Tucked along Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach, Margie & Ray’s Crabhouse and Restaurant has been winning hearts with its steamed blue crabs and down-home seafood cooking. With a 4.6-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews, this rustic gem has become a beloved stop for locals and vacationers alike.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or coming back from a long day in the sun, this place has something special waiting for you. From legendary she-crab soup to perfectly steamed crabs, here are 13 reasons why Margie & Ray’s is considered the home of Virginia’s best blue crabs.
Steamed Blue Crabs That Set the Standard
Some restaurants talk a big game, but Margie & Ray’s lets the crabs do the talking. Reviewers consistently rave about the size and freshness of the blue crabs served here, with one diner noting they were “the biggest crabs I’ve seen in a long time.” That kind of praise doesn’t come easy in Virginia Beach, where seafood competition is fierce.
The crabs are steamed to perfection, loaded with seasoning, and served in generous portions that make the experience feel like a true coastal feast. You crack them open right at the table, which is half the fun.
For anyone who loves authentic Chesapeake-style blue crabs, this is the real deal. Locals and tourists alike keep coming back season after season just for this signature dish.
If you visit only once, make sure the steamed blue crabs are on your table.
She-Crab Soup Worth Every Single Spoonful
Ask any regular at Margie & Ray’s what to order first, and the answer is almost always the same — the she-crab soup. Described by multiple reviewers as “the best in the area,” this thick, rich chowder is packed with crab flavor that hits you from the very first sip.
One longtime fan wrote that the soup is “renowned for its fresh taste and robust flavor, consistency and serving size.” They even mentioned that the cup gets overfilled, so you’re getting a seriously generous portion every time.
The soup has a creamy, hearty base that warms you up whether you’re visiting on a rainy winter Sunday or after a breezy beach day. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and just appreciate the moment.
Honestly, ordering anything else before this would be a missed opportunity.
A Rustic, Down-Home Atmosphere You’ll Actually Love
Walking into Margie & Ray’s feels like stepping back into a simpler, more relaxed version of coastal dining. The place has a chill, rustic vibe with a bar that gives off serious old-school seafood shack energy.
One reviewer called it “a bit of a hole-in-the-wall,” but said that’s exactly what makes it special.
The decor leans into its identity unapologetically — and guests love it for that. A regular who’s been visiting for nearly a decade described it as a place where “locals who visit know one another” and tourists feel just as welcome.
Sure, it’s not flashy or trendy. But the warmth you feel from the moment you walk in is something no interior designer can manufacture.
It’s the kind of spot where the food, the people, and the setting all come together to create something genuinely memorable. That’s rare.
Friendly, Attentive Servers Who Make You Feel at Home
Great food is one thing, but the service at Margie & Ray’s takes the whole experience up a notch. Customers frequently call out specific servers by name in their reviews — Natalia, Mel, Billy, Holly, and Maddy have all received glowing shoutouts for being friendly, fast, and genuinely caring.
One group of six diners said their server Natalia was “the best server we’ve had at any recent restaurant outing” — and they eat out often. Another reviewer said server Billy was “very attentive, friendly and down to earth” even during a packed rush.
That level of personal connection is hard to find at chain restaurants. Here, the staff treats you like a neighbor, not a table number.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you can expect someone on the team to make you smile before the meal is even over.
Generous Portions That Leave Nobody Hungry
Nobody walks out of Margie & Ray’s hungry — that’s practically a guarantee. Multiple reviewers across different visits have highlighted how impressively large the portions are, especially for the price.
One guest summed it up perfectly: “You definitely won’t leave hungry.”
The Hurricane Margie’s platter, for example, comes loaded with clam strips, oysters, shrimp, fries, and hush puppies. Daily specials are described as “an amazing deal” with portions that go above and beyond expectations.
Even side dishes like coleslaw and baked potatoes are served with care and in satisfying amounts.
For families or groups with big appetites, this is the kind of place that delivers real value. You’re not paying for tiny, artsy portions arranged on a fancy plate.
You’re paying for honest, hearty seafood that fills you up and sends you home happy. That’s the Margie & Ray’s promise.
Famous Hush Puppies That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Hush puppies might seem like a simple side dish, but at Margie & Ray’s, they’ve earned a dedicated following all on their own. Regulars list them alongside the she-crab soup as a must-order every single visit.
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside — they’re the kind of comfort food that makes you reach for just one more.
One loyal customer said the hush puppies are among “the best in the area” and that ordering them is non-negotiable. For Southern-style seafood spots, the quality of the hush puppy often signals how much care goes into the kitchen overall.
At Margie & Ray’s, every detail matters — and these little golden bites prove it. They pair perfectly with any seafood dish on the menu, especially the crabs.
If you skip them, you’ll probably spend the drive home wishing you hadn’t. Order the hush puppies.
Always.
Fresh Fish Dishes Cooked With Real Skill
Beyond the blue crabs, Margie & Ray’s earns serious praise for its broader fish menu. From tuna florentine to stuffed flounder and fish and chips, the kitchen handles a wide variety of fish dishes with confidence.
One visitor called the tuna florentine “hands down the best meal I have ever had” at the restaurant — a bold statement that speaks volumes.
