Central Shore Caribbean: Laid-Back Happy Hour Vibes in Virginia Beach 🌴
Short video showing happy hour dining experience at Central Shore Caribbean in Virginia Beach
Summer is in full swing, and nothing beats sitting out on a patio, enjoying flavorful bites without turning into a popsicle at home. Whether you want indoor AC or outdoor breezes, Central Shore Caribbean at 2301 Red Tide Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 delivers both comfort and chill ambiance—perfect for happy hour or a pre-Oceanfront stop.
🍹 Midweek Escape: Hookah + Happy Hour (Wed–Sun, 3–6 PM)
Full transparency: I didn’t indulge in any alcohol for personal reasons, but the food spoke for itself. Plus, they offer hookah and happy hour specials midweek—great for winding down after a busy day.
Central Shore Caribbean happy hour menu listing discounted appetizers, tacos, and drinks available from Wednesday to Sunday, 3–6 PM
What We Tried + Real Reviews
🔹 Oxtail Slider – $5
A flavor-packed, tiny star on a Hawaiian roll. Seriously, I’m all for extra sweetness and this delivered—until it vanished in one bite. One slider isn’t enough; it’s a delicious tease worth coming back for again and again!
🔹 Empanadas Trio (½ off): Jerk • Birria • Shrimp & Crab
Jerk Empanada: Bold and addictive—definitely the go-to of the bunch.
Birria Empanada: Tender and savory; saltiness was a hint heavy, but the dipping sauce balanced it out beautifully.
Shrimp & Crab Empanada: Sadly a bit dough-heavy and skimpy on filling, so it didn’t deliver the wow-factor I hoped for.
🔹 Honey Jerk Wings – $1 Each
I’m a long-time fan of these wings (yes, since their nightclub days!). Always cooked to perfection—crispy outside, juicy inside, and drenched in honey jerk bliss. Pick from eight flavors, but you can’t go wrong with their signature—you’ll be licking your fingers clean!
🔹 Birria & Shrimp Tacos (Happy Hour Special)
Single tacos that fly off the plate:
Shrimp Taco: Perfectly tangy house sauce, stayed crisp, and hit the flavor notes without getting soggy.
Birria Taco: A bit too salty this time—adding the dipping sauce didn’t fully fix it, and it got tough to finish. But still worth the taste test.
Atmosphere & Timing
We visited during weekday happy hour—soft music, warm vibes, and friendly staff greeted us immediately. Food arrived in about 25 minutes, which felt like a long wait for the smaller portions, but the flavors and ambiance made it worth it. Plus, once you're done, a quick Shore Drive cruise lands you right at the beach.
Final Takeaway
Central Shore Caribbean is a solid happy hour pick in Virginia Beach—offering a laid-back Caribbean vibe, affordable bites, and a breezy patio perfect for summer. Sure, portions run small during deals and wait times can be longer than expected—but the flavor keeps me coming back.
Positively,
Marshé Harper