Reviews of Margie & Ray's Crabhouse and Restaurant. (Restaurant) in Virginia Beach (Virginia).
Margie & Ray's Crabhouse and Restaurant
1240 Sandbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States
Description
Information of Margie & Ray's Crabhouse and Restaurant, Restaurant in Virginia Beach (Virginia)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
We still haven't received any review on this business.
Map
Open hours of Margie & Ray's Crabhouse and Restaurant
Popular times
Monday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
18 | |
19 | |
20 |
Tuesday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
18 | |
19 | |
20 |
Wednesday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
18 | |
19 | |
20 |
Thursday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
18 | |
19 | |
20 |
Friday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
19 | |
20 |
Saturday
8 | |
---|---|
9 | |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 | |
17 | |
18 | |
19 | |
20 |
Reviews of Margie & Ray's Crabhouse and Restaurant
Kemal Piskin
I forgot I provided a five star rating for Margie and Ray’s almost ten years ago, but never wrote anything. I’ve been coming here off and on even though I no longer actively live in the area anymore and it’s just as awesome as it’s always been.
This is a bit of a hole looking wall place and if you’re driving to Sandbridge, you might just miss it. If you’re visiting Virginia Beach and like unique places, this is the place. Locals who visit know one another, lots of regulars as well as tourists. It’s almost always actively busy.
Although the menu is seafood focused, they do have great burgers in case you have a person in your party who isn’t a seafood fan. Wonderful, friendly, familial service and terrific food. The she crab soup is renown for its fresh taste and robust flavor, consistency and serving size. Since it’s a chowder, they overfill the cup so it’s a fairly large serving. If you visit at least one person should order this!
Will keep coming back as long as they’re open and I’m alive. Be careful in the parking lot….
Dennis s
Food was pretty good but we come from a coastal town in North Carolina and there are many options for us that are equal or better for less money. The service is great here, the food is plentiful, but there isn't much competition around, so I think it's rated higher than it would be if it wasn't the only restaurant for several miles. Also, the parking lot is large, but full of potholes. Sorry I can't justify the 5 stars many others give them, but don't pass it up because of me
Andrew Myers
A local, iconic, one of a kind place. From the food to the service to the atmosphere , this place is a must visit!
Amazing fresh seafood served in many ways. The she crab soup is the best you'll ever have. One should never come here and not have the soup.
Service is down right wonderful. Friendliest wait staff and food done exactly how you want it.
Whether a local or an out if towner, do yourself a favor and stop in for a meal
L.E. E
Nice spot off the beaten VA beach tourist area path with a great atmosphere, drinks, food and merch. We did flounder and salmon so can't speak on the other seafood. I did hear that it was like the only or best place for blue crab in the area. Definitely worth the short drive.
Sam D
All the reviews are true!! This place is amaziiiing! We went to two places closer to the happenin part of VA Beach but they were so crowded and the wait was so long we said forget it and drove the extra 15 to Margie & Ray’s. It was worth the drive. We sat outside in the porch area. The digs are nothing fancy. The ambiance isn’t either but the waitresses are excellent and the food is spot on! She crab soup. Yes honey. So good. I got the seafood platter with 3 options - I don’t remember what it’s called. Also they do have a full bar and cocktails. That’s what we really wanted was a place that had some good drinks and it was hard to figure out from the reviews or their website if they served drinks but yes they do! And they’re delicious and a good deal! I took a pic of the drink menu if that helps.
Jeanette Hardy
Food was amazing. Past reviews of the soup were correct. It was great. Service was wonderful and we left stuffed. Will be back next time in the area for sure. Don’t miss this hidden gem.
Fred Rasel
Everything you would expect from a small local, non- chain restaurant. The service is great. Food is served pretty quickly. You know the food is good because lots of locals dine here. Ordered the steamed seafood sampler, very good. My only regret was not getting blue crabs. Prices are fair, patrons are treated like guests and friends. Will definitely eat here again.
Lamar Hannah
This is a fun place. Best she crab soup I’ve had it’s thick and heavy but oh so delicious. Most creative old fashioned I had. Was tasty and surprisingly not too sweet. S’more old fashion. Seafood player was very well done. Fish was fresh and cooked well.
Dara Fleischman
Came in for lunch. They were the only place we found that had blue crab. I don’t know who is in the kitchen but they deserve a major award. Those crabs were steamed perfectly and had the right amount of Old Bay. Plus they served them with not just butter but vinegar too! Not many places do that anymore. The staff was very friendly and courteous. If I didn’t live 5 hours away, I’d be in every week!
Anthony Hinds
Ordered the steamed seafood sampler. Added an edition of the steamed oysters to go with it. This was the best seafood meal I’ve had in a long time. I wish the wait would have been faster, but that wasn’t our waitress’ fault. Steph was exceptional in her service with the 15 people/ 2 tables she tended to. If I ever come back to VA Beach in Sandbridge, I will be returning.
Jeanna Imbesi
Food excellent! Cocktail: Key lime pie is too die for.
DEANNA our waitress from Connecticut was awesome so friendly and efficient.! Crabs delicious. Grilled seafood great.
Best atmosphere!!! All of the staff are hard workers and very friendly. Love this place.
Brandon Goodwin
This place was recommended by one of the ladies at the aquarium for the best she crab soup in the area…that you’re not gonna pay an arm and a leg for. The location is a little off the beaten path unless you are headed to Sandbridge but it’s a great place. The soup lived up to expectation and the fish was cooked perfectly. 10/10 would make the trek again.
Hayley Holtzman
Been coming here for years now and is always an amazing experience. Would recommend going during the winter or off times before each rush. We always go for date nights and anniversaries and get the hurricane platter and bang bang shrimp. Recommend an early dinner or late lunch! Great food, amazing service, and accommodating. I could go on forever.
Jennie Craddock
A small restaurant with a local flair that serves the best she crab soup in the area. It is definitely worth the drive for the quality of food served. The wait times can get long however we did not wait as long as estimated. The lunch specials are great and the dinner entrees are reasonably priced.
Douglas W. Reynolds, Jr.
This is not 1967, so if you want native backfin crab you are going to pay for it. But at Margie & Ray’s, you will get it. Arriving for lunch in the late afternoon, I was a party of one—but I was made to feel at home, and fed in almost no time. It is a place for locals—after Labor Day in Sandbridge it has to be—but aven after 3 P.M., the parking lot is full and people were dining indoors and out.
Even the desserts are expensive, I guess—a piece of pie is $7. I recommend the coconut.
Everything I had was fresh and delicious, right down to the tomato slice on my grilled crabcake, Two ladies behind me had ordered a basket of steamed crab, and they were cracking their way through it with skill and determination, proving that if you know what you’re doing, at Margie & Ray’s you will end up as happy as a clam at high tide!
If you don’t know what you’re doing, sit back and pay attention—don’t spend your time composing a cranky review. Life is too short, and everyone around you is having a good time!
Drew Petzold
Margie & Ray's Crabhouse is located along Sandbridge Rd. It's not hard to miss the place when heading to or from Sandbridge. It had been quite a while since I had been here, but recently came in for breakfast and also a lunch special. My most recent visits here were in September 2021.
Margie & Ray's Crabhouse has been around since 1964, but it actually started out as a tackle shop and general store, but would later become the seafood restaurant it is today in 1997. They do have a good amount of parking, but I do want to note that the lot is not paved, and you may need to dodge a few holes. They have seating available both inside and outside. As for Covid-19 restrictions, there aren't many. Staff are using masks, etc. Guests are allowed only if they do not exhibit any symptoms of the virus, which is the norm now for many establishments in the area.
My first visit in a while here was on September 5, 2021. On this visit, we came in specifically for breakfast as we had been hearing good things about it. It was busy, but not overly busy at the time, so we were seated inside immediately. Our server came to the table very quickly. She asked us for our drink orders and then gave us time to look over the menu. A few minutes later she was back and we were ready to go. For breakfast, I went with the Margie & Ray's Blanton's Hungry Man Platter with eggs, bacon, French toast, biscuit and fries (subbed the fries instead of the hash browns). My mom went with the Benedict Andy.
After about 10 minutes or so, our breakfast came to the table. The food looked really good and it was nice and hot too. The meal that I had was great. Everything was cooked perfectly the way I had asked. I was definitely full by the time I was done. My mom had a similar experience with her Benedict Andy as well.
Fast forward to September 14, 2021. They have daily lunch specials during the week. On Tuesdays, that special includes shrimp, so we came in to check it out that day as well. Service and the overall experience were the same as the one for breakfast a little over a week before this. We were both ready up front since we knew what we were doing before coming in. After ordering, it was about 5 to 10 minutes when the food came out. Much like the breakfast visit, the food came out hot. Even though the size of the shrimp were small, you got quite a bit of shrimp, so it was definitely worth the lunch special cost.
Overall, things are much better now than when I had been here several years ago. As time changes, things change too, and this change was for the better. The food and service are great. Be sure to check out the daily lunch specials too, which are available until 4 pm. If you are headed down to the Sandbridge area and looking for a seafood place, or even a breakfast, this place is worth checking out.
303beekeeper
Pros: Not overly expensive. Generously sized sides. (Beets are pickled.) Outdoor seating was comfortable and clean. Cons: grilled scallops were not grilled. They weren't overseasoned, which is refreshing, but most were rubbery. The server knocked one of the fried oysters off the plate so that was a bummer, but they were cooked nicely. Annoying flies through out the entire meal.
Brandon DeBroux
She Crab Soup was awesome! I would go back in a heartbeat. Definitely a must stop if staying in Sandbridge or Virginia Beach area. Syd P was a great and friendly server!
Jack Lansford
Delicious food at very reasonable prices. Well worth the short drive out here.
Vi Williams
Seafoods were delicious. Our server was very knowledgeable about seafoods and gave great recommendations. Would recommend if you’re in the Sandbridge or VB area.
Incognito Greg
This place was great. The food was excellent and fresh. Calamari was light, crunch, and all-around delicious. Service was phenomenal, never waited for table, refill, to order and the food came quickly. Our biggest regret is we came here first before the aquarium and did not come for a big dinner.
P.s.
Prices seemed high at first $20 for crab cake, but portion were phenomenal and taste amazing, worth every penny. Definitely coming back.
Geoff Brasse
Great food and quick service. Plenty of room and the menu had lots of options from a full crab feast to individual meals.
Debbie Buckley
This was our first visit at Margie and Rays. The meal was delicious (the She Crab soup was the best I have had) and was not expensive at all.
The staff made us feel very welcome and many people knew each other by name.
We live about 40 minutes from this restaurant but will definitely return again.
Kathy Bishop
Our server, Erin, was the best!! It was our first time there & she was sooo helpful! We devoured the she crab soup in a flash. Divine!! We both got the grilled scallops & sides. Those scallops were very big, we each got 13 & they were so tender & flavorful!! Yum😋 I wanted a piece of homemade coconut pie so badly, but was just too full!! We will definitely be back!!!
Rachel LaCava
10 stars. 20 stars. Limitless stars. This one little restaurant, hidden away on a random two-lane road, single-handedly MADE our vacation. We had shrimp, oysters, and blue crab, and as seafood aficionados we can confidently say this was by far the best seafood we have had in a long time. Sidney Swoope was the best waitress in town - tell her we sent ya! Absolutely do not miss!
lanier swinson
Hole in the wall somewhat (atmosphere speaking) but great service and great food. Our waitresses was extremely attentive without being annoying. The food came out quick and the portions were price appropriate. Would eat there again.
Matthew Howell
At 1st glance of the menu the prices seemed high but after receiving our food the portions where well worth the price. The waiter took on the task of serving 15 of us in our party. No mistakes was made and our food was brought out to all of us in a timely manner.
Charlie Leslie
Went for lunch and thought we'd share the special combo, but we were not hungry enough. Great fried oysters. My husband did not like the white fish in the combo. Waitress was terrific and the banana cream pie was well worth the no wiggle room when we left!
Mary Smith
Our first time here but we will definitely be back. The biggest steamed blue crabs that I have seen in years. My husband said his fried seafood platter was the best he'd ever had. And the service was outstanding.
