Waterman’s Surfside Grille
415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
Rating: 4.6
Rated count: 11523
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Dive into the Vibe at Waterman’s Surfside Grille
If you’re strolling down Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach with a thirst for a refreshing drink and a desire to soak in the sun, make a beeline for Waterman’s Surfside Grille. Located conveniently at 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, this vibrant beachside bar and restaurant encapsulates everything that makes the coastal town such a beloved destination.
Atmosphere
As you step into Waterman’s, you’ll be greeted by an inviting and laid-back atmosphere that perfectly balances the lively energy of beach life with the tranquil vibes of a seaside escape. The décor seamlessly blends surf culture and nautical aesthetics, featuring surfboards, beach-themed art, and stunning ocean views from almost every seat.
With its open-air seating, the sounds of crashing waves provide a soothing soundtrack while the salty breeze dances through the spaces. Whether you choose to sit indoors, where the ambiance is cozy and welcoming, or outside on the patio with the ocean as your backdrop, you’ll feel instantly at home. As the sun sets, the location transforms, illuminated by string lights and the glow of tiki torches, inviting you to settle in for an evening of relaxation.
Why Visit?
If you’re searching for “bars” in the Virginia Beach area, Waterman’s Surfside Grille shouldn’t just be on your radar—it should be your top choice. Here’s why:
Refreshing Drinks: From classic cocktails to innovative creations inspired by the sea, the bar’s drink menu features something for everyone. Sip on a tropical favorite like the Painkiller or enjoy a local brew from one of Virginia’s many excellent breweries. Don’t forget to check out their selection of wines and smoothies!
Tantalizing Food: Complementing your drinks are a range of scrumptious food options, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the seafood. Freshly caught fish, crab cakes, and shrimp tacos define the menu and reflect the beachside flavor of the area. Whether you’re looking for a casual snack or a full meal, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Live Entertainment: On many evenings, you’ll find live music serenading diners. Local musicians set the mood with everything from acoustic sets to full bands, making Waterman’s not only a bar but a hub of fun and excitement.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Don’t let the term “bar” mislead you! Waterman’s is a family-friendly establishment, making it a perfect stop for everyone. With a dedicated kids’ menu and plenty of space for little ones to play, it’s an excellent option for families looking to enjoy a meal together.
What to Expect
Given its name, Waterman’s Surfside Grille brilliantly merges a laid-back surf vibe with an upscale dining experience. Here’s what to expect when you visit:
A Welcoming Staff: The friendly and attentive staff make everyone feel like a regular, ensuring your experience is enjoyable from the moment you walk through the door.
Beach-Inspired Decor: Expect to soak in the surf culture with a dazzling array of decorations that celebrate the beach lifestyle, from vibrant murals to surf memorabilia.
Ocean-Driven Menu: Waterman’s is known for its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients—especially seafood! Expect to find dishes that showcase the rich flavors of the Atlantic.
Relaxation and Fun: Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a romantic dinner, or just kicking back with a beer, Waterman’s is designed for relaxation and good times.
In conclusion, Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a must-visit for anyone seeking a bar that offers more than just drinks—it’s a memorable experience. So the next time you find yourself in Virginia Beach, swing by 415 Atlantic Ave. Feel the sun on your skin, the ocean breeze in your hair, and let Waterman’s deliver a taste of beach paradise!
+1 757-428-3644
http://www.watermans.com/
Scott Grandon
April 23, 2026 at 5:32 amFirst time at the Waterman’s Surfside Grill located at 415 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach.
Pulled into the parking lot and was greeted by a valet who handed me the ticket for collecting our car.
Walked inside and was immediately greeted and seated. We wanted to set in the covered outside seating so we could watch the surf coming in.
Ordered a Filet Oscar and the Ultimate Just Seafood.
Food came out within 10 minutes. Everything was hot, fresh and pleasing to the eye. The taste was very good.
Had a good dining experience and come on in if you’re hungry for some fresh seafood while in the area. Thank you.
