The Best Southern in Virginia Beach

T L's Country Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.9 (119) • $

"We were looking for a simple place for breakfast and TL's did not disappoint. I had 2 eggs scrambled with hash browns and country ham. Eggs were as expected; hash browns were cubes, and I normally like the shredded variety. These were fine. You have a choice of country ham or city ham, and I choose country ham. I knew it would be salty, and it was. I had asked for biscuits, but they never arrived. My partner had a vegie omelet and a side of corned beef hash. Omelet was full of veggies and was tasty. Corned beef hash was good but probably came from a can. Coffee was very good and regularly refilled. Service was quick.TL's is definitely a local place for breakfast. We certainly sat next to some regulars. If you want simple food for breakfast, this is the place."

Vintage Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.1 (217) • $$$

"We made reservations for tonight. When we sat down I told our server I was allergic to seeds and nuts. For appetizer we ordered pimento cheese. Out came crackers covered in seeds. I sent them back and soup came out with more seeded crackers. It was loud in there. People who worked there wore clothes I would clean the house in....the atmosphere did not marry with the menu. Food was great but everything else did not add up for a date night nor NOT allergy friendly... be on guard."

Pollard's Chicken

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (18)

"I had lunch from Pollards Chicken in Great Bridge recently. I've been working from home for months, as have many of us, and just needed something different. I didn't feel like driving out. The lunch hour is to short for the drive there and back, so to maximize my hour I had the meal delivered via DoorDash. I ordered the 4-Piece Chicken meal which comes with a breast, thigh, wing and drumstick. Along with that 2 sides and a couple of puffs. Sides were mashed potatoes with their chicken gravy and fried okra. The meal arrived very quickly after the driver picked it up and was still hot upon delivery. I enjoyed half of it for lunch and the other half for dinner. Zero complaints. I'm looking forward to having some more Pollards soon. Especially their chicken gravy. It's amazing."

Munchies Southern Soul

★★★★☆ 4.2 (22) • $$

"4 of us decided to make Munchies our supper destination after reading about their story in The Virginian Pilot. It's a new soul food spot that just opened this year. Wow were we impressed!! The location is right off Rt 199 in the Lightfoot area of Williamsburg.. super close to Ford Colony as well (hint hint - market this place to Ford Colony). It's tucked in the middle of a shopping center to the right if you're turning onto Olde Towne Rd from 199. We were there early so the place was all ours. The menu had us falling over ourselves - immediate hunger pains like... All the goodies.. it was so hard choosing. So we ordered waaay too much food 90's R&B hits swayed in the background.. we are not apologizing for singing Toni Braxton at the top of our lungs.. we honestly didn't have a choice. For a starter we picked the Crab Bites. These were just solid crab meat.. 5 crispy bites to an order and each one is a good 2-3 bites. The dipping sauce was a tangy honey mustard aoili (I think) - "the perfect amuse bouche" was uttered at some point. We all got extra sides. Because it was impossible to choose. Here's a summary of the sides: - Mac n Cheese - baked, classic, not gooey, DELICIOUS crust- Collards - mine had a big ole piece of meat in it and I was in heaven. First time trying these with Red Hot and I'll never be the same...- Green Beans - best I've ever had. - Yams - sorry mama, I didn't mean to do that it was was like a reflex - Mashed potatoes - classic, smooth and fluffyFor entrees we got the 2 piece dark chicken, pork chops, and crab cakes.. everything was hot and crispy. Crab cakes were just like the bites - none but lump!! For dessert: banana pudding and cherry cobbler. Listen... ...we were on the floor those desserts were so tasty... And the portions were fabulous.. a whole pint container of each.. we asked to meet the chef that created the desserts. Sheldon came out and we learned that everything we ate was his mom's recipes. He had grown up helping her in the kitchen and is carrying his family's legacy.. how beautiful is that!? Very reasonably priced place also - appetizer and entree with extra sides was around $30. Can't beat that. Please check this place out. I will be back and I may even be inquiring about catering soon!"

Jackie's Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (78) • $$

"Enjoyed the food and atmosphere. The service was good. Staff made us feel welcomed. Salmon cakes were delicious."

Tap It Local Chesapeake

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (158) • $$

"The service can be a bit slow... but the good is very good. We normally order the Ruben's w/ onion rings or their potato wedge things. The Brussel sprout appetizer is absolutely delicious. We don't normally eat in anymore due to service and sometimes it's a bit loud but we will order out. They are open late so my husband can pick up on his way home from work and we can eat late night."