Mike
Dinner our first day ever in Virginia Beach was great because we lucked out and chose to have dinner at Margie and Ray's. Google search paid off big. Really nice bar, great fried oysters. Fried calamari and soft shell crabs. Nice people too
Jason Davis
Man, this is a CAN'T MISS if you're in the area!!!! Seen in the photos is THE TIDAL WAVE...it is insane, and awesome, and delicious!!! I would recommend this for either 4 SUPER hungry people with the ability to pound some food, or 6 average eaters... Also shown is the ribs, also fantastic!!! They seated my party of 14 in less than a half hour in the outdoor area which is surprisingly pleasant and comfy!!!! Terrific service, great atmosphere!!! I can't recommend this place enough.. if you're looking for a solid place to have a nice family meal and make a memory... Do it!!!!
Scott Clarke
The blackened Mahi and the coconut creme pie were awesome. Looking forward to coming back! Came back 1/21/23 had the Shrimp Creole and it was amazing! Coconut Cream Pie is still on point also! Can't wait to come back!
Katherine Simulcik
Wonderful! You must stop here. The she crab soup is finger lickin' good. The crayfish etouffee with tuna was excellent and my husband got the grilled tuna and loved it. Small place, so you might have to wait for a table, but it's worth the wait! Enjoy!
Larry Beberdick
Always get the she crab soup. And the Calamari. Both are always great. We had 5 adults and one 12 year old girl that eats like a bird. We ordered the Tidal Wave. $199.99, we would have spent that anyway on individual orders. Menu says it feeds 4. Well make that 4 lumberjacks who haven't eaten in a week. It contained Raw Oysters, steamed clams and shrimp, Fried Clams, Shrimp, scallops, Fries and hush puppies. After stuffing ourselves we took home 4 carry out containers of food. They had a wonderful selection of deserts, but we were too full to even consider desert. Magi and Rays is casual, but you must be fully clothed to enter. They are in a tidal area, so the parking lot is not paved, but plenty of room to park. We usually go for lunch, as they get very crowded for dinner. Have never tried their breakfast, but the food is always good, service is prompt and friendly.
Rosie L
The food is always amazing and fresh. Also Kayla is the best waitress ever. She has great customer service and we never have to ask her for anything . She just knows we need it.
Tisa Wilson
They were the only place we found that had blue crab. I don’t know who is in the kitchen but they deserve a major award. Those crabs were steamed perfectly and had the right amount of Old Bay. Plus they served them with not just butter but vinegar too! Not many places do that anymore.The staff was very friendly and courteous. The waitress said we crushed those crabs!!!
Alicia DiPaolo
Absolutely love this place for our vacation spot. They know how to handle a lot of people and larger parties, we had only a 20 minute wait time for a group of 17, and the food came out so fast! I highly recommend this restaurant!
Robert Bischel
Last night was my first time coming here, with a couple of friends and we drove over an hour for it. The steamed oysters are top quality, the service is fantastic, the environment is chill and I just had to get a t-shirt. The next time I am in VA, I'll be coming back!!
Donna Zavada
My family and I have been here on two different occasions now. Everyone is so friendly, and they're very accommodating. Both times we've had a large group, and it's never been a problem. My only critique is I wish they had lobster.
Crystal B
So delicious! Authentic local seafood vibe with fresh and yummy food! This is one of the best seafood places I’ve been to and everything was cooked fresh. A must try if you are wanting a local experience.
Julia M.
We ate at a lot of seafood places near VA beach but few have been THIS good! We got the seafood platter which had the crab legs/ oysters/ clams, and also she crab soup & chocolate pie.
The crab legs were delicious: fresh, hot and seasoned just right. Soup was a little too thick yet still quite tasty (you actually could tell it had crab in it!). Pie came with some whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on top; it tasted pretty good.
I like that they gave us a red plastic bin to put our crab legs and oyster shells in as well as wet wipes for our hands. There was also a utensil to help open the crab legs up which was shaped like a red mini crab claw— which was cute.
Although we only got two entrees and two large soups and a dessert, it was plenty for the three of us. If you’re willing to go a little out of the way from the beach and love seafood, this place is definitely worth a try!
Tessa HD Campbell
We came for breakfast and loved it. Bloody Marys are probably the best we've ever had, and the morning price is awesome. We had the Drewski breakfast, ham steak topped with a slice of cheddar crusted tomato, over-well egg and American cheese with sides of potato and grits. Excellent.
Kay Lackey
OMG this was delicious! The service was super, staff was friendly, the atmosphere very family friendly. Try the Bloody Mary. It’s so good and unique. We had the half Hurricane. Plenty of food for two with leftovers. Fish was excellent, scallops to die for and the oysters. Yummy. Everything was fresh hot and no long wait. Worth the trip from anywhere. Tell them Kay sent you!
Ryan Scandale
The experience was good. We came at 5 after a storm. Wanted to go to the restaurant right by Sandbridge, but the power was out. Baja was closed. We had never been to either of them. Reviews for this place were better than Baja so we came here. We were sat immediately, party of 6. Waitress was super helpful. She put in one order right away since we wanted it as an app. Then, the rest of the food came out quickly. We had: fried Atlantic platter (shrimp, crab cake), regular platter (crab cake, scallops), steak, ribs (x2). Everyone loved their food.
Tina Dunivan
We got there right at 5 and beat the rush. There were people waiting in line when we left to be seen. It was busy and sometimes you would have to flag down a waitress for a refill but everyone was really nice and working hard. The adult food was very good. The hollandaise sauce for the broccoli was the best I've ever had. The she crab soup was amazing. The kids meals could be dressed up better. The Mac and cheese was box Mac and cheese and the kids cheeseburger... Well there's a picture. The applesauce was very good. The prices were fair. Market price was $22 a lb for crab legs Overall a fine experience with the family and a few friends. I would return.
LaMarr Beuchler
We were a group of 20. Every breakfast entree was delicious and as ordered. Our server, Kyla, provided excellent, friendly service.
Robert Nash
Margie and Ray's is casual family dining at it's best. A warm atmosphere, a wonderful seafood and beef menu. Our server was prompt and friendly. Can't wait to go back again on our next visit to Virginia Beach.
Robert Smith
Went here while on vacation last week in Virginia Beach and was thoroughly impressed with the amount of seafood items they had,I personally had the shrimp linguini and it was absolutely perfect it featured some of the biggest shrimp I've ever encountered in my life,and I was able to see other items such as crab legs,scallops, a couple of different types of fish and it all was super great...thanks for hosting us!!!
Matt Henry
Get the lump crab cake blackened. Wow amazing. Good service. Old place and can get busy in summer season. Prices are great on some items (crab cake) and a little pricy on others. If you go here just get the lump crab cake blackened!
Jess
Bloody marys $3.00 breakfast round $20 time spent with good people priceless. The waitress was on point, didn't miss anything. Very friendly.
Kat Parker
Food was great. Service friendly and attentive. You might want to bring your own crab crackers, though. Some of us had to use our forks through the whole meal as we were told they didn't have any available at the moment due to it being busy....
Bev and Berkeley Davenport
Awesome food and service! We were in town just for the day to go to Sandbridge Beach. We passed the restaurant on the way down and decided that would be where we’d go for dinner. When we first arrived, things were chaotic (in the middle of the dinner rush). It took a minute to get to the hostess, who told us there was a 20 min wait. We sat in our car and they called us when our table was ready (about 15 mins later). Our server was pleasant and helpful. We got the Hurricane Platter for 2. There was SO MUCH food. We stuffed ourselves and couldn’t finish it all. Food was hot, fresh, and delicious. Good value!
Amber Williams
I’m local here and I’ve been here a handful of times. I’ve always had the best experience here. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The waitress is very quick and always nice. She came back multiple times to see if we needed anything and how everything was.
Jason Murnock
This place has everything you want in a seafood-centric, old school atmosphere. The decor is homey and Americana, the service is sweet and authentic, and the food is fantastic...with large portions, and fresh! I highly recommend!
Jean Ellmore
The service was fantastic! There was so much food with just two entrees that we could have gotten an appetizer and just one entree. He had the fried flounder - huge portion and cooked perfectly. I had the grilled seafood platter - scallops, crab cake and flounder. Either one of those would have been enough for a meal. Didn't even unwrap my baked potato. My seafood was cooked perfectly. 5 stars - the place we tried Monday night a few miles down the road that was supposed to be really good didn't even rate1 star. We will come back here again when we are in the area.
Nicole Githire
This place was fantastic! If you're looking for seafood this is the spot. The best hush puppies I've ever had! We had tried just about everything on the dang menu, Including soft shell crab, crab cakes, she crab soup. And our server, name maybe Kayla or something like that was THE BEST server I've ever had!
Jasmine Poe
This place is amazing, my Fiancé and I came here on our trip on Va Beach. We got one of the dinners for two. It was soo delicious. We even got food to take with us back to our hotel. Great customer service and great servers. Hope to come back next year.
Jake Adkins
Starting with the good. The food was good. Above average, not really special but everyone enjoyed what they got.
The bad it was it was too expensive for what you got. It was $20 per person and 4 of them were children and got kids meals.
There is smoking at this place, which while I'm not a fan of, it's their place and they can allow what they want. But one of the staff emptied the ash tray into the trash can that was like 2 feet from our table. Pretty gross.
Darlene Donnelly
Wonderfully fun place. I believe our servers name was Bonnie. She was super fast and friendly. My friend's daughter has cancer. She's 8 and receiving chemo. I wanted to show them a relaxed, fun time. HUGE success!!! Thank you for an experience I will always hold close ❤️❤️❤️
Vanessa L Jackson
Escorted Special persons on vacation to VA Beach for the week and this was definitely a great highlight to the trip. The food was excellent but the stand out service and FRIENDLY atmosphere was the cherry on top. Would recommend you visit when in the neighborhood.
Jaylen Wells
Food was good, but had to wait forever to get it.
Sat on the porch, and was I guess forgotten? Waited 20 min and went to the front and asked where our wait staff was, and then waited an additional 10 min before even being seen. Food came out pretty quickly and was decently portioned. When it was time to go asked for a Togo box got it pretty quickly but Waited over 20 min for the ticket... i was about to walk up front to ask if they wanted us to pay for our food or not. Might return if I have the time to spend just waiting for service...
Mark Leverone
VERY crowded (1.5 hr wait). Once we finally got seated, service was good (though waitress seemed distracted, but still got our orders correct) Seafood was par for the course (clam strips were more breading than clam). No draft beer avail, but a bunch of good bottle/can options.
Julia Byrd
Very good food! Prices are pretty reasonable and everything comes out piping hot! Deceiving small on the outside, but has lots of seating on the inside as well as outdoor seating. We'll be back again!
Jeff Gordon
Food was great. Service terrific. The place was too crowded inside. They need to reduce number of tables and spread out the remaining ones. COVID isn't over.
Now for the food. That gets 5 stars. The she-crab soup is the best I have ever had. The crab stuffed flounder was superb. My wife's fried shrimp was perfectly done and it greasy at all....nor was it overcooked to dryness.
susan slocum
We love their She Crab Soup. It's the best. The seafood is wonderfully prepared and delicious. Service is always perfect.
Christophe L
The she-crab soup is need very good! For the rest it's very basic cuisine which makes it a bit too expensive for what it is.
The restaurant itself is old, the inside room is very sad as they is almost no windows, it feels like dining at a Navy ship cantina.
The outside sitting is much better but it trades again 30-40 minutes wait during the weekends.
Staff is ok, they seems not so friendly at first but you'll fast realize that they don't really have time to spend chatting with you as they run all over the place. Maybe staff shortage has something to do with that too.
So to sum up, if you're passing by around lunch or dinner time, it will do, but I wouldn't drive more than 10 minutes to go there on purpose... Or maybe just for the she-crab soup...
J Jazko
Enjoyed steamed seafood plater reasonably priced cooked perfectly. Staff was busy and yet attentive to are needs.
You won't forget to tip your hard working servers...enjoy.
