Tautog's Restaurant
Seafood restaurant · Virginia Beach ·

Tautog's Restaurant

Seafood restaurant · Virginia Beach ·

Fresh local fish, she-crab soup, and nightly specials in cozy cottage

she crab soup
stuffed flounder
oysters
crab cakes
friendly staff
reservations recommended
scallops
great service
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null
Tautog's Restaurant by null

Information

205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Get directions

$20–30

See Menu
Usually a wait
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended

Information

Static Map

205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Get directions

+1 757 422 0081
tautogs.com
@tautogsrestaurant

$20–30 · Menu

Features

•Usually a wait
•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Family friendly

Last updated

Jan 15, 2026

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22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Set in a restored cottage near the boardwalk, Tautog’s plates local oysters, she-crab soup, and seasonal fish in a laid-back beach house setting. Praised by the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and countless travelers, it’s a beloved oceanfront standby for seafood done right.

https://www.tautogs.com/
Best Seafood in Virginia Beach (2025)
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Tautog's Restaurant
@postcardnews
22,027 Postcards · 1,950 Cities

Set in a restored beach cottage, Tautog’s serves she‑crab soup, fresh local fish, and nightly specials that feel quintessentially Oceanfront. A perennial favorite cited by local guides for friendly service and a true sense of place.

https://www.tautogs.com/
Best Restaurants in Virginia Beach (2025)
View this post on Instagram
Tautog's Restaurant

Marci F.

Google
Really yummy place very cozy in the winter. Really yummy. She crab soup with lots of crab and the flounder with shrimp and crab was yummy from the back. We didn’t have a cocktail, but the cocktails looked legit. You can only make reservation by calling and apparently in the summer, you need to call several days to a week in advance. They do own the two properties next-door that are open for brunch.

Jason P.

Google
Walked into Tautog’s without a reservation, expecting a wait. Instead, I was seated right away — a small victory. The place sits in what feels like an old beach house, creaky floors and all, just steps from the ocean. It’s got that lived-in charm that tells you it’s been serving locals long before TripAdvisor showed up.Service was sharp — friendly without being fake — and you can tell the kitchen’s actually cooking here, not reheating. They were out of raw oysters, which was a shame, but the steamed clams made up for it — briny, tender, simple perfection. The shrimp and grits came creamy and rich with a jammy sauce that didn’t hit my personal sweet spot (I’ve never been one for mixing dessert with dinner), but the flavors were still balanced and thoughtful. The scallops, though — those were the star: seared just right, buttery centers, the kind of dish that makes you stop talking mid-bite.If you go, try a glass of Virginia wine with whatever you order. It fits the place — unpretentious, coastal, and quietly confident. A proper meal by the sea.

Dawn V.

Google
Tautog’s is one of the ocean front best restaurants! The atmosphere is charming, the service is attentive, warm and friendly. I watched a waiter kneel down and help a younger child decide what to order :). Then there is the food. The crab soup is the best around, hands down. We recently had a blackened mahi special, which was outstanding.

Dane

Google
4 Stars – Came Highly Recommended We were told that Tautog’s was a must try while in Virginia Beach, so we decided to check it out and overall, it lived up to the hype. We ordered the Corby’s original crab dip with chips, the crawfish bisque, blackened tuna, potato chip encrusted mahi, and the crab cake sandwich. Everything was flavorful and well prepared, with the exception of the crab cake. It wasn’t bad, but it had an unusual sweetness that didn’t quite appeal to my taste. Our server, Sarah, was excellent, friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout the meal. The restaurant itself is set in a charming old beach cottage and has been a staple in the area for over 30 years, which adds to its local character and appeal. Tautog’s is extremely popular and can get quite busy, so reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours. If you’re looking for a beloved local spot known for quality seafood and coastal charm, Tautog’s is definitely worth a visit.

Milan B.

Google
We struggled a bit to find the restaurant as we were looking for a big sign. Spoiler: There is none. On the other hand, we had no problem finding excellent food and service! Mahi looked and tasted great. Strongly recommended. 👍🏻🪙

Valerie W.

Google
Tautog’s Restaurant is a 1920’s beach cottage in Virginia Beach’s resort area. Tautog’s Restaurant smell attracted me on my daily walk to stop and grab a bite to eat. Tautog’s Restaurant has THE BEST Oyster Rockafeller that I have eaten 🦪😋The staff delivered excellent customer service. Tautog’s Restaurant has an amazing menu. If you re interested in an excellent casual coastal dining experience this is a must try ❣️

Kim T.

