The Virginia Beach Spot That Invented the Drink You See Everywhere on the Boardwalk

Is there any better way to enjoy a summer evening than having a delicious dinner with a water view? Throw in a refreshing beverage and a cool breeze, and it sounds like heaven on earth. I love dining waterfront, and Virginia has many fantastic waterfront restaurants on the shores of its numerous lakes, nine rivers, and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. Waterman's Surfside Grille is an oceanfront restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with peak summer vibes.

Waterman's has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1960s. It first opened as a restaurant and souvenir shop called the Shake n' Burger & Beach Nut Gift Shop. In the ensuing decades, the restaurant was rebuilt and renamed several times. In 2007, its owners, the Standing family, expanded the restaurant and named it Waterman's Surfside Grille. The current restaurant is right on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which runs along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It has an on-site gift and jewelry shop named the Beach Nut Gift Shop, a nod to its original title.

This oceanfront restaurant is the place to go for delicious seafood and cocktails. It serves lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays, and prioritizes local and sustainable seafood. Tasty appetizers include Waterman's Famous Crab Dip, Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops, and Peel n' Eat Shrimp. Seafood entrees include Fried Shrimp, Bronzed Yellowfin Tuna, and a Crab-Stuffed Fish of the Day. In addition to delicious seafood, it also serves Hot Honey Chicken, ribs, burgers, and steaks. Don't these dishes sound like the perfect match to a summery ocean view and salty breeze?

Waterman's Seafood Grille serves all kinds of beverages but is likely best known for its Crushes, which it has served since the 1980s. It's famous Orange Crush features liquor, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and a bit of Sprite. It also serves a Mango Chile Crush, Caribbean Crush, Ruby Red Crush, Creamsicle Crush, and Lemon Crush. The Endless Summer Crush, with pineapple-infused vodka, coconut rum, lemon juice, orange juice, and Sprite, is summer in a glass! The restaurant also serves daiquiris, mules, margaritas, negronis, mimosas, beer, and wine.

Diners can enjoy their meals in a large indoor dining room or a covered outdoor patio. Inside, there are banks of booths and rows of small tables against large windows. The outdoor patio is spacious, seating several tables. There's also a bar patio with overhead fans and lights, ample bar-top tables, and a long row of bar stools.

For more information, visit Waterman's Surfside Grille's website and Facebook page.

The Resort City is an amazing destination, with not only an incredible boardwalk and beach, but also incredible attractions like the Military Aviation Museum and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. There are also plenty of things to see and do that won't break the bank. Only In Your State created a $100 beach day itinerary for the area, including three meals and activities.

On your next trip to Virginia Beach, consider booking a stay at The Founders Inn & Spa Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, a full-service spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a free shuttle to the beach.