Steven Roberts
This place was great. They were busy as hell but got 6 of us seating instantly and had our orders taken in no time. I came for the soft shell crabs and they were definitely good. Everyone else liked their orders. Definitely a must visit place
Craig V
Wow. This was a great experience. The food was fresh, cooked to perfection, and surprisingly very budget friendly. On arrival, we were shocked at the large crowd for a Thursday afternoon. After stuffing ourselves with some amazing scallops and bar-b-que pulled pork, it's absolutely no surprise they keep a steady crowd. It's rare to find a place that perfectly nails both bar-b-que and seafood like that. No worries on the crowd size, there is plenty of seating indoors and out. The food came out fast as well. As good as the food was, I wish we had saved room for their baked fresh pies. Oh, and yes, the she crab soup is just as good at the other reviews stated.
Geri Murphy
Stopped there on my way to VA Beach and was absolutely pleased with the service and the food! Sorry I didn't take pictures, but I loved my fish and chips with a side of pickled beets and green beans. Don't judge me😂I Iove pickled beets and these were the best!
Laura Ingle
We absolutely love going to Margie & Ray's! It is on Sandbridge rd. With a definite flair of tradition and local hospitality. The waitresses are kind, friendly and very hospitable. The food needless to say De-li-cious !!! Everything is homemade, fresh... I had the fish of the day, fried .. but the batter was light and buttery crisp... not soggy... not crunchy it had the perfect combination of lightness and crisp... the French fries...oh my goodness! Perfectly seasoned, and the crispness was just so yummy!! And of course I had as my second side coleslaw... again... needless to say... delicious... sweet and tangy and seasoned to perfection... you will not be disappointed!!!
If you are a local.. well in order to qualified as a "true local" you need to visit Margie & Ray's place ...and if you are visiting the area..
Well, it is definitely worth it to come down our way to experience our hospitality!!!
Family friendly and also have a nice bar on the other side of the restaurant, with a local gift shop 💕
Dont forget to try their breakfast!!
Rachelle Martinez
The food is always delicious. It was a very busy afternoon,so the bathroom trash was overflowing and I had to wait quite awhile to get in there. Our waitress was wonderful !!
David Leopold
I traveled from Richmond to Portsmouth for some training. I took the opportunity the next day to visit my brother and sister. We decided to meet at Margie & Rays for breakfast the next day. The food and the company were both very good. We had good spirited banter with our server who made sure we were well taken care of.
Alane Jewel
Loved it! Great menu, the seafood is all amazing. The ambiance is awesome.
Kathy Radczenko
My meal was $33 for a previously frozen filet stuffed w/crab bland tasting, canned green beans and a fresh 3 days ago salad. Along with questionable hush puppies (2) hard and greasy! Not going back!
Karin Miller
No chain restaurant, authentic and a true find! Have been there several times and the taste was always heavenly. A must for seafood lovers!
Stephanie Moore
Really great place for dinner in Sandbridge. Delicious food and quick service. The only thing I would change is some information about gluten free options.
Andrea
Had to wait since we were there on a Friday evening, but it was so worth it! We were visiting the area from Missouri and it also happened to be my birthday, and it was a great birthday dinner! The next time we are in the area, we will absolutely go again!
Tim Goldsberry
I always enjoy going Margy and Ray's. Very friendly staff and outstanding food. Not cheap, but you get what you're paying for.
Danielle Abbott
The waitress was amazing. Giving suggestions and always making sure we had everything we needed. Refills without asking were quick. The food was delish!
No wait really and nice atmosphere to cool down after a beach day
Jody Boyer
Loved it! We had wonderful service! We got the Tidal Wave and OMG, soooooo much delicious food, especially the scallops and steamed shrimp! AMAZING!!!
Diane Lilienthal
5 Adults for dinner. She crab soup was what I would call terrible, no flavor, thick not creamy. Stuffed fish, fried fish and shrimp were very good. Calamari was delicious. Potatoes were very peppery, but good.
Charlotte Madden
We had such a wonderful breakfast. Our waitress was amazing, food was hot, fast, and delicious, and the price was right. Will definitely come back.
Cathy Wallace
This restaurant couldn't be more perfect. Service and food were fantastic. Ambiance of a fun local diner was worth the drive. Definitely unlike any other!
Dawn Wilson
Seafood was done well except the clams were extremely salty & overcooked. The hush puppies were the star. This is not a fancy place, plenty of parking, but they are really busy. The chicken meal was disappointing. The breast pieces were tiny. Overall, it was a decent meal. The flies drove us crazy. In fact, we didn't stick around for dessert.
jim holgerson
Awesome place, we had the best crabs ever. Very good size for the price, plenty of meat, very easy to pick
Chad j Hartsell
Service was excellent,however bar was a little expensive.. I had a Bulliet Bourbon on the rocks, and my lady had a crown and diet coke.. the total was around 18.00 not including tip. My bourbon was no more than a SMALL shot on a few cubes of ice.. We got seated pretty quick and the she crab soup was good, but the Calamari was amazing!!!
Mike Atwood
Just simply fresh amazing seafood, perfect light batter(also, steamed, grilled options) letting the flavors shine through..never disappoints!..just off the beaten path...well worth the drive!
Xena Altair
This place was awesome, they let us order clams which weren't even on the menu, and it they were super attentive and friendly! Will definitely come back!
Ashley Love
Never disappointed by this place. Everything was so fresh and delicious. The crab legs were cooked to perfection, the fries were perfectly crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside, we had to wait but it wasn't as long as they told us it would be so that was nice.
Karin Brinck
The grilled scrimps were great and the key lime pie even better. Extra plus for no plastic mugs etc, great to see environmental care.
Matthew Lambert
Honestly, I wish I could rate this 6 stars instead of 5. The place isn't fancy with their paper table cloths, but the food was incredible. Their take on bloody Mary's was amazing, and unlike any bloody I've had. Also, the she crab soup was amazing-- like on an almost spiritual level. Do yourself a favor and eat here.
OMGTRN
Argh I don't know what happened to our order. We got the 1/2 hurricane (seafood platter). Fries were mushy, nothing special with the rest. We went here because of the number of great reviews. Maybe it was a different cook/chef who served us lol. The She Crab soup taste okay but it was mostly cream, not much crab on it which I was expecting considering the price. The place itself was cozy, we ate outside with a cemetery view :) They seem to be busy too so it might have an effect to the outcome. Pic posted, the hurricane got hurricaned lol
a e
Good food, great prices and good service. I would definitely recommend.
Laurie Spencer
The seafood there is wonderful the cook is amazing everybody needs to check this place out easy parking handicap entrance with the ramp the waiters are just unreal fast service the place was packed but the food was on our table within 10 to 15 minutes the price is affordable
Tim
Pretty good seafood place, not really a big fan of seafood, but wanted to give a shout out to a restaurant that made me like it. Very mom and pop look and was easily able to accommodate 9 of us. Worth the stop if you like seafood.
Julie Nielsen
The food is amazing and the portions sizes are big. You can share or eat it all yourself...or at least try. This is a place I can not wait to return to. You can get what you want steamed or fried.
Hope Watson
I have lived in Southeastern Virginia Beach for years. I happened to stop by here after a evening stroll in Back Bay. Now being from here I know that's there a huge problem with getting local seafood. I haven't been able to nail down why it's so hard when we live right next to a freaking ocean. Needless to say I am huge critic of any establishment that claims to have to have fresh seafood. My low expectations have been destroyed. My meal was delicious 😋. I had the steamed sampler which included 6 steamed shrimp, 4 oysters and 6 clams, drawn butter and lemon wedges. One cup of she-crab soup and a side salad. In total I spent 40.00 bucks before tip. Not too bad for local seafood. All the food came out fresh and fairly quickly. The crab legs were deliciously tender and flavorful. I wish the shrimp wasn't so small but it was sampler. Overall I would definitely come here again. It's so important that in this rough economy that we support local business rather than big chain corporations. I can't wait to try out thus place for breakfast
Chuck Moseley (CMPUNGO)
Absolutely one of the best seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach. A major favorite for locals. Definitely worth a try.
Shelly Beck
Best crab and crabcakes we have ever had! Atmosphere was perfect for our big family and Jessy was a lovely excellent server! Pictures of our leftover crab bones!
Andrew Scimeme
This place was amazing. All the seafood tasted fresh and cooked to perfection. The staff was extremely attentive and bet polite. Would definitely recommend this place to and seafood lover. The crab cakes were so good! See the pic I posted. All that food plus better for 60 bucks!?! You can't beat this place.
Brenda Glenn
If you want good seafood this is a wonderful place and the breakfast is so cheap and they give you a lot of food very good food
Kelby Vargas
If you come to Virginia Beach and you don't visit this place, I feel sorry for you. No frills, no fancy decor, hands down some of the best seafood. God Bless this place for the long run it's had. Well deserved.
Roy
I wanted to eat crabs from the region and they delivered! A little bit heavy on the Old Bay but very fun to crack open.. it's best to bring attire you don't really care about. Also a great selection of other seafood at a fair price. In a quaint section of town off a small back road near a big nature preserve for some good Southern vibes 🤙
Lyle NYE JR.
Well, I am not a seafood eater. Fish fries are my high limit of seafood. However, everyone else I was with (11 in all) whom loved seafood and really liked what they got. Me, I had a hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and an onion gravy on it. Best hamburger steak I ever had. Down home, nice, friendly wait staff, good service. Seafood galore and stuff for the "land lubbers" as well. Great off the main drag place to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Get there early because it gets busy fast at meal times! A PLUS IN MY BOOK.
Rachael Mazzoni
Classic seafood joint, older style and people packed friendly staff, were seated quickly despite a long line to check-in, food was served super fast, waitress helped our kiddo get a crab cake meal that was kid-sized. Everything tasted good, good portions though a tad pricey (but haven't been to seafood restaurant in a while and inflation is a beast so this might be "normal" prices). My only minor complaint is that crab cakes were advertised as "filled with lump crab meat" but it was shredded crab, and I prefer the texture of actual lumps of crab.
Emily Elizabeth
Exceptional food and service. We try to make it out a couple times a year at least! There is usually a wait but it goes by quick and you can't beat how fast the food comes out! A true VB staple
amy Wice
Very nice people and service was good also
Food not one of us had any complaints very good .
L S
Everything was fantastic! Service, their online queue feature. Good drinks! But the Chocolate peanut butter pie was exquisite!! I have never had better. Worth every penny!
Jeff Mayfield
Probably one of the best seafood experiences I've ever had. Just a small place south of Virginia beach, sort of around nothing. Definitely a hidden gem away from the buzz of the city. Food was absolutely delicious and prices reasonable. Service was fantastic. Will definitely be coming back when we are in the area.
Sonya Schaffer (Sunny Chicken Chick)
Everything is perfectly done lightening fast. Hollandice sauce is the bomb. Reasonable prices.
Joelle Huntsberry
This place has the most incredible ma and pop charm. Food is incredible! The last two times we went for lunch I got a BLT with a crabcake on it (not technically on the menu but it should be!)... it was literally the best BLT I've ever had.
Everything we've ordered from this place has hit the mark with quality and quantity. If you're looking for good food and to feel like your just part of the local family, this is the place!
Geno Jr
Great stop after a long day of fishing Sandbridge!! All food was delicious and fresh. Pics of Sandbridge for attention! Sorry no photos of Margie's!
Lilly L
Honestly I'm not sure why this place is packed... Maybe because it's one of the only restaurants around.. anyway, the food wasn't that great, except the soup my husband took, he said it was super good. But the rest wasn't. My pastas were swimming in a pool of marinara sauce. They put cheese on top without asking me so i had to remove it. The bread was dry... Couldn't eat any of it!
The only thing that was good about what I tasted were the onion rings and my kids' fries.
Also it is WAY too expensive for what it is. $16 for pasta!!!! That's crazy! The rest is way above that.
Not going back!
Lindsay Kelly
The She Crab Soup - stellar!
The service was ok, we would have loved recommendations since this was our first visit but none were offered only a "it's good" response.
The crab balls and shrimp po boy were both ok but the soft shell sandwich was sad. Must have been a one refill max on our drinks because when we left none of us had anything left in our cups.
We love trying new places but this is a once only visit to this restaurant for us.