Google
I had the Wedge salad, and it was a large portion and good. My daughter had the salmon salad, which had a large, perfectly cooked salmon. We tried the brussel sprouts bacon soup, and it was full of vegetables and flavorful. Service and atmosphere are also very nice. We look forward to our next visit to Tautogs!

David G.

Google
Our second time here; the last time was years ago, and we came back intentionally! I really enjoy the scallops barca, very delicious and interesting. Take note, if you opt for the broccoli replacement side, it's just a head of steamed broccoli. Pretty good, maybe a little challenging to cut. The potato side has Old Bay, if that is not for you then do avoid. Think they may not have had all the help needed for the season just yet; it was challenging to get our check once we were ready to go. All things considered, we still plan to come back! But may sit inside, service seemed a little better in there.
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Nicola M.

Yelp
We had a lovely dinner last night! The ambiance was wonderful - it's an old house still decorated for Christmas. Our server was great - sorry we missed her name. We started with the oysters rockafeller which was so fresh and delicious. My aunt and partner had the salmon salad - large portions and cooked pristinely. My other aunt absolutely loved the seared beef tenderloin. I loved the scallops Barca - large portion of large sized seared scallops served atop puff pastry and a rich buere blanc sauce. 10/10 would order again ! Broccoli side is famous and a large portion with a delicious buttery sauce. Very accommodating for gluten and dairy free.
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Marylee B.

Yelp
Our server Justin/Jason/Bruce/Josh (a man of many names) was amazing. He was engaging, entertaining, and very attentive to our table of 6. We came around 7:30 PM on a Thursday night and it wasn't crazy busy. I started with a cosmo and we ordered some flatbreads to start. The flatbreads were pretty tasty. I preferred the Mediterranean one. I ordered the rajun shrimp scampi. It was so delicious! Shrimp was not dry and it was very flavorful. I switched over to a cranberry vodka with dinner and my server had jokes with the extra lemon slice. 5/5 for my meal. However, everyone else at my table said their food was overcooked. Two of them got the flounder in a bag, one got the beef tenderloin, and one got tuna. The only one that said her meal was good got the shrimp and grits. It was a fun time but maybe they only know how to cook shrimp? Server, shrimp, and drinks were good so I'll give it a 4
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LaCora H.

Yelp
Tucked inside a cozy looking beach cottage, soft lighting and cozy vibes were great for our Monday night dinner. Visiting in the off-season, we were immediately seated. Our waiter was nice and attentive. We began with the drunken pumpkin dip and succotash soup. The dip was served with cinnamon-topped pita chips and was kinda bland. The soup however was very flavorful and the broth alone was wonderful. I ordered the shrimp and grits and was disappointed it came out room temperature. I ate two bites and boxed it up. My friend, however, ordered the flounder in a bag and it came out steaming! It was flaky and tasted good. She also had a side order of steamed broccoli which was hot.
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Jordan B.

Yelp
I've been wanting to eat at Tautog's for years and I can confidently say it was absolutely worth the wait. This no frills seafood spot delivers exactly what you hope for: good food, good service, and a cozy, laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you're in on a local secret. I had the catfish po' boy with potatoes and a side of fresh steamed broccoli, and everything hit the spot. Their starter sauce was addicting. I found myself dipping everything into it. But what really surprised me was the hollandaise they served with the broccoli. It was rich, buttery, and totally elevated the dish. My little brother ordered the shrimp and grits and I have to admit I stole more than a few bites. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. If you've been thinking about visiting, don't put it off like I did. The hype is real and Tautog's delivers.
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Marci F.

Yelp
Really yummy place very cozy in the winter. Really yummy. She crab soup with lots of crab and the flounder with shrimp and crab was yummy from the back. We didn't have a cocktail, but the cocktails looked legit. You can only make reservation by calling and apparently in the summer, you need to call several days to a week in advance. They do own the two properties next-door that are open for brunch.

Eileen E.

Yelp
Great location, friendly vibes, cozy without feeling claustrophobic! Our server was charming and attentive and our food came out of that tiny kitchen piping hot and perfectly prepared! We are frequent visitors to the area and will certainly return....our only hesitation is that the bar was not prepared to handle NA requests for wine or beer (other than the bland O'Douls)! This was rather surprising in an area catering to tourists. Hopefully they will get the message and update their NA offerings so everyone can enjoy.

Tiffany ..

