Blue Seafood & Spirits
A chef-owned gem in Virginia Beach, celebrated for exquisite, fresh seafood and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue Seafood & Spirits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chef-owned gem in Virginia Beach, celebrated for exquisite, fresh seafood and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.
"This is one of my favorite restaurants, with amazing food and amazing service."
No Reservations Accepted
Arrive early as seating is first-come, first-served. Waits can be long, but are generally considered worth it.
Ask About Off-Menu Items
Inquire about special dishes like tempura fried shrimp or unique desserts for a personalized culinary adventure.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(757) 689-5395
Address
2181 Upton Dr #420, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
Website
blueseafoodandspirits.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Award-Winning Crab Soup
Experience the rich, flavorful crab soup, a must-try dish lauded for its generous portion of fresh crab meat.
Exceptional Hospitality
Enjoy a personalized dining experience where the chef and staff go above and beyond to make guests feel special.
Innovative Seafood Dishes
Savor exquisite seafood prepared with innovative techniques, from tempura fried shrimp to fresh catches.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
No Reservations Accepted
Arrive early as seating is first-come, first-served. Waits can be long, but are generally considered worth it.
Ask About Off-Menu Items
Inquire about special dishes like tempura fried shrimp or unique desserts for a personalized culinary adventure.
Engage with Staff
Chat with the chef and servers to learn about their culinary creations and enjoy a more personal dining experience.
Consider Quieter Times
Visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a more intimate and less crowded dining atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
No Reservations Accepted
Arrive early as seating is first-come, first-served. Waits can be long, but are generally considered worth it.
Ask About Off-Menu Items
Inquire about special dishes like tempura fried shrimp or unique desserts for a personalized culinary adventure.
Engage with Staff
Chat with the chef and servers to learn about their culinary creations and enjoy a more personal dining experience.
Consider Quieter Times
Visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a more intimate and less crowded dining atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Blue Seafood & Spirits for its exceptional hospitality and delicious, fresh seafood. The chef's personal touch and the warm, welcoming atmosphere are frequently highlighted as standout elements. While the food is consistently praised, some note that the restaurant can be quite loud during busy periods.
"Everything was delicious! Each dish was prepared with such intention and that showed through with each bite! From the moment I stepped inside, I was warmly greeted by the Hostess and promptly greeted by my server, Kenzie. 🤗 The entire experience was so lovely, and to top it off, the chef himself came out and personally greeted and interacted with every, single guest! ❤️ He even knew his repeat guests and shared a quiet moment to appreciate them. It's not often anymore that you get to experience true hospitality, but you can definitely find that at Blue Seafood and Spirits. 😊 Highly recommend! ✨️"
Amanda Robinson
"The wait was reasonable for how busy the restaurant was. Upon being seated, service was quick and accurate. The restaurant was a bit loud, but reasonably so due to size. The food was very good. I had the Oscar Salmon while my daughter had chicken. Dinner portions seemed on the smaller side, but dessert was pretty large in comparison. I would probably eat here again."
Ashley P
"Blue Seafood & Spirits is a small, cozy spot in Virginia Beach that delivers big on flavor and hospitality. It was crowded when I arrived, so I sat at the bar—and I’m glad I did. Pauline, the bartender, was friendly, attentive, and knew the menu inside and out.
Chef Charles personally came over several times to share the story behind his famous sweet potato biscuits, offer recommendations, and check in during my meal. That personal touch really stood out.
I ordered the fried green tomatoes, crab soup, and a seafood combo, and every bite was absolutely delicious—fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of flavor. Even the other guests at the bar were warm and welcoming.
If you’re looking for excellent seafood, friendly service, and a place where the chef truly cares about the guest experience, this is it. Arrive early or be ready to wait—it’s worth it!"
Blayz Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Blue Seafood & Spirits does not accept reservations. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Diners highly recommend the award-winning crab soup, tempura fried shrimp, and the signature sweet potato biscuits.
The restaurant can be quite loud during peak hours due to its intimate size and popularity. Consider visiting during off-peak times for a quieter experience.
Yes, the chef often comes out to interact with guests, share stories about dishes, and ensure a personalized dining experience.
The restaurant features coastal decor and an intimate, cozy atmosphere, often described as an upscale mom-and-pop feel.
