Waterman’s has been a bustling anchor of the Oceanfront District for three decades, and is such a must-see for visitors that it now has its own gift shop! As the folks who brought the Original Orange Crush to Virginia Beach, the Standing family takes its responsibility very seriously. Their classic recipe blends fresh-squeezed orange juice with flavored vodka and a splash of Sprite.
While patriarch Mike Standing has refined the ingredients, ratios, vessel and even the type of ice over many years, his wife Mariah has gone one step further—imagining and launching the city’s first organic vodka brand, Waterman Spirits. A unique coral filtration process, organic corn and citrus fruits give her creations a distinct seaside spirit that keeps the OG crush at the top of every list. This cocktail pairs equally well with appetizers like the Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallopsor entrées like the Parmesan-Peppercorn Fish of the Day.
2. For Dockside Swingers
Grab a seat by the waterfront and indulge with friends in a refreshing docktail or two.
If you want the full experience atRudee’s, you’ll need to sit on their beloved marina deck—where every table is a shaded porch swing with a gentle gliding motion. Rudee’s is known for their “docktails,” so it’s no surprise their Cabana Crusher is next level with raspberry vodka, black-raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice and lemon-lime soda. The Crusher’s sweet flavors play nicely with the sour notes of the Doughtie’s® Pork BBQ Sandwich served North Carolina style on a bun with crunchy coleslaw and a vinegar-based sauce.
3. For Al Fresco Fans
Stop by The Shack with friends and family for lawn games, delicious flavors and crush-worthy drinks.
Equally popular with families and fun-loving friend groups, The Shack on 8th is an idyllic outdoor oasis in the heart of the Oceanfront District with shaded picnic tables, welcoming lounge areas, firepits and a variety of lawn games to spark a bit of friendly in competition.
Their Honey Habanero Crush is the perfect metaphor for a summer afternoon—a little hot, a little sweet. Enjoy it with an order (or two) of their Carnage Fries, hand-cut potatoes topped with carne asada, peppers, onions and nacho cheese.
4. For Dancing Queens
Relax beachside with salty, ocean breezes and a fruity crush at Chix on the Beach.
An Oceanfront favorite for more than 40 years, Chix on the Beach has been around since “Saturday Night Fever” was in theaters—and it’s still one of our favorite places for groovin’ to live music. Chix also has a delicious crush for every type of music fan.Our favorite is the Endless Summer Crush with fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juices, pineapple-infused vodka, coconut rum and lemon-lime soda. For fun flavor echoes, order the Blackened Tuna Tacos served with house-made cilantro-lime slaw and pineapple salsa.
Picture this: After an amazing day on the beach, you’ve managed to get the whole family showered and sand-free. At the moment, everyone’s still feeling good tired, but this could change quickly if you can’t agree on what’s for dinner. This is exactly why places like Dough Boy’s exist.
No matter which of their two Oceanfront locations is more convenient, you can usually slide right into a comfy booth and get a hot pie on the table in a matter of minutes. While everyone digs into the fresh pizza, mom and dad can enjoy a well-earned Margarita Crush made with fresh-squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices, plus a double shot of tequila.
Bay Local Eatery may not have coined the phrase “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” but this lively establishment does lean into the philosophy. If it feels a bit early for one of their famous Breakfast Shots, ease into your day with a Madras Crush, which swaps the classic lemon-lime soda with a splash of cranberry juice. Order some Ta-Chos (that’s tater-tot nachos to the uninitiated) for the table, then try the Big Al, a fresh-baked biscuit stuffed with cheddar cheese, bacon and sausage, then smothered with house-made gravy. Next up, a very long nap.
With a prime waterfront location in the Chesapeake Bay, the Porch on Long Creek is a wonderful place to watch the boats glide by on the Lynnhaven River. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pair a Grapefruit Crush with one of their signature flatbreads. We’re partial to the Napa Shrimp with blackened crustaceans, mozzarella, parmesan, scallions and a Caesar-dressing drizzle. Craving a heartier meal? Try their Seared Scallops served with a saffron cream sauce over Southern risotto with applewood-smoked bacon, red peppers, corn and baby spinach.
Want the quintessential Chesapeake Bayview with a slightly more casual vibe? Tap into our signature Southern charm at The Back Deck. With the gentle bay breeze wafting across your table and the sunset glowing just beyond, you’ll be crushing on the combination of a refreshing Sweet Tea Crush and Blackened Shrimp Tacos with tangy mango salsa.