Yelp
This restaurant was close to our hotel so we thought we would give it a try since it is reported to be a favorite among the locals. Environment: definitely a local patriotic vibe feels a lot like a bar. But there were fresh flowers and candles on the table. Food: she crab soup, is supposed to be a specialty here but not according to me. It was thin and salty and no big pieces of crab. There was no thickness to it. For entrees , we had the scallops which were three out of five; it was hot and the concept was good but the scallops weren't seared so that took a lot away from the flavor and texture that I expect with the scallop. However, the pastry underneath was tasty and the sauce was good, but yet again too thin. It came with Old Bay seasoned red potatoes that came out room temperature at BEST; they brought me more upon request. They were hot but way too salty. I appreciate your effort. My mother's crab cakes came with rice- two crab cakes that were small. They were nothing special. Lots of breading, no big hunk of crab meat. My husband enjoyed his stuffed fish in the bag in his potatoes were also not hot. I Picked this restaurant because of the dessert especially the bread, pudding and Keylime pie. Because everything else was mediocre, I didn't want to be disappointed again so I didn't try it. It's not bad. It was convenient. I wouldn't make an effort to come back... the weight staff was busy but kind..
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Amie S.

Yelp
Delicious seafood restaurant that hit the spot while visiting Virginia Beach. Definitely recommend ordering the she-crab soup; the creamy, slightly savory and sweet flavors leave you feeling warm inside. The oysters, salmon and scallops were very fresh, and paired nicely with the different sauces that accompanied the dish. Every entree was served at the perfect temperature. Our waitress was very attentive and recommended great options. Loved the option to sit indoors, outdoors or in between!
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Carol S.

Yelp
My son was here from Brooklyn. He wanted some of the amazing fresh Chesapeake Bay catch he grew up enjoying. I let him peruse our choices since he wanted a new spot. What he found was Tautog's at the Oceanfront on 23rd Street between Atlantic & Pacific. Their menu looked fabulous. So we made reservations. Driving up I was surprised to see that they were located adjacent to Doc Taylor's with parking for both behind. This was much welcomed because I'm suffering from a sprained ankle & walking with a cane. The parking czar showed us right to a spot & invited me to enter through the back kitchen door. A pleasant hostess told us that our table was waiting. We were presented with menus listing all kinds of goodies that were hard to choose between. My only disappointment was their being out of mint. So I had to settle for a Vodka Martini instead of my preferred Bourbon Smash. But that certainly wasn't a game changer. We began with a dozen Raw Oysters. Tautog offer 2 varieties of Virginia Oysters. We chose 6 of each. Because it's an R month they were deliciously fresh. Our entree choices were perfect. It has been so long since I've seen catfish, a staple where I grew up in Mississippi, on a menu. It looked as if the preparation was perfect, maybe even better than I had in my youth. The Catfish Filet was covered in a light cornmeal & sage coating and was baked, not fried. Hurray!! Their dish was served with a salsa & white sauce, which I asked to not be included. I explained to my server that I was a Catfish purist, having grown up with them. Their Catfish entree is served with either Rice Pilaf or New Potatoes, the latter being my choice. I added Steamed Broccoli as an optional side. My son ordered the Shrimp & Grits. I told the server that I never ordered that dish for the same reason. I'm also a long gone Mississippi Grits purist. I've never seen them prepared correctly in the Mid Atlantic. When our Server returned she had told the Chef about my history with both catfish & grits. She relayed that he was under great pressure & couldn't wait to hear my verdict, :) My verdict was absolutely perfection. Sage added a wonderful dimension to the slight cornmeal coating. The New Potatoes were the best I've ever had. Slightly broken in pieces to better absorb the butter & parsley flakes took them from bland to ultra delicious, My son's Shrimp & Grits were served with a barbecue sauce drizzle. Because they looked the perfect texture, I decided to taste the grits. Now this is a restaurant where I would order this entree! The grits were delicious, serving as a well formed base for the shrimp layered atop. He also chose the She Crab Soup, which was wonderful. Surely one spoonful wouldn't add too many calories to my diet regiment. I sent the Chef a message that both the catfish & grits were perfection. He came out to the table for personal praise. Tautog's has a casual, beachy ambiance that is perfect for a restaurant a half block from the Atlantic Ocean. It's in an old beach cottage but has the modern touches. A television behind the bar featuring football made me wish our table had a clear line of sight. This is a restaurant I love, love, love. 5 Stars is the correct rating for location, parking, service, food, ambiance and anything else I forgot to list.
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Heather V.

Yelp
I would recommend making a reservation if you come on a weekend or during season. They are busy, which means they must be good! I was blown away by everything we got. The oysters were incredible. The she crab soup was delicious. The scallops melt in your mouth. I would avoid the tuna appetizer, there's no flavor there. But the service was great, hostess friendly and overall good vibe. Parking is horrendous, they do have a lot in the back or there's street parking meters.
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Bill V.

