Happy Hours to Try in Virginia Beach

Whether relaxing after a day at the beach, winding down after work or ramping up for a fun night out, there’s nothing better than a great happy hour, waterfront views and cool atmospheres. Whether you’re craving a cold beachside brew or a fancy craft cocktail, say cheers to these standouts that make for a refreshing good time in Virginia Beach.

The Atlantic on Pacific

Daily, 3-6 p.m.

The selection of oysters and wine pairings make The Atlantic on Pacific a favorite for Happy Hour and the perfect way to unwind. Situated on the Oceanfront for amazing views, the menu celebrates seafood from the east coast, west coast and beyond. Happy hour is every day from 3 to 6 p.m. and features a long list of wine, beer and specialty cocktails for $8 or less as well as $1 oysters and clams such as the Oyster Chesapeake (with roasted mushrooms, garlic, white wine and fontina) and the Oyster Pacific (with chorizo, tomato, cilantro and manchego).  

Waterman’s Surfside Grill

Monday-Thursday, 2-5 p.m.

As the curators of the original Orange Crush, Waterman’s Surfside Grill surely knows how to mix a good drink. In fact, each year, Waterman’s serves nearly a half-million of the fresh-squeezed cocktails, so it’s no surprise that the famed drink is featured on its happy hour menu for just $5 ($6 for the Crush of the Week.) Plus, enjoy $7 seafood specials like fish tacos, spicy buffalo tuna bites and peel n’ eat shrimp. One of the more iconic Virginia Beach hotspots, Waterman’s is perfectly situated on the Boardwalk, offering guests stunning ocean views.  

Hunt Room at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club

Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.

If you haven’t tried the masterfully crafted cocktails at the Hunt Room at The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, its swanky happy hour is your perfect chance. The rustic-themed social club and tavern serve $5 draft beers and coastal cocktails; $6 well drinks, wine and “bartender’s choice” cocktails; and $7 snacks and shareable plates like the duck flatbread, cheese curds and pickles and candied bacon. Happy hour is featured on weeknights from 4 to 6 p.m., so don’t miss your chance to sip a crafty cocktail and relax with friends in this intimate American tavern.  

Esoteric

Tuesday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.

Born from a passion for great craft beer, eclectic food and sustainability, Esoteric in the ViBe Creative District offers a great place to fill up amid cool décor and great conversation. Happy hour specials include the “Last Meeting of the Day” (from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday,) which features $6 wine and beer, $2 off cocktails and well drinks and food specials like 75-cent wings, $2 fried shrimp and more. Other weekly specials include Burger Night Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until close for a $15 burger, fries and weekly rotating craft beer, and Wednesdays for Wings, Wine & Whiskey from 4 p.m. until close, for $1 wings of all flavors, plus wine and whiskey drink specials. You’ll love everything about the menu here, as well as the charming atmosphere of the restored 1920s-era building.  

Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar

Daily, 3-7 p.m.

Small and unassuming, Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar, overlooking the scenic Rudee Inlet, serves up local seafood that’s as fresh as the waters around it. For happy hour, try the East Coast Oysters served raw or steamed. If you’re an oyster connoisseur, go for raw to really get the full flavor that comes only from local waters. Tiki Time happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. every day and features 99 cent clams, $1.59 oysters, $1.49 wings, $9.99 for a half-pound of large steamed shrimp and discounted prices on select beer and well drinks, which are all under $5.50.  

CP Shuckers

Shore Drive; Monday-Friday, 3-9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Oceanfront; Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m.

With two locations (one on the Oceanfront and the other in the Chesapeake Bay district), CP Shuckers is a local favorite and its expansive happy hour is a big reason why. The casual vibes are perfect for enjoying a game with friends, and the hearty menus pair perfectly. The Shore Drive location features a happy hour Monday through Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday (drinks only) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., which includes $3 domestic beer bottles, $4 house wines, $4 well drinks, 99 cent wings, $8.99 for a half-pound of steamed shrimp and $2 off select starters. The Oceanfront happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and features various nightly specials like 99-cent wings, $8.99 for a half-pound of steamed shrimp and $5 Orange Crushes.

Hot Tuna

Daily, 3-5:30 p.m.

Treat yourself to a cocktail at Hot Tuna Bar, a local favorite known for its locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh menus matched only by its fun, friendly atmosphere. Daily happy hour, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., includes $1 shrimp or oysters (raw or Rockefeller,) other dishes like grouper bites, mahi tacos, burgers and chimichurri skewers; and $4, $5 and $6 drink specials on beer, wine, margaritas, sangria and Orange Crushes. Located right on Shore Drive in Chesapeake Bay, it’s no wonder the dress code here is “surfer chic.”  

Dough Boy’s Pizza

Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

With two prime Oceanfront locations (on 24th and 33rd streets,) you can’t beat the views – and the prices – at Dough Boy’s Pizza. Combining the best of food and drink, this signature happy hour will refuel you and the whole family. It features $8.88 menu items that include an original 12-inch cheese pizza, a personal double-slice pizza with two toppings and a drink, a fresh-squeezed Orange Crush and The db Bloody Mary. No matter your selection, it’s hard to go wrong with a good slice and a bevvy.