Mack's Barge

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (163) • $$

"My daughter and I have been twice. It's our new go-to spot for good food and drinks for me. The service was excellent. Everyone was very nice."

Hermie and Elliott Sadler Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (51) • $

"**Herman and Sadler Buffet Review** Herman and Sadler Buffet is a hidden gem I love visiting whenever I'm traveling down I-95. Despite the restaurant being attached to a truck stop, it's always immaculately clean and inviting, with fresh-smelling restrooms and a welcoming atmosphere. The salad bar, though small, features fresh and tasty ingredients that never disappoint. The highlight, however, is the hot bar, which is consistently stocked with perfectly seasoned baked and fried chicken. The flavors are spot on every time! My only wish is that they offered smaller chicken pieces or halved some of the large breasts for easier portioning. The friendly and attentive staff make each visit a pleasure. This spot is a must-try for anyone traveling through--comfort food done right with a touch of Southern charm!"

Derl'z Restaurant & Pub

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (12)

"My boyfriend and I have been trying to eat at the local spots the last few weeks. Our friend Mike told us how good the food is here. So today we looked at the menu and placed a take-out order.We ordered a blue cheese burger with crinkle fries. What a tasty delicious burger. Then we ordered the 3 appetizers plate. We mulled over the choices and ended up ordering potato skins, fried pickles and mac n cheese bites. I was not real sure about the Mac n cheese bites. What a wonderful surprise. We will definitely eat here again!!!"

Relish

★★★★★ 4.6 (65) • $$

"Relish always impresses me with every dish being prepared perfectly. We started with the fried oysters appetizer with a remoulade sauce. My wife had shrimp and grits while I had the pork chop with baked sweet potato and mixed greens side salad. We tried a bite of each dish. Everything perfectly prepared.We always say we need to go there more often. It is the best food within an hour drive"

SoCo Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.8 (5)

"Dine-in, curbside pickup, or even delivery... SoCo Lounge is on to something here. Located :2163 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia 23666 just behind Pier 88. Great party space; great pricing on drinks, and great pricing on food. Closed on Mondays, open every other day from11am to 10pm. +17579780000Dedicated to offering customers one of the finest dining experiences and event spaces of the Hampton Roads Area while providing "Southern Comfort" fine dining, spirits, and a unique atmosphere in every corner of their establishment; and they are doing exactly that. The overall concept of "Southern Comfort" aka "SoCo" is to shed light on the overall history and techniques associated with "soul food". Striving to embrace the culture from which "soul food "came from. Food tells stories and sometimes the history of the food can make one appreciate a certain cuisine a tad bit more. Southern Comfort/SoCo is motivated to move to the next level in comfort cuisine, event space, and hospitality. With the goal to provide customers with attention to detail, unique spirits, entertainment, with their "Southern Comfort" charm; this location is amazing and will truly display southern hospitality. Besides providing top quality services and outstanding food/beverage products at a reasonable price, their focus is to serve customers quickly in a comfortable establishment.Thank you SoCo Lounge!"

Industrial Taphouse

★★★★☆ 4 (352) • $$

"Food was great-- easy stop off of 95. Service was great. Big biscuit-- though I can't rate it because it was under the eggs etc. The arugula was a very nice touch on the Southern Benny (pork belly Benedict). The fruit was very good even though it's the middle of winter. Tasty black coffee. Lots of fun breakfast items like strawberry shortcake pancakes and winter drinks to try."

The Hive Farm Bar and Grill

★★★★☆ 4.4 (27) • $$

"This is a really great additive to the farm. We were so happy to see a restaurant be located at the farm, rather than just a farmers market.The food is fresh and delicious. I absolutely love their sweet potato fries. The chicken sandwich was also really great, as well as their barbecue sauce, it has blueberry in it and it's really unique. They have a limited menu, but anything you choose from the menu taste really good.Every time that we have gone, the waitresses are always really nice. I love that. It's all open, so you can look around at the farm. We went during the fall time, so it was pumpkin season.There's red tents above your head to keep the sun out, but if it is raining, it's not the best option. Tables are wooden outside and pretty comfortable for the most part! We will definitely be back for more."