Yelp
This has become our favorite place in Virginia Beach for food, service and ambiance. I had the shrimp and grits and it was delicious.
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Wendy S.

Yelp
This was one of the best restaurants I have been to. It is a perfect date night option. Every staff member we encountered was professional, the food is unique and amazing, the drinks were perfection and I rarely drink. I had the best espresso martini I have ever had. Highly recommend.
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Will D.

Yelp
Excellent She Crab Soup, Blackened tuna was delicious. Great service - attentive and friendly. Highly recommend. Excited to return in the future.
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Heidi U.

Yelp
my husband and i and another couple went last night for the special winter happy hour. wow! what a fabulous deal. teri was our server, and she could not have been nicer or more attentive. despite it being happy hour, the drinks were good, and the food portions were plentiful. we had she crab soup-lots of crabmeat-tuna bites, white shrimp flatbread, oysters, and artichoke dip. everything was delicious. we topped off our meal with the bread pudding which was probably the highlight of the night for me! don't miss this winter special!
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Craig S.

Yelp
Great atmosphere 1 block from the beach. Very relaxed and fun. The service was pretty slow but the food was fantastic. Still a must go place if you are visiting.

Hansie H.

Yelp
Their salads and flatbreads are out of this world great ! Some dishes are a little pricey but not all . Love the she-crab soup though it was a touch salty for me. ( I'm usually a very low sodium eater ). What I liked most was the service ‐ just the right amount of attention without intrusion - and a warm, happy ambiance. We plan to return again and again . Bon apetit!
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Carolyn K.

Yelp
We sat outside on the bar area and it was H.O.T. But the staff there was SOOO welcoming and made sure to bring us fans to cool us off. We were seated right away (Monday night, 8 people). I have a severe seafood allergy, and they were really accommodating (I got the Greek salad with chicken and the Mediterranean flatbread). The flatbread was fantastic (dough felt homemade), and the salad was really good too. Their non-seafood menu was limited but that's ok, I knew that before going here. Our server was SOOO sweet, he was so friendly and really knew the menu. There is also a small parking lot behind the restaurant with free parking. Highly recommend!
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Nick F.

Yelp
Had an excellent meal for 6. Raw oysters, tuna sashimi, crab nachos... best blackened tuna I have ever had. Very friendly and helpful staff. Drinks were great. Parking available in rear.

Gary E.

Yelp
Food is always great, with a good selection of daily specials and service quick and polite- a local gem.
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Ellie A.

Yelp
We were looking for a family-friendly restaurant near the beach that could accommodate a variety of food preferences and dietary restrictions after a long day of driving and this place took care of us! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming to our big group and we felt comfortable. We have a range of dietary needs in our family--and the team handled it all seamlessly. They offered plenty of menu options that catered to everyone's needs, and even adjusted dishes to suit individual preferences. The food was delicious and fresh (we tended toward the seafood) with each dish clearly prepared with care and attention to detail. There is no dedicated kids menu but the waitress knew exactly what to suggest and the kids loved their food (see flatbreads yummy rices and even a noodle dish..) Reliable parking and a short walk to the ocean after dinner makes it the perfect night!
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Joseph S.

Yelp
Their oysters remain some of the greatest and the price was not bad for them. The service is quick and friendly. Great place for family dinner or a celebration.

M. D. M.

Yelp
This place is Awesome! Wife and I had the stuffed flounder and beef tenderloin and it was delicious. She crab soup and Greek salad were also on point. Love the atmosphere on top, highly recommend.
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Jamie J.

Yelp
We've been here twice now and love it. The staff are so friendly and the food is delicious. The vibe of the restaurant is really adorable as well, with an outdoor patio area that is covered for warmth. We ordered the shrimp and grits, which was so delicious. My fiancé got pasta which they were able to add crab to that he really enjoyed. We finished it off with a brownie sundae. highly recommend coming to this restaurant when you're visiting.
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Katrina S.

Yelp
We came by at 8pm on a Saturday night to test our luck in getting a table. The host let us know it may take an hour or and hour and a half wait, but since we just had ice cream, we would wait. We watched a live show close by and in 35 minutes, they were calling us letting us know a table and was ready. We ordered the baby some flatbread, I had a Salmon Salad and my husband had a Blackened Tuna with veggies which he substituted for pasta. The flatbread was very cheesy so the baby was happy! My salad was delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the vinaigrette dressing with blue cheese was a good mix. My husband loved his Tuna+pasta meal! He said the tuna was cooked perfectly and the pasta was one of the best he's had in awhile. The server was very friendly and efficient as well. All in all, we had a great dinner in this cute little spot!

