Why Locals Claim This Virginia Beach Burger Shack Serves The Best In Virginia
I stumbled into Raven Carry-Out Cafe on a sweltering afternoon, following a tip from a lifeguard who swore it made the best burger in Virginia.
The place sits one block off the sand, barely bigger than a closet, with a menu board that promises Angus beef and bold sauces.
I ordered the Raven Burger, waited ten minutes in a line of sun-baked locals, and took my first bite on a bench overlooking the boardwalk.
That patty, charred and juicy, delivered everything the hype promised – a truly amazing feeling I want to share with everyone.
A Little Window Near The Boardwalk
Raven Carry-Out Cafe occupies a compact footprint at 300 28th Street, just a quick stroll from the Virginia Beach sand. The counter stays busy with beachgoers and regulars who insist the burgers taste like the old oceanfront days.
You will find no dining room, only a window where orders fly out hot. That tight setup keeps the vibe authentic and the focus laser-sharp on quality patties.
Locals love the convenience of grabbing lunch between waves or after a bike ride along the boardwalk. The location makes it a natural pit stop for anyone craving a serious burger without wandering inland.
Why Locals Call It Best In Virginia
Social media posts and fresh Yelp reviews stack up fast, with diners praising juicy patties, welcoming staff, and lines that snake out the door at lunch. Word spreads quickly along the oceanfront, and regulars defend Raven as the top burger spot in the state.
The atmosphere reads true beach shack: small, casual, and proudly local. No corporate polish, just honest cooking and friendly faces behind the counter.
That grassroots buzz carries weight because it comes from people who eat here weekly, not tourists chasing trends. Locals trust their neighbors, and the reviews back up the hype every single time.
The Burger Style: Two Patties, Brioche, House Sauces
Hand-formed grass-fed Angus patties arrive stacked two-high on soft brioche buns, creating a tower of beef and flavor. Signature builds include the Raven Burger and the Neptune King, each layered with smoky mayo and a proprietary Raven sauce.
The patties cook on a flat-top until the edges crisp and juices pool in the center. That technique locks in moisture and delivers the char everyone craves.
Expect your wrapper to collect drips and your napkins to pile up, because these burgers are messy in the best possible way. The double-patty format means every bite balances bun, sauce, and beef without one element overpowering the rest.
Legacy Lives On
Raven Carry-Out nods to the beloved Raven restaurant that once anchored Atlantic Avenue, a name Virginia Beach locals remember fondly. The original spot closed years ago, but its burger reputation lingered in neighborhood conversations.
The new carry-out keeps that spirit alive in a cozier footprint, honoring the flavors and approach that made the first location a local legend. Fans appreciate the continuity, knowing the recipes and care traveled forward.
Operating under the Raven banner connects past and present, giving longtime residents a taste of nostalgia while introducing newcomers to a storied name.
That bridge between eras fuels loyalty and pride across generations of burger lovers.
When To Go
Posted hours typically run from midday into the evening, with recent updates showing noon openings and closings around 8 or 9 p.m. several days each week.
The schedule can shift with beach season and staffing, so checking Instagram before you head over saves a wasted trip.
Summer weekends see the longest lines, while weekday afternoons offer shorter waits. Early birds can snag lunch without the rush, and evening visitors catch the tail end of service.
I learned to follow their social feeds for day-of announcements, because sell-outs happen when the flat-top runs hot and demand spikes.
A quick scroll confirms hours and any special menu additions before I leave the house.
What To Order First
Start with the Raven Burger or the Black & Bleu, both built to showcase the grass-fed Angus patties and house sauces. Add onion rings or fries to round out the meal, and grab a frozen beverage if you plan to walk the strip afterward.
Fans call out big flavors and generous portions, so arriving hungry is wise. The double-patty format means even hearty eaters leave satisfied.
I always order a side of onion rings because they come out crispy and golden, the perfect contrast to the rich, juicy burger. That combination hits every craving and sets the bar for what a beach lunch should taste like.
How The Line Moves
The tiny footprint means a short queue can look intimidating, but orders move quickly off the flat-top and the carry-out model keeps seats turning fast. Patience pays with hot, fresh burgers that justify the wait.
Staff call names as bags come up, and the rhythm feels efficient rather than chaotic. Most visitors spend ten to fifteen minutes from order to pickup, even during peak lunch.
I appreciate the transparency: you can watch patties sizzle and buns toast while you wait, which builds anticipation and trust.
That open kitchen reassures you that every burger gets the same careful attention, no matter how long the line stretches.
First-Timer Game Plan
Arrive a little before the lunch rush, order a signature double, and carry your bag toward the beach for a boardwalk bite. That strategy maximizes freshness and lets you enjoy the burger with sand and surf as your backdrop.
Peek at Facebook or Instagram for day-of hours, specials, and any sell-out warnings. The social feeds update regularly and save you from showing up when the kitchen is closed or the menu is sold out.
I like to grab napkins, find a bench with a view, and unwrap my burger while the patties are still steaming. That first bite, with the ocean breeze and the taste of grass-fed beef, makes the trip unforgettable.