Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Shack
Virginia Beach, VA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Shack's beverage program leans heavily on its signature crushes, with Waterman's Original Orange Crush leading a lineup of fresh-squeezed cocktails. The drink menu spans margaritas, spritzes, and rum runners, plus a rotating frozen special. Beer drinkers get local craft options like Back Bay Brewing's Orange Crush IPA, while wine remains simple and affordable. A casual outdoor bar with games, it's a straightforward beach drinking spot.
- What should I order?
- Start with Waterman's Original Orange Crush, the house signature. For something stronger, try the Bulleit Bourbon Crush or Casamigos Fresh-Squeezed Margarita. If you prefer beer, Back Bay Brewing's Orange Crush IPA is a local nod to the crush theme.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beachgoers and groups looking for a laid-back outdoor bar with a wide selection of crush-style cocktails and local beers. The casual, game-filled atmosphere suits those who prioritize fun over formality.
- When should I go?
- Afternoons and early evenings when the outdoor bar is lively, especially during warmer months. The rotating frozen drink special makes it a summer destination.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $10.00 to $16.00, with most crushes between $10.25 and $12.50. House wines are $7.50 per glass, and local craft beers are around $7.50. A round of drinks for two can easily reach $30.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Shack's identity is built around the Orange Crush, a fresh-squeezed cocktail that anchors a menu of creative variations. The outdoor setting with games and a rotating frozen drink adds to its beach-bar character, while sister locations Chix and Waterman's share the crush lineage.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A broad crush-centric cocktail list with fresh-squeezed juices, including Waterman's Original Orange Crush, The Shack Crush, and variations like Creamsicle and Honey Habanero. Also offers margaritas, palomas, spritzes, and rum runners.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive variety of signature crushes and cocktails.; Use of fresh-squeezed juices in many cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Waterman's Original Orange Crush – Fresh-squeezed orange crush, $10.00.
- — Casamigos Fresh-Squeezed Margarita – Made with Casamigos tequila, $16.00.
- — Bulleit Bourbon Crush – Bourbon crush with Bulleit, $12.50.
Pricing: Cocktails range from $10.00 to $16.00; crushes $10.25-$12.50.
Wine
Wine list is simple but practical, with house Cabernet, Bubbles, and Pinot Grigio, plus a few by-the-glass and bottle selections like Mirabeau Pure Rosé and Moët & Chandon. Offers both value and premium options.
Menu strengths
- — Range from affordable house wines to premium champagne.
Standout selections
- — Moët & Chandon Impérial – Brut champagne from Épernay, France, $85/bottle.
- — Mirabeau Pure Rosé – Rosé from Southern France, $11/$42.
Pricing: House wines $7.50/glass; premium wines $10-$85/bottle.
Beer
Beer list covers domestic lagers (Budweiser, Corona, Modelo), local craft from Back Bay Brewing and Bold Mariner, plus non-alcoholic options. A solid, no-frills selection for a beach bar.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local Virginia craft beers.; Mix of domestic, craft, and non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — Back Bay Brewing Orange Crush IPA – Local IPA, $7.50.
- — Bold Mariner Frogman Lager – Local lager, $7.50.
Pricing: Domestic beers $5.99-$6.50; craft beers $6.75-$8.00.
Nonalcoholic
Limited but adequate non-alcoholic selection: Michelob Ultra Zero and Corona NA beers, plus Surfside Lemonade + Ice Tea and Sun Cruiser Pink Lemonade. Suitable for designated drivers.
Standout selections
- — Surfside Lemonade + Ice Tea – Lemonade and iced tea blend, $7.50.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic beers $6.25; lemonades $6.75-$7.50.
Spirits
Spirits appear only in cocktails, with tequila (Hornitos, Casamigos), bourbon (Bulleit, Maker's Mark), rum (Bacardí), and vodka (Smirnoff) represented. No standalone spirits list, but the cocktail program showcases these brands.
Standout selections
- — Hornitos Ranch Water – Tequila-based cocktail, $12.00.
- — Maker's Mark Bourbonade – Bourbon lemonade, $12.50.
Pricing: Spirit-based cocktails range from $10.50 to $16.00.
How it sits with the food
The menu pairs well with casual seafood and bar food, though specific pairings are not detailed. The citrus-forward crushes and fresh margaritas complement fried seafood and light snacks, while local IPAs work with grilled items.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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