Folks in Central Virginia have two choices when it comes to driving to the Outer Banks. The shortest, most direct route is I-64 East, then 158 South to the beach. We go this way when traffic isn’t a factor. For example, if you are able to pass through Hampton Roads before 4 PM on a weekday, you’re good to go. If you find yourself at the Hampton Tunnel on a Friday around 5 o’clock, you’re in deep trouble. Whenever possible, we go I-64 because one of our favorite places in the whole world is just a few miles off 64 via Rt. 13 and Shore Drive. And that would be Bubba’s Restaurant on the waterfront at Lynnhaven Inlet. We love the place so much that our kids give us Bubba’s gift certificates, which we treasure
The ambience at Bubbas, sitting in the outside dining room with saltwater lapping nearly against your table, is unmatched and their food is incredible. The owner is a commercial fisherman and if it isn’t fresh, Bubba’s won’t serve it. They also make what I believe is the best Bloody Mary on the planet, an ideal way to begin any beach vacation.
So if you go I-64 and you’re hungry, stop at Bubba’s. They are located at 3323 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach. Call them at (757) 481-3513.
But…
If you want to avoid the traffic at Hampton and Norfolk, go I-64 then take Rt. 288 to Petersburg, hop on 460 and take that highway to 158 into Nags Head. This is a far more pleasant drive and there are two incredible places to get a bite of food along the way. The first is at Cowlings in Waverly, while just down the road in Wakefield is the magnificent Virginia Diner.
When it comes to Carolina-styled barbeque, Cowling’s is unequaled. There may be barbeque as good, but none better. Obviously, they smoke and cook their own hogs but they use lots of those tasty crunchies in their “Q” and the flavor is awesome.
Virginia Diner, on the other hand, offers world class Southern Fried Chicken. The chicken breasts are always juicy and tender and their fried chicken thighs are heavenly.
- Their southern-style vegetables, homemade breads, soups and desserts are all outstanding. The best deal is their All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at $12.88. I don’t know how they make money, but they do. They have been in business for 88 years. Virginia Diner is located at 322 W. Main Street in Wakefield. Call them at 888-823-4637.
- No matter which way you go to the beach, there is some damned good food a ‘waiting!