This will be a new section in CvilleBuzz, highlighting some great places to grab a meal. Restaurants across Virginia and even into NC and beyond will be featured. This will also be an opportunity for CvilleBuzz readers to chip in with some of their favorite Eatin’ Out places. Feel free to send us a review.
First Up. Sting Ray’s on the Eastern Shore
Sting Ray’s
My family has been visiting the Eastern Shore since 1975 when we first camped at Cherrystone Campground on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Most of our meals were prepared beneath the awning of our camper and included soft crabs, hard crabs, fresh catches of founder or whatever fish chose to bite our lines on that particular day. Sometime in the 80’s, a fellow camper asked if we had ever eaten at Sting Ray’s on the main highway near Cape Charles.
I knew there was a filling station there, but not a restaurant worth visiting. He said it was good, so one night when it rained, we decided to eat out. I was reluctant at first because it was obviously a gas station and there was a long line waiting to place an order. I guessed that the restaurant would seat about 60 or 70 and wondered how long the wait would be. We almost left, but saw the line moving forward as patrons came and went in fairly short order.
We finally made it to the cashier who took our order for two seafood platters, fried of course. We were seated within a few minutes and were served almost immediately. It was incredible, the fish was fried to perfection, the sides were great and since then, we make it a point to eat at Sting Ray’s every time we cross the Bay Bride Tunnel.
On one of our visits, the owner, Ray Haney, sat down at our table and chatted. When we asked how he made his delicious Blue Cheese Dressing, he gave us his recipe (see below). To this day, Sting Ray’s Blue Cheese Dressing is the best I have ever tasted.
Ray sold his business about 6 or 7 years ago, and it’s not quite as good as when he was on the cooking line, but it’s still a pretty darn good place to eat. They serve everything from burgers to barbeque to fresh seafood and T-bone steaks.
I really enjoy their fried chicken, cooked to order, and always piping hot and extra crispy. If soft crabs are in season, I order those and you can never go wrong with a couple pieces of fried flounder.
Sting-Ray’s has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and was voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” in Corporate Living Magazine on numerous occasions.
It’s quite an experience and I highly recommend a stop at Sting Ray’s for a great family meal. Sting Ray’s is located about 8 miles north of the Bay Bridge Tunnel at 26507 Lankford Hwy (Rt. 13), Cape Charles, VA 23310 .
Ray Haney’s Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
(For A Crowd)
12 C mayo
6 C sour cream (heavy)
12 cloves garlic
6 T black pepper
6 T chives
2/3 C Worchester sauce
48 oz. blue cheese
1 ½ C buttermilk
