Catch 31, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
At 3 miles long and 28 feet wide, the bustling Virginia Beach Boardwalk stretches from 2nd to 40th Streets along the scenic Oceanfront. With a variety of quaint waterfront restaurants featuring unbeatable flavors amid amazing views, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite local attraction for dining, strolling and events under the stars. There are so many wonderful things to do along the Boardwalk, and culinary experiences take center stage. From beachside grills to fine dining done right, the flavors of the Boardwalk know no bounds, with menus boasting fresh seafood dishes and tasty signature cocktails. From the north to the south, taste your way along the Boardwalk for a choice of quintessential dining in Virginia Beach.
Catch 31
Situated close to the iconic King Neptune statue, Catch 31 is a prime location for outdoor dining and people-watching along the Boardwalk. Enjoy unbeatable views of Neptune Park and the Atlantic Ocean (bonus if there’s a concert in the park happening) relax at the seasonal open-air fire pit and enjoy a farm-to-table menu that highlights the best of coastal Virginia Beach cuisine. Plenty of fresh, delicious seafood choices include the Catch 31 signature crab cakes, truffled lobster macaroni and cheese and an impressive raw bar featuring shrimp, oysters, mussels, ceviche, snow crab legs and more.
Chix on the Beach
Chix on the Beach has been a beloved staple at the heart of the Oceanfront for over 40 years. Offering the perfect blend of old and new, Chix is known for its fun beachy vibes and a menu of local classics like surf n’ turf steak and shrimp tacos and its fried Atlantic Feast, which includes jumbo shrimp, scallops, crab cake, fried fresh fish and hush puppies. Order a Signature Crush in your flavor of choice or another specialty cocktail like a Hand-Pressed Margarita. Say cheers to beachside bliss!
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Located at the south end of the Boardwalk, Waterman’s Surfside Grille has been a favorite local establishment for nearly 30 years. Known as the curator of the original signature drink, the Orange Crush, Waterman’s is also dedicated to sustainably sourced seafood, so its menu highlights fresh fare like the house favorite local lump crab cakes and Waterman’s original pasta dish featuring a unique blend of shrimp, scallops and pork sausage. Leave room for a signature sweet treat like a Scratch-Made Local Artisan Ice Cream Sandwich or the Perfect Crush Cake made with Waterman Spirits’ vodka. This popular spot also brings in a regular lineup of live music to enjoy amid unbeatable ocean views that you won’t want to miss. If you’re truly an Orange Crush fan, you’ll love their drinks menu, which features 20 different types of Crushes; good luck choosing!
The Shack on 8th
Nestled at the Oceanfront for over two decades, The Shack on 8th has become a cherished dining destination for great music, fun games and a chill atmosphere. The menu of seafood favorites includes innovative takes on classic dishes like a yellowfin tuna sandwich, pesto Parmesan salmon sandwich and a shrimp ramen salad. Serving the famed Waterman’s Original Orange Crush, The Shack also tempts with other creations like a Red Bull Tropical Crush and a Honey Habanero Crush. Stick around for a good time at The Shack - they have a robust schedule full of dance parties, Taco Tuesdays, live DJs and more.
Ocean 27
Follow the fun to local favorite Ocean 27, a fully open-air bar, and refuel with a cold drink after a day at the beach. The playful indoor/outdoor space is stocked with lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball and giant beer pong for when a competitive moment strikes. Add in the ocean breeze and you have the perfect setting to gather around and enjoy an order of Da Cajan Seafood Boil or the 0000 Weee Peel’N Eat Shrimp. Washed it all down with a refreshing cocktail like the Sea Monster Mai Tai, made with Kraken dark rum and orange and lime juice, or go for the non-alcoholic Shark Attack blue raspberry slushie, which is deliciously sweet and bluer than the ocean itself!
Lager Heads
Located at the heart of the Boardwalk, Lager Heads is the place to go for amazing burgers and beer. While any choice will hit the spot, creative options feature premium 80/20 ground beef and veggies sourced from the nearby agricultural community of Pungo. Try the PB&J Burger, made with melty peanut butter and sweet and smoky bacon jam; the Fire Burger, which adds pickled jalapeno, pepper jack cheese, sriracha and pepper relish; or check the calendar for the “Burger of the Month.” Other menu items include handhelds, flatbreads and more. Wash it all down with a cold one from a large selection of local and rotating craft brews.
Ocean House
With live weekly music and the only second-story open-air bar on the Boardwalk, the Ocean House waterfront seafood restaurant is the perfect place for when you’re in full-on vacation mode. The menu is full of delicious seafood specialties like Mahi bites, crab soup, shrimp tacos and fish sandwiches. Don’t leave without trying one (or two) of the many specialty cocktails like a Beach Bum Rum Runner or the Ruby Blue Ocean to remind you that you’re just steps away from the warm, Virginia Beach sand.
Calypso Bar & Grill
Serving up fresh seafood and great cocktails, Calypso Bar & Grill boasts the largest covered patio on the beach. The panoramic ocean views provide a perfect backdrop for a regular lineup of favorite Virginia Beach bands and the menu features plenty of locally sourced seafood, meats and produce to make up its classic beach fare like calamari, fish tacos, she-crab soup, crab sandwiches and plenty more. With a rockin’ lineup of live bands, daily Happy Hour specials and a Raw Bar served all day, this fun spot brings fresh flavor and casual vibes.
