Best Places for Dinner and Drinks in Virginia Beach This Fall

It's Friday night at the start of a long weekend and you want to spend some quality alone-together-with-friends-and-family-times.

After a week of fast food, you're also craving some fresh seafood or fish tacos and a cold craft beer at a perfect spot where you can let off some steam.

Well, if you live in Virginia Beach or are on vacation, you'll be able to experience lots of fun things to do here.

After doing the tourist circuit or working, if you're going to visit Virginia Beach, then perhaps spend some time at any of its popular waterfront restaurants that offer plenty of outdoor seating, outdoor dining, and all sort of amazing dining experiences.

Whether it's the natural beauty of the area, sitting on an outdoor patio, or in a private dining room, there are some great restaurants, breweries, seafood houses, and more to take it all in while in Virginia Beach.

Tulu Seaside Bar & Grille

Located at the far northern end of Virginia Beach's boardwalk, Tulu offers delicious foods and beverages throughout the day and has an excellent atmosphere with beautiful views before and after the sun goes down. 4201 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach.

Chix Seaside Grille & Bar

On the eastern shore of Virginia Beach, in the shadow of the famous boardwalk, lies a small restaurant in the perfect spot called "Chix," serving delicious seafood and great drinks.

Since opening in 1975, Chix has been an institution, known far beyond the shores of Virginia Beach. In recent years, however, Chix has struggled to keep up with the times. So in 2015, Chix sold to the owners of nearby Waterman's, and the changes started right away. First, they brought the old name back, renaming it "Sun-N-Fun Bath House." Then they completely revamped the inside, replacing the traditional booths with modern tables made of recycled lumber from the bay. They also upgraded the bathroom facilities, bringing them into the 21st century with new fixtures and tile floors. Most importantly, though, they added a massive outdoor patio, perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying a cold beer. Chix remains a perfect spot and a favorite among locals as well as visitors, not only because the menu is excellent and the staff is friendly, but also thanks to its unique location, overlooking the ocean. 701 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach.

Steinhilber's

Steinhilber's is one of the oldest restaurants in Virginia Beach and opened in 1939. It has been adding little touches here and there since then but it hasn't changed much else. There is now an outdoor eating area where you can enjoy meals overlooking the ocean. 653 Thalia Road, Virginia Beach.

CATCH 31 Fish House & Bar

Located at the Virginia Beach BoardWalk, CATCH 31 offers up some of the best fish tacos you can imagine, including Virginia Blue Crabbies, Smoked Salmon BLT, and its famous Crabby Potatoes. If you're enjoying a weekend getaway start your morning off right with one of its delicious breakfast items, then come back for lunch and dinner for favorites like Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos, Crispy Chicken Tenders, and Shrimp Po'boys. Don't forget to save room for dessert because there are plenty of mouthwatering desserts to satisfy the sweet tooth. 3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach.

The Back Deck

At this Coastal Virginia beautiful spot, you can enjoy the view of boats and kayakers from your private deck overlooking the creek. There aren't any reservations required, but you might want to call ahead, especially if it's a Tuesday night when they offer fish tacos for super cheap. 3323 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.

Ocean House

From its second-floor balcony overlooking the oceanfront at Virginia Key, the natural beauty of its views cannot be compared to any other. During the day, the restaurant serves cocktails and a wide range of award-winning dining dishes including fresh seafood, steaks, and plates of pasta. Its bar features a wide range of adult beverages including classics such as martinis and margaritas as well as specialty drinks such as the "Beachy Beers" and "Beachy Bums." 1905 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach.

Esoteric

Located in Virginia Beach’s ViBe district, Esoteric Brewing Co. has an impressive selection of craft beers from small breweries across the United States and some international brands too. When visiting Esoteric try out some of the freshest fish available here.

Just like most restaurants in Virginia Beach, Esoterica uses locally sourced ingredients following the farm-to-table method and has its on-site garden. 501 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Suite A, Virginia Beach.

Breakfast and Brunch

Bay Local Eatery

If you're looking for a good breakfast spot near First Landing State Park, check out Bay Local Eatery, where they serve delicious (and inexpensive) breakfast burritos. The espresso here also hits the spot at the crack of dawn. At this restaurant, the specialty is preparing unique dishes using locally sourced ingredients. 2917 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.

