Best Places to Go for an Evening Out in Virginia Beach 

As a lifelong Virginia resident, Virginia Beach is one of my top choices for a summer getaway. The city has 35 miles of coastline, where you can find some of the East Coast’s most beautiful beaches and boutiques. But it wasn’t until I moved here that I learned how much more there is to Virginia Beach.

Don’t get me wrong—the beach is, and should be, the main attraction. However, you’re missing out if you think the fun is over when the sun goes down. If you’re one of the several million overnight guests at Virginia Beach hotels each year, you’re in luck. I’m going to fill you in on where the locals go to hit the town and enjoy the Virginia Beach nightlife.

Sip by the sea at Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Known for their refreshing Orange Crush, Waterman’s Surfside Grille also serves delicious Surfside Fish Tacos. Photo Credit: Waterman's Surfside Grille

After you’ve spent the day on the beach, take a stroll down the boardwalk and make your way to Waterman’s Surfside Grille for an ice-cold Orange Crush.

A refreshing cocktail of orange vodka, orange liqueur, lemon-lime soda and, most importantly, freshly squeezed orange juice, the Orange Crush has been the signature drink of Virginia Beach nightlife since Waterman’s began serving it in 2004. Today, you can find Crushes in a variety of flavors on menus throughout Virginia Beach, but the one at Waterman’s started it all.

Go for cocktails with a side of competition at Beachside Social

Dive into some craft cocktails at Beachside Social. Photo Credit: Beachside Social

If you’re feeling competitive, head to Beachside Social for a friendly game of shuffleboard or bocce. They also serve fast-casual bites, craft cocktails and beer. This place is part of the great Virginia Beach nightlife scene, but don’t wait too long to arrive. You want to be sure to get there early enough to snag a court—they’re first come, first serve!

Take center stage at Wanna B’s Karaoke Club

Step into the spotlight at Wanna B’s Karaoke Club. The Wanna B’s crowd takes karaoke pretty seriously: When you’re here, you’ll see plenty of top-notch performances. Don’t be intimidated, though, because the supportive crowd at this Virginia Beach nightlife spot will make anyone feel like a star when they grab the mic.

See local talent at Zeiders American Dream Theater

That said, if you’d rather see someone else take the stage, take a different approach to Virginia Beach nightlife and catch a performance at Zeiders American Dream Theater. The Z is a professional nonprofit theater that showcases the talent of promising local artists. Their wildly diverse season includes comedic variety shows, concerts, cabarets and poetry readings!

Enjoy pints and pizzas at Wasserhund Brewing Company

Looking for a late-night bite? Enjoy the selection of brick-oven pizzas found at Wasserhund Brewing Company. Photo Credit: Wasserhund Brewing Company

Virginia Beach nightlife has no shortage of options for craft beer lovers. A longstanding favorite of mine is Wasserhund Brewing Company. Wasserhund serves German-style beers, sausages and artisan brick-oven pizzas. Dog lovers like myself will take particular joy in Wasserhund’s canine-themed beer names like Purebred Pilsner and German Shepheweizen.

Go small but mighty at Lynnhaven Pub

The Lynnhaven Pub is one of the Virginia Beach nightlife’s best-kept secrets. This tiny, unassuming dive bar has a massive selection of beers and the best brisket sandwich I have ever had. This is the kind of cozy, comforting bar that immediately makes you want to become a regular.

Experience a reimagined relic at the Hunt Room

Cozy up to the warm, inviting fireplace of Virginia Beach’s historic Hunt Room. Photo Credit: Hunt Room

A Virginia Beach icon, the historic Hunt Room is a cozy tavern where you can enjoy a gourmet fireside meal. Pair your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail made with barrel-aged spirits from their onsite distillery, Tarnished Truth Distilling Company, for an unforgettable Virginia Beach nightlife experience.