Lifesaving Station

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (193) • $$

"The breakfast here is delicious. The staff at the restaurant is so friendly. We even were allowed to sit outside with our little dog."

Smitty’s Restaurant

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Please note- Address;4763 Highway 11 north Bethel, NC 27812 This place is a great hole in the wall. Right next to a gas station, very unassuming.We ate breakfast, lunch, and got a to go dinner for later as they open 5:30a - 2pm M-F. Closed Sat/Sun. They had really good chicken tenders they had just made for the gas station hot bar next door. They were good. My hubby got the chicken gizzards- he said they were very good.We will be stopping by again when in the area,"

Croaker's Spot - Richmond

★★★★☆ 3.9 (902) • $$

"We showed up with a party of six right when they opened on Sunday. All of us tried the flight of mimosas, which were very sweet. My partner got the Shrimp and Grits and I got the Fish and grits. It is a lot of food and I felt like it could easily have been split between us. I was underwhelmed with the food.I wish the menu had biscuits and gravy. We would have talked longer but our server asked us to leave behind cause they needed the table, this timing isn't advertised anywhere. There was also no one waiting. They charge an auto tip for the table or 15%. Which was low for most auto tips. I hate being auto tipped. Also, I know the whole table would have tipped more."

Taste of Smithfield

★★★★☆ 4 (167) • $$

"The chicken salad sandwich was really good. My friend had smothered chicken and thought it could have more flavor. Another person had the Nathan's hotdogs and they had a lot of toppings on the side which was nice.The service was really sweet and attentive. Parking was around back but still packed. Nice restaurant atmosphere they had separate back area for events."

Le'Pough's Barbecue

★★★★☆ 3.9 (42) • $

"I love BBQ. I'm from Alabama where we love our BBQ and this brothers and sisters is some of the best BBQ I've ever had outside of the mother land. There's nothing in GA, Or North Carolina east or west that I've had that can hold its on to this little whole in the wall. I had the "John Coffee" a sandwich with pork, a hot link and slaw. I had them make mine with pulled chicken. It was the bomb and the sauce was a must and based with a little kick. It was so good I ordered a second. Be sure and call ahead because Yelp said they closed at 7 and they were closing at 5 also they said they were going to be closed the rest of the weekend. If I ever come back to Chester,VA I'll be eating here. If they were going to open tomorrow my butt would be coming back before I fly out. Great find!!!!"

Bo Bo's Fine Chicken Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (333) • $$

"BoBo's has been on my list for a long time. I finally got to go and get some take out. Next time I want to sit inside. Friendly people, She even gave me recommendations. I ordered exactly what she told me to. It was their fried chicken. Very good ."

Ibis Cuisine

★★★★☆ 4.2 (27) • $$

"This place was amazing. The decor is great, and the room is very spacious. I came here before the official grand opening, and the food, and service were great. We started with the Salmon Bites and the Oxtail Empanadas, both are a great way to start your meal. I had the Whole Red Snapper plate, which was amazing, from the fish which was moist and flaky, and fried just right, to the rice which was extremely flavorful. My wife had the Braided Shirt ribs which were also amazing. I highly recommend Ibis! I don't think you'll be anything but happy you made the choice."

Toast, New American Gastropub at the Village

★★★★☆ 4 (813) • $$

"--Gluten Free Spotted Cow CAKE- was ok decent good. Didn't taste like normal caked, icing was butter cream but had a cream cheese flavor. --CRAB & SHRIMP NACOS - delicious --LOADED FRIES- fries looked like oil need to be changed. Sent it back. Was told every 2 days they change the oil. They brought out a new bowl but they looked the same as the first bowl we sent back and she also brought out a side of fries that were freshly made and the newly cooked fries looked lighter and better then the 1st and 2nd loaded fries appetizer bowls. The freshly side of fries that they made and brought out did not look so dark like the first that were brought out that we sent back and the 2nd bowl fries app they remade and brought out. Guess 3rd time was the charm. --Rockfish tacos-good (could add more pickle onions) but was good.--Dragon Breath Shrimp Tacos - SUPER FIREY SPICY HOT!--CUBAN RUBEN SANDWICH- OUTSTANDING & Delicious Jillian P was our waitress. She was amazing. Fantastic service. Resturant is very cool vibe. I'd definitely come back when we are in the Richmond area wanting food. Wish they had one location in Fredericksburg Central Park. That's closer to where we are, had to drive over an hour to get to this area for an appointment for something and got hungry and found this place. Interior design inside this spot is awesome. Very good music tunes jamming off the speakers. Lighting was very chill dim bright vibe. Flat screens at the bar. Bathrooms were clean. In men's room 1 urinal, and one stall. If u had to do your business in a stall and someone's in there gotta hold it. Hahaha. But anyways like I said this place is awesome. Heard they are opening a few more spots around this Richmond surrounding area. Would be cool if they built some in Fredericksburg Central Park and northern VA areas."

