This Virginia Restaurant Serves Fried Seafood Platters Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
Some meals are worth the drive. Picture a quiet road heading toward the ocean, salty air drifting through the car window, and a stomach that starts growling right on time.
Up ahead sits a modest little building that does not look fancy at all. That is exactly the point.
Locals have been pulling into this gravel lot for years, and they keep coming back for one big reason: golden fried seafood piled high on generous platters.
Think crunchy shrimp, plump oysters, crispy clam strips, and warm hushpuppies that vanish fast. This spot sits in a sunny coastal corner of Virginia, close to quiet beaches and wide open water.
It is the kind of place where sandy flip-flops are welcome and nobody rushes you out the door. Vacations are made for small treats, and a big seafood feast is one of the best.
From Tackle Shop To Seafood Favorite
Long before anyone ordered a seafood platter here, folks stopped by for bait and basic supplies. The building opened in 1964 as a country store and tackle shop.
Back then, the road out front was just dirt.
Fast forward a few decades, and the old store found a tasty new purpose. In 1997, it became Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant.
The roots of that simple shop still shape the whole experience today.
Pull into the gravel lot and look around. A modest brick building waits with a white fence and an OPEN sign glowing in the window.
It does not shout for attention. Some longtime visitors even joke that it is easy to drive right past on the way to Sandbridge.
Do not make that mistake. The plain outside is part of the charm.
This is a slice of old Virginia Beach that never tried to become something flashy. Many visitors say it still feels like the beach town of years past.
History fans will enjoy knowing they are eating where locals once bought fishing gear. Kids will love hearing that the spot started as a tackle shop.
It is a fun story to share while waiting for food.
Here is a tip. Take a quick photo of the building before heading in.
It makes a great souvenir of a true Virginia classic.
Meet The Hurricane On A Plate
Some storms are scary. This one is delicious.
The Hurricane Margie Platter is the star of the fried seafood lineup, and it lands on the table with serious force.
Get ready for a big pile of goodies. The platter brings shrimp, scallops, crabcakes, clam strips, oysters, and fish filets, all fried golden.
On the side come French fries, hushpuppies, and homemade coleslaw.
It is made to feed two people, so grab a buddy. Sharing turns dinner into a fun game of picking favorites.
Who gets the last oyster? That is up to you two.
One rule matters here. Everything on this platter is fried, and the kitchen does not allow substitutions.
Go in knowing that, and simply enjoy the crunch.
Not that hungry? The Fried Seafood Sampler is a smaller choice.
It brings fried shrimp, oysters, and scallops together on one plate.
Visitors who have shared the big platter often praise the clam strips, oysters, shrimp, and hushpuppies. The portions are generous, so nobody leaves with an empty feeling.
Here is a smart move. Skip the heavy snack before arriving.
Show up hungry, order the hurricane, and let the feast roll in. A vacation is the perfect time to treat yourself to something this big and this fun.
Soup Worth The Road Trip
Ask around about the soup, and watch faces light up. The she-crab soup here might be the most talked-about thing on the whole menu.
Plenty of visitors call it the best they have ever tasted.
So what is it? She-crab soup is a creamy, rich bowl loaded with sweet blue crab meat.
It is a classic of the coastal South, and this kitchen takes it seriously.
One longtime fan shared a fun detail. The cup gets filled so high that it ends up being a pretty big serving.
That makes it great as a starter or even a light meal.
Travelers from far away have praised it too. One European visitor loved the rich flavor and the generous portion.
Another guest wished they could return every day of vacation just to keep exploring the menu.
Feeling curious about other bowls? The Hatteras clam chowder gets loud cheers as well.
It has a clear broth style that some fans say beats the creamy kinds.
Here is a friendly suggestion. Order a cup of she-crab soup for the table, even if fried seafood is the main plan.
Pass spoons around and let everyone take a taste. It is a small treat that might become the best memory of the trip.
Crab Mallets Ready? Let’s Crack
Cracking crabs is part meal, part adventure. Steamed blue crabs are a headline act at this down-home spot, and they bring a messy kind of fun.
First-timers, do not worry. The process is simple once you get going.
Crack the shell, pick out the sweet meat, and keep plenty of napkins close.
Visitors rave about the size of these crabs. One guest said they were the biggest seen in a long time.
Another said just thinking about them makes their mouth water.