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Featured in these publications
Top 10 Restaurants And Diners In Virginia Beach, Virginia
One of the most popular seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach is Blue Seafood and Spirits. Head chef and owner Charles Thain is no stranger to maritime cuisine and is renowned for his expertise in the field. His aim is to create a memorable dining experience, and he certainly delivers.
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Encased in a cosy storefront, Blue Seafood & Spirits has carved out a well-deserved reputation for exquisite dishes and a serene dining atmosphere. Stepping inside, guests encounter intimate seating arrangements, soft lighting, and elegant decor that gently highlights the restaurant’s coastal influence. The venue’s name offers a clue to its strengths: a carefully curated seafood menu paired with an impressive collection of spirits, perfect for creating sophisticated cocktails or sipping neat.
Best Seafood in Sandbridge | Sandbridge Life Realty
Just a 20-minute drive from our vacation rentals lies Blue Seafood & Spirits, voted the top seafood restaurant in America this year by Yelp users. In accordance with their “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” philosophy, Blue Seafood & Spirits offers the freshest seafood Sandbridge has to offer. Their menu includes mouthwatering seafood options from fried eastern shore oysters to a seafood combo that includes a fresh catch, sea scallops, and lump crab cake.
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Blue Seafood & Spirits stands out for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality ingredients, offering a menu that features some of the best seafood in Virginia Beach. The intimate, friendly atmosphere of this award-winning restaurant is perfect for those looking to enjoy expertly prepared dishes, from classic seafood favorites to innovative culinary creations, in a more personal dining setting.
Hungry for Oysters? | Virginia Beach Visitors Guide
Blue Seafood & Spirits: An intimate chef-owned restaurant focusing on high quality, local seafood, this Red Mill spot will make an oyster lover out of anyone with their Eastern Shore Oysters, flash fried and served with Barrier Island Sauce. Or make it a dinner with seasonal veggies, a chef’s side and homemade sweet potato biscuits with apricot butter. BlueSeafoodandSpirits.com
Top 20 of the Best American Restaurants in Virginia Beach (July 1, 2024) - restaurant reviews digest based on google reviews
Blue Seafood & Spirits (4.87 stars, 241 reviews): Embark on a journey of exquisite seafood and handcrafted cocktails at 11Blue. This upscale restaurant boasts a menu featuring the freshest seasonal catches, prepared with innovative culinary techniques. Popular choices include seared ahi tuna with avocado and mango salsa, lobster mac and cheese, and decadent desserts.
Fine Dining in Virginia Beach
The head chef and owner of Blue has worked hard to build a reputation for preparing delicious, fresh seafood. The elegant, French bistro-inspired décor creates an ambiance that complements the extensive menu. Blue Seafood and Spirits is a 60 seat Chef owned and operated local restaurant focusing on high-quality, fresh, local seafood in a casual, yet elegant setting.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Blue Seafood & Spirits is a chef-owned restaurant that specialises on serving exceptional quality of fresh seafood along with some steak and chicken options on the menu. They serve light meals and entrées with fresh veggies, your choice of Chef’s sides, and homemade sweet potato biscuit.
A Food Lover’s Paradise: 27 Best Virginia Beach Restaurants and Eateries
If you are looking for an exquisite seafood meal in Virginia Beach, look no further than Blue Seafood & Spirits. From its chef-operated kitchen and 60-seat capacity to its cozy yet stylish decor, this eatery offers a dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds. All of their dishes are made with the freshest fish around!
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Yelp: 5 stars, 94 reviews Seafood restaurants are a dime a dozen in Virginia Beach and nine out of ten of them claim to be the best. But Blue Seafood and Spirits is one that truly stands out from the pack and can back up every last thing said about it. The standards and quality are as high as you wish everywhere would be.
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When it comes to fresh, expertly prepared seafood in a cozy, inviting setting, Blue Seafood & Spirits is tough to beat. Chef Charles Thorp has created a menu that highlights the natural flavors of the ocean’s bounty, often with a creative twist. This spot consistently ranks high on locals’ lists, and for good reason.
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More elevated and elegant, with some exceptional food (you have to try the chocolate bread pudding for dessert), Blue Seafood & Spirits is also an excellent date-night location. You don’t need a reservation, and the local beer and cocktail menu is perfect for after work, meeting friends, or relaxing on the weekend.