The fish and chips also get regular love from guests, with one reviewer highlighting them alongside Bang Bang Shrimp as standout choices after a day at the beach. An international visitor described the fish dishes as “absolutely fantastic,” appreciating both the authentic flavor and the generous portions.
For seafood lovers who want variety beyond shellfish, the menu here delivers. The kitchen clearly understands that great fish doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be fresh, well-seasoned, and cooked with intention.
Margie & Ray’s checks every box.
Softshell Crab — A True Virginia Delicacy Done Right
Softshell crab is one of those dishes that sounds intimidating if you’ve never tried it — but once you do, there’s no going back. At Margie & Ray’s, one first-timer described their softshell crab as “very tasty” and said the experience of trying it for the first time at the bar was a highlight of their visit.
Softshell crabs are blue crabs harvested just after they’ve shed their hard shell, making the entire crab edible. It’s a uniquely Chesapeake Bay tradition, and Virginia Beach is one of the best places in the country to enjoy it fresh.
Paired with sides like coleslaw or a baked potato, it becomes a complete and deeply satisfying meal. The staff at Margie & Ray’s are happy to guide first-timers through the experience, which makes the whole thing feel welcoming rather than overwhelming.
Definitely worth ordering when it’s available.
Grilled Scallops That Might Change Your Life
Bold claim, but hear this out — one recent diner said the grilled scallops at Margie & Ray’s were “likely the best scallops I have eaten in my life.” That’s the kind of review that makes you put down your phone and start planning a road trip to Virginia Beach immediately.
Scallops are notoriously tricky to cook well. They need high heat, perfect timing, and a confident hand.
When done right, they’re sweet, tender, and caramelized on the outside with a melt-in-your-mouth center. It sounds like the kitchen at Margie & Ray’s has figured it out.
Whether you’re a scallop devotee or someone who’s never ordered them before, this is a dish worth trying here. Pair them with the fresh coleslaw — described by that same reviewer as “very fresh, crunchy and sweet” — and you’ve got a combination that’s hard to beat anywhere in Virginia.
Fried Oysters and Seafood Medley Worth Celebrating
Fried oysters at Margie & Ray’s are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the plate before anyone even thinks to slow down. Reviewers describe them as “yummy” and highlight them as one of the more reliable starters on the menu.
Crispy coating, juicy interior — they deliver exactly what you want from a fried oyster.
The fried seafood medley is another crowd-pleaser, combining multiple types of shellfish and fish in one satisfying plate. For groups where everyone wants a taste of everything, it’s the obvious choice.
One reviewer specifically called it a great starter that “can’t mess up so much” — meaning it sets a strong tone for the meal ahead.
Fried seafood done well requires clean oil, proper batter, and the right timing. Margie & Ray’s consistently gets those basics right, which is why the appetizer section of the menu has so many fans.
Start here and work your way through the rest.
A Family-Run Business With Real Heart
There’s something different about eating at a place that’s truly family-run. At Margie & Ray’s, that difference is felt from the moment you walk in.
Longtime regulars describe the owners as “incredible people” who have built something that goes beyond just a restaurant — it’s a community gathering spot with genuine soul.
One reviewer who has been visiting for nearly a decade said the place is “just as awesome as it’s always been,” even though they no longer live in the area. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of consistent quality and people who truly care about their guests.
The restaurant may not have the polished look of a trendy new spot, but that’s exactly the point. Its charm comes from authenticity.
When a family puts their name on a restaurant and runs it with pride for years, the food and the experience reflect that dedication every single day.
Perfect Stop After a Day at Sandbridge Beach
Margie & Ray’s sits right on Sandbridge Road, making it the perfect detour before or after hitting Sandbridge Beach. Reviewers mention this connection repeatedly — it’s become a beloved ritual for beach-goers who want to cap off a sunny day with something delicious and satisfying.
One first-timer wrote that they spotted the restaurant on the way into Sandbridge and decided to try it on the way out. They walked away calling it “a great place to stop after a day at the beach” and promised to return.
That kind of spontaneous discovery is exactly what makes road-trip dining so fun.
The casual vibe means you don’t have to dress up or stress about sandy flip-flops. Just walk in, grab a seat, and let the kitchen take care of the rest.
After a long beach day, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a plate of fresh seafood with people you love.
Crab Cakes and Specialty Menu Items Worth Exploring
Crab cakes are a Maryland and Virginia staple, and Margie & Ray’s takes them seriously. One reviewer raved about crab cakes that were “cooked to perfection with the perfect crisp,” while another had a less favorable experience — which just goes to show that every visit can be a little different, as with any busy kitchen.
Beyond crab cakes, the menu stretches into unexpected territory. There’s a Valentine’s Day special, a tuna florentine that blew one diner away, and even burgers for guests who aren’t seafood fans.
The calamari has been called “phenomenal” by at least one reviewer who couldn’t stop talking about it.
The variety here means there’s genuinely something for everyone at the table. Whether your crew is made up of hardcore seafood lovers or picky eaters, the menu at Margie & Ray’s has enough range to keep everyone happy and well-fed without any compromises.