Fair warning, though. Crab prices can climb, especially by the dozen, since prices change with the season and the catch.
Ask your server about the current price before ordering a big batch.
Want something easier on the wallet? Look for the shrimp specials.
One visitor scored a full pound of peel and eat shrimp at a great price.
Cracking crabs works best with a crew. Families can turn it into a friendly contest to see who picks the most meat.
Kids usually love the hands-on mess, too.
Here is a pro tip. Wear clothes that can handle a few splashes.
Roll up your sleeves, grab a mallet, and dig in. Few things feel more like a true Virginia beach day than this.
Breakfast Before The Beach Waves
Early birds, listen up. This crabhouse is not just a dinner stop.
The doors open in the morning, and breakfast is on the menu too.
That opens up fun travel plans. Grab a hearty morning meal, then head down the road to the sand.
Sandbridge beach is close by, so the ocean is only a short drive away.
One happy guest said both breakfast and dinner were amazing. That means you could visit twice in one trip and still find new things to try.
Some visitors staying in Sandbridge for a week have done just that.
The location is a big perk. It sits right along the route many people take to reach the beach.
Stop in on the way out, or swing by on the way back.
Hours can change, so always check the current schedule before visiting. It is also smart to confirm which days the doors are open.
A quick look online saves a lot of disappointment.
Picture the perfect day. Breakfast in the morning, waves and sunshine at noon, and then a fried seafood platter when the sun drops.
That is a full day of fun in Virginia with very little driving. Sometimes the best vacations are the simplest ones.
Sandy Feet Welcome Here
Picture this. You just spent hours in the sun, your hair is salty, and your stomach is grumbling.
No need to dress up or change. Casual is the whole style here.
Many visitors say this is the perfect stop after a long beach day. One traveler and a friend noticed the busy parking lot and took it as a good sign.
They were seated right away, even with a crowd.
Crowds are normal here, so expect a lively room. The good news is the team moves fast.
Several guests have mentioned quick seating and speedy service even when every table looked full.
That speed is great for tired kids and hungry grown-ups. Nobody wants to wait forever after a day of building sandcastles.
Here, food tends to show up quickly.
Want a relaxed pace instead? Just let your server know.
Order a starter first and take your time before the main dishes arrive.
Here is a smart travel trick. Bring a towel to sit on in the car and keep a clean shirt handy.
Then roll straight from the beach to the table. A big plate of fried shrimp tastes even better when the ocean breeze is still in your hair.
Crab Murals And Fishy Walls
Walk inside, and a painted crab greets you from the wall. It sets a cheerful tone right away.
Look a little further, and mounted fish trophies show up too.
The room has a cozy, rustic feel with lots of wood paneling. Nothing feels stiff or formal.
It is the kind of place where people laugh loudly and nobody minds.
Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant has kept its old-school look for years. Some visitors say it feels a bit worn, while others love that it stays true to its roots.
Fans say that honest style is part of what makes the food taste like home.
There is also counter seating and outdoor seating to choose from. Pick the spot that fits your mood.
Families may enjoy a big table, while solo travelers might like a quick seat at the counter.
Kids will have fun spotting all the fish on the walls. Turn it into a little game.
Who can find the biggest one first?
Here is a playful idea. Snap a picture with the crab mural in the background.
It makes a goofy, memorable keepsake. Years from now, that photo will bring back the taste of crispy seafood and a happy, salty day in Virginia.
Your Seat At The Locals’ Table
Locals know each other here. Regulars wave across the room, and tourists slide right into the friendly mix.
It feels a lot like a neighborhood hangout with great seafood.
One longtime fan has been visiting for nearly ten years and says it is just as good as ever. Another calls it a go-to spot for anyone who loves old Virginia Beach.
That kind of loyalty says a lot.
Not everyone in your group loves seafood? No problem.
Visitors say the burgers are great too, so picky eaters have options.
Do not skip dessert. Homemade pies, like key lime pie, make a sweet ending to a salty meal.
Split a slice and call it a vacation reward.
Hours can change by day and season, so check the schedule before heading out. Parking is in a gravel lot, so drive slowly and watch your step.
Ready to go? Set your map to Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant at 1240 Sandbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
Bring an empty stomach and someone fun to share with.
Life gets busy, and treats matter. A golden fried platter, a warm room, and a bowl of creamy soup might be the smile you need.
Go make that memory.