Tucked along Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach, Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant has been winning hearts with its down-home seafood for years. With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews, this rustic gem is clearly doing something right.
From steamed blue crabs to golden fried scallops, every dish feels like it was made with real care and local pride. If you love honest, flavorful seafood in a laid-back setting, this place deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
Fried Scallops That Hit Different
Some foods just stop you mid-bite and make you close your eyes for a second. That is exactly what the fried scallops at Margie & Ray’s do.
Lightly coated and fried to a perfect golden crisp, these scallops have a tender, sweet center that seafood lovers dream about.
One reviewer from the Hurricane Margie’s platter noted the scallops were a standout part of the spread. When done right, fried scallops have a delicate crunch that does not overpower the natural sweetness of the shellfish.
Margie & Ray’s nails that balance beautifully.
Pairing them with a side of coleslaw or hush puppies takes the whole experience up a notch. Whether you are a lifelong scallop fan or trying them fried for the first time, this dish is a seriously satisfying reason to make the drive out to Sandbridge.
Steamed Blue Crabs Worth Every Messy Bite
There is something deeply satisfying about cracking into a perfectly steamed blue crab. At Margie & Ray’s, the blue crabs are the undisputed stars of the menu, and regulars come back season after season just for them.
One reviewer raved that they were the biggest crabs seen in a long time.
Steamed blue crabs are a true Chesapeake Bay tradition, and this restaurant honors that tradition with every order. The crabs arrive seasoned generously, with shells that crack open to reveal juicy, flavorful meat inside.
It is messy, it is fun, and it is completely worth it.
Grab some napkins, roll up your sleeves, and settle in for a hands-on seafood experience that feels authentically coastal. The portions are generous, and the flavor is the kind that keeps you picking long after you think you are full.
She-Crab Soup That Earns Its Own Fan Club
Ask any regular at Margie & Ray’s what to order first, and they will almost certainly say the she-crab soup without hesitation. This velvety, rich chowder has developed a loyal following, and the praise across dozens of reviews is remarkably consistent.
Words like hearty, amazing, and best in the area come up again and again.
She-crab soup is a Southern coastal classic, traditionally made with blue crab meat and roe simmered into a creamy, deeply savory broth. Margie & Ray’s version is known for its generous serving size, with the cup practically overfilled.
The flavor is robust and fresh, tasting like the ocean in the best possible way.
Even visitors from Europe have called it a must-try, which says a lot about its universal appeal. Order a cup before your main course and you will understand why people plan entire trips around this soup.
Hush Puppies That Steal the Show
Nobody expects the hush puppies to become the topic of conversation, but at Margie & Ray’s, they absolutely do. Multiple reviewers have singled them out as the best in the area, which is high praise in a region where Southern-style sides are taken seriously.
Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, these little golden bites are addictive.
Hush puppies have deep roots in Southern cooking, originally made to quiet hungry dogs by the fire. Today they are a beloved side dish at seafood shacks and fine coastal restaurants alike.
At Margie & Ray’s, they arrive hot alongside your meal and disappear fast.
One reviewer said they were the best hush puppies enjoyed in years, and that kind of memory-making quality is rare. Do yourself a favor and order an extra basket because sharing is going to be a challenge once you taste them.
Crab-Stuffed Flounder That Turns Heads
Flounder on its own is a mild, flaky fish that many people enjoy, but stuff it with seasoned crab meat and you have something truly special. Margie & Ray’s crab-stuffed flounder is one of those dishes that regulars keep coming back for, combining two local seafood favorites into one satisfying entree.
One reviewer described ordering it alongside a plain flounder and said both were very tasty. The stuffing adds richness and depth to the delicate fish, creating a contrast in texture that makes every forkful interesting.
When fresh crab is used, the flavor is noticeably sweeter and more vibrant.
It is the kind of dish that feels a little indulgent without being over the top. Pair it with a side of fresh coleslaw and some of those legendary hush puppies, and you have a meal that hits every note a good seafood dinner should hit.
Grilled Scallops That Might Be the Best You Have Ever Had
One diner recently declared that the grilled scallops at Margie & Ray’s were likely the best scallops eaten in an entire lifetime. That is a bold statement, but when you taste them, it starts to make sense.
Grilled to perfection with a beautiful sear and tender center, these scallops showcase what happens when quality ingredients meet skilled cooking.
Unlike their fried counterpart, the grilled version lets the natural sweetness of the scallop shine without any coating. A light char adds just enough smokiness to make each bite complex and satisfying.
The simplicity of the preparation is what makes it so impressive.
Scallops can go wrong quickly if overcooked, turning rubbery and flavorless. The kitchen at Margie & Ray’s clearly knows the difference between done and overdone.
Served with fresh sides, this dish is a masterclass in letting great seafood speak for itself.
Fish and Chips Done the Coastal Virginia Way
Fish and chips might sound like a British pub staple, but Margie & Ray’s puts a coastal Virginia spin on the classic that keeps people coming back. Reviewers have praised both the crispy coating and the quality of the fish, with one noting that the french fries had an amazing crunch without being overly salted.
That kind of attention to detail matters.
The fish is fresh and flaky, with a golden coating that stays crispy even as you eat. Malt vinegar is available on the side, which is a detail that true fish and chips fans will appreciate deeply.
