Best Burgers in Virginia Beach: 5 Local Favorites You Need to Try

The Great Virginia Beach Burger Debate

Ask ten Virginia Beach locals where to find the best burger, and you'll probably get ten different answers.

From Wagyu beef creations and gourmet toppings to classic smash burgers and neighborhood favorites, Virginia Beach has no shortage of incredible burger spots. Whether you're a longtime resident, visiting for the weekend, or considering a move to Coastal Virginia, these local favorites deserve a spot on your burger bucket list.

1. Repeal Bourbons and Burgers

If there's one restaurant that repeatedly appears in local burger discussions, it's Repeal.

Located just blocks from the Oceanfront, Repeal has built a loyal following with creative burger combinations, quality ingredients, and an impressive bourbon selection. Many locals consider it the benchmark for gourmet burgers in Virginia Beach.

What locals love:

• Gourmet burger menu
• Creative toppings
• Hand-cut fries
• Bourbon selection
• Oceanfront location
  
  

Featured Favorite:

The Prohibition Burger

Visit:

Repeal Bourbons and Burgers

2. Craft Burger Bar

For burger lovers looking for premium beef, Craft Burger Bar has become a Shore Drive favorite.

Known for its Wagyu beef burgers and creative menu options, this local spot frequently appears in community recommendations and food guides discussing Virginia Beach's best burgers.

What locals love:

• Wagyu beef burgers
• Shore Drive location
• Large portions
• Craft beer selection
  
  

Featured Favorite:

The Aristocrat Burger

Visit:

Craft Burger Bar

3. Barrel 17

Located in the ViBe Creative District, Barrel 17 has developed a reputation for serving some of the area's best Wagyu burgers.

Its casual atmosphere and unique burger combinations have helped make it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Food writers and local residents frequently include it among Virginia Beach's top burger destinations.

What locals love:

• Wagyu beef burgers
• Whiskey Burger
• Sweet potato fries
• ViBe District location
  
  

Visit:

Barrel 17

4. Simply George Burger Joint & Beer

A hidden gem for many Virginia Beach residents, Simply George focuses on doing the basics exceptionally well.

While it may not receive as much tourist attention as some Oceanfront locations, locals regularly praise its burgers, fresh ingredients, and neighborhood atmosphere.

What locals love:

• Fresh ingredients
• Classic burger options
• Friendly service
• Neighborhood feel
  
  

Visit:

Simply George Burger Joint & Beer

5. Union Alehouse

Known for creative pub food and specialty burgers, Union Alehouse has quietly become one of the area's favorite spots for burger lovers.

Their unique burger creations often earn praise from regular customers looking for something beyond the traditional cheeseburger.

What locals love:

• Specialty burgers
• Local craft beer
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Great happy hour
  
  

Visit:

Union Alehouse

Honorable Mentions

Several additional restaurants frequently appear in local burger conversations:

• Pungo Sports Bar & Grill
• ShoreBreak Pizza & TapHouse
• Hot Tuna
• Monk's Place
• 1608 Crafthouse
  
  

These spots have developed loyal followings and are often recommended by locals when discussing great burgers in Virginia Beach.

Our Picks by Category

Best Overall Burger

Repeal Bourbons and Burgers

Best Wagyu Burger

Craft Burger Bar

Best Hidden Gem

Simply George Burger Joint & Beer

Best Burger & Bourbon Pairing

Repeal Bourbons and Burgers

Best Burger Near the ViBe District

Barrel 17

Best Neighborhood Burger Spot

Union Alehouse

Why Food Matters When Choosing a Place to Live

One of the things residents love most about Virginia Beach is the incredible local restaurant scene.

From fresh seafood and waterfront dining to locally owned coffee shops and burger joints, the city's food culture adds to the quality of life that makes Coastal Virginia such a desirable place to call home.

Whether you're spending a weekend exploring local restaurants or considering a move to the area, finding your favorite burger spot is just one of the many perks of living in Virginia Beach.

Thinking About Moving to Virginia Beach?

The best way to get to know a community is through its local businesses. From hidden burger gems and coffee shops to beaches, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Virginia Beach offers a lifestyle that's hard to beat.

If you're considering making Coastal Virginia your home, we'd love to help you explore the neighborhoods and local favorites that make this area so special.

Liz Bradley, REALTOR®
Community Partner Group
Brokered by REAL Broker, LLC
Licensed in Virginia and North Carolina

Disclaimer

Restaurant menus, ownership, hours, and offerings may change over time. Rankings are based on a combination of local recommendations, community feedback, publicly available reviews, and overall reputation at the time of publication.