Chincoteague Island is small but there are a surprising number of great places to eat. If you’re heading there for vacation, be sure to check out some of our favorites. They’ve got several great seafood restaurants, some nice family dining options, a couple fancy restaurants and of course food trucks and trailers. Here’s our picks for the Best Places to Eat on Chincoteague. Meet us there, it’s time to eat!
AJ’s on the Creek – AJ’s does both a lunch and dinner menu. Lunch is a nice selection of salads, soups and sandwiches. The dinner menu has several seafood, pasta and steak dishes to offer. Crab cakes are the name of the game here though honestly you can’t go wrong with anything they serve at AJ’s. It’s a great place for a date or a special occasion as they have a long wine list, too.
Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks – They’ve been in business since 1960 and for good reason. Locals call this one of the best places to eat on the island. We love their stuffed shrimp and their broiled scallops! (Plus the green beans and the salad are excellent choices for sides.)
Black Narrows Brewing Company – They’re the first brewery on Virginia’s Eastern Shore! It’s kid friendly, has several different options for different tastes (a stout, a lager, several IPA’s) and even offers a flight for those of you who like to taste before you go all-in with a pint. It’s probably in our top three of best places to eat on Chincoteague. And when we say eat, we mean drink haha.
Captain Zack’s – The hours changing depending on the season but the seafood is on point. Especially the crab cakes. Some say it’s one of the best seafood restaurants on Chincoteague.
Don’s Seafood Restaurant – This is where you go on Chincoteague for oysters. This is another one of those mentioned when they talk about best seafood restaurants on Chincoteague. Their steamer and raw bar is one of the best around. And if seafood’s not your thing, no worries, Don’s also got pizza and sandwiches on the menu.
Already know where you want to eat on Chincoteague? Head on over to our list of the 25 Best Things to Do on Chincoteague!
Etta’s Channel Side Restaurant – Looking for waterfront dining? Head to Ettas! Go for the crab cakes or the seafood gumbo.
Famous Pizza – Famous Pizza on Chincoteague has been putting out delicious pizza pies for over 30 years.
Island Creamery – Homemade dessert? Heck yeah! There’s a lot of flavors to choose from so save room for dessert! We recommend at least getting a sample of the Rocket Fuel which is named for the nearby NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility and their rocket launches. If it’s a little on the hot side, opt for something a little more traditional. Get there early since lines can get long in the summer!
J & B Subs – Grab a sub before you head out on a fishing charter. They make the best cold cuts on the island.
Maria’s Family Restaurant – Went there on a Sunday and the breakfast buffet was in full effect. Locals love this place.
Mr. Whippy’s – Amazing soft serve. You’ll be thinking about it long after the last bit is gone.
Pico Taqueria – The Chincoteague Classic is your choice of chicken, pork, beef, or fish, with lettuce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese and crème fraiche. Do it.
Pony Tails – If you like salt water taffy, you’re not going to want to miss this place.
Poseidon’s Pantry – Great sandwiches as well as growlers to go. (You can bring your own growler or buy one of theirs. Beers are always changing.)
Right Up Your Alley Also known as RUYA, this lil’ food trailer cranks out some top notch tacos.
Ropewalk – A seafood heavy menu with outside seating. It’s a small chain (there are other Ropewalks in Ocean City and Baltimore.) They’ve also got non-seafood options like jerk chicken and filet mignon.
Saigon Village Restaurant – Huge portions and vegetarian options.
Sea Star Cafe – Excellent sandwiches and wraps made to order. They have vegetarian and vegan options.
Smokey’s BBQ and Grill – It’s all about the barbecue here. Tender meat and full of flavor. Their homemade sauce bar includes House Sauce, Carolina Sauce, Sweet and Smokey, and Hot and Spicy. They’ve also got several flavors of lemonade. Come hungry, leave full!
Steamers – If you’re looking for an All You Can Eat seafood place, this is the one on Chincoteague. They have steamed blue crabs, shrimp, snow crab legs and more.
The Village – Some say this is one of the best restaurants on the island. There’s white tablecloths, candlelight and a great view of the water.
Woody’s Beach BBQ – A tiny little place to eat some BBQ with a beach / surf vibe.
Additional Resources
Best Places to Eat on Chincoteague
Eating on Chincoteague Island is a treat. There’s so many great options! How many of these places have you tried? We’d love to hear from you, especially if we missed a place you think should be on our list of the best places to eat on Chincoteague!
If you’re visiting Chincoteague, be sure to check out our top Fun Things to Do on Chincoteague.
Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley are travel writers, photographers and the authors of Authentic Asheville.
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