Canvas Social Cuisine

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (97) • $$

"We came here for brunch on a Saturday, and we had a good time. The wait wasn't long. Customer service:Phenomenal. Our waitress was so attentive and amicable. She was very good at making recommendations, checking in with us, and keeping up with refills.Food:My meal was a 10/10. I got the Steak N Eggs. My steak was cooked to my liking and well seasoned. The scrambled eggs were creamy and delicious, and the potatoes were seasoned well.Drink:I got the "pull out," and it was so good. Very strong but good. One drink was more than enough.Atmosphere:They had excellent music playing, and the vibes were incredible. The music wasn't too loud where you couldn't talk. It only got loud when they came out with signs for people's birthdays and celebrations. I will definitely come back. I had an amazing time."

Nanny's Restaurant & Catering

★★★★☆ 4.2 (117) • $$

"Let's start by saying I am not a fan of Buffet's. When I walked in and saw that it was a buffet, I almost left... OH MY GOODNESS.... I am so glad I didn't. The food was amazing . Seasoned, fresh, delicious. All the years teaching 95 and never knew this gem existed . Whether local or traveling ... homeCooking can't be beat. They also have take out and a grill if you don't want the buffet"

Simply Southern Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.3 (119) • $$

"We came here for lunch. It's a cute little restaurant. I like the decor of the place.I ordered Fried chicken 3 pieces with hushpuppies and collard green. I like that they lightly sprinkle salt on the hushpuppies to enhance the sweetness. The fried chicken was cooked perfectly and still juicy.Blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream was perfect to end the meal. The warm blueberry filling and the cold vanilla ice cream complimented each other.The staff are friendly and attentive. Highly recommend this place."

Yoolks On Us

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (31) • $$

"The food was great. The menu is full of yummy Southern Breakfast favorites and a few items for those upscale moments - Smiles!Everything was fresh and hot off the grill.The service was excellent. Two servers worked together and covered all the tables with eagle eyes waiting for us to look like we needed something. Very attentive but not pushy, perfect!The decor is so nice. I love the beautiful wood on the walls combined with the comforting colors. Everything flows together. The seating is comfortable, and we love the televisions (no sound). You can see what's happening if you want to, but are not distracted by the voices.Nice background plays softly while you eat.The restrictions are superclean and fresh! They have renovated two stores into one, and it is a comfortable place to come in for a work breakfast or lunch. Mimosas, irish coffees, or maybe a cocktail if you are coming off the third shift.Enjoy, we loved it."

Pollard's Chicken - London Bridge

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (50) • $

"I will start by saying, I'm not a fan of the chicken at Pollards. Never have been. It has been years since I stepped foot in one after several bad experiences over several of their restaurants.Fast forward to now and I was really craving some Mac & Cheese, baked beans and cabbage. I found this Pollards had at least the Mac & beans, so I placed an order online.The staff was friendly, but I don't believe they pay attention to online orders, and don't start anything until you arrive. If you are in a rush, be prepared for about a 5 minute wait (depending on your order).Now to the sides. I got the Mac, beans and greens. I was just trying to kill a craving! This had no business being this doggone good! The greens were perfectly seasoned, the baked beans has great flavor and the Mac didn't disappoint. I know it was just sides, but I've already been back twice in the past few weeks...and they are constant!So, will I try the chicken at this location? Probably not. We are having a great relationship with these sides. I don't want to risk this relationship over some under cooked poultry. Don't let this sway your decision not to get the chicken. I never had the chicken from here, but I'm good with the sides."

350 Grace

★★★★★ 4.5 (134)

"We went to 350 Grace last night with some friends, and the experience was fantastic. Tess, behind the bar and Eric on the service team, are very friendly and attentive. As you look at the puctures, know that they are every bit as delicious as they are beautiful. Please go to this place and enjoy the food and they staff. It is a true Norfolk gem. They are also gluten free."

