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 with waterfront views and cool vibes. If 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 to 6 p.m.

The selection of oysters and drink pairings makes The Atlantic on Pacific a favorite for happy hour and the perfect place to unwind. Situated on the Oceanfront for amazing views, the restaurant features a menu that celebrates seafood from the East Coast, West Coast and beyond. Happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily offers a long list of wine, beer and specialty cocktails for $9 or less, as well as $1 clams and oysters, such as Oyster Chesapeake (with roasted mushrooms, garlic, white wine and fontina) and Oyster Pacific (with chorizo, tomato, cilantro and manchego).  

Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Monday-Thursday, 2 to 5 p.m.

As curators of the original Orange Crush, Waterman’s Surfside Grille surely knows how to mix a good drink. In fact, Waterman’s serves nearly a half-million of the fresh-squeezed cocktails each year, so it’s no surprise that the famed drink is featured on its happy hour menu for just $5 (or $6 for the Crush of the Week). You can also enjoy $5 draft beers and $8 seafood specials like fried fish tacos with mango slaw, sriracha and pineapple-tomato salsa, plus spicy buffalo tuna bites and peel-and-eat shrimp. One of the more iconic Virginia Beach hot spots, 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 to 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 serves $5 draft beers and coastal cocktails; $6 well drinks, wine and “bartender’s choice” cocktails; and $7 snacks and shareable plates. Snack on flatbread with prosciutto, pears and bleu cheese crumbles or savor a spent-grain pretzel with creamy beer cheese. Nibble on cheese curds with pickles, or candied applewood-smoked bacon with a bourbon-maple gastrique. Happy hour is featured on weekdays 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 to 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. Cleverly called “Last Meeting of the Day,” happy hour here runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, featuring $6 wine and beer, $2 off cocktails and well drinks, plus food specials like 75-cent wings, $2 fried shrimp and $10 burgers or spicy chicken sandwiches. (Happy hour prices for drinks only are also offered from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.) You’ll love everything about Esoteric, including the charming atmosphere of its restored 1920s-era building.  

Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar

Daily, 3 to 7 p.m.

Small and unassuming, Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar overlooks scenic Rudee Inlet, serving up local seafood that’s as fresh as the waters around it. During “Tiki Time” happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. daily, enjoy $1.59 East Coast Oysters (served raw or steamed) plus 99-cent clams, $1.49 wings or a half-pound of large steamed shrimp for $9.99. Drink specials include $3.59 domestic beers, $4.99 botttled beers, $1 off craft beers and well drinks for $5.49 or less.  

CP Shuckers

Chesapeake Bay: Monday-Friday, 3 to 7 p.m. / Saturday-Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.
Oceanfront: Monday-Friday, 3 to 7 p.m.

With locations on the Chesapeake Bay and Oceanfront, CP Shuckers is a local favorite — and its expansive happy hour is a big reason why. A casual vibe and hearty menu make this a perfect place to enjoy a game with friends. The Chesapeake Bay location features a happy hour with food and drink specials Monday-Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and drink specials only on Saturday-Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. You’ll snag $3 domestic beers, $4 house wines, $4 well drinks, 99-cent wings, $8.99 for a half-pound of steamed shrimp and $2 off select appetizers. The Oceanfront happy hour is from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, featuring similar specials.

Hot Tuna

Daily, 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Treat yourself to a cocktail at Hot Tuna, a hot spot known for its locally sourced seafood, farm-fresh menus and fun, friendly atmosphere. Located right on Shore Drive in Chesapeake Bay, it’s no wonder the dress code here is “surfer chic.” Happy hour specials from 3 to 5:30 p.m. daily include $1 shrimp cocktail or raw oysters, plus discounted tacos, nachos, wings and more than a dozen apps. Drink specials include $4 domestic beers; $5 draft beers, well drinks and wine; $6 house sangria, crushes and premium liquors; and $8 margaritas and mojitos.

Dough Boys Pizza

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

With two prime Oceanfront locations (Dough Boys on 24th Street and Dough Boys on 33rd Street) you can’t beat the views – and prices – here. Combining the best of food and drink, a popular happy hour and daily deals will refuel you and the whole family. A $5 Party Hour from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday features draft beer, wine, well drinks, jumbo house fries or mac ‘n’ cheese bites all for, you guessed it, $5. Daily deals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday include an original 12-inch cheese pizza, a fresh-squeezed Orange Crush and a signature Bloody Mary, each for $8.88. No matter your selection, it’s hard to go wrong with a hot slice and a cold drink.