Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
#38 of 46 Restaurants in Haleiwa American Enhance this page

Surfin Mermaid Tavern

3.0(1 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Surfin Mermaid Tavern, offering the best American experience in Haleiwa. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A North Shore Refresh

Steps away from the iconic surf breaks that define the North Shore, the Surfin Mermaid Tavern serves as a laid-back sanctuary for sun-drenched locals and visitors passing through Haleiwa. The atmosphere leans heavily into the salt-worn, unpretentious aesthetic of old-school Hawaii, where the screen doors click shut behind you and the hum of conversation blends with the occasional roar of a passing truck on Kamehameha Highway.

Island Comforts

The kitchen keeps things straightforward, focusing on the kind of hearty, straightforward pub fare that pairs best with a cold local brew after a long day in the water. Expect plates that prioritize volume and flavor, such as their take on classic island-style sliders or crispy, golden-fried appetizers that disappear quickly when the post-surf hunger sets in. You will often smell the faint, savory scent of searing grill marks and lime-heavy marinades as soon as you step onto the porch.

The Haleiwa Character

This isn't a place for white-tablecloth fine dining; it is a venue for damp towels, salt-crusted hair, and honest conversation. If you happen to visit during the height of the winter swell, be prepared for a rowdier, more crowded environment as the surf community gathers to track the day's conditions. Parking in the center of Haleiwa can be a bit of a localized sport itself, so keep an eye out for open spots near the side alleys rather than expecting a seamless arrival. It is a genuine slice of North Shore life where the focus remains on keeping the local spirit alive, one drink at a time.

Photos

Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image
Surfin Mermaid Tavern - Haleiwa Restaurant Image

Location

66-197 Kamehameha Hwy Ste D, Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712-1400

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 1 community reviews
S

Scuba SteveGoogle Maps

Recently

Wait the last 4months has been 30-45min consistently. Food is amazing but long wait. Would help if they told you how long the wait would be while ur standing in line too so if you can’t wait 30min to and hour to get ur food you don’t waste time waiting in line. Food like I said is amazing, seating is what ever is available

M

Mia GGoogle Maps

Recently

i am currently sitting watching the cooks make food as i eat my chipotle burrito. this is the best mexican food i have ever had, AND I AM FROM TEXAS!! the flavor is CRAZY and i literally melted at the first bite. i would come back to north shore every day if it meant i could have this burrito. i usually share my food, but i guarded it with my life. if you come here, bring me some.

T

Tyler RobinsonGoogle Maps

Recently

If you’re in North Shore and looking for some great food, Surf N Salsa is where you wanna go! Freaking great food and a big portion. We always stop in when we go up to NS. Loved their first location in Haleiwa, but really love their new spot since the floods took out the other. Go see them! (The photo is their carne asada fries)

S

Samantha SappenfieldGoogle Maps

Recently

Best food on the north shore! Can’t go wrong with any item on the menu. Stand outs are the fajita burrito, al pastor taco (go crunchy trust me), and the carne asada fries. Honorable mention to the surf and turf burrito.

A

Avorie EvansGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is a must stop if you are visiting the north shore!! The vibe and hangout is so fun while you are waiting for your food! We came with a big group of friends and tried quite a large variety of the menu and everything we tried was top tier!! Carne asada fries were one of our favorites! Probably one of the best Carne Asadas I’ve eaten! You also can’t go wrong with the burritos! Super flavorful and authentic!! Will recommend to everyone!!

M

mud larsonGoogle Maps

Recently

It's where the locals go, we got there around 530pm and there was a line 20 minutes to order 45 minutes to get food. Just from talking to the locals this is one of the hot places to eat on the North Shore they say they have the best food. It was a Friday evening so very busy while the other food spots slow. Unfortunately I did not get food photos, we were starving after driving all day.

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Lisa BrydenGoogle Maps

Recently

Amazing food, some of the best we had on the island. I got the crispy fish tacos. They're not cheap, but totally worth it. First of all the homemade tortilla shell was perfect, the fish was delicious and flaky, and the right ratio of all the toppings. Picture was at night and doesnt quite capture how nice it actually looked. There's a lovely seating area behind the truck thats lit up at night and very cozy. Absolutely a must visit on the North Shore.

A

Alisyn MasonGoogle Maps

Recently

Delicioso!! Absolutely delighted by the fish and shrimp tacos! The crunchy taco was extra crunchy but still so yummy. Definitely go! Also the pineapple agua Fresca aka fresh juice and the fried plantains were divine!!

N

NickGoogle Maps

Recently

If you are looking for the holy grail of food trucks on the North Shore, stop driving once you see Surf N Salsa in Haleiwa. I don’t say this lightly: my home kitchen is officially under investigation for fraud after tasting what they can do in a mobile kitchen. The Fresh Caught Fish Burrito is the absolute star of the show. You can tell the fish was swimming earlier that morning; it’s flaky, light, and lacks even a hint of that "fishy" taste you get at lesser spots. They pair it with a bright, zesty salsa and cabbage that provides a crunch so satisfying it should be recorded for an ASMR video. It’s the ultimate "post-surf" fuel—clean, filling, and incredibly fresh. Then there’s the California Burrito. As someone who is picky about their Cali-style, they nailed it. The fries inside were actually crispy (a rare feat!), and the carne asada was seasoned to perfection. It’s a hefty, glorious beast of a burrito that makes you wonder why anyone bothers eating anything else. To wash it all down, you must get the Cucumber Lemonade. It is the MVP of drinks. It’s crisp, not overly sweet, and cooling enough to beat that heavy Hawaii humidity in a single sip. It’s basically liquid rejuvenation. The vibe is peak North Shore—outdoor seating, colorful decor, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after your plate is empty. It’s authentic, high-quality Mexican soul food with a heavy Hawaiian influence. Pro-tip: The parking can be a little tight since it's a popular spot, so be patient. Also, grab some extra green sauce—you’re going to want to put it on everything.

R

Rob HGoogle Maps

Recently

Surf n Salsa on the North Shore is a solid stop when you want good food without a long wait if you plan it right. Parking is easy if you get there early which already puts you in a good mood before you even order. There is plenty of seating so it works well for families and groups without feeling cramped. The food is genuinely delicious and worth the stop. We ordered a burrito a crispy taco carne asada fries a quesadilla and four drinks. Everything came out hot flavorful and satisfying with portions that felt right for sharing and mixing things up. The carne asada fries were especially hard to put down. Prices are pretty normal for the North Shore meaning a little expensive but not shocking. For a family of four our total came out to $92.81 which felt fair for the quality and amount of food we got. Surf n Salsa is a great option if you want tasty filling food plenty of space to sit and a relaxed North Shore vibe. Get there early park easily and enjoy a meal that actually delivers on flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Surfin Mermaid Tavern

Common questions from diners about Surfin Mermaid Tavern in Haleiwa.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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