D Pizzitola
Stopped in after some beach time, and the bulleit bourbon mule & bowl of she crab soup were exactly what I needed. The soup was the star of the show, with its hint of spice and overflowing creamy goodness. I didn't hesitate to scrape up every morsel on the outside of the bowl as well. This place makes me wish I was a local.
Ryan Steffen
Great. Worth the drive if you're in VA Beach. We went late afternoon. No wait. Fast, friendly service. The longer we were there, the busier it got. By the time we left, there seemed to be a wait to get a table.
Michael Vermeesch
Absolutely perfect atmosphere, delicious fresh food. Wonderful staff, not a bad thing to say about anything.
Tara Casanova Powell
The best she Crab soup hands down! My husband and I live in Virginia Beach and have gone to several restaurants looking for "the best" she crab soup. This hand down is it! Thick and flavorful with a TON of crab meat. The rest of the menu is also very good. Great seafood that is very fresh and excellent staff. We live it at Margie and Rays!
Michael Liebman
We went for Dinner one night and Breakfast one morning. People were super nice, food was plentiful, options were great, Fried shrimp and French toast stood out as winners.
Laura Martlock
Excellent food. Super service. Did was out so quickly we were caught off guard! Nice friendly, quiet atmosphere. Loved it!
Earl Duff
This is a hidden gem! The food is always great here. We went on a Sunday and even though it was packed, we got right in at a table. The only down side to our visit were the loud guys at the bar. They seemed intoxicated and it was still relatively early (noonish). We are speculating that they were regulars since the staff did nothing to cut them off or ask them to tone it down.
Shantel “Tel”
Everything I had was good. The she crab soup was🤤, the grilled catfish 🤤, and the long island iced tea 👍🏾. I highly recommend.
Emilie Liadis
Great prices for amazing seafood! We’ve been coming here for years. Don’t forget to try the key lime pie!
Ken Shandelson
Still a neat old fish shack. The seafood was really good and so was the wait staff. And they serve two hushpuppies with each meal. If you're looking for a back bay eating experience, this is the place.
Nikole
OMG!! All the reviews are accurate and on point, everyone is very friendly, our server, Jessie!! Deb, the bartender, made drinks just for us! We ordered the Colossal Seafood Platter, best crab legs, shrimp, claims, oysters and fresh broccoli. Don't pass on going!
Ruffner Lowman
My favorite location for steamed blue crabs in the VA beach area!! Not fancy at all, and that is the way I like my crab houses. Great prices and fantastic hush puppies!! The grilled scallops are also out of this world!!!
Bryon Counsell
We had a great seafood meal exactly as we ordered it. Great service atmosphere!
Codi Tyree
First time in. Restaurant was clean. Staff was friendly. My breakfast was exceptional! Crab cakes Benedict! It was cooked perfectly, and no fillers in the crab cakes whatsoever. Will definitely be a repeat customer in the future.
Johnna Massey
A little off the beaten path. Very down home atmosphere and friendly service. Hubby had fried Flounder and Shrimp platter and I had broiled Crab Cakes and Shrimp. We enjoyed the seafood - the broiled shrimp were tastier than the fried. Cole Slaw was delicious and the French Fries were good and crispy.
Patrick Horsley
Got the fried Neptune platter, the shrimp and oyster coating was rather bland. My wife got the snow crab legs... They looked like they had been cooked the day before and reheated in the microwave. For $40/lb we expected much more. Not to mention they were extremely salty. The desserts were the saving grace as they were rather delicious.
Bren S
Excellent food and good service ! Try one of the great platters!!
Shara Klaus
Great place for local seafood done right. A short drive from Sandbridge beach. Huge portions and super fresh!
Jimmy Slocum
Always great food, one of the best seafood restaurants in Virginia Beach
Leona Ho
I love crab so this place is a must if you looking for seafood .but you might have to wait for around 30' to get into and make sure to call them first to ask for the food you need because a few items on the menu sometime is not available.
Haylee Peters
We love eating here everytime we vacation in Sandbridge! The She crab soup is simply the best. Our waitress, Sharon, was great as well! 5/5 taste, service and atmosphere! 😊 …
Michelle Wagner
Amazing food, wonderful service. Try the parm crusted tomatoes or the whirlpool, you won't be sorry.
Bobby Blair
Great food at decent price. Crab legs were good. A little cold but it was busy.
Ruthie Milby
Always great breakfast,
Good seafood and the servers/wait staff are the best!
Michael Sokevitz
you really cant go wrong here. looks like a dive from the outside but is rated as 1 of the best restaurants in the city. great breakfast and the best she crab soup ever. highly reccomend
Sean Dewald
Wife and I split half pound of steamed shrimp and a few sides, food was great, nice to sit outside on the patio. The drive out there was well worth it. Overall, great experience.
Alison M
I finally tried this local's staple last year with my dad when he was in town bc he LOVES to get fresh seafood whenever he's here and I figured this was going to be pretty authentic for him.
I didn't expect I would like it as much but, although it looks a bit rough on the outside, it's all local's charm inside with friendly staff, items for sale, and a huge back room with more seating.
The menu is big and features the things you expect - like fried fish and hush puppies, but they have several platters and create your own options with things for others who may not want all seafood.
Their fried shrimp, salad, pies, and hush puppies are amazing!
YUMMMM. I've been a few times now and am never disappointed.
Jerry Thacker
Was on vacation and I like to get away from the fancy tourist draws and find locals favorites. Margie & Ray's was a great find
Matthew Brind'Amour
Solid meal here. Everyone enjoyed the food they had. We were seated quickly, despite the busy hour and our server was fast and attentive. I did two appetizers for my meal. Hush puppies were delicious and sweet. Perfect with a little extra butter on the side. I also had the fried seafood sampler. The scallops were soft and perfect, fried oysters and shrimp were delicious as well. All were good with the tartar and cocktail sauce, but fortunately someone else at our table ordered the catch of the day with their sweet and spicy chili sauce on the side. This was a perfect complement to the fried flavors of the dish, especially the shrimp... I'd recommend you ask for it on the side if you want something really delicious. My wife's stuffed flounder was also a nice dish and the buttery sauce on the side was a great complement. We all left here happy and very full. Will definitely return when back in the area!
Tim Miller
Very good grilled shrimp lunch. Service was excellent.
Greg Sullivan
I’m local here and I’ve been here a handful of times. I’ve always had the best experience here. The food is outstanding and the service is great. The waitress is very quick and always nice. She came back multiple times to see if we needed anything and how everything was. We had a pretty large party of 11, and they got us seated fairly quickly. I chose the 1/2 Hurricane Margie, and it was great! We received way more food than we could eat, so keep in mind that the portions are pretty generous. 10/10 would recommend, cheers from the great state of Ohio!
Rutger Wheaton
This place is the real deal. The place was packed but the service was fast and our server Quinn was very attentive. The fried oysters were the best I ever had. The broiled and fried Scallops were great. There was a traffic jam trying to get into the parking lot....we were lucky and got the last indoor table. But now we know why!!. Ladies....bring a sweater...they keep the air cranking here too!
C_A_H22
Place was packed and service was great. Had the grilled flounder, delicious. The pies are made in house, the key lime is amazing!
Jonathan Knight
Visiting from out of town for the week and was told repeatedly that we had to try this place. Had driven past it several times throughout the week and the parking lot was always full. Decided to try it tonight with our large group of 15 people, including 5 young children. We arrived at 6 pm and were told that it would be a 1 hour wait. Given the peek time and our large group this was expected. Much to our surprise they had us seated less than 45 minutes later. Our server, Sidney, was extremely friendly and pleasant to deal with. She took our orders quickly and efficiently. The kitchen had all of our dishes out to us in a very short period of time, all without a single mistake. The food was absolutely amazing. Every member of our group said that their dish was delicious, including the young children. The price was on the higher side but was well worth the cost for the freshness of the seafood and the prompt and efficient service. Every member of the staff that we interacted with was extremely friendly and professional. We would highly recommend visiting this restaurant if you are in the area, and will be coming back the next time we travel to Virginia Beach.
Michael Newell
I sat at the bar because I was alone and usually will anyways when I can. Bartenders always seem to know their stuff and are good for conversation. John (I’m pretty sure that was his name) did not disappoint! Great service, great drinks and he was busy as could be but didn’t miss a beat. I opted for a few Bloody Marys, which were very popular and blue crab. Very good food. Wonderful service. Definitely would revisit if I had an opportunity, there were lots of menu items I’d love to try.
shawn sawyer
Love this place. Whenever guests come from out of town we bring them here. Breakfast is yummy! Surf and turf...add country ham and a side of hollandaise makes for the best combo!!!
Jason Stiles
They were absolutely amazing. I tried multiple things from the menu and everything was done to perfection. In addition to these things, their food and drink menus both have a very wide range to choose from. Lastly, the service, our waitress was the nicest, most professional, most effective, and helpful server I've ever had
Miss Wolf
Great local seafood restaurant. Probably some of the best hush puppies on the planet. Everything I've ever had here has been to notch. Keep up the great service guys, we'll be back soon!
grumpy beagle
Actual entree looks nothing like what is shown in posts on website. What looks like steak fries on various posts is a bunch of small "slivers" of potatoes. All items on my entree seemed to be cooked in the same oil, everything tastes the same. Maybe this was just an off day....
John Via
Always a great place for seafood and crabs. Very good service as well.
Mike
Loved the food. Had the fried flounder, it was really good. sampled 5 or 6 other plates at the table and everything was great. our entire party was really happy with dinner.
Jon Harding
Margie & Ray's is a gem hiding just outside of plain sight. It reminds me of the places we use to go when I was a kid. My wife got the shrimp and clam scampy and I got the crab legs. She was full within a few bites but raved about it. My crab legs were so good I didn't even dip the meat in butter. I will say I wish my crab legs had come with somthing like hush puppies, but our service was super friendly, all of the staff were smiles and polite. We will be sure to come back on our next trip!
Gilbert Byrd
My wife and I are from Philadelphia, while on vacation we visited for some great seafood. We felt a little uncomfortable with the Environment but the food was Delicious!!! We definitely will visit again!!!
Daniel Morbitzer
Food and staff was outstanding!!! She crab soup was the best I've had in years and Hurricane Margie (fried sampler) didn't disappoint. Only thing I was missing was a Coca-Cola. Highly recommend stopping by for great local seafood!
Danica Rice
Couldn’t find much on the menu that I could eat (I’m a very picky eater), but very much enjoyed my bang bang shrimp. My family members gave me their hush puppies which I also enjoyed (love hush puppies). I wish the bang bang shrimp would have been a meal and then I would have been golden. Back home this appetizer is baptized in the sauce, it was cool to be able to dip my shrimp in it. I also enjoyed the flavor of the sauce as well. My compliments to the chef. The only reason I rated the restaurant with four stars is because I couldn’t find an entree to chose from. Other than that I’m confident that I would have been able to give them five stars.
Barbara Dutcher
The steamed crab legs were delicious, the service was amazing and Kayla our server was cheerful and great at her job
Merve Sarac
Wait time was long but the service and food was super tasty! Snow crab legs were great. And scallops were amazing!
Jeanne Hoffman
Always our favorite! Great food, service, and prices! She crab soup is exceptionally thick and delicious!
Pat Marlowe
Great food. Friendly staff with quick service.
Aubrey Winum
Great local spot! Food is delicious and you definitely get your moneys worth, good portions of fresh seafood! Nice casual spot to enjoy a meal with family & friends
Brad Robinson
Great food and service. Kolby was a delight. Reasonable prices too! Highly recommend Margie and Rays.
Julius Galler
Went for breakfast too crowded at dinner time. Good but not as good as I was hoping. Nothing sensational.
Mark LaFrance
No doubt one of Va Beach's best eateries! The lump crab omelette and the she crab soup are two must try menu items!
Candy H
Nice little place. I got she crab soup and it was good. Place needs a little TLC but it also makes it quaint and homey.
Canan Abayhan
Great outdoor space! Fantastic omelette with homemade biscuit!!! And nice service! Thanks....
M Fandango
Seriously perfect little spot! The food is fresh and delicious. This is a must when in Virginia beach!!!
