Johnny D's Waffles & Benedicts in Surfside: Breakfast Worth the Drive

What to expect at Johnny D's

Johnny D's Waffles & Benedicts sits in Surfside, a quiet beach town just north of Myrtle Beach, and specializes in the two things its name promises: Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict. The restaurant is small and casual—the kind of place where the owner often works the line—and it fills up quickly on weekend mornings. Expect to wait 20 to 45 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays, especially between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Weekday mornings move faster.

The menu is deliberately narrow. You will find several waffle variations, a rotating selection of Benedict preparations, breakfast sandwiches, and a short list of sides. This focus means the kitchen does one thing well rather than spreading thin across a full diner menu. The waffles arrive crispy outside and tender inside, and the hollandaise is made fresh, not from a packet.

Key Takeaways

• Johnny D's serves Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict as its core menu, with seasonal variations and daily specials that change throughout the week.
• Weekend waits typically run 20 to 45 minutes; arriving before 9 a.m. or after 11 a.m. shortens the line considerably.
• The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards, and portion sizes are generous enough that many people split an entrée.
• Surfside is a 15-minute drive north of Myrtle Beach and offers beach access and quieter streets than the main tourist corridor.

The waffle menu and what sets it apart

Johnny D's Belgian waffles come topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate, or savory combinations depending on the day. The Classic Belgian arrives plain with butter and syrup, letting you taste the waffle itself—which matters here because the batter is made with real buttermilk and a touch of vanilla. The Strawberry Shortcake Waffle layers fresh berries and whipped cream, and the Nutella Waffle appeals to chocolate lovers without being oversweetened.

Seasonal waffles rotate through the menu. Spring might bring a lemon-blueberry version; fall often features a pecan or apple cinnamon preparation. The kitchen also runs daily specials that are not listed on the main menu, so asking your server what is being made that morning can uncover something unexpected. Waffles are large—a single waffle is a full meal for most people.

Eggs Benedict variations and house specialties

The Benedict menu changes regularly, but the restaurant always keeps a Classic Eggs Benedict available: poached eggs, Canadian bacon, English muffin, and house-made hollandaise. From there, the variations reflect what is in season and what the kitchen feels like making. Past specials have included a crab Benedict with Old Bay seasoning, a smoked salmon version with dill, and a vegetarian Benedict with roasted tomatoes and spinach.

The Johnny D's Special Benedict rotates monthly and is worth asking about when you arrive. These often feature local ingredients or preparations that reflect the chef's current interests. Benedicts come with a side of home fries or fresh fruit, and the portions are substantial—most people cannot finish without taking leftovers home.

Location and parking in Surfside

Johnny D's sits on North Kings Highway in Surfside, the quieter beach town that runs along the coast just north of Myrtle Beach proper. The restaurant has its own small parking lot with about a dozen spaces; on busy weekend mornings, you may need to park on the street or in a nearby lot and walk a short distance. The neighborhood is residential and walkable, with beach access a few blocks away.

Surfside itself is worth exploring if you have time. The beach is less crowded than Myrtle Beach's main strand, and the town has a handful of local shops and a small pier. Many people arrive early for breakfast, walk the beach afterward, and leave by early afternoon. The drive from central Myrtle Beach takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Hours, payment, and what to bring

Johnny D's opens at 7 a.m. most days and closes by 2 p.m., making it a breakfast-and-brunch-only operation. Hours vary slightly by season and day of the week, so calling ahead or checking their social media before a weekend visit prevents a wasted trip. The restaurant accepts both cash and cards, though cash moves slightly faster at the register during peak times.

The space is small and can get loud when full. If you are sensitive to noise or need a quiet meal, a weekday morning or an off-peak time (before 8:30 a.m. or after 1 p.m.) will be more comfortable. The restaurant does not take reservations, so you order at the counter and find a seat while you wait for your food.

Dietary considerations and customization

The kitchen is willing to modify dishes within reason. Gluten-free options are limited but possible—ask whether gluten-free bread or waffles are available that day, as these are not always stocked. Vegetarian and vegan modifications to waffles and Benedicts are straightforward; the kitchen can hold meat and substitute vegetables or dairy-free toppings if you ask.

Nut allergies should be mentioned to your server, especially if you are ordering anything with chocolate or specialty toppings. The kitchen is small and shares equipment, so cross-contamination is possible. If you have a severe allergy, speak directly with the owner or kitchen staff before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to arrive early to avoid a long wait?

On weekends, arriving before 8:30 a.m. or after 11 a.m. keeps your wait under 15 minutes. Between 9 and 11 a.m., expect 30 to 45 minutes. Weekday mornings rarely have waits longer than 10 minutes. If you are visiting on a holiday weekend, even early arrival may not may provide a short wait.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, Johnny D's boxes up waffles and Benedicts for takeout, though waffles travel better than Benedicts (the hollandaise can separate during transport). Call ahead if you want to order for pickup, especially on weekend mornings, so the kitchen can have your food ready when you arrive.

Are there options for kids?

The menu is not specifically kid-focused, but waffles appeal to most children, and the kitchen will make a smaller portion if you ask. Plain waffles with butter and syrup are usually the safest bet for picky eaters. High chairs are available, though space is tight.

What is the price range?

Waffles and Benedicts typically range from $12 to $18 depending on toppings and proteins. Sides and drinks are additional. Prices are reasonable for the portion size and quality, and many people split an entrée and order extra sides to share.

Is there outdoor seating?

Johnny D's has limited indoor seating only. On nice weather days, some people take their food to nearby Surfside Beach or eat in their car in the parking lot, though this is not an official arrangement. The restaurant itself does not have a patio or outdoor tables.