Savor Tradition at the East Coast She Crab Soup Classic
By Elizabeth Rose Engle of Wandering Rose Travels
Updated by Chris Murphy
2023 Winners:
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Food is a great way to gain a sense of place, and adding a competition to the mix is a recipe for fun. The East Coast She Crab Soup Classic dishes out the best of a local culinary tradition. Now in its 11th year, this open she crab cookoff includes 20 area restaurants battling for honors from attendees and experts.
The 2023 event takes place on April 22nd, from noon–2:30 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s 24th Street Park.
East Coast She Crab Soup Classic Participants
Presented by the Culinary Institute of Virginia, the competition features regional restaurants vying for the title of Best She Crab Soup. Attendees taste and vote for the People’s Choice Awards, while four regional cuisine experts serve up Critic’s Choice Awards.
East Coast She Crab Soup Classic Tickets
The limited number of East Coast She Crab Soup Classic tickets usually sell out in advance. Online tickets sell through Ticketmaster. The Virginia Beach Visitor Information Center also sells tickets, and only accepts cash or check. Children 12 and younger who are with an adult and not tasting are free.
Location and Parking
Located on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 24th Street Park hosts top events and entertainment. Parking is available in the 25th Street Municipal Garage at 336 25th Street.
What to Bring
The She Crab Soup Classic happens rain or shine. Dogs and beach chairs are not permitted in the tasting area. Comfortable shoes and sunglasses or hat are advised.
Explore Virginia Beach waterfront dining.
Images from Live! On Atlantic.
Still Hungry for Some of the Best She Crab Soup in Virginia Beach?
Here are the Top 5 favorite spots for this delectable dish:
• Passion The Restaurant (Chesapeake): 2018 cookoff winner
• Freemason Abbey Restaurant (Norfolk): Hall of famer
• Fish & Slips Marina Raw Bar & Grill (Portsmouth): Second/third place finisher
• Calypso Bar & Grill (Virginia Beach): Second/third place finisher
• Margie and Ray’s (Sandbridge): Longtime icon
A beloved regional delicacy from Virginia to Georgia, creamy she crab soup stars the blue crab, an Atlantic seafood staple.
READ MORE ABOUT THE AREAS BEST SHE CRAB SOUP.