Tango Wiskey71
Fantastic food. People waiting out the door to be seated, 5 minute wait at best on a pay day weekend. The wait staff was outstanding, food just as good. Will see them again soon
Joseph Cardello
Margie & Ray's isn't fine dining; it's a crabhouse, and the world needs more of them. It's perfect with a group or family after a long day. You can eat great seafood, have a few drinks, and enjoy excellent service in a laid-back atmosphere. I highly recommend Margie & Ray's!
Linda Warner
Service and food were fair. The restaurant is in bad condition with parts of the ceiling flaking off. Very loud
Gloria Ashley
Awesomeness! Except the she Crab soup was thick as pudding, but tasted ok. Not the greatest I have had there.But if you like good seafood and hushpuppies! Yum!!
Diane L
Delicious food, wonderful and friendly service and excellent iced tea. They have Mahi tacos on Wednesday during lunch ONLY and they are delightful. We got ours blackened and we were both supremely satisfied. Check this place out!
Eric Turcovski (Turc)
Great selection, portion size is more than enough per plate. Service is great, polite, and quick. I've had the fried fish, fried and grilled scallops, and poboy, and they were all delicious.
Do as their shirts say and hit it "1st on the way in, Last on the way out"
Krikor
Great no nonsense food, fantastic service, and a nice courteous staff. Fair prices. What's not to love. I got the half pound steamed crab legs cluster and it was fantastic. My wife who is a stickler about crawfish etouffee said it was among the best she's had, even compared to New Orleans restaurants. Very accommodating of our two kids and good options for them as well. If we are ever in Virginia Beach again will be sure to visit. Nice to get off the beaten path a bit. Almost forgot, the fried clam strips were outstanding as well.. you don't think there's much to those until you've had them done perfectly right.
Ry24
Place was very good. The western omelet was very fresh. The ham and cheese omelet was very flavorful. Egg sandwich was made very well.
Michael McCrory
Margie and Rays is a local seafood joint. They make some delicious seafood in a down home setting. It's a little pricey because it's fresh and local. If you want a legit, local seafood experience this is your place.
T Tucker
I drove 3 hours from Fredericksburg Virginia to eat here and it was worth every minute the most fresh delicious Seafood on the East Coast hands down
cameron leaver
After talking to many locals that all said to go try it, we did, and let me tell you it was very good. The staff was all very friendly and helpful. We had the half hurricane Margie (basically all fried things on the menu) was a huge portion and everything was good, it had the best fried scallops I have ever had. We also had the bang bang shrimp, Cajun grilled scallops, crab legs and the best she crab soup we have had since coming here for vacation. Everything else we had was really good as well especially the scallops. The back room where we sat was a little loud had an unruly group. Was not the restaurants fault and they ended up asking that table to leave. All and all I would highly recommend going there if your in the area.
Najib Khan
Went here for a late lunch. When we arrived there was a 30 minute wait but only waited about 5 minutes.
Service from Mel was quick and efficient. Ordered grilled crab cake sandwich and fried oysters. Everything was delicious! The crab cakes were falling apart, which is great, because that means there is hardly any filler.
Everything was reasonably priced! We live about 20 minutes away so we will certainly be back.
Andrea Gladue
Sunday evening, busy but service and food were excellent. Got seated right away for party of 5, food came out quick and perfect, and our server, Sidney, was on top of it all. Refills on drinks, added orders, to go desserts, leftover boxes, etc...not cheap wats but worth every penny. Parking lot, cleanliness, and ambiance could use some sprucing up but otherwise this is a great place.
JA Rein
Good food, good service. Unique place to eat.
James Blount
Good grilled crab cake sandwich. Local spot with many regulars and daily (not just seafood) specials
Casey G
Sometimes it's hard to find grilled shrimp. It was delicious and they provided a generous serving.
Lindsey Haygood
This place is an absolute treasure in a beautiful location away from it all! The food is perfect! The bang bang shrimp was fried to perfection the seasoning they use in their batter and on the grill is amazing! My husband had the crab cake platter my daughter had the fried combo platter and I had the grilled fish and scallop platter! Best scallops I’ve ever had honestly! The hollandaise sauce for their broccoli is delicious. And I am overwhelmed by how fast everything came out! 10 out of 10 this will be our go to whenever we are in the area
Chad
Absolutely superb service not a huge wait after you order and everything tastes fresh.
SHIKIRA
I didnt eat. I just went for a dishwasher gig. The food was looking delicious and beautifully made being sent out. Would like to try them but its like 30 mins from my house.
Caitlyn Caggia
Excellent she crab soup! Best in the Virginia Beach area. Very creamy with tons of crab meat. Quick service and very laid back, casual beachy setting.
Charlie S
From Baltimore so cream of crab was “up to par” also my steak bites were prepared perfectly
Morgan Pacheco
It was all delicious! Restaurant was clean. Staff was friendly & service was excellent!
Valari Ritchey
Loved our dinner. Great food and beachy atmosphere!
Victoria Paskiet
Delicious! Boys were dying for the seafood qe don't get in PA. the youngest is affected to hush puppies so he was ecstatic to get even more with his kids meal. Hubby and I split the steamed meal for 2. Everyone left happy. Staff was great too and the food came fast !
Mark Deyo
We've been vacationing in Sandbridge, VA for over 10 years and this years visit to Margie and Ray's was as solid as ever. Great service with excellent knowledge of the menu. Fresh seafood deliciously prepared. Be ready if you order any of the family platters, you will not believe the amount of quality seafood being brought to your table.
David Hayden
Excellent food and you won't go away hungry.
Dena Magruder
Amazing food and service! Best Bloody Mary’s and Bang Bang Shrimp ever!!! Definitely the “locals” favorite restaurant!
John M
First time there. Had a great breakfast, food was tasty, coffee was hot and prices were right. Will definitely be back !
Doug Miller
Stopped for lunch. Can't wait to come back to try the other menu items while on our way to Sandbridge.
Josh Hollinger
Must stop if in the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area! The food came out by far the fastest I have ever received from any sit down restaurant. Had their fried oysters, grilled scallops, and steamed shrimp which all were amazing...and their hush puppies were by far the best I have had anywhere. They have a full bar and great beer selection, and our server Melanie was phenomenal and went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of.
Paul Davidson
Great little restraunt. Better than most tourist traps in VB. We ordered a two person meal, unfortunately with everything stacked on top of each other, it lost some of its crispness, but still delish. Staff was great 👍
Nigel Daniel
Great food, great "mom & pop" atmosphere. Really enjoyed coming here and would love to come back.
Cynthia Knight
Excellent food and superb service! We had a party of 15 (8 being between the ages of 5 and 14 years of age), yet the waitress was absolutely friendly and efficient! We will definitely be returning to Margie & Ray's the next time we are in Sandbridge!
Robert Todd
Classic old school seafood place. Bare bones but food and service are excellent.
George Yatsko
Once again Margie & Ray's never lets us down! You can always count on friendly service, down home cooking, and straight up southern hospitality at it's finest! Rather you crave the thick and creamy (areas finest I might add) she crab soup, plump and juicy steamed oysters or fresh from the steamer crab legs the food is always on point, always the freshest you can get in our seafood bound shores!! Great job, keep the hospitality coming, and the fine food steaming on!!
Michelle Buie
We were staying at Sandbridge from 9/11-9/19 for my Son's Wedding & every time I left the island & drove by … I said we are definitely trying this place before we leave to go back home (Erie, Pa) & so GLAD we did !!! We had the title wave & it was absolutely AMAZING & put all 5 of us into a food coma lol The service was beyond perfection!!! We were there on Sat Sept 19th & I didn’t get our waitress name … but she had really short hair & was wearing a ball cap & she was FABULOUS ❤️ She knew we were out of towners & went out of her way to make us feel so Welcomed. She was beyond AWESOME too ! We will definitely be back to this place on our next vacation 😉
The Best Life!
This restaurant started in the 1960s and they seem to have their priorities in order, we visited on a Friday, the service was polite and the food was excellent , we had a party of 9 and nothing was out of place! The bathrooms where also clean ++ our bill was 200 and it was worth it. But you be the judge... Definitely a good experience for us.
Lawrence Wood
You know, this place is ok, but only ok. Friendly efficient service, food today was mediocre
Lila Hennessee
amazing staff, great food, and outstanding service. the servers, cooks, and bar staff are all hard working. great family friendly spot day and night
Bonnie Martin
Great service amazing food!! Will definitely return
Jacie McCabe
One of the BEST local seafood restaurants in the Virginia Beach area! Great family vibe, excellent pricing and the food is phenomenal! The wait is never too long and the service is good too! Well worth the drive if you're in a different city!
Jordan Moore
We had a pretty large party of 11, and they got us seated fairly quickly. I chose the 1/2 Hurricane Margie, and it was great! We received way more food than we could eat, so keep in mind that the portions are pretty generous. 10/10 would recommend, cheers from the great state of Ohio!
William Bryant
Awesome place. GREAT SERVICE!
Joy Gray
Amazing staff. Sara was our awesome server. As non-stop as the restaurant was with customers, the staff moved with great speed and accuracy for their patrons. Delicious food and fantastic atmosphere.
Lai Shawn love
The food and service was wonderful. Will definitely be back
Mel Pomponio
Great local restaurant with the freshest seafood! Wait staff was friendly, reasonable prices, great experience for our family!
Give Theflowersnow
Went Sunday around 2pm no wait.
The fried sampler was small, mainly shrimp. The three fried oysters were fresh. The one scallop was delicious.
The steamed sampler was bland.
The hushpuppys were ok. The waitress was nice so I didn't change the defaulted 22% tip.
Zachary Pinkosky
We stopped here for breakfast on a weekday morning. This spot has that nice, old-time “mom and pop” feel to it, and the food has soul to it, too. It’s a nice, more relaxed dining experience if you’re staying on the main oceanfront of Virginia Beach and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of that area.
I got their western omelette with a side of potatoes, and my mother got scrambled eggs with bacon and potatoes. Everything was so delicious. My omelette was fluffy and filling and didn’t make me feel like I had a brick in my stomach when I finished eating. The potatoes were also nicely seasoned and delicious.
Our waitress was also very friendly and attentive. I wish I could remember her name, but all I have to say is that any time we visit VA Beach, our waiters and waitresses are always exceptional here. This place is always on our list of places to visit when in town!
Kevin Orr
Fast service and excellent food!! Make sure you go early as they get very busy at dinner time :)
Ed King
A great place for steamed crabs (though the "Jumbos" were a little undersized).
Steamer sampler was very good.
Desserts were excellent.
Margie & Ray's is now on our must-visit list when we're in VA Beach.
Christine Tysor
Been coming here for years. The seafood is fresh, She Crab Soup is a favorite and atmosphere is perfect!
Josh G
We go whenever we are in the area. Excellent quality food and service. Every time. On our most recent visit, the staff quickly accommodated our party of 14 last minute and for a late breakfast. Everything was perfect!
Dean Wilson
Food: amazing!! Service: superb! Thank you Jessy!!! The grilled scallops were probably the best I have had anywhere. Fried oysters were perfect. Steamed shrimp perfectly plump and delicious - definitely cooked just right. We finished our meal with the fried catfish. I can't say it stole the show from the scallops, but it was pretty close. Can't wait to go back. Thank you Margie and Ray's!!
Don Harrelson
Great food and crazy fast! Went in on Mother’s Day and was seated in five minutes. Cooked to order breakfast was out five minutes later. Whole meal has finished in 35 minutes. Prices are decent too.
Annie Nardone
Margie and Ray's is a family tradition ever since our daughter went to college in the area. I judge every seafood restaurant by its scallops and this place is the only one that can come close to the scallops that I order in Maine. (And those are fresh off the boat by Castine, Maine) They are dry pack, sweet, and fried to perfection. Every meal has been wonderful. Nothing fancy, just crazy good! Comfy roadhouse feel to the place, lots of local folk. Really the best!
Kenny Dorsey
I'm not sure how we found this place a few years ago. We're always looking for "where the locals eat" when we take a trip somewhere. This restaurant is not in Virginia Beach proper, but probably about 20-25 minutes away. But, it's worth it. We came back during this trip (Sep 2021), on a Tues evening during the off season, and it was packed. The food here is what I think of when I think of real seafood. If you want to get authentic seafood, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist area, this is the place you want to go.