Amy M.

Yelp
We found this wonderful restaurant while just strolling around as we are visiting from out of state. As soon as we stepped up to read the menu we knew it was going to be good. You can also tell right away it's a local favorite. The staff was so friendly! We walked in without a reservation on a Friday night and were able to put our name in with an expected 30 minute wait. My husband and I walked around the area while we waited and they called us when our table was ready about 30 minutes later. Our waitress was fantastic! I sadly cannot remember her name but wish I did so I could give her the 5 star recognition she deserves for her customer service!! She was fun and super personable!! (She mentioned she is the special events coordinator as they were also hosting a special event there this evening) We started with the raw oysters they had on the menu -2 kinds- both local and both delectable. Next up we both had the Red Drum Oscar with rainbow chard they had on special. It was cooked so well and tasty. It was served over garlic mashed potatoes. Now I'm not typically a mashed potato gal but these were delicious! And the old bay Buerre Blanc- OMG. We were so full so skipped on dessert. The place was warm and inviting. Great place for couples and families. I loved that you knew you were dining in a space that has a special place in this area. The history of the restaurant is on their website and reading it made me love this restaurant even more. If we get back to the area I'm definitely coming back to try their she crab soup!

Paul H.

Yelp
We went to the establishment, just to have drinks. We walked into the restaurant, and the smell of seafood was extremely overwhelming. Someone in our party was unable to deal with the overwhelming smell, so we had our drinks outside.
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Daniel M.

Yelp
Tautog's is a former residence now repurposed as a delightful quaint eatery. Located just off Atlantic Avenue on 23rd Street in Virginia Beach. At checkin we were told it would be an hour, so we adjourned to the micro bar area to consider our next step -- only eight seats and all were taken. Before we had gotten far with our drinks the hostess reappeared and offered us a table-top in the bar area. A fun offer as table service is offered by Rob the Bartender, a friendly and helpful sole with solid advice about the menu, specials and wine. Rob suggested the Crab Nachos so that is where we started--plenty of crab included. For entrees we tried the Sage & Cornmeal Coated Catfish (skipped the potatoes and just added broccoli). Catfish had a great flavor with a deep breading. I thought the two small pieces Catfish were kinda lame, but no great problem. Also tried the Stuffed Flounder & Crab in Parchment Paper. A wonderful time, you may need to mentally prepare for the wait for a table but don't be afraid! I don't think this is a place for the kiddos, definitely locals and regulars more than tourists! Thanks Rob you are a pro...
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Barbara C.

Yelp
Went here on a date. The atmosphere is lively, the staff are friendly and attentive, and the food was great! It's a great place to go on a date!

Raymond E.

Yelp
This restaurant is amazing. The bartender, Travis, made the experience so much better. He was attentive , knowledgeable and all around fantastic. Thank you for a great dinner.
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Lauren L.

Yelp
This is average, beach town food. The crab cake did not have any large pieces and was mostly filler. Portions were sort of small. Not sure that it's a lot different than other seafood spots but it is a cute environment. It feels like you're in a house. The waiter was nice.
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Cong T.

Yelp
Food came fast and they have good and fresh oysters the curry chicken was good and delicious
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Helen T.

Yelp
Food is very delicious! We had the flounder in bag, scallops, salmon salad, and crab cake sandwiches. Everything is tasty. Great service as well. Recommend it!
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Derek B.

Yelp
It is welcoming atmosphere that promised a delightful dining experience. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles and were attentive throughout my visit, ensuring every detail was taken care of. The menu was a treasure trove of seafood delights, each dish more tempting than the last. The chef's special was cooked to perfection, but it was the Crab Cakes that truly stole the show. They were the epitome of culinary excellence, with a golden crust that gave way to the succulent, flavorful crab meat within. I left Tautog's with a satisfied palate and the certainty that I would return. This restaurant is a gem on the Virginia Beach dining scene, offering an experience that is not just a meal, but a celebration of good food and great company
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Rashid B.

Yelp
Loved this place!! Very awesome and friendly staff! Was referred to this place by locals & it was well worth it! We came back twice during the same trip!!! The food was all really good.. we reordered the same dishes!! Drinks was perfect!! The place bought food vibes overall, worth lighting.. soft music & friendly visitors!! Will be on our list to go to every time we come here!!!

Mike F.

Yelp
For the last 5 years my Wife and I have celebrated our anniversary in VB. Tautog's is the place we ALWAYS plan for our actual Anniversary Dinner. Great service (they all act like they WANT to be there...) and Great Food! Reservations is a good idea, the few times we didn't there was already a line forming before they opened! But even then we didn't have to wait long....
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John G.

