What’s better than watching your favorite team crush the opponent? Watching it in a lively sports bar in Virginia Beach with giant TVs on every wall, an abundance of great food and drink, and a room full of noisy, friendly sports fans. (Except for the other team’s fans… they’re just crazy, and sorely misguided, too. And what’s up with those refs?) Come along with us for a tour of fun sports bars in Virginia Beach. They’re super-fun on Game Day, but always a blast. Count on wings and beer and pizza, along with a few surprises. Because this is Virginia Beach, after all.
Shore Break Pizza & Tap House
Talk about street cred: Shore Break Pizza & Tap House was voted “best sports bar in Virginia” by Men’s Health magazine. Plus, their burgers and pizza have been awarded “best” in Virginia Beach by several publications, and locals hail their wings as “best in the 757” (area code.) Not to mention that they’ve got 20 beers on tap and 12 different wines by the glass. But there’s more to Shore Break (with locations on Shore Drive and in the Pungo District) than fab food and drink. Youth sports teams, college alums, sport-loving families and friends settle in to catch the game on TVs galore (40 TVs at Shore Drive, 35 at Pungo) amid a backdrop of sports memorabilia. For those who aren’t so good at settling in (we’re looking at you, small fry), there’s an arcade area with games galore. Wing Night Wednesdays are worth the sticky fingers. Did we forget to mention they just released a new menu?
Hackers at Hilltop
If you don’t know what a hacker is – we’re talking sports, not cybercrime – Hackers at Hilltop may not be for you. But if you have even a casual interest in golf, or think you might have an Inner Duffer just waiting to emerge, check out the action at this golf simulator sports lounge located near the Shops at Hilltop. State-of-the-art, hi-def golf simulators transport players to 85 courses from around the world. Seven private bays host one to eight participants (plus there’s a VIP Room). Take comfort in the fact that there’s bound to be someone in your friend group who’s worse than you. Or hang out in the fragrant haze of the chic private cigar lounge. The food is elegant, too: Think grilled octopus and chorizo grits, along with elevated pub favorites. (Breakfast, too, since they open at 7 a.m.)
Topgolf Virginia Beach
Look out, local golf courses! With no green or club fees, and clever microchipped golf balls that reveal how good (or not) you really are, Topgolf Virginia Beach is coming for you. Just kidding… everybody knows that golfers are fanatics who will play anywhere, anytime, indoors or out. This sports entertainment complex is a nifty option that appeals to golfers and their friends and families alike. The three-floor space offers climate-controlled, covered, all-weather hitting bays that are cooled in summer and heated in winter, making any day a golf day. But wait, there’s more: 200-plus HDTVs, tuned to myriad sporting events, a sleek lounge space, and a rooftop restaurant with fire pits. Count on craft cocktails and brews, plus playful choices, like “dirty sodas” and “injectable donut holes.” We’d show up just to find out what those are.
C. P. Shuckers
Don’t let the slightly menacing “Eat or Be Eaten” slogan keep you away: This family-owned-and-operated sports bar is the real deal. As in, c’mon in, watch the game, shoot some pool, and crack wise with the bartender. Since 1995, C.P. Shuckers has been winning fans among sports fans for their perfect match up of live music, friendly patrons, delightful barkeeps, affordable grub, and popular happy hours (and did we mention Karaoke Mondays and Trivia Tuesdays?). They’ve got two locations, one on Shore Drive and one in the Oceanfront district. Here’s to twice the fun.
Warriors Tap House
“Cheers to freedom, family and friends” is the theme at the convivial Warriors Tap House. You’d almost expect to see Cliff, Norm and Sam at the bar, given the Cheers-like vibe. Co-owners Tony, Dave, and Mike all have ties to the military, and they created this bar to provide support to veterans and their families. They donate part of the proceeds from selling craft beer to local charities that support and aid wounded veterans and their families. The crew got off to a roaring start, donating $4,000 on their first day open in 2018. Watch games on eight TVs, and enjoy scratch-cooked food, 50 craft beers on tap, military-themed décor, and an outdoor patio with fire pits (you can watch the game outside, too, on their outdoor TV). Popular game nights feature trivia, music bingo, and their version of “Family Feud.” Show up for brunch on weekends for the extra-hearty MOAB, aka the “Mother of All Burritos.” Now if only they could hire Carla.
Yard House
The yard is an old Scottish unit of volume equivalent to about 2.4 pints. No need to drink a yard of ale at the Yard House to have fun here – the good times are a-rolling. This upscale sports bar is known for having 100-plus beers on tap and 16 TVs tuned to sports. They also claim the world’s largest selection of draft beer. In fact, this Town Center establishment has everything you could want in a sports bar: Pro and college games on the screens, classic rock rattling the sound system (the better to muffle the whines of the losers), and bar food that’s way better than what you might serve at home. We’re talking blackened ahi sashimi, chicken tortilla soup, and poke nachos, along with legendary happy hours (half off some apps and all pizzas.) With all that going on, who cares if your team wins or loses? (Just kidding. Of course you care. Deeply.)
About Our Writer
East Coast-based writer D. Chérie Bair covers travel, food, and outdoor recreation for newspapers, magazines, and online travel sites. She has contributed to several guidebooks for Fodor’s, Michelin, Lonely Planet, and Frommer’s. A global traveler, Bair admits she is “besotted” with Virginia Beach. Her favorite things to do there include paddling with dolphins in Rudee Inlet and loading up on taffy at Forbes Candies.