Meredith S
We have been coming here for years and every time it's delicious. Highly recommend.
Baylee Foster
The service was great here. The hostess was very friendly. The food here is as fresh as can be. The cook literally just came back from catching the crab right after we arrived. Deanna was our server and she was great. We had never eaten whole crab before, and she saw us struggling with trying to get the meat out. She showed us how it was done and turned us into professionals. The location was also great. The restaurant was clean too. We also tried the steamed seafood platter. Everything on it was great. The hush puppies were also authentic and fantastic! They weren’t dry and they were very fresh. I’m happy we decided to come here after hunting for blue crab along the eastern coast. It was a great experience.
Kelly M. (creperum)
Love coming to this place with friends while on vacation! They have the best Crab Egg's Benedict! Will definitely be back and recommend to anyone near the area.
B P
Great and fast service! Best crab in the state!
Deborah Baughman
Great seafood restaurant, good food awesome waitress
George Kelly
Place was awesome. We got there at 5:15pm and the place was hopping. Took seats at the Bar and had a wonderful meal. Lucy was great. Her first night Bar Backing, and she nailed it. Would highly recommend it.
Dennis Parker
Terrific food, super fast with great service. Very hefty portions and the food was delicious.. Had a group of 8 and they sat us down quick and we ate and were done happy and full in well under an hour.....
BrianGeneve Horst
We knew we were going to have some scrumptious food because of the crowds of people there when we arrived and the long wait! It was worth the wait! Delicious sea food for a reasonable price! We had caring staff even though they were very busy!
Deirdre Shrecengost
Tons of food,platter says feeds 2 but there were 4 of us plus leftovers
Samay Alvarez
Excellent service, food and prices. Their soup, shrimp and scallops are amazing. We went to Virginia for two days and went to Margies once for lunch and the following day for dinner because it was that good.
Pete Ayala
Local spot for great seafood at killer prices. Definitely hit the $8 lunch special. You won't be disappointed. Very chill, laid back spot. We usually go during a day of fishing, so that ought to tell you that it's pretty chill. Staff are friendly and the food is delicious. What more can you ask for?
AJ Fitzgerald
Great place! Quick service! Delicious crab cakes and shrimp! Every plate around us looked great as well!
Ashley Recinos-Garcia
The staff here are super friendly! My in laws were in town and we wanted to check this place out after we left Sandbridge & I’m so glad we did. I ordered the soft shell crab sandwich with fries and it was delicious. My mother in law isn’t a fan of seafood so she ordered some ribs and they were BOMB! So tender and flavorful. Gotta check this place out
Greg Stauder
Best seafood I've had in VA beach yet
Steve Alspaugh
OMG!! This place was such a gift. My wife & I were on a mini honeymoon & we wanted seafood & this place provided. We got the Hurricane Margie Platter for 2. It was way too much food but we left full & happy & with leftovers. Their menu is diverse & meets any seafood lovers needs. The prices are fair & our waitress Billie was fantastic. If we are able to get back to that area of Virginia we shall return. Thank you for a wonderful night.
EBH
There’s not many choices that are this close to where we are staying, Was expecting a tourist trap, so-so food. Totally not the case, had a great dinner with my partner and will come back when we are in the area. Top notch, comfortable seafood joint.
Clay Delaney
A must try.. If you want fried, grilled or blackened seafood this is my favorite seafood dive bar. Inside and outside seeting. Great sweet tea, Buffalo shrimp, she crab soup, fried chicken and I'm looking forward to trying everything on the menu. Great breakfast spot as well.
Zach W
So i am not a seafood kinda guy. Never really have been. But for my second time at Margie and rays it was very good. We went on friday night at 740pm were seated immediately and our food was out in under 10mins for appetizers and dinner. Both times the servers were fast and efficient well worth the 22% tip. We ordered the bang bang shrimp, a ribeye steak (hushpuppies and loaded bake potatoe)and crab cakes (green beens and coleslaw). Only downside was the coleslaw seemed too sweet to us and the coffee was kinda weak but all in all both where still very good. They have a great beer selection in bottles! The first time there i had the fish and chips with hushpuppies and sweet tea. Sweet tea should be borderline syrup and teeth achingly cold. It was both! Fish and chips where the best ive had outside of england. Service was also very fast and efficient! Margie and Rays will be on my regular list for noce seafood. But understand good food and fast great service arent cheap.
Langning Chen
First time in the area and will return next time.
Sam Melvin
We vacationed in Sandbridge this year and decided to try this place out for dinner. We went on a Monday around 5pm. Got seated immediately but it quickly filled up after we arrived. The staff was friendly, helpful, and patient as we figured out what we wanted to order. The food was brought out very quickly and was very fresh and hot. It was delicious. All four of us, 2 adult and 2 kids thought it was some of the best seafood we have had. We were very happy with their food, service, and atmosphere. If we are ever in the area again we plan to to go again.
Jade Risner
The best place for Crab. The place is clean. Faith was our server, she knows her job, the menu, and was a great server. The crab legs were hot, cooked perfectly. They were very clean. The She Crab Soup was fantaboulous! Wonderful place!!
Kris Adams
Read the reviews and knew people that had eaten here on vacation. So this was our must try out place when we came for vacation. And we were not disappointed. From the friendly server who kept the plates and drinks coming and helping us decide what to get. And the food itself, we had an amazing meal. We did the all you can eat meals and the amount of food and choices you had was unreal. Food came out fast and hot. Was fresh and all had great taste. If you are in the area this is a must try! You will not regret it!
Victoria Talbot
This place is fantastic! We were there on a Saturday night and it was hopping! We had to wait about a half hour, but it was well worth it! Three of us had the steamed seafood platter which was delicious. It had crab legs, shrimp, oysters and clams. One in our part got stuffed flounder which he enjoyed thoroughly ( and he is a bit of a seafood snob.) He was the only one that had an alcoholic beverage and the bartender actually took the time to get very specific instructions on the making of a Long Island Iced Tea. Our waitress was very friendly, attentive and quick. We chatted with folks at a nearby table where a large family was chowing down. Everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves. Our bill came to about $125 which we happily paid. I will definitely return to Maggie and Ray's Crabhouse!
Bryan Wright
It's not the fanciest restaurant in the world, but that's alright with me. Basically banquet tables with paper covers. It's small, it's a little "dive-y". None of those things are a problem for me.
We had a table of 12 and the waitress handled us excellently, even allowing us separate checks (Thank you). I ordered the Hurricane Margie platter. HOLY COW. Basically a pile of every sort of fried seafood you can ask for, laid on top of hush puppies and french fries, with two bowls of cole slaw.
The food was excellent. You might be tempted to think "it's fried food, it's all the same". You are wrong. Everything was fried perfectly. The scallops were flavorful, moist and big. The fried oysters just might be the best I ever had. The shrimp was good. I could go on and on. I was very impressed.
If going with family or friends, I recommend the platter. It's SO much food, but you cannot go wrong.
Kennedy Holland
Great food but the prices are a little high. The ribs are GREAT and I highly recommend them. Also, the steamed shrimp is good, and so are the baked potatoes. The meal of crab legs that they say feeds four people costs $150. Everything else costs reasonable. Our waitress was rude and unhelpful. Literally everyone on this restaurant is drunk and loud and we couldn't hear anything at our own table. Other than that, it was great. I highly recommend this to eat at when traveling.
Mike Martin
Margie and Ray's is my favorite go-to spot in VB. Always have awesome service and amazing seafood, highly recommend. Very busy in summer time but if you can go on the off-season, DO IT. Totally worth the trip to sandbridge.
Uliana Kolinko
Always amazing food! Lunch specials are absolutely delicious!
Greg
Well, it wasn't the best and certainly not the worst. Service was great. Beer selection was OK. Out of all of the great local breweries their choice wasn't one of the top local breweries. They were out of Jumbos and the #1's were light and full of water. Maybe they boil them? They certainly weren't like Maryland crab houses. Overall I was disappointed. But the service was good. I'll be back to give them another try...
Pat Lowery
Wonderful, welcoming, courteous staff from the moment you walk in the front door. Service is fast. Food was perfectly cooked.Thursday is the scallop special every week (melt in your mouth grilled scallops were delicious). All the servers were warm and friendly, stopping by our table to check on drinks, etc. I am looking forward to my next visit, it will definitely be soon!
Jeannine Gatto
I was not impressed. Cost was high for the amount of food served. The fried food was extremely greasy. Granted they were busy and the heat of their oil probably could not keep up, but that problem should be corrected. The clams were just okay. If you want to pay that much for local seafood, head to Blue’s Seafood and Spirits where you will always get 5-star food and service.
Spencer Travis
Awesome Seafood find. We visited the Aviation museum and then looked up places to eat. This was our second seafood place we visited in our first family trip to Virgina and we were pleasantly surprised. Our waitress was very friendly, eager to serve and the food was hot, tasty and filling. Price was good. Gotta say, had a side of broccoli with my meal and it was the best steamed I ever had. If we ever visit again, this will be a must go to for us.
BoberMcBoberson
Very good food, friendly staff. It was very busy when we were there, but we still received our food in a timely fashion, from a happy waitress.
Aimee Sunshine
Plenty of outdoor seating. Great She Crab soup. Perfectly steamed clams. House made Bloody Mary mix that they should sell by the gallon nationwide. And our server was a peach (Kayla, I think). Great choice for lunch.
Jannette Antochow
Happening local seafood spot. Friendly staff and family friendly.
Cherish V
I recently visited this week for the first time and the food was amazing! The Cole claw was the best I’ve ever had! The food was hot and delicious and the staff was very friendly and professional! I will definitely be visiting again! I live in Hampton Va and although it’s an hour drive away! It’s totally worth it!! Thank You! I can’t wait to try the she crab soup!
Michelle Yocco
Love love love Margie and Rays!! The staff is awesome. They are very respectful and conscious about covid guidelines.
The food though....FANTASTIC!!
We shared the 1/2 Hurricane Margie and there was plenty of food for both of us. Nothing soggy very light on the breading. This is definitely a stop any time we go to the Sandbridge area.
Caleb Weber
Meh. I don't get it. We got the grilled platter (pick 3 choices), and have to say, the scallops were very good. As for flounder and shrimp, they still tasted like fried food. The hush puppies were good.
Otherwise, it's a very local place. As a tourist, I felt a little bit unwelcome.
However, the service was good.
Collin Moore
This is where the locals go for great fresh seafood. You can't go wrong with any menu selection but the crabs will always be king!
Toni Praznik
The bang bang shrimp is amazing! All of their fried items have the lightest batter that is so delicious. They definitely changed my mind about fried seafood. Perfectly cooked baked potatoes. And my friends loved their oyster shooters.
Brittany Nosay
This is the locals spot as well as visitors. The owners are very down to earth and such a pleasure to be around. They have great food and drinks. my husband always goes for the stuffed flounder and it never dissapoints. The tables are lined with paper which is perfect for kids to color and draw. Service was impeccable and when we visited 6/23, they were slammed and the food still came out within 15 minutes and was HOT. We will always support this restaurant and enjoy it!
Monica F
This is a cute, small local place. I wasn't impressed withmy dinner, but there were 12 of us, and mostly everyone enjoyed theirs. The hush puppies were good though!
Amy Buchanan
Really great scallops, service is great!
Cheryl Smith
Seafood is excellent! Every meal we've eaten here has been delicious.
Lawrence Mesce
Really a great local spot. Tourists love it as well. The food and service are always great. What is not to love about Margie & Ray's...like eating one of The Best She Crab Soups or a PO Boy Sandwich. Least I forgot to mention Hamburgers. Yep my favorite is with Crab! I then drizzle a little Maple Syrup along with The Malt Syrup. Yummy! It gives it a little bit of a sweet and sour taste. You need not add to much. Perfection...
Bryan S
Amazing breakfast here. I can taste what everyone else ate from that cast iron skillet... if you like an old school diner breakfast, this is the spot. And it's significantly cheaper than the other breakfast spots in town.