Commune

Everyone who resides in Virginia Beach enjoys the commune, a restaurant where you order a meal and share it with others. You get to eat fresh, locally sourced ingredients cooked by a professional chef.

It has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in town for its excellent local ingredients and the latte is also great and is good-sized. 501 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach.

Three Ships Coffee

Located in the ViBe creative neighborhood, Three Ships Coffee is a hipster coffee bar that offers artisanal coffees made from beans grown by farmers who take pride in their craft.

It's a nice place if you're looking for good espresso drinks but don't want to spend hours looking for the perfect one. It's a small store that sells mainly sandwiches and baked goods, though there's a trendy atmosphere and you can enjoy eating them in areas around the shop. 607 17th St., Virginia Beach.

The Bee & The Biscuit

The Pungo Fishing Community is where most of the fish used by local restaurants comes from.

So, if you're going to go somewhere, why not go there for fun?

After doing just that, please pay a visit to The Bee & the Biscuit. It’s one of the most adorable cafés in town. Bear in mind you might need to wait for a bit, so make sure to visit when things aren't too busy.

The outdoor cafe has a beautiful view, and its menu includes morning and afternoon meals to satisfy anybody's palate. 1785 Princess Anne Road., Virginia Beach.

Breweries and More

Of course, there are also some awesome beers, craft beers, wines, whiskey, and cocktail spots where you can enjoy yourself after a long day at work or if you're on vacation. From microbreweries to craft distilleries you will see many in Virginia Beach. Here are some great ones to check out!

The Chesapeake Bay Distillery

Cheers! The Chesapeake Bay Distilling is located just a few blocks away from Commune and Eso­teric.

Its spicier vodka is the perfect way to start an evening, or its vodka Martini too, both good choices to wind down the day. 437 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach.

Green Flash Brewery

Green Flash Brewhouse is a terrific place to grab a cold one as it serves 30 beers at one time - but there's an enormous brewery within where they produce them!

Green Flash Brewing Co. is a well-known San Diego–based microbrewer that has recently expanded into Virginia Beach. The central location on the East Coast makes it an ideal place for business, pleasure, and everything else in between. 1209 Craft Lane, Virginia Beach.

Back Bay Brewing Co.

If you want to wet your whistle with a cold local beer, do visit Back Bay Brewing Co. Sitting at large picnic tables gives a friendly gathering feel and will make you feel at home while chugging a pint or two of its Atlantic Avenue IPA or Beach Cruiser Pale Ale.

Feel free to talk to the locals as everyone is beyond friendly and welcoming. 614 Norfolk Ave., Virginia Beach.

Commonwealth Brewing Co.

Situated at the center of Chesapeake Bay Beach, this brewery is a must-see thanks to its unique setting in a repurposed firehouse dating back to 1962.

There are beers for every taste from Mexican cervezas and IPAs to dark imperial Hopfenweizens and stouts. 2444 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach.

Blue Pete's Restaurant

After an enjoyable and relaxing paddle in the Back Bay NWR, head up to Blue Pete's.

This eatery is another area favorite and by early evening the parking lot is usually packed. Located a little off the beaten path, it's a good choice to finish off an excursion or when a break is needed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Don't forget to order the chewy calamari tossed with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with hot pepper sauce to tingle your tastebuds.

You'll get some of the best seafood you have ever had at Blue Pete's, which serves everything from crab, to oysters, seafood gum­bo, and excellent shrimp dishes. 1400 N Muddy Creek Road, Virginia Beach.

Bubba's Seafood Restaurant

Located on Chesapeake Beach, Bubba's is the original seafood restaurant on the beach. It's the first in a long line of seafood restaurants on the water.

It’s an ideal location for taking advantage of the sunshine after a day at the beach or after visiting First Landings State Park. Don’t forget the beer here with dinner or to relax after eating. 3323 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.

As you can see there are plenty of places to wind down and kick off the weekend or just stop by any of these venues when you need to clear your head.

There are delicious meals, craft beers, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and other prime spots where you can while away the day and/or night.

It looks like Virginia Beach is quickly turning into a place for foodies as well as those who like to enjoy a libation or spirits now and then!

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