Helpful ReviewScott Murray
April 23, 2026 at 5:32 amBeautiful location, great service and food. Drinks came out fast which is always appreciated. She crab soup, fried shrimp, calamari and lobster pasta dish were all delicious. It was crowded on a Saturday night but the service was speedy. Valet service available. Oceanfront
Helpful ReviewTerri Arcelia
April 23, 2026 at 5:32 amThis is my go to spot whenever I come back home to Virginia. The vibes are always lovely and the food is really good. My server Kate was absolutely amazing. Attentive, kind with a beautiful upbeat personality. Waterman’s is an excellent choice for dinner or lunch! You definitely should check it out!
Helpful ReviewJeff Beck
April 23, 2026 at 5:32 amAMAZING! Sorry, guys, I only gave you five stars because it wouldn’t let me put ten stars… I don’t even know where to start honestly.What an amazing place, amazing food and amazing atmosphere. Waitresses are very knowledgeable. Staff is very friendly and very quick. Seated immediately got our food within fifteen minutes of ordering, and from what we observed just about everybody else was on the same fifteen minutes from sitting down to getting their food. (Off Season) It would be very easy to go to $50 a person, but we only spent about $30 a person.
I’ll tell you I don’t even like seafood in general. But the She Crab Soup was to die for!!!! They made a permanent fan, and every time we come to the beach we will be going there at least one of the seven days for dinner or lunch it won’t matter which.
Cute little gift store. Some things are affordable. Some things are you better have some money but either way worth a visit, very cute unique gifts. A couple of baskets of on sale t shirts, 15$. They have very adorable bracelets by the register for 5 dollars pretty unique.
The other under special events was they have a trivia night. It being october, it is halloween themed. Did not participate.
Helpful ReviewNate (Nate Tormala)
April 23, 2026 at 5:32 am⭐⭐½ to ⭐⭐⭐—Waterman’s Surfside Grille
Overall, I’d place Waterman’s Surfside Grille in the 2.5 to 3-star range, depending on expectations.
The Good:
Let’s start with the positives. Our server was top-notch—attentive, personable, and clearly enjoyed what he was doing. Drinks stayed full, questions were answered without hesitation, and check-ins were frequent but never overbearing. That level of service really stood out. He made us laugh and we enjoyed our encounters with him.
The host team at the front door was friendly and professional. Nothing extraordinary, but they were organized and had things under control.
The atmosphere was eclectic and kind of neat. The place was very busy, which is usually a good sign and definitely added to the energy.
The Food (Where It Gets Mixed):
We started with the “She Crab Soup”, which is advertised as a signature bisque with lump crab meat. Flavor-wise, it was very good—rich and tasty—but surprisingly light on actual crab. We found maybe one mediocre piece of crab, which was a letdown given the description. Great flavor, just wished there was more crab throughout.
I ordered the “fried seafood platter” with white fish, sea scallops, jumbo shrimp, crab cakes, hush puppies, fries, coleslaw, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce.
• The fish was excellent—crispy outside, moist inside, and well cooked.
• The scallops were just slightly undercooked with a kiss of translucence in the center.
• The jumbo shrimp were overcooked and rubbery.
• The crab cakes were okay, nothing memorable.
• The tartar sauce was underwhelming.
Overall, the food gave off a bit of an “upscale fast-food” feel—by upscale, I mean some components didn’t seem frozen, but it still lacked the refinement I expected from an oceanfront seafood restaurant. Being right on the beach, I honestly hoped for more.
My wife ordered a “just seafood” dish and experienced the same issue: the shrimp were overcooked and rubbery. Her vegetables were overly soft, and the potatoes were unimpressive—almost paste-like in texture.
Cocktails:
We ordered cocktails as well. My wife chose one of their signature drinks, which met her expectations. I went with a classic Old Fashioned, but what arrived was their own “signature” version instead. It appeared to be a pre-mixed cocktail poured over tiny ice cubes—almost Sonic-style ice—which quickly diluted the drink. It tasted fine, but it wasn’t the classic Old Fashioned I expected with a proper cherry, orange peel, bitters, and sugar cube. Not bad—just unexpected.
Parking:
Parking is worth mentioning. There was no available street parking near the restaurant, and the spots directly out front were valet-only. We ended up parking down the street in public access parking, so plan accordingly.
Would We Return?
If we’re in the area again, probably—but it wouldn’t be our first choice. Now that we know what to expect, it could work if nothing else nearby is appealing. That said, I’d be more inclined to try a different restaurant before returning.
Helpful Review