toast, waffles, eggs, bacon—served daily in summer.

👨‍🍳 The Chef: Michael Farrell

  • Credentials: Veteran of top Atlantic City restaurants.
  • Style: Rustic coastal BBQ with refined seafood technique.
  • Recognition: Local acclaim for elevating Wildwood’s culinary scene.
  • Specialties: Hardwood-smoked meats, creative seafood pairings, and seasonal farm-to-table integration.

🌊 Ambiance & Décor

  • Vibe: Casual Jersey Shore with marina views.
  • Décor: Nautical touches, retractable walls, and sunset-facing tables.
  • Seating:
    • Indoor: Cozy 60 seats.
    • Outdoor Deck: 40 seats overlooking the bay.
  • Noise Level: Moderate, with live music enhancing the atmosphere.
  • Style: Rustic charm meets waterfront elegance.
  • Outdoor Dining: Available and highly recommended during sunset.
  • Music: Nightly live entertainment adds vibrancy.

🤝 Service & Hospitality

  • Staff: Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.
  • Consistency: High marks for food quality and staff engagement.
  • Family-Friendly: Kid’s menu available; welcoming to all ages.
  • Reservations: Not accepted—expect wait times during peak hours.

🍹 Other Features & Policies

  • Bar Service: Full-service bar with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails.
  • Dress Code: Very casual—come as you are.
  • Parking: Accessible by foot, bike, car, or boat.
  • Recommended For:
    • Families
    • Couples seeking sunset views
    • Groups looking for live entertainment
  • Not Recommended For:
    • Diners seeking upscale, quiet gourmet experiences
  • Holiday Hours:
    Open Easter & Mothers Day

     

🔧 What Could Be Improved

  • Wait Times: Long during peak hours due to no reservations.
  • Noise Level: May be lively for those seeking a quiet meal.
  • Limited Indoor Seating: Can feel crowded during inclement weather.

🌟 What Sets The Surfing Pig Apart

  • Exclusive Bayfront Location: The only restaurant in North Wildwood with direct marina views.
  • Authentic BBQ: Real wood-smoked meats, not gas or electric.
  • Chef-Led Kitchen: Culinary expertise elevates casual fare.
  • Sunset Dining: Every table offers a view.
  • Live Entertainment: Enhances the Jersey Shore vibe.

Whether you're docking your boat for dinner or biking in from the boardwalk, The Surfing Pig delivers a memorable Wildwood dining experience. With its blend of smoky BBQ, fresh seafood, and unbeatable views, it's a must-visit for families, locals, and tourists alike.

Updated October 2025

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