Top 7 Best Restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia

Chesapeake, Virginia is a charming city that offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether you are looking for history, outdoor adventure, urban art, or delicious cuisine, Chesapeake has something for everyone.

One of the most surprising aspects of Chesapeake is its dining scene. You might not expect to find such a diverse and satisfying range of restaurants in this small city, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and creativity of the chefs and owners who run them.

In this blog post, we will introduce you to the 7 best restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia that you should not miss on your next trip. These are not your typical chain restaurants or fast food joints, but rather unique and local establishments that offer farm-to-table meals, homemade ice cream, and more.

Historic Greenbriar Inn’s The Hive Farm Bar & Grill

If you are looking for a rustic and cozy place to enjoy a farm-to-table meal, look no further than Historic Greenbriar Inn’s The Hive Farm Bar & Grill. Located in a historic inn that dates back to 1800, The Hive is a food truck and stand that serves fresh and flavorful dishes made with local ingredients.

You can choose from a variety of menu items that highlight the Southern and American cuisine of the region. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Southern-style maters: fried green tomatoes topped with goat cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze
• Peach bacon jam: a sweet and savory spread that has received rave reviews from customers and critics alike
• Hive fries: sweet potato fries loaded with smoked pork and blueberry BBQ sauce
• Pulled pork sandwiches: tender smoked pork with chow-chow slaw and blueberry BBQ sauce on a toasted bun
• Smoked turkey sandwich: sliced turkey with NC Hoop Cheddar and peach bacon jam on sourdough bread
• Farm Burger: a juicy burger made with ground chuck and fresh toppings on a brioche bun

The Hive also offers kid-friendly options like grilled cheese, hot dogs, and chicken tenders, as well as sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. You can wash down your meal with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea, or treat yourself to a craft beer or wine from the inn’s bar.

After you enjoy your meal, you can explore the expansive property and facilities of the Historic Greenbriar Inn. You can stroll through the gardens, visit the animals, play lawn games, or pick fresh strawberries from the farm.

H.E. Williams Candy Factory

If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t miss the H.E. Williams Candy Factory, one of the best restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia for candy lovers. This family-owned business has been making delicious candies since 1919, and you can watch them in action as they create their signature treats.

At the H.E. Williams Candy Factory, you can observe the candy-making process and learn about the history of this local gem. You can see how they use traditional techniques and equipment to make peanut brittle, caramel corn, fudge, and more. You can also discover how they add unique ingredients like bacon, jalapeños, and sea salt to their candies for a burst of flavor.

The H.E. Williams Candy Factory is not only a place to watch candy being made, but also to buy some for yourself or as gifts. The candy products are very affordable, ranging from $3 to $15 per bag or box. You can pay with cash or credit card, and they also offer online ordering and shipping.

We recommend visiting the H.E. Williams Candy Factory during their candy-making hours, which are usually from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. This way, you can enjoy an interactive experience and sample some fresh candies as they come out of the machines. You might even get to chat with the owners or their children, who are often involved in the candy-making.

Wicker’s Crab Pot

If you are looking for a family-owned seafood restaurant that specializes in Virginia blue crab, oysters, and fresh seafood, look no further than Wicker’s Crab Pot. This restaurant has been serving the Chesapeake community since 2008, and it is known for its extensive menu and generous portions.

Wicker’s Crab Pot offers a variety of dishes that will satisfy any seafood lover’s appetite. You can start with appetizers like big crab dip, oyster rock, or fried calamari. Then, you can choose from salads, sandwiches, and entrees that feature seafood cooked in different ways. Some of the notable dishes are seafood Mac and cheese, crab cake sandwich, and shrimp and grits.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the steam pot, which is a large pot filled with seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausage. You can customize your steam pot by choosing from different types of seafood, such as blue crab, snow crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, or crawfish. You can also select your preferred seasoning level and sauce.

Wicker’s Crab Pot also has a variety of seafood entrees that come with two side dishes of your choice. You can opt for fried seafood platters, grilled or blackened fish fillets, or surf and turf combos. Some of the side dishes include coleslaw, hush puppies, macaroni salad, and collard greens.

The atmosphere at Wicker’s Crab Pot is nautical and family-oriented. You can dine in a cozy booth or a large table with your friends and family. You can also enjoy the outdoor patio when the weather is nice. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they will make you feel welcome and comfortable.

Bergey’s Bread Basket

Bergey’s Bread Basket is a family-owned bakery and deli that offers customizable sandwiches, homemade ice cream, and more. You can create your own sandwich by choosing from a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, condiments, and toppings. You can also try one of their specialty sandwiches like the chicken salad on a wheat roll.

