A Cocoa Beach icon where locals could mingle with astronauts in the early days of the space program is no more.

Bernard's Surf was once frequented by astronauts

'The Surf' changed hands over the years, closed in 2010

Demolition crews tore down the building Monday



Crews on Monday began demolishing the former Bernard's Surf restaurant.

Heavy equipment knocked down most of the decades-old building, a place known to locals as "The Surf."

The eatery is steeped in history dating back to its opening in the late 1940s.

After ownership changes over the years, and the restaurant closing in 2010, it was decided to level it and start over on the lot that is prime real estate in downtown Cocoa Beach.

As the walls came down Monday, dozens showed up throughout the day, snapping pictures and sharing memories.

ICYMI: tear down commenced at 'The Surf' in #CocoaBeach. Scores of people came by as the walls, roof came down at the iconic spot @MyNews13 pic.twitter.com/kukVFxcx2U — Greg Pallone (@gpallone13) August 8, 2017

Many early astronauts and NASA workers once walked through the doors for a meal. But with its demolition beginning, it's a sad time for locals.

"I would say it's a sad day for Cocoa Beach," Cocoa Beach resident Patrick Bruce said as he watched the work being done. "It's a day for people to realize time moves on. People move on."

It's still unclear what will replace The Surf at the intersection of State Road A1A and Minutemen Causeway. Whatever it will be will stand next to the newly completed multimillion-dollar downtown streetscape project, designed to make the area more pedestrian-friendly.