At 3 miles in length, The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a 28-foot wide marvel that stretches from 2nd to 40th Street. It’s no wonder that this favorite local attraction brings a variety of quaint outdoor restaurants and unbeatable flavor that you won’t want to miss. From beachy cocktails to fine-dining done right, and everything in between, the flavor of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk knows no bounds.
Chix Seaside Grille & Bar
@chixvb, Instagram
Chix has been a staple at the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for 40 years, originally opening as the Sun - N - Fun Bathhouse Grill, before changing its name to what it is today. After being purchased by the owners of another popular Virginia Beach waterfront must-try, Waterman’s, Chix is still one of the Oceanfront’s most popular spots, and the ocean views and ample outdoor dining are a big reason why. With the classic Orange Crushes for which Waterman’s is known, and a menu of local classics like the Surf N’ Turf Shrimp Tacos or the Atlantic Feast of jumbo shrimp, a jumbo lump crab cake and fried fresh fish, is the perfect pairing of the old and the new. While you can’t go wrong with an Original Crush, we also love their fresh-squeezed shandy - with fresh-squeezed lemons, organic agave nectar and draft lager. It’s the perfect drink for summer at the beach.
Ocean House
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Looking out over the Virginia Beach Oceanfront from its second-story deck, the perspective here is hard to beat. With live music every night and a menu of specialty drinks like the Beach Bum Rum Runner, with light rum, dark rum, coconut rum, OJ, pineapple juice and a splash of raspberry liqueur, this is the perfect place for those in full-on vacation mode. Try the Oysters Ocean House while you’re here. These crispy fried oysters with Old Bay cream sauce, bacon and potatoes, are from the nearby Eastern Shore, which is just a quick trip across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from Va Beach.
Catch 31
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Located basically in the shadow of King Neptune himself at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Catch 31 is a prime location for outdoor eating. With views of Neptune Park, in addition to the unbeatable view of the Atlantic Ocean, we like coming here when there’s a concert in the park. Sit at the open-air fire pit and enjoy a farm-to-table menu highlighting the best of Coastal Virginia cuisine. Whatever you order, start it off with the Virginia Blue Crab Cake appetizer, Chesapeake Bay-style, and a North End Orange Crush, with fresh-squeezed orange juice, orange vodka, and triple sec, for a unique Va Beach experience.
Waterman’s Surfside Grille
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Located at the south end of the boardwalk, Waterman’s has been a favorite local establishment for nearly 30 years. Known for their refreshing signature drink, the Orange Crush, Waterman’s also brings in a regular lineup of live music that you can enjoy with an unbeatable ocean view from their attic, and an amazing menu of fresh seafood that you won’t want to miss.
Ocean 27
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Ocean 27 is a fully open-air bars at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, making them both local favorites when it comes to refueling with a cold drink after a day at the beach. Stocked with lawn games like corn hole, bocce ball, and giant beer pong, it is the perfect places to enjoy a few Orange Crushes and some Baja Fish Tacos.
Calypso Bar & Grill
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Serving up fresh seafood and great cocktails at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Calypso Bar & Grill boasts the largest covered patio at the beach. The panoramic oceanfront views provide the perfect backdrop for a regular lineup of some of our favorite Va Beach bands. With classic beach food done perfectly, like tacos and Old Bay hush puppies, to fine dining staples like expertly prepared seafood and steak, and even an amazing breakfast menu, this place brings the flavor.
Lager Heads
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Located at the heart of the boardwalk, this is a place you’ll want to try. While their whole menu is great, they know their burgers. Try the Lager Heads Burger, with premium 80/20 ground beef and veggies sourced from our agricultural community of Pungo, this burger is a fresh and juicy bit of burger heaven. Wash it down with a local beer from their large selection, like the Lager Heads Pale Ale, brewed especially for them by the local brewmasters at Smartmouth Brewing.
Cover Image: @mindfully_vibrant
