Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

Disappointed by Management’s Lack of Empathy....

While vacationing in Virginia Beach last weekend, my family and I (a party of 11) decided to dine at Bubba’s, a restaurant I noticed on the way to our hotel. With its scenic view of the bay, I was looking forward to a pleasant experience.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Megan, our server, who was absolutely wonderful—attentive, kind, and professional throughout the entire evening. The restaurant was a bit busy, which explained the long wait for our food, but given the atmosphere and company, we were understanding.

Most of our party enjoyed their meals. I had the fried shrimp, which was tasty. Others had crab cakes, soft shell crabs, chicken sandwich topped with crab meat, oyster dinner, and snow crabs. Feedback at the table ranged from “just okay” to satisfied—until things took a turn.

One of my granddaughters (10yrs old) discovered a dead fly embedded in the meat of her crab leg. Naturally, I was horrified and immediately brought it to Megan’s attention. She promptly took the plate to what appeared to be a manager (a gray-haired woman at the host stand), who looked visibly annoyed that we even brought it up. There was no approach to our table, no apology, no acknowledgment of the issue—just silence.

Megan did her best to smooth things over, offering my granddaughter fries while she waited for a replacement order of crab legs. Unfortunately, by the time the new food came out, everyone else had finished eating, so we had it packed to go.

Here’s where the real disappointment sets in: not one member of management ever came over to apologize or offer any kind of accommodation. Not for the fly in the food. Not even a token gesture—no comped drink, dessert, coupon, or even a basic “we’re sorry.” When I reviewed the bill and expressed my disappointment to Megan, she relayed it to another gray-haired man at the bar (again, assuming management). He simply shook his head “no.”

Megan returned to say, “They said they’ll try to do better next time.” I told her that unfortunately, there won’t be a next time—we’re tourists, not locals. I made sure she knew that our dissatisfaction had nothing to do with her service, which was stellar, but everything to do with how poorly the situation was handled by the people in charge.

This review isn’t just about a fly in the food—it’s about a complete lack of basic hospitality and accountability. Mistakes happen. But failing to acknowledge or apologize for them is unacceptable, especially in the service industry.

To management at Bubba’s: If your profit margins are too tight to adjust a bill or offer a small token of apology, the least you can do is show some empathy and professionalism. Ignoring an issue involving a child’s meal or anyone's meal, for that matter is not only bad service—it’s just bad business.

[edited by author to correct the spelling of...

The survival—and some would say, the apotheosis—of the Virginia Beach seafood industry, is achieved at Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant. Sheila and I seldom venture so far from home for our dinner, and it has been several years since we have driven down historic Shore Drive in search of our supper. But I am happy to report that those of us still grieving the loss of the great Monroe Duncan, and his great student and genius chef Bobby Huber of Bobbywood, and the monumental restaurant at Lynnhaven, and Shore Drive Inn, and Alexander’s on the Bay, can today still dine happily on the freshest of local-caught Virginia seafood, brilliantly prepared and exquisitely presented at historic Chick’s Beach, thanks to the survival and dedication of Bubba, who has created an entire “shopping center” of seafood restaurants in one huge parking area. It must have been a dream come true for Bubba: it is certainly a dream come true for hungry seafood lovers!

Bubba’s Seafood is a restaurant that charges what it needs to charge to bring you the best and freshest seafood available on the Virginia coast—but although it retains something of the old Virginia Beach rusticity in ambiance, it “earns its wings every day” with heavenly food! I should, of course, have begun my meal with their cup of award-winning she-crab soup, or perhaps a half dozen Oysters Rockefeller (which for some reason they are unable to spell correctly on the menu, but sure know how to prepare!). But I am growing old now, and I am quite satisfied with half of an entree—particularly when it is a Bluefin Crabcake of crab so freshly picked I am astonished! Sheila ordered the enormous Seafood Platter—she is used to taking half of her dinner home anyway, but this I think will make at least three meals. I did pause to photograph my crabcake dinner, but unfortunately I did not think to capture hers. Happily Sheila shared some of her immense variety with me, so I had much evidence of the excellent preparation and freshness of a variety of species.

The California Cabernet Sauvignon “Imagery” was one we had not enjoyed before, but it proved an excellent choice to accompany both our dinners. The wine list is brief but I believe extremely well-considered; there are a number of designer drinks and craft beers available as well.

This is one of the very few restaurants I feel comfortable in recommending unreservedly. If you happen to be hitched to a landlubber, there are chicken and beef entrees as well—and my sympathy!—although those entrees look...

Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse on Shore Drive of Virginia Beach A true Virginia Beach institution, Bubba's Seafood Restaurant and Crabhouse on Shore Drive delivers on its promise of fresh, delicious seafood with a laid-back, waterfront vibe. It's the kind of place that feels like a permanent fixture, and for good reason – they clearly know what they're doing when it comes to serving up the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. The star of the show, as expected, is the crab. Whether you go for the steamed blue crabs, lump crab cakes, or the hearty crab imperial, you won't be disappointed. They're consistently sweet, succulent, and perfectly prepared. Beyond the crab, the fried shrimp are plump and lightly battered, and the fresh catch of the day is always a solid choice. Portions are generous, ensuring you get your fill of the good stuff. The atmosphere is exactly what you'd want from a casual seafood spot on the water. It’s unpretentious, bustling, and often lively, especially on a sunny day when the outdoor seating offers fantastic views of the Lynnhaven Inlet. Service is generally efficient and friendly, with staff accustomed to handling the steady flow of hungry diners. While the food is undoubtedly a highlight, the overall experience leans towards a solid four stars rather than a perfect five. The decor, while fitting for a classic crab shack, could use a touch of refresh in some areas, and during peak times, the wait can be considerable. However, these are minor quibbles when you're digging into some of the freshest seafood in the area. Bubba's is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Virginia Beach seafood in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It's a reliable choice that consistently delivers on flavor and good times, making it a beloved staple for locals and tourists alike. Just be prepared for a crowd, and you'll have a...