1. For Traditionalists
The Sip: Original Orange Crush
The Spot: Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Waterman’s has been a bustling anchor of the Oceanfront District for three decades, and is such a must-see for visitors that it now has its own gift shop! As the folks who brought the Original Orange Crush to Virginia Beach, the Standing family takes its responsibility very seriously. Their classic recipe blends fresh-squeezed orange juice with flavored vodka and a splash of Sprite.
While patriarch Mike Standing has refined the ingredients, ratios, vessel and even the type of ice over many years, his wife Mariah has gone one step further—imagining and launching the city’s first organic vodka brand, Waterman Spirits. A unique coral filtration process, organic corn and citrus fruits give her creations a distinct seaside spirit that keeps the OG crush at the top of every list. This cocktail pairs equally well with appetizers like the Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops or entrées like the Parmesan-Peppercorn Fish of the Day.
2. For Dockside Swingers
The Sip: Cabana Crusher
The Spot: Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar
If you want the full experience at Rudee’s, you’ll need to sit on their beloved marina deck—where every table is a shaded porch swing with a gentle gliding motion. Rudee’s is known for their “docktails,” so it’s no surprise their Cabana Crusher is next level with raspberry vodka, black-raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice and lemon-lime soda. The Crusher’s sweet flavors play nicely with the sour notes of the Doughtie’s® Pork BBQ Sandwich served North Carolina style on a bun with crunchy coleslaw and a vinegar-based sauce.
3. For Al Fresco Fans
The Sip: Honey-Habanero Crush
The Spot: The Shack on 8th
Equally popular with families and fun-loving friend groups, The Shack on 8th is an idyllic outdoor oasis in the heart of the Oceanfront District with shaded picnic tables, welcoming lounge areas, firepits and a variety of lawn games to spark a bit of friendly in competition.
Their Honey Habanero Crush is the perfect metaphor for a summer afternoon—a little hot, a little sweet. Enjoy it with an order (or two) of their Carnage Fries, hand-cut potatoes topped with carne asada, peppers, onions and nacho cheese.
4. For Dancing Queens
The Sip: Endless Summer Crush
The Spot: Chix on the Beach
An Oceanfront favorite for more than 40 years, Chix on the Beach has been around since “Saturday Night Fever” was in theaters—and it’s still one of our favorite places for groovin’ to live music. Chix also has a delicious crush for every type of music fan.Our favorite is the Endless Summer Crush with fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juices, pineapple-infused vodka, coconut rum and lemon-lime soda. For fun flavor echoes, order the Blackened Tuna Tacos served with house-made cilantro-lime slaw and pineapple salsa.
5. For Fun Families
The Sip: Margarita Crush
The Spot: Dough Boy’s 24th Street + 33rd Street
Picture this: After an amazing day on the beach, you’ve managed to get the whole family showered and sand-free. At the moment, everyone’s still feeling good tired, but this could change quickly if you can’t agree on what’s for dinner. This is exactly why places like Dough Boy’s exist.
No matter which of their two Oceanfront locations is more convenient, you can usually slide right into a comfy booth and get a hot pie on the table in a matter of minutes. While everyone digs into the fresh pizza, mom and dad can enjoy a well-earned Margarita Crush made with fresh-squeezed orange, lemon and lime juices, plus a double shot of tequila.
6. For the Brunch Bunch
The Sip: Madras Crush
The Spot: Bay Local Eatery (Chesapeake Bay or Inland)
Bay Local Eatery may not have coined the phrase “It’s five o’clock somewhere,” but this lively establishment does lean into the philosophy. If it feels a bit early for one of their famous Breakfast Shots, ease into your day with a Madras Crush, which swaps the classic lemon-lime soda with a splash of cranberry juice. Order some Ta-Chos (that’s tater-tot nachos to the uninitiated) for the table, then try the Big Al, a fresh-baked biscuit stuffed with cheddar cheese, bacon and sausage, then smothered with house-made gravy. Next up, a very long nap.
7. For View Masters
The Sip: Grapefruit Crush
The Spot: The Porch on Long Creek
With a prime waterfront location in the Chesapeake Bay, the Porch on Long Creek is a wonderful place to watch the boats glide by on the Lynnhaven River. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pair a Grapefruit Crush with one of their signature flatbreads. We’re partial to the Napa Shrimp with blackened crustaceans, mozzarella, parmesan, scallions and a Caesar-dressing drizzle. Craving a heartier meal? Try their Seared Scallops served with a saffron cream sauce over Southern risotto with applewood-smoked bacon, red peppers, corn and baby spinach.
8. For Southern Charmers
The Sip: Sweet Tea Crush
The Spot: The Back Deck
Want the quintessential Chesapeake Bay view with a slightly more casual vibe? Tap into our signature Southern charm at The Back Deck. With the gentle bay breeze wafting across your table and the sunset glowing just beyond, you’ll be crushing on the combination of a refreshing Sweet Tea Crush and Blackened Shrimp Tacos with tangy mango salsa.
9. For Live-Music Lovers
The Sip: Dragon Fruit Lemonade Crush
The Spot: Hot Tuna
If you like a little jam with your dinner, this Shore Drive standby in the Chesapeake Bay is a must-visit—balancing five-star food and drink with a laid-back atmosphere and fresh live music acts night after night. First, get tickled pink with a Dragon Fruit Lemonade Crush, featuring dragon-berry rum, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and lemonade. Then tuck into the Cedar Plank Salmon, served with beurre blanc over wild mushroom risotto.
Pro Tip: Calories aren’t a concern when you’re about to shake them off on the dance floor.
10. For Brew Hounds
The Sip: Virginia Crush
The Spot: Voodoo Brewing Co.
What’s a brewery doing here, at the end of an Orange Crush article? It’s highlighting the variety and creativity you can find throughout so much of Virginia Beach. This easygoing brewpub in Town Center District is ideal for a casual afternoon hang—the kind that sometimes melts into evening. Once you’ve tried a few of their outstanding brews , you’ll be ready for a beer-battered Killapilz Flounder Sando with our fair city’s favorite sip. Their Virginia Crush adds mango to the classic recipe, the perfect accompaniment to your fresh fish sandwich.
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- Boardwalk
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- Dine Like a Local
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- Summer
Written by Staci Amend
As a Californian living in Colorado, writer Staci Amend takes a “why not both” approach to the whole mountains vs. oceans debate. She covers travel, nature, beauty and fashion for a variety of publications and brands — and is happiest when surrounded by hand-painted tile, struggling to pronounce her next meal. A Huntington Beach native and longboarder, she tries to time her Virginia Beach visits with the East Coast Surfing Championships.
