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, VA

Virginia Beach's bar scene captures the essence of coastal living with oceanfront tiki lounges, craft breweries, and sophisticated cocktail bars. The Oceanfront boardwalk offers classic beach bars with live music and sunset views, while the ViBe Creative District showcases intimate cocktail lounges and neighborhood taverns. From laid-back beach shacks to upscale rooftop bars, Virginia Beach's drinking culture reflects its unique blend of military heritage, surf culture, and coastal sophistication.

Commune
Top Pick

Commune

2000 Baltic Ave

A craft cocktail bar and restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative presentations. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and a marble bar where skilled bartenders craft innovative drinks. The menu changes regularly, showcasing house-made syrups, fresh juices, and premium spirits. The intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts.

Craft Cocktails
Date Night
Farm-to-Table

Insider Tip

Make reservations for dinner and arrive early to enjoy cocktails at the bar—it fills up quickly.

Waterman's Surfside Grille
Top Pick

Waterman's Surfside Grille

415 Atlantic Ave

An oceanfront restaurant and bar with stunning beach views and a laid-back surf vibe. The multi-level space includes indoor dining, outdoor decks, and a rooftop bar with panoramic ocean views. The drink menu features tropical cocktails, local craft beers, and frozen drinks perfect for beach days. Live music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere.

Beach Bars
Ocean Views
Live Music

Insider Tip

The rooftop bar at sunset is unbeatable—arrive early to snag a table with ocean views.

Esoteric
Top Pick

Esoteric

1724 Mediterranean Ave

A craft beer bar and bottle shop featuring an extensive selection of local, national, and international beers. The cozy space includes a tasting room with rotating taps and a retail area with hundreds of bottles to take home. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection, and the rotating tap list ensures something new on every visit.

Craft Beer
Beer Geeks
Bottle Shop

Insider Tip

Ask about the rare beer releases—they often have limited bottles available for purchase.

Shorebreak Pizza & TapHouse
Top Pick

Shorebreak Pizza & TapHouse

2112 Great Neck Sq

A neighborhood pizza joint and craft beer bar with a surf-inspired atmosphere. The casual space features wood-fired pizzas, 40+ craft beers on tap, and a welcoming vibe. The rotating tap list emphasizes Virginia breweries alongside national favorites. It's a popular spot for families during the day and beer enthusiasts at night.

Craft Beer
Pizza
Family-Friendly

Insider Tip

Happy hour runs until 6pm with discounted beers and appetizers—perfect for an early dinner.

Catch 31 Fish House and Bar
Top Pick

Catch 31 Fish House and Bar

3001 Atlantic Ave

An upscale seafood restaurant with an exceptional bar program featuring craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. The nautical-themed space emphasizes fresh seafood and creative preparations. The cocktail menu showcases coastal-inspired drinks with fresh ingredients and premium spirits. It's a favorite for special occasions and date nights.

Craft Cocktails
Seafood
Date Night

Insider Tip

The raw bar happy hour is a steal—fresh oysters and discounted cocktails from 4-6pm.

Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop
Top Pick

Pocahontas Pancake and Waffle Shop

3420 Atlantic Ave

While famous for breakfast, this Virginia Beach institution has a surprisingly good bar serving Bloody Marys and mimosas. The retro diner atmosphere, friendly service, and legendary breakfast menu make it a must-visit. The Bloody Mary bar lets you customize your drink with various garnishes and hot sauces. It's a local tradition for beach mornings.

Brunch Drinks
Local Institution
Bloody Marys

Insider Tip

Arrive early on weekends—the wait can be long, but the Bloody Marys make it worthwhile.

Chesapeake Bay Distillery
Top Pick

Chesapeake Bay Distillery

437 S Birdneck Rd

A craft distillery and tasting room producing vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey using local ingredients. The industrial space includes a bar serving cocktails made with house spirits, a retail area, and distillery tours. The knowledgeable staff can explain the distilling process and recommend cocktails based on your preferences.

Craft Cocktails
Distillery Tours
Local Spirits

Insider Tip

Take the distillery tour before ordering—you'll appreciate the cocktails even more.

Peabody's
Top Pick

Peabody's

209 21st St

A legendary nightclub and live music venue that's been a Virginia Beach institution since 1967. The multi-level space includes several bars, dance floors, and a rooftop deck with ocean views. The calendar features national touring acts, tribute bands, and themed dance nights. It's the go-to spot for late-night dancing and live entertainment.

Live Music
Dancing
Late Night

Insider Tip

Check the calendar online—cover charges vary by event, and popular shows sell out.

Repeal Bourbon & Burgers
Top Pick

Repeal Bourbon & Burgers

4401 Expressway Dr

A bourbon-focused bar and restaurant with over 200 whiskeys and creative burger combinations. The upscale-casual space features leather seating, wood accents, and a knowledgeable staff that can guide you through the extensive bourbon selection. The cocktail menu emphasizes whiskey-based drinks, while the burger menu offers creative toppings and preparations.

Whiskey
Burgers
Bourbon Lovers

Insider Tip

Try a bourbon flight to sample different styles—the staff recommendations are always spot-on.

Tapped
Top Pick

Tapped

2112 Great Neck Sq

A self-pour taproom featuring 50+ beers, wines, and cocktails on tap that you pour yourself. The modern space includes a digital payment system that tracks your pours by the ounce. The rotating selection includes local craft beers, imported wines, and creative cocktails. It's a fun, interactive experience perfect for groups wanting to sample multiple drinks.

Craft Beer
Wine
Interactive Experience

Insider Tip

Start with small pours to sample different options—you pay by the ounce, so try everything.

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