But the real star of Bergey’s Bread Basket is their homemade ice cream. They make their ice cream from scratch using fresh milk from their own cows. You can choose from flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan, mint chocolate chip, and more. You can also opt for a cup or a cone, or indulge in a milkshake, float, or dessert like a brownie sundae.

Bergey’s Bread Basket is more than just a place to eat. It is also a place to have fun and relax. The establishment has a spacious layout with indoor and outdoor seating areas. You can also order dinners “to go” or family-sized portions if you want to enjoy your food at home. Additionally, Bergey’s Bread Basket offers various engagement options for customers like tic tac toe, Plinko, corn hole, and more.

Lockside Bar and Grill

Another one of the best restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia is Lockside Bar and Grill, which is located near Lock Great Bridge park. This restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal after exploring the park or engaging in outdoor activities like fishing or boating.

Lockside Bar and Grill has a menu that caters to different tastes and preferences. You can find breakfast options available until 3:00 PM every day, such as classic breakfast dishes, eggs Benedict, omelets, and pancakes. You can also order lunch entrees that include sandwiches, salads, and seafood dishes.

Some of the breakfast favorites are the country fried steak and eggs, the crab cake Benedict, and the banana nut pancakes. Some of the lunch specialties are the Lockside burger, the chicken Caesar wrap, and the fried flounder sandwich.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with wooden tables and chairs, colorful paintings on the walls, and a fireplace in the corner. You can also find some activities to keep you entertained while you wait for your food or after you finish your meal. There is a pool table, a dart board, and several TVs that show sports games.

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Wasserhund Brewing Company is a brewery and restaurant that combines German influence and love for dogs. The name Wasserhund means “water dog” in German, and the brewery celebrates this theme with dog-themed appetizers and playful names. One of their notable offerings is the jumbo beer pretzel that comes with cheese sauce and mustard.

The menu at Wasserhund Brewing Company features appetizers like kibbles (fried cheese curds), puppy tails (mozzarella sticks), and tail twigs (pretzel sticks). For the main course, you can choose from dishes with German influence like beer Bratwurst, vegan brat, schnitzel sandwich, or currywurst. You can also try one of their specialty pizzas with creative names like The Dogfather (pepperoni, sausage, bacon), The Hound Dog (BBQ chicken), or The Mutt (build your own).

Of course, no visit to Wasserhund Brewing Company is complete without trying their house-made brewery selections. They offer a range of beers from lagers to IPAs to stouts. You can also enjoy their dessert offerings like apple strudel or chocolate cake.

Wasserhund Brewing Company has a lively and casual atmosphere that welcomes everyone. The brewery has unique features like a dog park area, live music events, trivia nights, and more. You can also bring your own furry friend to join you at the outdoor patio.

Cutlass Grille Jamaican Jerk Barbeque

If you are craving some spicy and flavorful food from the Caribbean island of Jamaica, you should check out Cutlass Grille Jamaican Jerk Barbeque, which is one of the best restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia for Jamaican cuisine. This restaurant serves authentic and delicious dishes that will make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation.

Cutlass Grille Jamaican Jerk Barbecue has a menu that showcases the diversity and richness of Jamaican food. You can find specials like twin fried lobster tails, beef ribs, and jerk chicken wings. You can also order appetizers that have Jamaican flavors and twists, such as jerk nachos, plantain chips, and coco bread.

The main attraction of the menu is the island favorites and chef’s specialties, which feature dishes that are typical of Jamaican culture and cooking. Some of the examples are curry goat, oxtail, jerk pork, and brown stew chicken. These dishes are served with rice and peas, cabbage, and plantains.

Cutlass Grille Jamaican Jerk Barbecue also has some side dishes and vegetarian options available, such as macaroni pie, sweet potato fries, and veggie patties. You can also order some dessert to end your meal on a sweet note. We recommend the rum cake or the banana pudding.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is lively and inviting, with reggae music playing in the background, colorful decorations on the walls, and friendly staff members. You can expect to receive high-quality service and food at Cutlass Grill Jamaican Jerk Barbecue.

As you can see, there are many amazing restaurants in Chesapeake, Virginia that you should try at least once in your life. Whether you are looking for candy, seafood, breakfast, or Jamaican food, you will find something that suits your taste buds and budget. We highly recommend visiting these seven restaurants repeatedly for a diverse and satisfying culinary experience. You will not regret it!