Yelp
We went last Saturday at 6:30. Walked right up. Beautiful weather. Sat outside. Service was excellent. We had drinks and the White Shrimp Flatbread, which was outstanding. Highly recommend. I got the Stuffed Flounder in a bag. The spouse got the Salmon Salad. Both were excellent. Not one complaint. Nothing. Will absolutely go back the next time we are in town. It felt good to get out after 7 months of this pandemic.
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Robert F.

Yelp
Outstanding historic restaurant in downtown Virginia Beach. Unique old home vibe just a block from the beach. The food is expertly prepared with attention to the little details. I had the crab cakes and rice pilaf. While on the smaller side compared to others restaurants, these cakes were primarily near with no unnecessary filler. Cooked with a delicious crispy edge, these were more than enough for a meal I tried the she crab soup. It was delicious and crazy thick. Could easily work as a dip. I also tried the crab nachos. Good but the she crab was so good it's an unfair comparison. They feature creative drinks and old favorites. A great place for a date or meeting friends.
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Ashley J.

Yelp
MAKE A RESERVATION, this place gets busy quick. The service was great. Chris did an excellent job serving and informing us with their special. The food was also good, it taste like how it looks. The oysters were fresh and juicy. Appetizer - She crab bisque (forgot to photograph it) 5/5 The soup was delicious, just get it. It had a nice saltiness to it and had the perfect crab taste Entree - Stuffed flounder in a bag 5/5 The baked (i think ) the flounder in a parchment paper that was stuffed with crab meat and shrimp. It complimented the founder well and the pilof rice was a good accommodation to it. - Ginger teriyaki salmon with potatoes 4/5 It was really good but wasn't "perfect". The potatoes were alright but the salmon was good perfectly and the seaweed salad was amazing. - Crab cake sandwich 4.5/5 The crab cake was really good and the chips were old bay flavor and very delicious. The bread was a bit heavy so the portion of the crab cake in the sandwich was a bit small but over all delicious - Snapper with mango pineapple salsa with a side of bokchoy and rice 5/5 The snapper was cooked perfectly and very delicious. The salsa complimented the snapper well, very summery and fresh, and the rice was a good pair as well. Post Entree - Oysters 4.5/5 We got a dozen oysters, half from cape charles and the other half from blue island (i think). They were very fresh, good, and big. Over all a really nice place to eat. One thing i'll say and why I rated it a 4-4.5/5 is because it's dark inside so request to eat outside. The only reason I rated some not a 5/5 is because I've had other dishes that are better so it's not because it's bad it's just because it's not the BEST i've had but still really good place to eat. Walking distance from where we stayed as well.
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Monica A.

Yelp
My first time here at Tautogs, I was invited with a parry of 12 for a birthday dinner celebration. Each of us had heard of the restaurant and conversation revealed excitement to dine here. As I arrived, appetizers were placed through the table to share. Appetizers or bread plates are always a plus and we're not forgotten. Seafood nachos, oysters Rockefeller, crab and artichoke dip with tortilla chips, as well. Everything was flavorful and warm. I have to mention the tortilla chips were really tasty and not greasy as they sometimes are with a strange oil taste. Our server was a nice young man who concentrated and did not miss a beat. 12 woman!!! 1 waiter with a server to help carry things out. I wish I got his name after asking a few times however I believe the noise level mx he was unable to hear me and answer. I made mention to the gentleman at the hostess as we departure. I started with a cup of She soup I decided not to finish. The soup was best bland and watery with not much lump crab, mostly course claw meat. I ordered the Potato crusted Baked Mahi, it was served with smashed red dirty potatoes, it just took up space on the plate. The fish was dry and hard, somewhat cold in the middle. I quickly stopped as it just was not appealing to eat as the red pepper sauce ran out. The best part of this meal was the company around me.. Desserts offered were key lime pie, some chocolate cake and bread pudding. I only have Creme Brulee and they were out of it. My house red wine was pretty good also. I'm on the fence about giving this place another shot, but what will really change...
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Don W.

Yelp
Have always enjoyed Tautog's (and finally bought a shirt)! Favorite spot is at the bar - very amiable bartenders. There's a good bit of hustle and bustle throughout the restaurant, but the bar has its own special ambiance. We usually dine on the appetizers here; She-Crab soup is a favorite and the Caesar Salad is great. But what kept us coming two nights in a row (out of all the dining options in Virginia Beach) was the Crab Nachos. An absolute meal unto itself. No visit to the beach is complete without dining at Tautog's.

Dan C.

