This Virginia Dockside Spot Serves Heaping Crab Legs And Jumbo Shrimp On The Table For Sharing

One platter here carries 12 oysters, 12 clams, a full pound of shrimp, and a pound of crab legs. All of it arrives steamed. And yes, the menu calls it perfect for sharing.

That platter lands on a waterfront deck along the Lynnhaven River in Virginia, where boaters and paddle boarders drift past. Every so often, a dolphin even shows up.

I actually prefer seafood spots that skip the fancy stuff. Give me Old Bay, melted butter, and a pile of shells to crack.

It always leaves me feeling like the meal was earned, one claw at a time. This place sits right behind a working seafood market. Your dog can tag along on the deck too. So the real question is simple. Who are you bringing to help finish that pile?

Grab A Crew Because The Seashore Platter Is Built For A Crowd

Twelve oysters, twelve clams, a pound of shrimp, and a pound of crab legs. That’s the lineup on the Seashore Platter at The Back Deck in Virginia Beach.

Everything comes steamed, which keeps the flavors clean and simple. The menu flat out says it’s perfect for sharing, and the math backs that up.

Solo diners can try, of course. But this platter really shines when several hands reach in at once.

It turns dinner into a group project with a tasty reward.

Another version of the sharing spread also shows up on the menu. That one brings a pound of shrimp and two clusters of crab legs.

Old Bay seasoning joins the party, because this is Virginia after all.

Here’s a smart move for groups. Decide early who handles the cracking and who handles the passing.

Assigning jobs keeps the table running smoothly and the shells landing in one spot.

Grab extra napkins before you start. Steamed shellfish gets messy fast, and that’s half the fun.

Nobody leaves a platter like this with clean fingers.

Got a birthday, reunion, or random Tuesday to celebrate? A mountain of seafood makes any gathering feel like an event.

Snow Crab Clusters Make Cracking Shells Totally Worth The Effort

Crab legs reward patience. You crack, you pull, and then you get that sweet bite of meat. It’s dinner and a small adventure rolled into one.

The Back Deck serves Snow Crab Legs as two clusters. That makes them easy to order on their own when you don’t need a whole platter.

Couples especially might like this option.

Snow crab legs are long and slender. Their shells crack fairly easily compared to some tougher crabs.

That’s good news for first-timers who worry about wrestling their food.

A simple trick helps a lot. Snap each leg at the joint, then gently wiggle the meat loose.

With a little practice, the meat often slides out in one long piece.

Fun fact for the table. One popular story says snow crabs got their name from the snowy white color of their cooked meat, though others credit the icy northern waters where they live.

Either way, it’s a nice detail to share while everyone works on their shells.

Pair the crab with something lighter from the menu if you want balance. A salad works well alongside all that rich seafood.

And keep a shell bowl close. Your table will thank you when the pile starts growing.

Peel-And-Eat Shrimp Turn Every Bite Into A Hands-On Snack

Wild-caught shrimp, still in the shell, waiting for you to get to work. The peel-and-eat shrimp at The Back Deck keeps things simple and honest.

Peeling your own shrimp slows the meal down in the best way. You chat, you peel, you dip, and you repeat.

Somehow the conversation always gets better with something to do.

Wild-caught means the shrimp came from open waters instead of a farm. Many seafood fans prefer that for its natural flavor.

It’s a detail worth knowing when you order.

New to peeling? Start by pulling off the legs underneath.

Then the shell usually unwraps around the body like a little jacket.

The tail can stay on as a handy grip for dipping. Toss it in the shell bowl when you’re finished.

Shrimp also fit nicely into the sharing theme. Order a pound for the table and let everyone grab what they want.

Nobody needs a separate plate to join in.

Kids often enjoy the hands-on part too. Peeling feels a bit like a game, especially when there’s a reward inside each shell.

Your Table Sits Right On The Lynnhaven River

Water views don’t get much closer than this. The deck seating at The Back Deck stretches right along the water.

The restaurant sits right on the Lynnhaven River, just a few doors down from Chick’s Oyster Bar on Shore Drive. That means boats, paddle boarders, and gentle ripples become your dinner entertainment.

No screens required.

Keep an eye on the water while you eat. Boaters cruise past regularly, and stand-up paddle boarders glide by too.

Once in a while, dolphins make a surprise appearance.

Spotting a dolphin mid-bite is a pretty great bonus. It’s the kind of moment that gets the whole table pointing.

The setting feels relaxed and casual. Nobody expects you to dress up for crab legs on a dock.

Flip-flops and a sun hat fit right in.

Sunsets are a big draw here as well. Timing your meal for the evening can give you colorful skies over the water.

Bring sunglasses for daytime visits. The sun bouncing off the river can get bright fast.

A light jacket also helps on breezy evenings, since the water can make things cooler than you expect.