Court House Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (102) • $$

"Three of us had lunch, we chose it for the second time because we enjoyed the food last November. I had grilled salmon which came with two sides. I chose steamed broccoli and baked potato. Each item was cooked perfectly. My companions has a seafood medley and the other the days special of rockfish. The service was friendly and responsive. The ambiance is clean and comfirtable cafe and bar style. Everyone was warm and friendly. Will keep on my list for future visits."

Charm And Manners

★★★★☆ 4.1 (9)

"The best soul food restaurant in the area. Awesome customer service and VERY GOOD food. I have eaten here so many times. Love the atmosphere and the waitresses are always on point. This place is much better than The District which we did for Valentines Day. I tell anybody check out Charm and Manners. You won't be disappointed."

King's Arms Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.8 (410) • $$$

"We were confused about trying to make an online lunch reservation without success, so we showed up hoping for the best and learned it is first come first served. We were seated immediately in a room that was fairly full with diners. The venue has quite a few seating areas and can likely accommodate quite a crowd in season. The staff are dressed in Colonial garb for ambiance and a strolling musician entertains with period songs.Our server made several suggestions but 3 of us chose the apple onion pie, a very sweet concoction with a lovely flaky crust. It is topped with an over easy egg that I passed off to my friend. 3 of started with the peanut soup and I found it very flavorful and tasted like peanut butter of course. My guests enjoyed several mugs of hot cider. I asked for hot tea and was told they do not have hot tea because it is colonial times and tea is boycotted. Interestingly I was able to get unsweet iced tea.We had no room to try any of the delicious desserts. The Snow Balls looked particularly yummy. The price point was what one would expect in a tourist property, where ambiance is part of the cost of the fare. Our guests enjoyed the experience and we all enjoyed the food!"

Colonial Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (42)

"My family and I ventured out for breakfast one morning during our brief stay in Elizabeth City. There aren't many options in the small town, but we did eventually find Colonial Cafe, a very traditional breakfast and lunch cafe. The breakfast menu is full of omelets, biscuit sandwiches, pancakes, and plenty of bigger platters.I settled on the fried chicken biscuit, cajun style ($6.99). Their biscuits are really good alone, but adding some spice from the chicken was an excellent choice. I really enjoyed this sandwich.I also had some of my daughter's biscuits & gravy ($8.99 with a choice of home fries, grits, or baked apples). I would have ordered this had she not done so. But I knew there would be plenty leftover. This was a good serving of biscuits & gravy, again their biscuits are fresh baked and good on their own, but when topped with homemade sausage gravy you can't go wrong!"

Old Chickahominy House

★★★★☆ 4.1 (216) • $

"What an old-fashioned gem of a restaurant! Today my friend and I tried out this classic Williamsburg breakfast/Lunch spot and it hit the spot! We had a 20 minute wait for a table so we walked around inside checked out the gift shop. They have a variety of jewelry, food items, and trinkets available in the gift shop. We were seated after our little wait and immediately got our drink order taken. Our server was quick to come over and also get our meal order. I ordered the Melinda's special which included a drink, fruit salad, cup of Brunswick stew, two ham biscuits, and a slice of pie. All was very good and I subbed the Brunswick stew for the chicken & rice soup! I love how the ham is nice and thinly sliced and the chocolate pie was to die for! I need to go back and try all the flavors of pie! My dining companion loved her BLT sandwich and said the bacon was cooked nice and crisp! Inside the tables are all wood and the restaurant is located in an old house. It's quaint inside and all the servers are very kind. Will be back for sure!"

The River Restaurant & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4 (10)

"I've visited this restaurant 3 times and it was amazing all 3 times! The buffet is always clean and orderly. The atmosphere is comfortable even though I've only had take out. The food though baaabbbyyy is EVERYTHING! It's always fresh and full of flavor. It's never dry like some buffets can be. I give them a 10 out of 10!"

Claudine's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (17) • $

"All 3 of us got different things. Everything was really really good. We drove in from Ahoskie. A pleasant surprise. Definitely will be back again. Very friendly. Great service too. Highly recommend."

Roux Raw Bar and Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (36)

"This Johnson & Wales-trained chef has roots in South Louisiana. So, do I. And I tasted his influences all throughout his fabulous food. I started with the fried frog bites. Delish! The rest of my Mike was equally fine."