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Winter Dining Guide

Your Winter Dining Schedule on Chincoteague Island

Winter brings a gentler rhythm to Chincoteague — quiet streets, trails where you'll encounter only wildlife, and the kind of beach walks that make a warm meal taste even better. While some restaurants close seasonally, many stay reliably open, offering comfort food, fresh seafood, and friendly local hospitality. Here are our favorite cozy meals, handpicked for each day of the week:

Monday

Lunch: Blackfin Island Grill
Creative dishes, warm atmosphere, local owners, and located conveniently across the street from the Refuge Inn.

Dinner: Ropewalk
Sunsets are gorgeous and can be enjoyed during happy hour from 4-6. This is a great chance to try some raw oysters, too!

Tuesday

Lunch: Famous Pizza
A simple, satisfying lunch that stays open when many don’t. Their pizza, pasta, subs, and Greek food are consistently good. Order at the counter to eat in, or enjoy free delivery island-wide.

Dinner: Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks
White tablecloth, classic experience, great wine list, amazing chef-prepared food. The perfect way to enjoy a winter evening on the island. 

Wednesday

Lunch: Ropewalk
A relaxed mid-week spot with plenty of variety. We like the burgers and wings!

Dinner: Steamer’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Enjoy sit-down dining in the dining room, or sit at the bar to enjoy great drinks, friendly bartenders, and the local sports bar vibe.  Half-price appetizers on Wednesday nights are a local favorite, but get there early to grab a seat!

Thursday

Lunch: Asian Express
Quick, comforting, and consistently open. Enjoy take-out Chinese or Sushi (ready in 10 minutes, usually) and dine poolside for tropical vibes.

Dinner: The Village Restaurant
The family of Chincoteague seafood legend Bobby Conner welcome you to enjoy their local offerings in a friendly, coastal atmosphere. Their local servers are excellent, and their fried oysters are the best anywhere. They sometimes close for a few weeks in January or February so please check hours before planning your meal!

Friday

Lunch: Don’s Seafood Restaurant
A long-standing Chincoteague favorite. Tommy Clark and his crew serve up local seafood and home cooking, right on Main Street. Most of the downtown shops are open on Friday too, so you can make an afternoon of it.

Dinner: AJ’s on the Creek
Cozy, intimate, and a lovely way to start the weekend.

Saturday

Lunch: Captain Zack’s Seafood
Fresh seafood, unfussy atmosphere, huge bloody marys. This is a local standby!

Dinner: Blackfin Island Grill
Weekly tapas are seasonal, creative, and consistently delicious. Reservations recommended!

Sunday

Lunch: Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks
Perfect for warming up with a cup of soup and a grilled cheese after a morning at the refuge.

Dinner: Steamer’s Restaurant & Sports Bar
Relaxed and welcoming, Steamers is ideal for a Sunday evening wind-down. Try the Sunday Dinner special-- Chicken and Dumplings or Beef and Dumplings, with all the fixins.

 

A Note for Winter Travelers

Chincoteague’s winter hours can shift with weather and staffing, so calling ahead is wise, especially in January and February. 

Whether you’re warming up after birding, strolling the beach, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the season, this schedule takes the guesswork out of winter dining — so you can spend more time exploring, relaxing, and savoring the island.

If you need help with reservations or recommendations during your stay, just stop by the front desk. We’re always happy to point you toward something delicious.