10 Best Restaurants You Must Try in Virginia Beach
A 60-seat, chef-owned and operated restaurant focusing on high quality, fresh seafood in a casual, yet elegant setting. Best known for their award-winning crab soup, local fish dishes, crab cakes, and homemade chocolate bread pudding. They offer a variety of wines, local beers and their own signature cocktails.
Virginia Beach has top seafood restaurant in US, according to Yelp
Coming in at No. 1 in the country, however, is a “strip-mall restaurant” in Virginia, according to Yelp: Blue Seafood & Spirits in Virginia Beach is currently the top-reviewed seafood spot on the platform, earning an overall Yelp rating of 4.8 stars thanks to hundreds upon hundreds of highly favorable reviews.
The best crab cakes in Virginia Beach? Tough task, but here are some favorites
Signature broiled lump crab cakes from Blue Seafood & Spirits in Virginia Beach. Amid crab shortage this year, executive chef Charles Thain says restaurants have to either raise their prices or skimp on quality or portion. For his restaurant, he says, the latter two aren’t an option.
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Blue Seafood and Spirits is a culinary gem for fresh, locally sourced seafood. This cozy, 60-seat restaurant, run by Chef Charles Thain, offers dishes like tempura shrimp, crab cakes, and award-winning crab soup. It also features vegan and gluten-free options.
Fine Dining in Virginia Beach
A plate with a crab cake, mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, fried oysters, and a scallop, garnished with a lemon wedge. @msashleymack, Instagram. The head chef and owner of Blue has worked hard to build a reputation for preparing delicious, fresh seafood.
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Blue Seafood & Spirits is rated seventh of 871 Restaurants in Virginia Beach and has won a handful of awards. They have won multiple Yelp and Tripadvisor awards. Blue Seafood & Spirits offers American cuisine with a focus on high-quality fresh seafood.
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It has a fun bar atmosphere, with a huge selection of beer, wine, and spirits, as well as genuinely high-quality food. They have gluten-free options labelled on the menu and request that visitors inform their server of any dietary restrictions.
10 Best Restaurants In Virginia Beach, VA
When you come to shop then do not forget to have the tasty delight of the restaurant for the special seafood varieties. You need to follow 2181 Upton Dr. 420, Virginia Beach, VA-23454 or may connect 757- 689-5395. The luxury plate may have:
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2181 Upton DrVirginia Beach, VA 23454(757) 689-5395 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. In operation since 2013, this restaurant owned by acclaimed chef Charles Thain serves amazing seafood dishes, plus wine, cocktails, and beer.
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2181 Upton Dr, Ste 420, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 Website | Facebook | Photo: Yelp. This chef owned and operated seafood restaurant specializes in crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, fresh fish and their own chocolate bread pudding.
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2181 Upton Dr #420, Virginia Beach, VA 23454Phone: 757-689-5395 Visit Website. A post shared by Blue Seafood & Spirits (@blueseafoodandspirits). Blue Seafood & Spirits is up next and you’re not going to want to miss out on this place.
Local Restaurants | Sandbridge Beach
Chef-owned and operated restaurant focusing on high quality, fresh seafood. Specializing in crab cakes, tempura fried shrimp, fish dishes and chocolate bread pudding. Wines, local beers, and signature cocktails also available.
Virginia Beach, VA Ranked #43 Best Place to Live in 2021
Favorite Place to Feast: The Blue Seafood and Spirits is a chef-owned casual restaurant that serves high-quality fresh seafood. Be sure to order the Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and oysters, if available.
Best restaurants in Virginia Beach? : VirginiaBeach
Crab cakes here are not like in Maryland, but places with good seafood in general and crab cakes in particular a cut above the high-volume places including Atlantic on Pacific, and Blue Seafood.
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A post shared by Blue Seafood & Spirits (@blueseafoodandspirits). Best seafood restaurant in Virginia beach. It is also a spacious restaurant with more than 60 seats for its customers.
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Seafood, American7.3 miles from the Oceanfront $$ Yelp ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆Website – Menu – Awards2181 Upton Dr, Ste 420, VB(757) 689-5395. Happy HourGreat Happy Hour, Tuesday-Saturday, 4pm-6pm.
Virginia Beach Nearby Restaurants
Seafood, American 7.3 miles from the Oceanfront $$ Yelp ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆Website - Menu - Awards 2181 Upton Dr, Ste 420, VB(757) 689-5395
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit