Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse

The thing that stands out here is the scenery on the porch facing the water. You are right there to feel the breeze and watch boats go by, while eating a great lunch or dinner. We happen to be on a daddy & daughter date before she goes back to college. My daughter picked the fried crab cake sandwich while I chose the Bubba Burger ( beef patty with the standard lettuce and tomato, but with crab topping.) I asked it to be cooked medium rare, but was informed that the cook wasn't sure how to. So, well done was the closest option. Although the burger was good, it was the crab that made it. The crab portion was incredibly small and I would have at least doubled it and added an appropriate seasoning in the burger to knock it out of the park. My daughter loves crab and she said it was the best she has ever had. She went home full and happy. When you have finished your meal, you can walk just a few steps to the dock and dream you had a fishing pole in your hand. The sun sat just out of sight to the right, but close enough to see the beautiful array of pink and red colors to complete our visit. My burger was just under $20 while the crab sandwich was a bit more. The service was good and our water glass never went dry.

Can you hear from my friend’s birthday. I got the fried flounder which was disappointing. It didn’t really have any taste and it was mushy. Most of my friends got the crab cakes which they said are amazing. Our server was amazing and the inside is decorated in a ocean theme

The oyster Rockefeller, fish and shrimp on the broiled seafood platter were really tasty. The crab was a bit fishy and the scallops a little tough. The burger was okay but the crab meat on top was just okay. Pretty view and you could watch the boats come and go on the water. Prices were a bit higher than some other seafood spots in the area and our server was super slow. We had to ask multiple times for refills. Overall it was good and though not the best seafood spot we went to in Virginia Beach, we'd go back again.

Loved it. Great view. Great restaurant! Update 5 months later: even better the 2nd time. Sitting on the back deck on a beautiful Saturday evening! My mother-in-law says its the best seafood she’s ever had!

Ordered the flounder broiled and it was amazing!!! Best seafood I’ve had in awhile. The mocktails were on point too! Loved my server. Where I sat wasn’t ideal (right by the bar and it was noisy and I not a great view) & the kitchen was lagging so the app was going to come out after the meal but they let me cancel the order. Next time I hope to sit on the porch.

The seafood was sooo fresh and delicious! Our server was also lovely! I usually don’t eat a seafood restaurants a lot, but I really wanted to try Bubba’s once my family got to VA Beach for our vacation, and it was so worth it! You know when you impress someone’s middle-aged Asian parents that the food was good 😹 Plus the view was gorgeous, it was very relaxing to eat and watch people drive past on their cute boats!

Very delightful experience, staff was courteous and attentive. Order was taken with suggestions from the waiter. We received our food quickly, and the plates were plentiful. There's not much on the menu, but you'd be fooled by the array of flavors in everything. I judge seafood restaurants on how they make their coleslaw, sauces, and use of oil or butter. Slaw was signature, and the tartar was just how i liked it.

Service has a bit of an attitude when requesting seating out by the water. The food and the atmosphere more than made up for it. Crab stuffed Mahi was excellent as was the house made key lime pie.

We love this place. Having found it years ago we're happy to make the trip up to Shore Drive, We like to visit for lunch, the deck is great. This review is regarding the Large Fresh Garden Salad with a Crab Cake - one of two items ordered. Note, three stars on the menu may mean market price, since the $9 salad billed at $24 on the check... GREAT Crab cake!!! Salad, not great though. a good portion for a small salad maybe but just not what I had expected - it was ... just could have been better.

Delicious she crab soup and boiled salmon sandwich! Both a great recommendation from Kayla our barmaid/waitress! Beautiful view of the sound!!!

We went to bubba's for a work dinner on a Wednesday. There is a parking lot that is shared with other businesses but it was plenty big. It was beautiful outside so I expected the restaurant to be busier but it wasn't. We walked in and got a table by the window. We ordered stuffed mushrooms and honestly they were the best thing I had - full of crab and seasoned well. The cole slaw was really unique - crunchy and fresh. You mix in the sauce yourself so you can adjust as you prefer. The fries were really good (crispy and well cooked), but definitely needed some salt and pepper. The crab cakes were ALL crab which is awesome. I wish they had a little more seasoning but that's just a personal preference. They have a great selection of fish and crab, so if you want seafood you should definitely check this place out!

Best crab cakes I had all trip! I got them broiled and they tasted so fresh. Unfortunately they didn't have the whole crab Jimmies when we went, so my partner got the soft shell crab instead and seemed to enjoy it. The service was also quick and attentive, and handled our large group (including some kiddos) with grace. We sat outside which wasn't too hot given the fans and the waterfront, so also was able to enjoy the view.

The food was scrumptious. This is my first time, trying a soft shell crab, and it was cooked to perfection. I love the crispiness of the crabs and the flavor was exceptional. My waitress was so helpful and professional. I did not have to wait long for my food which was a major plus. Now the food was delicious, but the ambience was perfect. This restaurant overlooks the water and I enjoyed every moment of it. I will definitely be returning because there's so much that I would like to try. My drink was adorable with a little duck inside. Plus I was able to customize my entrée. A great time was had.

Great shrimp, great views, nice people. Water fowl friends. Stella was a great server.

Beautiful waterside dining with gorgeous view and great seafood. The special of the day was Rockfish with lobster meat in the middle and it was amazing. The oysters rockerfeller were perfect too. Our server was great and they made delicious butterscotch old fashioned.

Had a wonderful family dinner here during the holidays! This place has it all - delicious food, festive cocktails, amazing service with super-friendly staff, and it's right on the water! We will definitely be back during the summer to sit outside and watch the boats go by!

Would give this place a 1/10 the food is mediocre at best. We ordered cheesy bread and we got garlic bread with a cube of cheese melted on top There's no seasoning on the crab legs. Cannot exchange any food.

put in for a table of two. took almost an hour 1/2 by then we sat at the bar. then the manager (who was drinking on the job), walks over and said she had been calling me. I had received no calls at all, she was lying. very homophobic as well because I caught her skipping my party of two on purpose.

My husband and I ordered the crab cakes and they were the worst - they were store brought something from a discount grocery store. Also a crabhouse that no longer sells blue crabs - according to the waitress the restaurant stop selling crabs because the customers were taking to long to eat them and not enough turn over on tables. If you want blue crabs go to Margie and Ray Crabhouse in Sandbridge about 7 miles from Virginia Beach - it will be worth it.

Decent place on the water. Staff were kind of standoff ish and didn't really stop by the table. Calamari was over cooked and the she crap soup wasn't that good. The catch of the day sandwich was pretty decent though. The overall vibe was typical for the area.

Been going to this restaurant for 20 years, but today was the worse experience we've ever had. It was obvious the server did not want to be there. She was condescending and downright rude. In addition, since when was balsamic vinegar dressing added to a classic cold shrimp Ceasar Salad? Why would anyone question my not wanting it. Also, don't look so shocked when I ask you to please bring me a drink that doesn't have the previous customers lipstick prints all over the glass! Really??? Actually the server from the next table redid everything since ours never checked on us except to argue and then give me the wrong bill! We are always very respectful of servers but it was so obvious she did not want to help us. $50 bucks later- I'm extremely disappointed! What a disaster! And no, I didn't stiff her. I should have but I was raised to be respectful.

Food was terrible. Way way overly salted. Crab soup had fishy taste...not crab? Portions were just OK. "Bowl of soup" was about 2/3 cup... Waiter was nice, but seemed more interested in shift ending.

Gorgeous set up out back especially in the summer! Food was great, I had the chicken sandwich and it was delicious. Our waitress was attentive and very sweet, the food also came out fast and hot!

Food: Great selection, fresh and the serving was nicely served. Service: Francis was an amazing waiter didn't have to ask for refill he was on point. And the view was amazing !!

Was reluctant to visit given some of the reviews but we could not have been more impressed. I has the soft shell sandwich, my wife has the stuffed mushrooms as her meal, another had the Greek salad and another the chicken sandwich. Everything was excellent. Service was great and prices were reasonable. Sat on the back deck on a beautiful day. What more could you ask for.

Great food! Was visiting Virginia Beach with family and dined at Bubba's. The coleslaw is the best I've ever eaten and the fish cooked to perfection. Definitely a busy venue but the wait staff and cooks keep pace very well. Wine selection was decent and also offer some specialty drinks.

The server was nice enough maybe not overly enthused but not rude. But the food was far from what I remembered previously. The crab cake was horrible and full of vegetables, you couldn't even taste crab and it was mushy. The crab soup was pasty and tased like flour and no crab was to be found. The fried seafood was advertised as fresh but it could have been Sysco for the quality and taste. It's still a great location for a view but not somewhere I'll be returning for food.

Do not eat here. Food is terrible. Food not hot, not even warm. Food not cooked. Asked for a baked potato and told they didn't have one even though it was on the menu. Waitress poured butter all over my guest, ruining her blouse and didn't even apologize.

This food was terrible. Calamari came out cold, crab lump meat was not fresh or was left out...it had a bad smell in both the mushrooms and crab cakes. The cold slaw is thin shredded lettuce with a blob of mayo mix on top, looked entirely unappealing and lazy - not something you want to even take a bite of. I have eaten crab cakes from coast to coast and these were the worst I ever tasted in my life. I'm just hoping I don't get sick tonight. Baked potato had thick burnt skin like to was over cooked, but at least I could each that. There are plenty of places to eat seafood on the water, skip Bubbas trust me.

Food was not impressive and definitely over-priced, but the view of the bay/atmosphere was quite nice. The service was decent, as well, especially considering how busy it was when my family and I went. I don't think I would go again though. There are certainly nicer, less expensive and larger portioned meals on the waterfront.

Our usual spot to get soft shell crab sandwiches. So small today when online I see everywhere getting whales in! Waitress was doused in awful perfume; she seemed stoned out of her mind and never returned for our refills we asked for until we were ready to leave. Very disappointed!

Love this place! Happy Father's Day!! We are regulars and the food is consistently excellent.

Went for Dinner Food - 5/5. Oysters were fresh with a clean flavor. The plating on them was adorable! Their claim that their she-crab soup is voted best is VB seemed warranted as it was absolutely delicious. There was a good amount of crab to enrich the soup with its briny goodness, cream to create the velvety mouthfeel and the hint of sherry made for a robust aftertaste. The crabcake sandy was alright. The crabcake itself was pretty good being mostly crab and having a beautiful golden-brown color. However, the bread was off-putting as it was stale, dry and untoasted. Since bread is a major component of a sandwich and a big ratio of every bite, this ruined the experience. Service - 4/5. Service was quick and professional. Server was great at the timing of checking up on us. Value - 4/5. Prices are standard with the oysters being $2.50 a piece and the soup being $8 for the cup. Those two felt fine but the crabcake sandwich being market price felt like too much, especially considering that the sandwich wasn't very enjoyable. The average price will probably be in the mid to higher 20s which is really high for what it was. I have a feeling the other items will be of good value as well, minus the crabcake. Parking - Private Lot (Free)

Stopped here on our way back from Cape Charles on a day-trip, and What A Find! We got here too late for lunch, and just wanted a light snack to get us through until dinner. Ordered a dozen steamed oysters. Possibly the best oysters EVER! ....and we LIVE on the Rappahannock River, which is SO well known for its oysters.... The oysters were HUGE for the most part, with a couple of smallish ones, and ALL were perfectly cooked! I prefer smaller oysters, so it was perfect! The service was great, too, we were greeted as soon as we entered, and then had a great seat on their back porch overlooking Lynnehaven Inlet. Excellent view, amazing service, and stellar oysters....and all for a very reasonable price, too! What's not to love?

Ordered the yellowfin tuna sandwich for $16.95. It was more bun than the fish. I do not recommend it.

First impression: This wasn't our first pick for dinner, but was able to get seated right away (party of 2 on a Sunday) and had a great view for a sunset. Didn't care for the bathroom right when you enter, but least I knew where it was. Food: They were out of the fried oysters so stuck with calamari, she crab soup, salad, and fries. The drink I got was great, but wasn't impressed with the menu nor the food. I did devour the salad, but expected fresher calamari pieces as it tasted kinda cold and rubbery. I'd prefer tentacles and crispier calamari. The soup tasted like it had an overpowering taste of the alcohols they use, too much to enjoy. Service: Friendly but forgot our she crab soup and had to ask for it. It happens, so I didn't mind but definitely should have came out earlier. Aesthetically pleasing with a great view and would come back for drinks and the view.

Bubba's deserves four stars just for the view & beachy laid back ambiance. There's nothing more calming than sitting out on the deck looking over the Lynnhaven Inlet with boats passing so close that it feels as if you can almost touch them. The location is off the south side of Shore Drive, just east of the Lesner Bridge. There are several popular restaurants in that same area overlooking the Inlet. So don't worry about how you're dressed. Worry about whether you can get a parking space or table, especially during tourist season, within a reasonable amount of time. Timing is everything and weekdays are much easier than the weekend. Don't even think about wine. You have to try one of the beachy drinks. Their Bloody Mary will blow you away. The elaborate garnish even includes a yummy large steamed shrimp. If your server is the Manager, he enjoys choosing your drink. Its fun! I must admit that they have the best Cole slaw I've ever tasted. It's so simple but fabulous, consisting of shredded cabbage & red cabbage - a lot of it! There is a very light, sweet sauce that fits the simplicity to perfection. The seasonal vegetable was a nice sized serving of broccoli. Of course the meal began with oysters on the half shell. They were tasty, but not the large size I prefer. I ordered fried shrimp because Covid fear has kept me from them for so long. Not having had fried food in recent years I found them to have a bit too much batter. Next time I'll avoid fried. Not your fault Bubba's! If you want a meal with a view, the breeze off the Bay blowing through your hair & the smell of salt water with a hint of the fresh catch being brought in to the seafood market next door then you must try Bubba's. It's a Virginia Beach institution.

This place is a must, must, MUST if you are in the area and looking for that good seafood. They have everything from freshly caught fish, crab, shrimp... the list goes on and on! I have patronized this business as a casual outing, ordering take out, as well as a hosted event. Each time I've been here, or ordered out from here, it has been just an absolutely perfect experience. The waiters and management staff are knowledgeable and helpful. They even bring a great sense of humor, along with a pound of freshly steamed crab legs, to the table. Which just so happens to be my absolute favorite. They have several different seating options available here. Of course, there is always the inside seating, which still provides you with that "beachy" feel you are looking for when enjoying seafood. They also have outdoor seating, which I have to say is preferable for me. You are essentially seated on a dock, with full service, and one incredible view of the waterfront. Having an evening meal here turns into a true show as you watch the sun go down from the comfort of your dinner chair. 10/10 will always recommend Bubba's! I already can't wait to head back.

Unsure how many stars to give. The food tasted great especially the crab cake since it's mostly meat unlike other places that's mostly filled. However, I got horrible food poisoning this time when I visited. The only thing I ordered differently from the rest of my table was the clam chowder. We all shared the calamari and got the same crab cake entree. I spent maybe 6 hours in the bathroom experiencing the worst. Service was alright considering how busy it was when we went. Love the view of the beach, great place to watch sunset and boats drifting by. Kinda traumatized, so not sure if I would go back.

Our first time here. Great view while dining. Food was delicious. Awesome service. I liked the rum punch. French fries were perfectly crisp and not too salty. Fish tasted fresh. Tartar sauce was tasty.

The food was bland no flavor. Crabcakes were terrible. Salad was served without any dressing. Burgers overcooked adk for medium. The service was slow. Ambiance was ok the group I was with said they wouldn't come again..

BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE VIEW AND LOTS OF SEAFOOD! * Price: I spent around $5 for the Clam Chowder and $17ish for the Bubba Burger. Considering it was seafood, The price was great for the portions received. * Food: I started off with a New England Clam Chowder Chowder as my appetizer and it tasted amazing. The texture was consistent with a fair amount of clam and the soup was flavorful. As my main meal, I got the Bubba Burger (cheese, bacon, crabmeat) which came with a side of fries while my friend got the Southern Bay Dinner (Lightly Fried Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce). The burger was so filling that I could only finish half. It could've used a bit more crab but overall, it was a great burger. * Cleanliness/Setting: Eat outside if you want a beautiful waterfront view! There were boats passing by every 5 minutes or so and the environment was nice and peaceful. * Service: Our waitress were really sweet and frequently checked up on us. The food came out quick and the service was excellent.

I have tried now 3 TIMES to leave this review. I've said nothing inappropriate so I have no idea what's going on. But I have defended this restaurant for YEARS to people who have slammed it as terrible and overpriced. But yesterday was the end for me. The restaurant wreaked of gas when I arrived, but I chose to sit outside. Ordered a salad with tuna. Tuna was very good, but smaller than the size of palm. The salad was awful. Shriveled cucumbers that looked very old and lettuce that tasted like it was dirty. Only took 2 bites and was put off. Asked for a roll and it came cold and hard as a rock........as well as the butter packet I had to also request. The roll wasn't even breakable as it just completely crumbled. The "waiter" was friendly, but I think he might have been a cook...at least I hope he was as he has food gook all over his sleeves. Not appetizing to see. When it was obvious I had only eaten the tuna, the "server" asked me how everything was. I was nice, but truthful and he said "that's too bad" and handed me the card reader. NOT impressed. This was it for me. Oh by the way...I was the ONLY person in the entire restaurant due to it being 2pm so you'd think they'd be able to cater nicely to their one customer. Um...no. I used to really like this place. Buy now I agree with my friends.

The food was amazing, I got chicken tenders and fries yet asked my family members who got actual sea food and they said it was very scrumptious, the service was quick, nice, and very helpful. I was knocked off my feet with the crunch and marvelous taste of the French fries, it about made me burst with pure excitement, the place was well cleaned and organized, we felt welcomed and comfortable here, very great staff, It was quiet and not very busy, which made it nice to relax and just enjoy our meal. I do recommend

soup good, oysters gritty. Was not offered a refill on my $4 Pepsi. 2 crackers for 6 oysters, I feel like the ratio is normally higher. VA beach bummer

The hostess was excellent she really made the extra experience special. The views are breathtaking and peaceful The crab was fresh and delicious I would definitely come back to Bubbas on my next trip

Bubba's part of our annual dinner stop until last night. Are on the outside porch. Started raining and wait staff nicely shut the windows. All good until the 2nd floor started dripping down onto our table and the table behind us. 4-5 different glasses, trays and bucket to catch dripping water. Never asked to move until I asked for manager. Since we were just about done I asked if there was a leaking table discount. Manager said NO and was more worried trying to stop my wife from taking pics of the leaks. Grabbed the bucket from the table and replaced it with a picture to make it look better. Only two tables were wet. Manager was very rude and the lady behind us even told her she was. This is the same manager from last year that when a lady customer had a seizure and urinated all over herself and share and floor did nothing when I mentioned it to her so no one was seated in that wooden chair. She did NOTHING and seated the next group at that table and chair. I immediately told the lady about the urine on her chair. This manager is rude and does not believe in customer service. She needs replaced and has lost our annual party of ten. Problems happen and it's how you solve them. She chose to be rude and do nothing. Move to another table? I'm waiting for my check. Poor waitress didn't know how to handle it and did say she's always rude.

I visited BUBBAS in VA Beach right after Christmas and I must admit, it was a wonderful experience. I was greeted by Kristin Z, at the time, was working behind the bar. She was very cheerful and happy to seat me. I requested an outside seat near the water, it was a very nice evening. I ordered the clamp chowder, it was delicious. Creamy and smooth with large pieces of clam. I also ordered a Ceasar salad and a garden salad (to go), they were both really fresh, as if the ingredients just came from the garden. The Bleu cheese dressing I ordered with my garden salad was the best tasting Bleu cheese I had in a long time. I also ordered 1lb. of snow crab legs, reasonably priced and very large and meaty. It was fabulous, but unexpected evening. I will definitely return very soon. Pocomoke Joe

No seasoning in oysters or potatoes. Broccoli was overcooked. The crab appetizer was watery and lacked any flavor.

I love going to Bubbas it is one of my favorite restaurants in Virginia Beach. The bartenders and some of the servers know my family when we go in. The service is usually great, the food comes out in a timely manner, and the owners are very involved. We usually get the same things every time the famous fried shrimp, crab legs and/or crap cakes. I always get a Miami vice or Pina colada and they are are always sooo good! The ambiance is nice, you can either sit at the bar, inside the restaurant at a table or outside and watch the boats go past. If you haven't tried this restaurant you s should! It's a MUST! I do wish they had a better kids meal, my daughter ends up getting a adult meal and having so much food that she wastes.

the service is pretty good all the time. i go for lunch. i usually get the peel n eat shrimp and steamed clams , greek salad, and she crab soup. the soup is never consistent. not the best either but soso. the greek salad is good n the shellfish. i went the other day n the she crab soup was not good at all. it was salty and pasty. i got the fried shrimp with the slaw. not good. how can you mess up fried shrimp and cole slaw? captain ds is better n cheaper. really.

Great ambience, back patio overlooking water. Excellent fresh daily fish options. Clam chowder was flavorful but too much liquid. Fried flounder was excellent and accompanied by fresh coleslaw and French fries. Enjoyed the coleslaw and it's light dressing. Great service from wait staff.

I was hesitant based on reviews but they nailed it. I have to say it was the best fish i have ever had and i travel a lot and eat out a lot, Catch of the day was the mahi and it was fabulous. Service was fast and professional I wish I would have remembered her name so i could give a shout out. Super knowledgeable of menu and even recommended a better drink that what we ordered. Phenomenal. I think people just like to complain when they dont get treated as special as they think they are. Don't let reviews fool ya, this place is great!

Came here with family for a dinner and it was such a cute place with an amazing view of the waterfront. Great date spot if you ask me for all you love birds out there. We came here to get fresh oysters and they the famous she crab soup. Both were great and as hyped up as people have said it was. The crab patties were tasty as well. The chicken burger we got on the other hand was dry and the saltines crackers they gave us for the soup were stale. But our server was very attentive, I forgot his name. Maybe Colton or something like that. We could tell he was very busy but he kept checking on our table to make sure we were ok. Overall, it was a good experience minus a few thing.

This casual bayside place is a must: the view, the food, the people! Shayna our server was awesome: so pleasant and detail-oriented. And the food, where to start? Apps: fried calamari was delicate and served with 3 sauces. The she crab soup was the BEST! Dinner entrees: fresh, fresh fish cooked as desired. The flounder stuffed with crab meat, and I mean crab meat without fillers, broiled to perfection. It was served with your choice of sides. The cole slaw was like no other: shredded cabbage with the dressing only on top and served in a lettuce "cup." The crab cakes were like no others: fried with a crispy shell surrounding that "no filler" crab meat inside. They were also available broiled, or one of each - your choice. Again, served with your choice of sides. Don't miss this one!!!

My foodie palate wanted to try this restaurant upon recommendation from a friend. Once seated, it took a few minutes before we were greeted by our server but he ended up being great. The atmosphere was very inviting. My stuffed mushrooms were on point but they threw me off when I was served oyster rock that looked as if they were topped with sunny side up eggs. Not a good look or taste. I probably won't race back here but may give them another try.

Someone that I know that travels to Virginia Beach often recommended this place. This restaurant is located on Shore Dr in Virginia Beach near Lynn haven inlet. Bubba's is located in the middle of the lesner inn and the back deck. Spacious parking lot for all businesses. Greeted immediately upon entry. Was asked if we want to dine indoors or outdoors. Today is a scorching humid so we choose indoors. Donika is our waitress. No alcohol for us however, we choose water, sweet tea and coffee. Mom chose the crab cake dinner, 2 separate cakes which is half broiled and half fried. French fries and broccoli were her sides. I picked the Southern Bay shrimp ( fried) with double order of French fries. My mom enjoyed the broiled crab cake better than the fried. I dove into my shrimp. Perfectly seasoned. They gave cocktail sauce and tartar sauce as condiments. I truly believe it is perfect without the condiments. I didn't take any pictures of the water. There are beautiful views of the water. I would definitely come here again whenever I am in the Virginia Beach area.