Fish Tacos Deserve A Spot Next To All That Shellfish

Not everyone at the table wants to crack shells all night. Good thing the fish tacos rank among the most popular items here.

Tacos make a great side mission during a seafood feast. They’re easy to hold, quick to eat, and offer a change of pace from the platter.

Think of them as a breather between claws.

Shrimp tacos also appear on the menu. So shrimp lovers get two very different ways to enjoy their favorite.

Craving something smaller and a little unusual? The scallop cake sliders are worth a look.

They bring scallops into a handheld form that doesn’t show up on every menu.

Ordering a mix for the table works nicely. A few tacos, some sliders, and a big platter can cover nearly every appetite.

It’s like building your own seafood sampler.

Picky eaters in the group still have choices. The menu includes salads, individual pizzas, and paninis too.

That variety matters when you’re feeding a crowd. One person wants crab, another wants a pizza, and everyone still eats happily at the same Virginia waterfront table.

Start With Crab Dip And Oysters Before The Big Stuff Arrives

Appetizers set the tone, and this menu has some strong openers. Crab dip sits right at the top of the traditional favorites.

Crab dip is a classic along the Virginia coast. It’s creamy, rich, and made for scooping.

Sharing a bowl gets the table talking before the main event.

Oysters come two ways here. You can order them raw or steamed, depending on your style.

That’s handy for groups where some folks love raw oysters and others prefer them cooked.

Steamed oysters are a friendly starting point for nervous beginners. They’re warm and a bit firmer than raw ones.

Raw oyster fans usually like adding a splash of something tangy. A little sauce or lemon goes a long way.

Steamed clams are another option worth considering. They show up on the Seashore Platter too, so you can taste them either way.

Pace yourself, though. Filling up on starters before a pound of crab legs arrives is a classic rookie mistake.

Order a couple of appetizers, share them, and save room for the heaping platter still on its way.

Bring The Dog Because Pups Are Welcome On The Deck

Leaving your dog at home always feels a little sad. Here, you can skip that guilt completely.

The Back Deck welcomes dogs on its deck. Your furry friend can relax by your feet while you work through a pile of shrimp.

That’s a win for the whole family.

Cold weather doesn’t end the fun either. During the off-season, there’s a covered and enclosed space available for pets.

So dogs get cozy seating options all year.

A few simple habits make visits smoother. Bring a leash, a water bowl, and maybe a favorite chew toy.

A calm dog makes the meal more relaxing for everyone nearby.

Walk your pup before you sit down. A tired dog settles in much faster than one bursting with energy.

Also, resist those begging eyes. Seafood shells, butter, and spicy seasoning aren’t great for dogs.

Pack a few dog treats instead so they feel included.

Watching boats and paddle boarders might keep your dog entertained anyway. Plenty of pups seem to love a good water view just as much as their humans.

Winter Visits Still Work Thanks To An Enclosed Deck

Crab legs taste just as good in January. The Back Deck stays open year-round, which is great news for winter seafood cravings.

Outdoor seating gets a smart upgrade in colder months. The deck can be enclosed, so you stay protected while still near the water.

Cozy beats chilly every time.

Off-season visits come with a quieter Virginia Beach vibe. Summer tourists head home, and the shoreline feels calmer.

It’s a nice time to enjoy the river views without the busy beach season energy.

Hours typically run from late morning into the evening, giving you room for a long lunch or a relaxed dinner. Winter schedules can shift, so call (757) 481-7512 before you head out.

Planning a winter outing? Dress in layers anyway.

Even with the enclosure, being close to the water can feel brisk.

A steamed seafood platter also fits cold weather perfectly. Warm shellfish and melted butter feel extra comforting on a gray afternoon.

Holiday gatherings could work well here too. A big sharing platter brings family together around one table.

Seating is first come, first served, so arrive early with a big group. Just make sure someone volunteers to crack crab legs for the grandparents.

Find It Behind A Seafood Market On Shore Drive

The name makes perfect sense once you arrive. The Back Deck sits behind The Shellfish Company, a seafood market.

You’ll find it at 3323 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Shore Drive runs along the northern part of the city near the Chesapeake Bay.

It’s an easy spot to reach from many Virginia Beach neighborhoods.

Having a seafood market right out front is a fun bonus. You can enjoy dinner on the deck, then shop for fresh seafood to cook at home.

Two errands, one stop.

Parking is free on-site. That removes one big headache from beach-area dining.

Boaters have an even cooler option. Dockage is available, so you can pull up by water and walk straight to your table.

Arriving by boat for crab legs feels pretty fancy for such a casual place.

The restaurant is family-run too. That adds a personal touch to the whole relaxed setup.

So grab your crew, your appetite for shellfish, and maybe your dog. A heaping platter and a river view will be waiting out back.