Waterman's Surfside Grille is one of Virginia Beach's most enduring oceanfront dining institutions, a sprawling American seafood and bar-restaurant at 415 Atlantic Avenue that has served beachgoers and locals since the early 1980s. The restaurant's position on the boardwalk at 5th Street is among the most coveted on the Virginia Beach resort strip: an expansive outdoor patio faces the Atlantic directly, with waves visible and the constant energy of boardwalk foot traffic creating a resort atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere along the Virginia coast. Inside, the dining room is open and airy, with a nautical-but-unpretentious aesthetic suited to a day of sun and salt air. The kitchen focuses on American seafood prepared in beach-casual fashion: the crab cake sandwich, made with Chesapeake blue crab and served on a toasted bun, is among the resort strip's most reliable renditions of the regional specialty. Fish tacos built from locally caught seasonal fish draw the lunch crowd, while steamed blue crabs ordered by the dozen are the most characteristically Chesapeake experience on the menu and a genuine institution when the summer season brings soft-shells and hard-shells simultaneously from the bay. The bar program is an important component of the Waterman's experience: frozen cocktails, craft beers, and a broad spirits selection keep the bar active through the late afternoon and evening hours, with service extending until 2:00 AM — one of the latest closings on the resort strip. Live music performances on the outdoor patio during summer weekends add to the festival atmosphere. The restaurant is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours, transitioning to a more bar-forward crowd after 10:00 PM. Large groups should call 757-428-3644 for advance seating arrangements.
Signature dishes
- Crab cake sandwich
- Fish tacos
- Steamed blue crabs
Good to know
- Known for
- Virginia Beach institution; oceanfront patio; craft cocktails and seafood
- Hours
- Daily 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
- Reservations
- Walk-in; reservations for large groups via 757-428-3644
Location
415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
36.8478, -75.9780 View on map
Highlights
- Oceanfront patio at 5th Street on the Virginia Beach boardwalk — one of the resort's most scenic dining positions
- Steamed Chesapeake blue crabs by the dozen — the most authentically regional dish on the menu
- Crab cake sandwich with Virginia blue crab — among the most consistent versions on the resort strip
- Late-night bar service until 2:00 AM with live music on the patio during summer weekends
- Virginia Beach institution operating continuously since the early 1980s
Tips for visiting
- Request an outdoor patio table to take full advantage of the Atlantic view — inside seating is comfortable but misses the boardwalk energy
- Steamed blue crabs ordered by the dozen with Old Bay seasoning are the most characteristically Chesapeake experience on the menu
- Arriving before noon on summer weekends avoids the peak lunch rush and secures the best patio seats
- The bar and patio are liveliest in the late afternoon and evening; families with children are most comfortable during daytime hours
- Large groups of eight or more should call 757-428-3644 in advance to arrange seating
Accessibility
Waterman's oceanfront location is adjacent to the Virginia Beach public boardwalk, which has accessible ramp access; contact the restaurant at 757-428-3644 to confirm interior wheelchair access and accessible seating availability on the patio.
Frequently asked questions
Does Waterman's take reservations?
Waterman's operates on a walk-in basis for most visitors but accepts reservations for large groups of eight or more. Call 757-428-3644 to arrange advance seating for larger parties, especially during the peak summer season.
Is Waterman's open year-round?
Yes — Waterman's operates daily throughout the year. Summer hours are the most expansive; shoulder-season and winter hours may be reduced. Confirming current service hours before a non-summer visit is advisable.
Where exactly is Waterman's on the Virginia Beach boardwalk?
Waterman's is at 415 Atlantic Avenue, positioned at 5th Street on the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk — one of the central access points to the beach. Paid public parking is available in surrounding resort-area lots and garages.
Is Waterman's appropriate for families with children?
Yes — during daytime and early evening hours, Waterman's is highly family-friendly with a casual atmosphere, accessible menu, and oceanfront views that appeal to guests of all ages. After 10:00 PM the restaurant transitions to a bar-dominant environment.
What is the price range for a meal?
Most entrees at Waterman's cost $18–$32 per person. A full meal with drinks typically runs $35–$60 per person. Blue crabs by the dozen are priced by weight and represent one of the more expensive but most-recommended choices.