Stephanie Reuss
Quick service, easy menu and was very tasty. Outdoor and indoor seating. Reasonably priced.
The peanut butter chocolate pie - THE BEST!! EVER. The seafood was delicious and fresh as well.
Waverly Woods
I am always thrilled to eat here. The best service and food in town!! Anytime is the best time. 🥰 …
Vanessa Jansen
This is a nice, homey feeling place. The food has a lot of flavor, but sits kind of heavy in your stomach.
I had the she-crab soup which, as advertised, was very rich and it was a generous serving for the price and the amount of crab you get.
The calamari was good, but I don't think it needed the grated cheese on top. There was more than enough flavor in the breading.
$20 out the door for those two things and a water. Not bad.
Sean Rayne
Great local place to get some of the best seafood you've ever had, does she crab soup is outstanding. Make sure you get the bowl as it's only a dollar more than the cup and you'll want that much! They also know how to make good mixed drinks here and the service is generally very quick as long as you're not too busy.
Joan Gency
On vacation from Ohio. Read about this place on line. Great food and service. Thank you Sara, new server. Try the appetizer grilled scallops very good and she crab soup again very good.
Kimberly Adams
My wife and I recently visited Margie and Ray's on a Friday evening. The place was hoppin' with locals that appeared to frequent this establishment on a regular basis. Everyone seemed to know everyone there.
I am not a huge seafood lover, but I can roll with it, knowing that a lot of the seafood choices are healthy.
On this particular night, we agreed to share the flounder dinner. It comes with two sides and neither of us are big eaters. When the meal arrived, we were surprised to see such a small flounder. I think I would have thrown that this baby back! My first bite was a mouth FULL of bones (my more UNfavorite thing about eating fish!). Whoever cleaned this fish did a poor job.
The coleslaw was tasteless. The baked potato was fine. The 3 hushpuppies were very small but yummy! I could have eaten a few more.
The best dish of the night was my coconut cream pie. Delish! My wife had a slice of the chocolate/peanut butter pie and said it was "okay".
I am willing to give them a second try based on their many favorable reviews on Yelp. Maybe we just hit them on a bad night. (Not to mention, I want another piece of that pie!)
Steve Cauffiel
Located way out in the boonies, this place is awesome for seafood. (Was just reminded of this recently when surprised with a birthday party here.) Unlike a lot of places that charge high prices for middling amounts of chow, the portions and recipes at Margie and Ray's are outstanding, the staff is great... go try 'em out, you're gonna dig it. 😉
Angela Brown
We had breakfast here on our much needed long weekend getaway. The food was great and the service was very pleasant and friendly! Given the chance, we will definitely be back.
Clara Hindman
Fast service. Enjoyable food. Nice place for a date or a casual dinner. I recommend the all-you-can-eat seafood options but the other meals appeared just as appetizing. Shrimp was excellent as well as the calamari appetizer. Side salads are also good and nice to balance with the heavier entrees. You will definitely get your money's worth in portion sizes. Come with a big appetite.
David
Friendly staff, VERY fast service, good prices, good food, and GREAT dessert. They have more than a few flies patrolling their patio, so sit inside if that's a problem for you.
Diana Bogert
Super nice and attentive waitress and food was very good and prices reasonable. Definitely would go there again and its casual dining so no need to dress up unless you want to of course.
Somewon Yuno
So I had been passing this place everyday for a week while going to and from Sandbridge. Knowing that these little out-of-the-way places a lot of times can be real gems I decided to stop in one afternoon just to get the menu to take home. I ended up staying for lunch and had some of the best scallops and hushpuppies I have ever had. The scallops were about the size of a half dollar I got 10 of them plus hush puppies and two sides. $8 very well worth it. I took home a flounder lunch again with hush puppies and two sides and it was great. I had the scallops blackened and the flounder broiled. Their menu looks very good then I will be back. Knowing that the tourist season is ready to kick off at the end of the month, I know their business will be jumping. The manager also informed me that they can see parties of up to 30 people. The place is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable there Fresh Catch is constantly changing I heard several people remarking that the swordfish is also a really good choice. I would recommend this to anybody trying to get away from the chain restaurant and the stuff they sell
Michael Swenson
The food was great and the wait staff was excellent. I could tell that our waitress was very experienced with dealing with large groups. Also, great beer selection at the bar. The only down side was that it was very busy when we went so it was a little loud. Would absolutely go again.
Jeff s
First time there, been vacationing here for 4 years. It was wonderful, really, everyone in my family agreed. The she crab soup was better than anything I have ever had, blackened tuna melt sandwich, and a margarita that was bangin and the waitress was awesome. Best experience in dining so far this vacation.
Madonna Lowrance
We went here on the word of a friend, to try the she crab soup.
The atmosphere was casual and friendly as expected but the food was average.
The soup was good but far from great. The cole slaw was "different" and no one at our table cared for it. A little vinegary and sweet...The fried sampler was good. Again, nothing great, but good. Would have expected a couple more pieces of seafood for the price. The hush puppies were good, in my opinion.
So, it was a place to sit back and enjoy fresh air, friends with some food but not a special, you must go kind of place.
Kristen Randall
We drove by this place so many times so we decided to stop. We expected to be going to a dive. Not the case. Very friendly staff.
I don't eat seafood so my options were limited. They suggested i try the Alfredo since the sauce was homemade. I am also not a huge fan of Alfredo but they offered to bring me a sample of the sauce. I will give the sauce merit - not my favorite - it had a lot of minced garlic in the sauce. I am a fan of garlic but not that much. I didn't end up ordering the Alfredo but the fact that our waitress and kitchen were willing to get me a sample of the sauce to sample was truly remarkable!! I was told the seafood was great! The broccoli was cooked PERFECT. Fries were average. All meals come with hushpuppies. It was a good experience. Personally, I am not dying to go back but the rest of the group had positive things to say and would return.
nathan
Best seafood I've had in at least ten years!! Didn't skimp on anything and was cooked to perfection. Had a very nice feel nice local owned joint. To top it off the waitress was very attentive and nice answering all our questions!
Jason & Bobbie Christian
Food was spectacular! Had the tier 3 all you can eat.. grillled scallops and grilled shrimp were out of this world! Tuna bites for the appetizer were amazing! Will definitely be going back!
Robin Alauzen
With nautical atmosphere, fairly nice seafood selection and fair pricing, I would say this seafood restaurant is worth visiting!
newpaltzwaltz JGE
Great place and good location. Atmosphere is friendly. I go there for the Blue crab, but they also put together a good eggs Benny that is right on for breakfast....strong mimosas 😋
mibngold
Nice quaint local restaurant with good food and reasonable prices. Very courteous and friendly service. Our waitress "Swoope" was excellent! Good luck in all you do !!! Remember the Air Force gets you there !
Becki Ryder
Great food and service. Super friendly staff!
Pamela Rosnick
She crab soup was wonderful. Large portion of tuna, which was very good. Waitress was very good.
Amanda Stewart
Consistant food quality, bartender actually makes a REAL cocktail. Friendly staff. Best She Crab soup in the Virginia Beach area. Worth the drive and or wait!
Lisa Young
The food was delicious, our waitress was awesome and the selection was good. I had she crab soup and the grilled flounder lunch special with coleslaw and onion rings. Everything was delicious. My husband had the steamed spiced shrimp and it was wonderful too.
Lindsey Kasich
Delicious! Family run restaurant with great seafood. 3 of us shared a platter, which the server recommended, and we loved everything on it. Will definitely be back.
Regina Guerra
Super nice staff. Really good food. Service was quick.
I feel a bathroom upgrade should be in the near future.
Vivy D
Really cool restaurant. Love the location. Wait staff was great. And the she crab soup is one of the best we've had. Will positively return for the really good calamari and test drive other items on their menu.
Rachel Hillman
Loved it!!!! We arrived to a full parking lot and a 30 minute wait.... My son is in the navy he had steak and it was excellent . We did the all you could eat menu . So much food and very well done . We like quality Better than quantity and they covered both well. My husband and I try to eat where the locals eat. This was recommend it was rustic family friendly dining .!!! This is not the place for the generic chain restaurant dinner! Thank you ! We will be back next time we are in Virginia !
Don Hambrick
We had a party of 10 but our wait was reasonable on the service was good. Food was excellent and portions were more than enough. The She Crab soup, stuffed Flounder and Creole Shrimp were among some of our group's favorites.
Trevor John Anderson
The she-crab soup is the best I've tasted. Also - the blackened crab cake sandwich is top notch! Take a drive, make a stop, but visit this restaurant.
CATHY Whitmer
My favorite seafood restaurant when we are in Virginia Beach! Best she crab soup!
CJ Silva
Welcoming atmosphere and great food. It's expensive, but you get your money's worth with their insanely large portions.
TheSabeMan
Great outback in the country (Sandbridge) of Va. Beach family style restaurant, specializing in fresh, local, seafood catch.
Grammy Duke
Food was scrumptious! We had crab legs and Neptune's platter and both were delicious. Crab cake was chock full of crab. Service was excellent, too!
L F
We ordered takeout dinner for 9 people during a July vacation, on a busy Monday. We went just before the expected dinner rush at about 4:30. Everything inside, while bustling, was extremely well-coordinated and the staff was very attentive while we were waiting, making sure we didn't need anything. Our food was ready to go within 20 minutes. It was neatly- packed, complete with condiments and utensils, and all exactly as ordered. The biggest satisfaction was the quality and quantity of this fantastic meal. Our party ordered diverse menu items, and all were very happy with their meals. Only one critique was heard regarding the taste of the rice that lay beneath the shrimp creole (we're very picky in our family about how rice should be cooked). But otherwise the recipient of that dish had only good things to say about the creole itself. I had the Atlantic platter, and chose grilled scallops and the crabcake. The flavor, golden crust, and perfect texture of the scallops, as well as the large flaky chunks of rich crab meat were fantastic. No gooey, dense, breaded mess that I've seen with some crabcakes. The baked potato was crispy as a chip on the outside, and fluffy and buttery on the inside. The southern green beans were highly flavorful and reminded me of my own mom's ..sooo good. The hush puppies were not greasy at all, and had the perfect slightly- sweet and oniony taste that only can be found in the best southern kitchens. All were served with cups of spicky cocktail sauce, creamy tartar sauce, and perfect pats of butter which melted on impact since the food was still piping hot upon arrival at home. If anywhere in the vicinity of VA Beach or Sandbridge, Margie and Ray's is an absolute must-try!
Aimee Blum
Exceptional fresh, local seafood in a casual fun atmosphere. They have something for everyone down to the littlest diners. Great drink specials and a gift store to boot. We will definitely be back! Our server Holly was awesome!
Virgil Perryman
This restaurant has become a summertime tradition over the years, the service is allways friendly and the seafood is excellent. My usual go to is the hurricane platter which is honestly enough food for three or two very hungry people. The fried scallops and steam crab legs are another favorite and definitely worth a try. Covid has inside seating reduced as with all restaurants but there is a good amount of outside if you don't mind braving the sometimes fickle Virginia weather.
Kim Henry
Food was delicious and generously portioned. Our waitress was sweet and attentive. Highly recommend stopping here to eat!
Kenny Golden
I've been here twice and have not been disappointed! The seafood is fresh, the meals come out in a timely manner, and the staff is friendly and attentive. If it's you and a buddy or an awesome SO, I'd highly recommend the Hurricane Platter.
Alexandria Koon
I was born & raised in SC, spent my summers in Louisiana, so I know good seafood when I see it. This spot is fantastic, not too pricey, most dishes are $15-20 but incredible quality seafood. The only time we’ve ever had to wait was on a Friday night in the summertime, it was about an hour, but we just enjoyed our drinks on the porch while we watched the sunset and hardly noticed the time go by. Service is usually pretty good, occasionally they get busy and it takes a while for the waitresses to make their way back around. But they’re always kind. This will forever be our favorite spot in VB. Crab legs, fried shrimp, fried oysters, and fried catfish are our favorites!
Charlie Blanchard
Longtime resident of Virginia Beach first time customer. Emily was our waitress. She was attentive, personable, and very pleasant. The food was great. I had the Grilled seafood platter and my wife had the Ribs. Everything was awesome. I'm going to be a regular now.
