By Brendan Pelsue
Located at the mouth of the Elizabeth River, historic Portsmouth, Virginia is filled with restaurants that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. Most of these places specialize in seafood, although some offer chicken and steaks as well. If you're looking for local specialties, check out the fried oysters, creamy soups and anything with crab.
The Flagship Restaurant
The Flagship offers fresh seafood in a quaint setting steps from the Elizabeth River. Menu choices range from Southern staples such as crab soup and oyster po' boys to lobster ravioli and salmon puttanesca. In the summer months, owner Alan Parker buys all the restaurant's produce from Clark Farm in nearby Chesapeake. Deck-side seating is available. A well-stocked bar and live music make the restaurant a busy night spot. The atmosphere is informal, and as one of the oldest restaurants in town, the Flagship ranks as a local favorite. It's open only on weekends.
The Flagship Restaurant
103 Constitution Ave.
Portsmouth, VA
(757) 398-1600
flagshipportsmouth.blogspot.com/
The Deck Restaurant
Looking across the Elizabeth River to nearby Norfolk, the Deck is a classic seafood shack. Entrees include blackened, broiled or fried scallops, oysters and fish and crabmeat au gratin and lump crab baked in drawn butter. Steak and pork is available as well, but seafood really is the thing. Positive reviews in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and picturesque views are some reasons why entrees at The Deck might be a little more expensive than some other Portsmouth seafood eateries. Breakfast is served on Sundays.
The Deck Restaurant
10 Crawford Parkway
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 398-1221
deckrestaurant.com/index.html
Foggy Point Bar & Grill
Located in a Marriot Hotel in the heart of Old Towne Portsmouth, Foggy Point Bar and Grill straddles the line between formal and casual. The lobby and dining room are elegant, but menu items include homey favorites like baby back ribs and fish and chips. The grill menu features a variety of aged steaks. Sides are ordered separately, and include baked potatoes, market fresh green vegetables and slaw.
Foggy Point Bar and Grill
425 Water St.
Portsmouth, VA 23704
(757) 673-3000
marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/orfpt-renaissance-portsmouth-hotel-and-waterfront-conference-center/
Resources
About the Author:
Brendan Pelsue began writing in 2005. His articles have been published in the journal of the Actors Theatre of Louisville and the "College Hill Independent." He graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in literary arts in 2008.
