I gained five and a half pounds in three days. The food is really good on the Eastern Shore, maybe too good.
But if you’re traveling to get to the Eastern Shore, you simply must stop at Bubba’s Restaurant on Shore Drive at Virginia Beach. It’s just a couple miles from Rt. 13 that goes across the tunnel, but it’s well worth your time. Bubba’s is perhaps our favorite restaurant anywhere.
The ambience is unrivaled. How can you beat sitting outside, enjoying an ocean breeze just a few feet from the water with boats fishing and traveling near by. Then comes the food. It’s amazing.
The owner of Bubba’s is a commercial fisherman. He fishes in the morning and often serves what he catches that afternoon. I have seen cobia, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel and other fish on the menu that may not be available to other than a commercial angler. The best value is a Catch Of The Day Fish Sandwich on a steamed bun, with lettuce, tomato and onions and a basket of fries. The fish may be mackerel, flounder, trout, whiting, or whatever is the catch of the day. It’s about $10 – a great value. The bowl of angel hair Cole slaw with Bubba’s famous sauce is a must-order side. There is no better. Nancy like the Oyster Sandwich but you can’t go wrong with any of the entrees. I have never had anything that was not excellent at Bubbas. Once you are across the bridge, there is another great restaurant. Sting Ray’s on Rt. 13 near the Cape Charles turn off.
Nancy and I met and knew the original owner, Ray Haynie, a hard working restaurateur and everyone on staff was equally motivated. The food was excellent and still is, even though Ray has passed.
The fish is all freshly caught. The Fried Flounder (or broiled) is superb, as are the Oysters and Soft Crabs (in season). Their sides are also special – great collard greens, stewed tomatoes and fried okra. The desserts are also good, but who has room?
Nancy and I also ate several breakfasts at Sting Rays and I was most impressed. I ordered eggs and sausage patties and it was homemade sausage, not Jimmy Dean. It was delicious. They also serve up a mean bowl of grits and the eggs are always cooked just right.
There is a new Italian Restaurant near Cheriton that is highly recommended, though we have not had the chance to try it. Also, there are four highly rated restaurants in Cape Charles including The Oyster Bar, Kelly’s Gingernut Pub, The Shanty and Hook U Up Gourmet.
Another spot you may want to try if you’re picnicking or want a quick bite for lunch is the Royal Farms Market, a Sheetz-like operation with incredible food. The Fried Chicken is outstanding. Subs, too, and hand made to order.
Chincoteague visitors also have multiple options, but Don’s Seafood, right beside the Chincoteague Bridge is as good as it gets.
If you make a trip to the Eastern Shoe, and you like seafood, expect to come home a few pounds heavier than when you left.