Yelp
everyone else liked it, but my tuna sandwich was a tuna nugget, did not cover bun even butterflied.
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Bob R.

Yelp
Tonight we had dinner with friends at Tautog's located at 205 23rd Street just off of the strip at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach. This is a quaint little house converted into a wonderful seafood restaurant. They are taking Social Distancing very seriously because all of the staff were wearing masks and they ask that customers transiting the restaurant in and out and on trips to the restroom wear masks as well. They specialize in seafood and they pride themselves on their commitment to Farm to Table produce, that is locally sourced and very fresh. It was a busy night but we were greeted promptly by our very attentive server Jessie. She was very helpful with menu questions and suggestions if you are on the fence about what to order and she didn't mind offering up her personal preferences (alway welcome to see.) My Wife and I started off with Oysters Rockefeller for $12.99. This is a classically prepared dish that was roasted to perfection. The cheese had a slight crust on top to give it a little crunch that provides a wonderful mouth feel. All if the ingredients were fresh and delicious. I had a cup of their She-Crab Soup for $5.99. This was a wonderful dish. It was full of crab and it has just the right amount of sweet and tangy goodness that makes for a great She Crab. For dinner my Wife had the Shrimp and Grits for $18.99. This dish consists of Large Shrimp sauteed & deglazed in house made Peach BBQ served over Jalapeno Cheddar Grits. The shrimp were cooked perfectly (hot inside with just the right amount of crunchy goodness) and the addition of the house made Peach BBQ sauce was surprisingly delicious. The jalapeños gave it a little heat and that just added to the depth of flavor of this amazing dish! I had the Westley's World Famous Crab Cakes for $18.99 served with Rice Pilaf and I added the Steamed Broccoli with Hollandaise sauce. The crab cakes were filled with crab and very little filler (just enough to bind them together) that they were broiled to perfection with the top at a crispy golden brown and the center was warm and delicious. The addition of the Rice Pilaf made this great dish even better. The steamed broccoli was cooked just right (hot and still a little crunchy) and the Hollandaise sauce was a wonderful addition. The only reason for the 4 instead of a 5 Star was one of our friends ordered the beef tenderloin dish offered on the special's board and had to send it back, twice. They offered a substitute but that was declined due to the constraints of time. Overall this was a positive experience and I look forward to going back again, especially if we get Jessie as our server! If you are looking for a great dining experience, give Tautog's a try. You will be happy that you did and you can rest assured that you are supporting local business!!!
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Jacklyn K.

Yelp
Seems like this restaurant group might be some of the only people in VA beach who know how to prepare food this well!!! We had so many mehhh experiences for meals here but from start to finish our dinner tonight was awesome. Our waitress was sooo sweet and friendly and the food came out fast even on a busier week night. The sangria was very tasty with lots of fresh fruit (sneaks up on you!). A full bar with lots of beers on tap and quite a few bottles as well. She-crab soup done right, lots of lump crab, super creamy but not too thick. The shrimp scampi was not at all what I expected but was fresh, flavorful and tasty. Love the rice pilaf to soak up all that delicious sauce. My husband ate every bite of his Tuna Martinique. Even the steamed broccoli was delicious! Dishes are on the pricier side but quality is worth it here. Both our experiences here and at Doc Taylor's really made us fall in love with these local feeling spots! These are the places to spend your moniess when you're in VA beach! Definitely recommend.
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Jessica B.

Yelp
I really wanted to love this restaurant. It was mid-August when we visited. We were looking for places to eat within walking distance and this fit the bill. It came recommended by people at our hotel, hotel staff, AND the girl at Abby Road! The house/restaurant was super cute and fairly cool considering it was open to the outside. Seating was comfortable enough with some distance between tables. We made a reservation and were seated right away but it was 20 minutes before anyone came to our table to take our order (the water girl came by right away) for drinks. She walked away and I had to call her back bc we wanted an appetizer. We looked over the menu beforehand and had an idea of what we wanted to eat but she was gone so we had to wait to order. Another 20 minutes later, someone else brought our 2 ice teas. Yep, 2 ice teas. Now it was 6:40pm and we hadn't ordered yet. She said our waitress would be by to take our order. I was pretty frantic with hunger and maybe got a little hangry. Someone else came and took our order at 7. The food was NOT at all like pictures we had seen online and it didn't taste good. My tuna was over cooked so much it was practically a piece of jerky and it had so many onions on that is all u could taste. The potatoes were gross and cold. My daughter got scallops in a puff pastry. They too were not very good tasting and the puff pastry was soggy. The scallops were ON the puff pastry and barely room temp. Now it was 8 pm and they were busy do re-ordering was not an option. We ate about half our food bc it was so gross. No one came to check on us the whole time we ate, like they knew. We ordered dessert when our food came out bc we knew we wanted to try the peach Melba. What a perfect ending right? No. Canned peaches with ice cream on top and a drizzle of "jarred" rasberry sauce. Seriously? It was expensive and gross and we will never be back. I am sad bc we could have been frequent guests. The food sounded amazing on paper. The silver lining was by the time we left, around 840, we were able to catch the end of a gorgeous sunset. We went back to the hotel and ate caramel apples and popcorn.
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Patrick K.