9. For Live-Music Lovers
Sip on a tasty crush cocktails with your best bud at VB’s own Hot Tuna.
If you like a little jam with your dinner, this Shore Drive standby in the Chesapeake Bay is a must-visit—balancing five-star food and drink with a laid-back atmosphere and fresh live music acts night after night. First, get tickled pink with a Dragon Fruit Lemonade Crush, featuring dragon-berry rum, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and lemonade. Then tuck into the Cedar Plank Salmon, served with beurre blanc over wild mushroom risotto. Pro Tip: Calories aren’t a concern when you’re about to shake them off on the dance floor.
What’s a brewery doing here, at the end of an Orange Crush article? It’s highlighting the variety and creativity you can find throughout so much of Virginia Beach. This easygoing brewpub in Town Center District is ideal for a casual afternoon hang—the kind that sometimes melts into evening. Once you’ve tried a few of their outstanding brews , you’ll be ready for a beer-battered Killapilz Flounder Sando with our fair city’s favorite sip. Their Virginia Crushadds mango to the classic recipe, the perfect accompaniment to your fresh fish sandwich.
What better way is there to cool off during the hot summer months than with a refreshing, fruity drink after a day at the beach? In Virginia Beach, we have the perfect drink for you. We’re known for our Orange Crushes, a refreshing mix of vodka, orange liqueur, a splash of lemon-lime soda, and, the most important ingredient of all, freshly-squeezed orange juice. If you’ve visited us before, there is a good chance you’ve already tried one. While we love the traditional crush, we wouldn’t stop there. With many different variations to this classic local drink, there’s so much to explore. Whether we’re playing bocce ball, watching the waves roll in, or sitting fireside, you won’t find us without one of these crushes in hand this summer.
A plastic cup with a straw and a slice of lemon, on a table next to a basket containing napkins and condiments.
We obviously couldn’t leave the original crush off of this list. With fresh-squeezed OJ, triple sec, and Sprite, this is the first crush you should try, if you haven’t already. Located right on the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, this place has been a favorite local establishment for nearly 30 years, in their famous Orange Crush is a big reason why.
A white cup with colorful graffiti design sits on a table outdoors. A vibrant mural with the word “LOVE” and a woman is in the background, with a bench and trees nearby.
This sweet and sour take will have your taste buds thirsting for more. The light taste of the coconut, vanilla, and agave paired with the crisp taste of lime will transport you instantly to a vacation state of mind.
A cocktail in a plastic cup with a lemon slice, labeled “Chix Seaside Grille,” sits on a wooden table. In the background, a boardwalk with people walking and bicycles nearby.
We like to think that with this crush in hand, the summer would never end! The taste of pineapple and coconut mixed with lemon and orange will have you feeling so rejuvenated you’ll be dancing to the music at the 7th street stage in no time.
Margarita Crush
Dough Boy’s 24th and 33rd Street
A tall glass of orange juice with ice, garnished with slices of orange, lemon, and lime, and a small paper umbrella.
Dough Boy’s Margarita crush is a must try on your search for your favorite signature crush. This crush includes a freshly squeezed orange, some lemon and lime to add the Margarita elements, followed by two shots of Jose Cuervo. With a perfect balance of sweet and sour, salt is not suggested to fully experience the flavors of this crush.
A pink drink in a plastic cup with “Crush” printed on it sits on a wooden table outdoors, with people sitting at tables with umbrellas in the background.
The Strawberry Crush is a refined twist on the classic. Less tart than the original, its rich berry flavor is refreshing and delicious. There is something very “hometown Va Beach” about sitting fireside with a Strawberry Crush in hand. We wouldn’t want to enjoy it any other way.
Outdoor table with a magenta drink and a lime wedge beside a green chair. A marina with boats is visible in the background.
This “cocktail” is exactly what you need for your vacation. If raspberry, lemon-lime, and cranberry are what you’re craving, look no further. Whether you’re swinging on the patio or sitting at the bar, one thing we can all agree on is you cannot go wrong with a Cabana Crush.
A plastic cup of iced tea with a lemon slice and straw sits on a wooden railing overlooking a cloudy lake and a dock.
The Sweet Tea Crush is summertime perfection. We are in the south, after all. It lures you in with the traditional sip-ability of sweet tea and then hits you with a refreshing kick of fresh-squeezed lemonade. Nothing says summer in the Chesapeake Bay District quite like sipping sweet tea at the Back Deck, overlooking the Lynnhaven Inlet.
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
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