Saltwater in your hair, board under your arm, and a post-session appetite that borders on ravenous—the life of a surfer demands food that refuels without fuss. Fortunately, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has rolled its Camaro through plenty of laid-back coastal towns, spotlighting joints that keep the local lineup well fed. From California’s classic breaks to the mellow waves of the Outer Banks, here are some restaurants worth paddling in early for.

1. Hodad’s — Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA

The longboards racked outside are your first clue that Hodad’s sits steps from one of San Diego’s most consistent surf peaks. The vibe is all VW-bus-meets-punk-rock—a perfect match for monstrous burgers, frosty shakes, and the friendly, sandy-footed crowd. When the crew from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives dropped in, they found a family-run institution energizing Ocean Beach riders since 1969.

2. Santa Cruz Diner — Santa Cruz, CA

Equal parts retro charm and anything-goes menu, Santa Cruz Diner sits right off Highway 1, minutes from Steamer Lane and Pleasure Point. Surfers dig it for round-the-clock comfort food and bottomless mugs of coffee that chase away the coastal chill. The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode highlighted the kitchen’s knack for spanning American, Asian, and Mexican influences without losing that hometown-diner soul.

3. Da Kitchen — Kihei, Maui, HI

Maui’s south-shore breaks can produce an island-sized hunger, and Da Kitchen delivers with portions as big as a long-period swell. Home-style Hawaiian fare, plenty of aloha spirit, and an easy walk from Cove Park make it a staple for locals who surf before or after work. Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives showcased the spot’s commitment to scratch cooking and its welcoming, ohana atmosphere.

4. Side Street Inn — Honolulu, HI

Waikiki’s waves may be mellow, but the appetite they spark is serious. Just inland from the beach scene, Side Street Inn offers family-style plates ideal for post-session sharing. Generous portions, late hours, and a come-as-you-are vibe have made it a magnet for surfers, chefs, and service-industry folks. Guy’s visit on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to this restaurant confirmed what locals already knew: this is the place for hearty, down-home Hawaiian comfort.

5. Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill — San Diego, CA

After a dawn patrol at nearby Point Loma or Sunset Cliffs, surfers line up at this counter-service fish shack for ultra-fresh catches grilled to order. The market sources directly from local boats, so what’s on the board today was likely still swimming yesterday. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives praised the “boat-to-plate” ethic that keeps both wave riders and seafood purists stoked.

6. Tortugas’ Lie — Nags Head, NC

Perched a block from the dunes of the Outer Banks, Tortugas’ Lie channels island ease with ceiling fans, surf posters, and a menu that hops from jerk spices to Southern seafood classics. It’s the spot to swap swell reports over hearty plates after chasing OBX barrels or battling nor’easter winds. When Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives visited, the crew fell for the relaxed, beach-bar mood as much as the globally tinged comfort food.

7. Citrus Cafe — Virginia Beach, VA

Morning glass at First Street Jetty calls for a hearty refuel, and Citrus Cafe answers with bright, produce-forward breakfast fare served in a sunny space just up the road from the oceanfront. Fresh juice flights, creative twists on diner classics, and speedy service make it a favorite of surfers squeezing in a session before work. The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives segment spotlighted the kitchen’s scratch approach and community-minded vibe.

8. Beach Pub — Virginia Beach, VA

A true locals’ hangout since the late ’70s, the Beach Pub sits minutes from the sand and focuses on straightforward coastal fare. Generous portions, friendly bartenders, and a come-straight-from-the-water dress code make it a post-surf ritual for many. Guy’s stops here during Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives highlighted the no-nonsense cooking and welcoming spirit that define Virginia Beach’s surf culture.