Yelp
Scallops Barca and Stuffed Flounder were very good. I would like to start of with how helpful Yelp was to find this place. I saw how many positive reviews there were, and we had to go. I suggest making reservations. We did not, but luckily someone canceled theirs while we were waiting to speak to host. The vibe at this place is great. A mix of locals and vacationers. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. As soon as we sat down, the bus boy had water for us and she was on the spot asking if we would like a beverage. Her wine suggestion was spot on. Our 12 yr. old daughter can be picky, as most are, so of course seafood was out. The waitress suggested a marinara pasta and the cream chicken soup. Our daughter loved the soup! I ordered raw oysters, she crab soup, and the stuffed flounder. New Orleans oysters have made me bias, but these weren't bad at all. The she crab soup had a nice bite, and actual crab meat! I've had She Crab soup many times, and this was up there with best I've had. My wife had the scallop Barca. We split the appetizers. No complaints! The flounder was cooked perfectly in the parchment paper, and the scallops were also perfect. The wife allowed me half of one scallop...lol The waitress informing me not to eat parchment paper was hysterical. She said, "You'd be surprised how many people eat it"...SMH.... We both liked the rice pilaf side. I give this place 5 stars based on atmosphere, food, service and overall experience. This not a upscale snooty place winning international awards, but it definitely warrants 5 stars for what it is. A friendly restaurant with righteous seafood!
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Katrina E.

Yelp
So I'm sitting here at Tautog's after spending the day at sunny Virginia Beach by myself. I was hungry and wanted to treat myself to a nice seafood dinner, being an elite at the beach and all, I naturally searched on Yelp for seafood- Tautog's was the highest rated. I've never been here so like duh, it was fine to ride. I started with the she crab soup and a Stella beer. The beer was amazing, the soup soured my stomach. However, I'm lactose intolerant and it's to be expected. There were chunks of crab meat in the soup which did have good flavor. I ordered the scallops for dinner. Quite tasty I must say. Good robust flavors served over a rice pilaf. I can see why this place has high ratings. I still prefer my Waterman's scallops but these were definitely not subpar in any way. The service was excellent too. Very attentive staff!
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Cliff W.

Yelp
I've been coming to VB for several years and don't know how I missed this place. Our food was delicious and the setting, a historic house, was very quaint. Definitely coming back.
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Kami H.

Yelp
Great place to eat! Went with the whole fam for my husbands Birthday and we sat on the outside by the bar. Sarah our server was really on top of things, as was the kitchen - making our evening go smoothly. Shared some food pics with y'all - everything was delicious! Everyones tuna was super fresh and we all enjoyed it lightly seared. The oysters rockafeller were tasty. Crab cakes were good but the scallops were just alright and would have to say not worth the 26 bucks, sorry. We brought a bday cake with us and Sarah brought it out with the candles lit and then served it which was super nice! An overall great place to eat with a great staff! We will be back!
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Alison M.

Yelp
Happy to have finally tried this beachfront institution. It's been on the list for a while but, I just never remember! A few weeks ago I had a nice quiet dinner here one week night and loved it. Arrived with plenty of time before closing and they were still pretty booked up but easily found a table. Started with the Oyster's Rockefeller appetizer, delicious. Standard - oven roasted oysters topped with spinach, bacon and parmesan cheese. I was impressed with the dinner menu selections and ended up going with the salmon salad - best salmon salad I've ever had. The salmon was perfectly cooked, good quality, and a large portion. The salad consisted of mixed greens topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, gorgonzola cheese, and a sweet bacon basil balsamic vinaigrette that paired perfectly with the salmon. New fav. My friend ordered the wrapped stuffed flounder. A nice, large portion of flounder perfectly cooked with crab and shrimp stuffing wrapped in parchment paper. Noms. The fish was moist and delicious. The server was friendly and prompt, he was efficient and didn't come around too much but enough. Didn't sample dessert but I hear that the bread pudding is highly recommended. Will come back in a heartbeat! Loved the chill atmosphere, the location, and the menu.