Whether you’re excited by the gleam of a new dawn or still waking up after a late night, there is no better way to begin your day than with a morning feast. From soft shell crab-topped bloody Marys to all the eggs and bacon you can handle, we’re breakfast and brunch lovers through and through. With no shortage of options, here are some of our favorite places to brunch in Virginia Beach.

Bay Local Eatery

Bay Local has been a local favorite since it first set up shop in the Chesapeake Bay District. In fact, the love grew so quickly, they’ve now opened a second location near the Oceanfront. You can’t go wrong with any of their Bennies, but we are partial to the Crab Cake Bennie for its fresh local flavor. Of course, washing it down with a soft shell crab-topped Bloody Blue or a fresh-squeezed orange crush is an absolute must. And don’t miss out on the parmesan tots.

Citrus

Located Inland, Citrus is also flipping their flapjacks out of two locations, and they’re doing it with style. Once featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” this has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Try the “Citrus Style Pancakes” for a fruity take on a brunch staple. Their signature Bloody Mary with an Old Bay rim will make for the perfect brunch pairing.

Anchor Allies

Step back in time to our country’s Golden Era with brunch and a morning cocktail at the vintage naval-themed Anchor Allie’s Bistro, with two locations, Chesapeake Bay District and Town Center. For a unique take on an omelet, we recommend their Bridge “Bomblette,” which combines seasonal local berries with creamy brie and a drizzle of honey, making for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Their breakfast cocktails change regularly, but we have yet to try one we haven’t loved.

Java Surf Cafe and Espresso Bar
 

Java Surf, located at the Oceanfront, is a great spot for everything from a fresh cup o’ Joe to brunch fit for King Neptune himself. With their focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients, Java Surf is about as fresh as it can get for your mid-morning grub-fest. The open-faced bagel melts are a go-to for us. Try “The Lighthouse” and experience meat and cheese Nirvana topped with the sweet and spicy kick of Sriracha. How can you go wrong with that? To keep the theme of freshness going, there’s just something about their fresh-squeezed OJ that keeps us coming back for more.

Doc Taylor’s

For soul-satisfying fare that gives a nod to our Southern culinary roots, look no further than the Oceanfront, where you’ll find Doc Taylor's. This one-time doctor's home serves up delicious comfort breakfast and lunch food, Bloody Marys and mimosas. This spot is such a locals' favorite, that the menu features several items named for regular customers.

The Bee & the Biscuit

Operating out of a charming 1919 cottage in the Pungo Agricultural District, The Bee & the Biscuit is one of our favorite places to go for a heart southern brunch. It’s no wonder their house-baked items, local flaky, buttery biscuits and Fresh Pie of the Day are an absolute must. You also can’t go wrong with any of their layered mason jar desserts, like salted caramel brownie or peaches and cream, especially when ordering to-go. Wash it all down with a delicious iced hazelnut vanilla latte.

Simple Eats

In the Chesapeake Bay area, Simple Eats maintains a locally-sourced philosophy, with mouth-watering options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With delicious ingredients that are as fresh as they get, both of these farm-to-table eateries are as good for the body as they are for the belly. With bloody Mary and mimosa flights, this is one of our favorite spots for brunch drinks, too.