It’s hard to beat boardwalk bars and their views of the Atlantic.
Five Best Bars on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
By Elizabeth Rose Engle of Wandering Rose Travels
It’s hard to beat boardwalk bars and their views of the Atlantic. Seafood is always in season, as is people watching on the beach and along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
Best Bars on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Here’s a sampling of the top Virginia Beach Oceanfront bars – all serving up fun, food, drinks and live music on the boardwalk.
1. Ocean 27
Offering a quintessential summer experience, Ocean 27 is the perfect outdoor space to enjoy cocktails, food and live music. Situated along the boardwalk, take a seat on one of the cozy glider chairs and kick back with an ice cold drink from The Yard Bar.
In addition to drinks and an all around fun vibe, Ocean 27’s outdoor bar also has a kid-friendly grass area with games. Play giant Connect Four or Jenga while you enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail.
Located at 2705 Atlantic Ave., next to the Hyatt House.
2. Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Family run since 1981, Waterman’s delivers views and bars inside and out. Patrons enjoy the patio year-round, with off-season heating and an open-air setup for warm weather. Shake it late with live music Friday nights and frequent Saturday happenings.
The locally loved orange crush cocktail originated here, and is a freshly squeezed, frequent bar special. Sample happy hour food and drink specials Sunday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. Known for Chesapeake seafood, including she crab soup, Waterman’s serves lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday brunch.
Located at 415 Atlantic Avenue, at the corner of 5th Street.
3. Catch 31 Fish House and Bar
Find nightlife on Catch 31’s buzzing boardwalk patio, complete with bar, firepits, seasonal live music and DJs. Catch happy hour food and drink specials, Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. Look for late night bites and deals as well.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday brunch with mimosa and bloody mary bars. Dine indoors or out, with reservations by phone and on OpenTable.
Located at 3001 Atlantic Avenue in the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 30th Street.
Opened in 1977 and refreshed in 2015, Chix mixes traditional roots with today’s recipes. This happening beachfront spot boasts multiple patios. Groove to seasonal live music and sit close to the 7th Street Oceanfront Stage on the side patio.
Enjoy food and drink specials, plus frequent festive events. Open until the wee hours, Chix offers DJs and a late-night food. Browse the extensive drink menu and look for eats including steamers, seafood and bar bites.
Chix dishes out lunch, dinner, late night and weekend breakfast at 701 Atlantic Avenue at 7th Street.
5. Calypso Bar & Grill
Venture to Calypso for drinks, entertainment, lunch and dinner. They host evening and afternoon events, including bands, DJs and holiday celebrations, with games like cornhole on the oceanfront patio.
Save with frequent specials, including daily, weekly and holiday food and drink deals. Happy hour is most of day every day, with food specials from 2–7 p.m. and drink deals until 9 p.m. Savor their creamy crabby seafood soup, which tied for second place in the 2018 East Coast She Crab Soup Classic.
Find Calypso at 1101 Atlantic Avenue at 11th Street.
Virginia Beach’s Best Bars
Top watering holes and beloved bars:
• Repeal Bourbon & Burgers: Good eats and countless bourbons
• The Shack: Backyard party setting
• CP Shuckers: Classic sports bar fare and fun
• Beachside Social: Shuffleboard and board games
• Wasserhund Brewing Company: Popular brewery
• Tinto Wine & Cheese, etc.: Bar and shop
• Sky Bar: Oceanfront rooftop
Get more of the best bars in Virginia Beach.