Ray Edwards
This place is amazing. Came in from Ohio on a Tuesday night when all of the locals come for happy hour. They were all friendly and the staff were amazing, fast, and efficient. Getting the all you can eat crablegs gets you access to the whole all you can eat menu and are worth every penny especially if you want to try new things. The grilled shrimp, blackened scallops, and boiled shrimp were our favorites aside from the crablegs. The down home atmosphere made for a fantastic experience
Justin Michener
I want to give a shout-out to the whole crew at Margie & Ray's especially deanna! While sitting out front eating my meal I witnessed her grab a high chair for a family that was still walking up to the restaurant with a small child, she had the table ready for them before they even got up to requestone. Talk about being vigilant and having great customer service. Jessy my waiter was absolutely perfect as well she was on point and very observantto all the tables she was serving. Awesome food, great customer service, overall wonderful experience. Not my first time here and definitely won't be the last.
Greg Ruby
Shrimp was delicious, unfortunately the crabs were not. Very mushy and watery. I called to complain and the manager was very nice and refunded our money for the crabs and I ended up ordering more shrimp. I would give them another shot and just hope it was a one time bad deal with the crabs
Terri McDonnell
My first trip to Virginia Beach and of course being from Maryland I had to have some steamed Blue Claw Crabs! This place is the best! Fresh crabs, very heavy with meat. We also had the steamed shrimp and clams! All the food was fresh, served hot with real butter, vinegar and Old Bay Seasoning. Great atmosphere! I would recommend this restaurant to all seafood lovers! A special shout out to our waitress Shawna K! She never left us waiting for anything. I will definitely be back next summer!
Mandi Griffin
Love Love Loved it here! Will stop everytime we're in Virginia thats for sure!
CTrain686 Zorn
She Crab is the best in (any) town. Never been disappointed. Go 2-3 times a year
Jennifer Schultz
Service was good. Food and mixed drinks were just ok. My husband had stuffed shrimp and he gave it 4 stars. I had the crab salad. Expensive for what you get.
Rachel Lange
We don't like waiting, as a rule, but if you assume you're going to, it really isn't so bad. Don't be turned off by the wait time. This place is worth it! We were very pleased by everything we ordered, from the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, to the delightful crab legs. We were only in town for a week, but we committed to coming here twice!
Warren Hice
I had read the reviews and was traveling to the area on vacation.
I specifically wanted a mom and pop style place with good seafood.
I knew upon arriving that a crowded parking lot, meant that this place was no doubt popular.
Upon entering my wife and I were directed to a quieter backroom seating area.
There was sufficient seating, and little waiting for service.
I received my meal promptly and my waitress came to check that all was well.
Upon her viewing my plate which included a fish filet, she detected that I had received the wrong filet.
I quite rapidly had the correct fish filet in front of me.
I applaud my waitress for her kindness for her correcting the kitchen order.
We will most definitely come back again as the seafood was delicious.
I would recommend this place to anyone who tires of the humdrum chain restaurant prepackaged seafood.
The food was great as was the service and the (where the locals eat) feeling was great too.
Suede Ace
This place is far better than your average seafood restaurant. It has the feel of fishing village, dockside restaurant with the quality of a high end seafood restaurant. Dont let the line outside deter you from stopping in. It's just that good and the service is unbelievably fast. Their staff is pretty darn good too. This review comes after my 3rd visit there, once per year in the past 3 years and it remains as a favorite, must visit restaurant when we go to Sandbridge. Trust this foodie. You wont be sorry if you catch your next meal at Margie & Rays.
A S
Nice crabs..but not in season yet..not that heavy and not that light. A bit expensive 35$ for large half dozen maryland blue crabs. Also ordered the margin and rays Platter for two all fried.. also good. Overall my family and I loved it.
Fredeswinda Mendoza
Service was fantastic!!!!! We didnt realise they were close to closing time and all they said was "would you like a low top or high top table?" They were friendly, the establishment was clean. It was the kind of hospitality you come to expect of a southern restaurant. The food came out quickly and hot and delicious and fresh it was. Never were we rushed out the door. We came to realize the closing time after we took pics of the sign and the open sign switched off. Will return here every time in VB.
Deborah Carr
Extra outdoor seating set up was great. She crab soup delicious as always. Excellent cleaning and organization set up by the staff to cope with COVID 19. Tables well spaced. Speedy excellent service!
Carly Lumpp
Ate here for breakfast and dinner. Fabulous service and friendly staff. Delicious food! A must try.
Kyle Vrhovac
I just had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast here. It was fantastic! The service was top notch, and the owners created a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. We will be back!
Thomas Lewis
Had a wonderful dinner at Margie and Ray's with my wife. This place has never disappointed me. We got the AYCE and everything we ate was delicious and the waitress was awesome. I highly recommend this cozy local establishment to anyone looking for some great food with great customer service.
David G
Everything we have driven past this restaurant it has been so we decided to stop in. Wow...what great steamed blue crabs. We shared a dozen and everyone was delicious. Jadan was our server and he was very attentive and an overall great server. Get there early because it gets crowded. We visited on a Monday night at 5:00 and were amazed how busy it got.
elliott vincion
Food was phenomenal. Was visiting from Nashville Tennessee and saw it driving around. Saw how packed it was and saw the line of cars waiting to park and pulled in. Had the best daiquiri and strawberry and frozen margarita. Got the margie platter and it was more than enough food for me and my dad. A definite place to go.
janis smith
We celebrated my birthday there this evening, and I have to say I have never enjoyed a meal more! The food was fantastic. hot, Fresh, delish, and I enjoyed every bite! And we had a fantastic waiter waitress,Cat did an awesome job! she was busy as could be, but was on top of every single detail! If I could give more than five stars I would...Thank you Cat! And also thaanks for the yummy snickers pie,that I had to take to go!! I just couldn't have a bite at that point.. and we took home enough to have another meal!
Go, find out why this quaint small gem tucked away in Sandbridge VA!
Nancy Lee
I went to Sandbridge to have a great day off. I was Hangry and scared to eat somewhere I've never eaten because I am a brat. You better believe I inhaled my plate! I got the fried oysters and fish. It was so fluffy and delicious!!! Staff was so sweet and like family.
Thomas Oakley
Excellent service, and very good food. We had a wonderful waitress and great experience. Hands down best seafood I've ever had.
kimiko c
Excellent food and staff! I got the crab and it was so good that I had to order more. You’re missing out if you don’t visit this Margie and Ray’s once in your life.
Skylar Lay
Good seafood! Everything’s that was fried was perfectly crispy.
Chris M
She-crab soup is awesome, best around. Everything was great, from the drinks to the entrees.
Bart Furmanik
OMG so much fun & great foods offered on vast menu
K F
This was an amazing spot for seafood, we had the all you can eat. Large portions, fresh seafood and vegetables, and the fries were the best. I highly recommend the restaurant. The service was excellent, I can't wait to go back.
Local Critic
What! Are you kidding me!! This place is so legit i can not stand it. my family and I have been vacationing in Sandbridge for years and driven past it countless times and never stopped in. Well this year we did! Man everything was awesome. What a menu, and all of it was fresh. We had a table of 10 and they were able to handle us no problem. The She Crab soup was awesome and the Shrimp Creole was the bomb. Seriously if you haven't eaten here do it!!! Could not be more happy.
Rachel G
Visited Margie & Ray’s recently for the first time. It was amazing! I had Chloe as our server and she recommended me the crab cake platter. I had my doubts since I’m not usually the biggest fan of crab cakes, but they were to die for! She crab soup was awesome. I definitely will come back to see what else she recommends!
Jake Hiles
The absolute best local secret in Virginia beach. I work with in the tourist industry and talk to tourists regularly. One of the questions they commonly ask me is "where is a good place to get seafood?". I commonly tell them to do themselves a favor, take the extra ten minutes away from the oceanfront and go to Margie and Ray's. Hands down best local seafood with a neat crab house feel to it. Nothing fancy, just really good fresh local seafood.
Wesley Martin
My wife and I were Blue Crab amateurs' so our waitress at Margie & Ray's helped us in ordering the right about of crabs and then showed us how to shuck them. Yea... the crabs were delicious!
Kim Gordon
Food was delicious! I got the Western Omelet. Service was fast and friendly. I know a lot of places are short staff right now so please be kind to your servers & staff.
Nina Martucci
This place checked every box we were looking for on our trip to VA Beach. Great seafood, friendly service! Good prices and a relaxed atmosphere . GO HERE!
Sherrie Brown
I ordered the all you can eat shrimp. It was a lot of shrimp! I definitely enjoyed it. The broccoli was cooked perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was delicious. The server was super nice. I'll be going back
Jennifer Boyd
We were referred by a friend and I'm so happy we were! Everything was super fresh, great homemade crab cake sandwich, fries & cole slaw. Great service, outside, socially distanced seating. Loved it all.
Denise Simmons
This place is a family favorite since our children were kids, we take our adult children here now along with our grandchildren!
Love the lunch specials during the week too for my husband and me. Wednesday is my favorite great price $6.99 including ice tea
ZipSillyPutty
Great good! Went for lunch and had a great meal. Good proportion sizes that will fill you up. Fries are really good for a side. Would recommend for anyone who likes seafood and/or sandwiches.
Bruce Gayle
Visit a time long gone by. Friendly people. Excellent food. Great service. Beach atmosphere. Casual dining at its very best. If you've missed this local spot, you've missed being down the shore for real. GO! Oh. Yeah. Crabs were great!
James Kochu
First time in, won't be our last visit! Recommend by a fan friend from PA. Gkad we took his advice!
Andrew Silva
The only seafood in Virginia I'll spend money on. Orders are always correct, food is hot, quality is great. Get there early on the weekends, especially during the summer, this place is a poorly kept secret that is often mobbed at peak times, and rightfully slow. Servers are quick with anything you ask for, and very much accommodating.
Vince Hathaway
Ate 1/21/2022 between 4-6 pm
Been going here since it was a store/bait shop and I was growing up in Munden below Pungo
Started going to the restaurant after I moved to Richmond , go about once a month
Best sea food in the area
I had a great new waitress - Steph
I was there with my nephew
Melissa Escano
You are missing out if you have not tried this yummiliciousness!!! Good gracious this is the best seafood I've experienced in a while. If you have room for dessert, the Carrot cake was superb ~ best I've ever had. Service was also excellent. Very friendly staff. We will be back.
Ron Keller
The service was great. Food not so much. I ordered the she crab soup it was pretty good. For entree I ordered the stuffed flounder, it was dry and over cooked.
Vincent Smith
I come here frequently, almost weekly for lunch. Great lunch, don't miss it. The specials are great. But stay home for breakfast. Woke up early on a Saturday and thought I'd try their breakfast. Early staff is cranky, not friendly. The food was cooked in a rush, and it shows.
Mustang Sally
Great food great service and the best Bloody Mary I've ever had handmade made from scratch!
Michael Halladay
We were with a group of 11 folks the other evening, and our server handled it wonderfully. Excellent meals, and service.
Fred T
Have mercy, best seafood in Virginia Beach--and Virginia!!!! We are there at least twice a week, sometimes more. Amazing seafood and wonderfully fresh sides. And a terrific, friendly, positive staff. And always super clean. Best of the best, and I've tried seafood in more than 20 states.
Frank Poperowitz
I don't prefer seafood so I got The Ray's Burger and I must say was one of the best burgers I ever ate. Wings were great too!!! Tasty French fries and hush puppies as well. I absolutely recommend!!!
Vincent Sasso
Absolutely a must go! Loved the bang bang shrimp and everything else we ordered. Quick and polite service.
Marci Rosenthal
Service was great. The food was good but the scallops were over cooked. There wasn't much on the menu gluten free.
Court
Great soup! We come here every year during our week long family reunion. We mostly love the she crab soup but we've enjoyed lots of other things on the menu! See you in August!
Elizabeth Molin
This place came highly recommended!!! And now I know why! our waitress Rachel was fantastic and was able to get me a hot bowl of delicious she-crab soup early in the morning... My husband's messy morning breakfast had him moaning in happiness.