It is the kind of no-fuss comfort food that satisfies on every level.
After a long day at Sandbridge Beach, a plate of fish and chips at Margie & Ray’s feels like exactly the right reward. Simple, delicious, and generous in portion size, it delivers every single time.
Bang Bang Shrimp With a Kick
Spicy, creamy, and completely irresistible, Bang Bang Shrimp has become a modern seafood classic that Margie & Ray’s pulls off with confidence. A recent reviewer mentioned it alongside the Fish and Chips as one of the standout dishes of their visit, calling both really good.
That is the kind of casual endorsement that carries real weight.
The dish features crispy shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that coats each piece generously without drowning it. The heat level is approachable for most diners, giving a pleasant warmth rather than an overwhelming burn.
It works beautifully as an appetizer or as a light entree.
What makes this dish work at Margie & Ray’s is the freshness of the shrimp itself. When the base ingredient is this good, even a simple sauce preparation results in something memorable.
Order it early, because it tends to go fast at busy tables.
Hurricane Margie’s Platter for the Adventurous Eater
When you cannot decide what to order, the Hurricane Margie’s Platter makes the decision for you in the most generous way possible. Featuring a combination of fried seafood including clam strips, oysters, shrimp, scallops, and flounder, this platter is a full tour of what the kitchen does best.
Reviewers who split it have called the experience well worth it.
The variety means every bite is a little different, which keeps the meal exciting from start to finish. Paired with fries and hush puppies, this platter is a serious amount of food that earns its place as the menu showstopper.
Sharing it between two people is a smart and satisfying strategy.
It also gives first-time visitors a chance to sample multiple items before committing to a favorite. Think of it as a delicious introduction to everything Margie & Ray’s does well, all on one very impressive plate.
Fried Oysters With Old-School Charm
Fried oysters have been a staple of Virginia coastal cooking for generations, and at Margie & Ray’s they carry that old-school tradition proudly. A reviewer who visited described the fried oysters as yummy, which is exactly the kind of honest, enthusiastic feedback that tells you a dish is doing its job well.
No fancy presentation needed here.
Good fried oysters require a light, crispy batter that does not overwhelm the briny, tender oyster inside. When the balance is right, you get a bite that is crunchy on the outside and almost creamy within.
Margie & Ray’s achieves that balance consistently, which is harder than it sounds.
Dipped in cocktail sauce with a squeeze of lemon, these oysters are a reminder of why simple coastal cooking has endured for so long. They pair perfectly with a cold drink and a relaxed evening at one of Virginia Beach’s most beloved local spots.
Softshell Crab for the Curious First-Timer
Ordering softshell crab for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but regulars at Margie & Ray’s will tell you it is one of the best decisions you can make at this restaurant. One reviewer tried it for the very first time while seated at the bar and described it as very tasty.
That kind of first-impression success is exactly what great restaurants are built on.
Softshell crab is a blue crab harvested shortly after molting, when the entire shell is still soft and edible. Fried until crispy, the whole crab becomes a crunchy, flavorful experience unlike anything else on the menu.
It is a true coastal Virginia delicacy that deserves more attention.
The kitchen at Margie & Ray’s treats this seasonal specialty with the respect it deserves. If it is on the menu during your visit, do not overthink it.
Just order it and enjoy every single bite.
Calamari That Earns Rave Reviews
Not every seafood restaurant gets calamari right, but at Margie & Ray’s it has been called phenomenal by more than one visitor. One reviewer who came with a group specifically highlighted the calamari as the best thing they ordered during their entire visit, calling it a standout above everything else on the table.
That is a remarkable endorsement.
Great calamari is all about texture. The rings should be tender inside with a light, crispy exterior that does not feel greasy or heavy.
When it is made well, it is one of the most satisfying starters on any seafood menu, and Margie & Ray’s version delivers on that promise.
Starting your meal with an order of calamari while you browse the rest of the menu is a strategy worth adopting. It sets the tone for a great dining experience and gives you something to snack on while the anticipation builds for your main course.
A Rustic Atmosphere With Real Local Soul
Walking into Margie & Ray’s feels like stepping into a place that has never tried too hard to impress anyone, and that is exactly why it works. The decor is unpretentious and worn in the best possible way, with a chill, rustic bar that has seen decades of good times.
Locals know each other here, tourists feel welcomed, and the energy is always genuine.
Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as part of the charm. One longtime visitor noted that it is a true family-run business with heart, and that the owners are incredible people.
That kind of warmth is not something a restaurant can fake or manufacture.
Located just off the road heading into Sandbridge, the spot is easy to miss if you are not looking. But once you find it, you will understand why people have been coming back for years, sometimes decades, just to sit down and feel at home.
How to Find Us
Finding a great seafood spot should not feel like solving a mystery, and thankfully, getting to this Virginia gem is pretty straightforward. Located along the Virginia Beach coastline, the restaurant sits close enough to the water that you can practically hear the waves from the parking lot.
A quick search online will pull up the exact address and hours before you head out.
Most visitors say the drive itself is part of the experience, with scenic coastal roads leading the way. Street parking is usually available nearby, and the restaurant’s classic exterior makes it easy to spot.
Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, because the line moves fast and the tables fill up faster.