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Ray's Shanty
Review
About
Features
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
Special Diets
Gluten free options
FEATURES
Highchairs Available
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Parking Available
Is this an American restaurant?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 12:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Contribute
4.3
255 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
66
Average
21
Poor
13
Terrible
6
bluejeanfood
Philadelphia860 contributions
Sep 2024 • family
A short drive off the island leads you to Ray’s Shanty in New Church, VA, a cozy eatery that’s been serving local seafood since 1986. The moment you step inside, the old-fashioned wood-paneled setting welcomes you.
Start with their hush puppies, easily the best you’ll find anywhere—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The platter of scallops is divine, showcasing perfectly cooked, tender morsels of local seafood. Their clam strips are a true treat, served with hand-cut fries that elevate any meal.
Written October 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan C
Scandia2 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
We visited in Sept.of 2021 and am just now getting around to writing a review but, the dates only go back to 2022. We love seafood and thought we'd try this place. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. Ray himself was going from table to table to visit with folks and to see if diners had everything they needed. He was so cheerful and genuinely enjoyed the guests especially the kids. He and his wife let us interupt their own dinner to say thanks for coming. The food portions are generous and so fresh and delicious. We also went to the fish market the next day and bought as much wonderful seafood as we could fit in our RV fridge for the trip back to Minnesota. We would highly recommend the hosts and this restaurant for a reasonably priced, delicious meal, and personalized service. If you're in the area, stop in and enjoy an authentic and personalized experience.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melaney68
Chesapeake Beach11514 contributions
Jun 2024 • friends
The locals shared that this was their favorite spot. The wait for a table proved to be worth it. EVERYONE working was extremely nice and they made us feel like family. Ray came and chatted with our table, shared the shark story, and recommended menu items like the huge grouper platter. The portion sizes were large and the crab cakes had huge chunks of crab. Cannot wait to return!
Written June 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda K
13 contributions
Aug 2023 • none
After 25 years of driving past Ray's Shanty on the way to Chincoteague, we finally hit timing to stop in for dinner. Spectacular does not begin to describe the food. Service was fantastic. THIS may very well become THE place for a dinner on each and every future trip. Early arrival is imperative or the wait may easily be an hour as reservations are not accepted. Worth the wait!
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhoebeGR
Grand Rapids99 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
It was apparently busy for a Thursday night and the waiter apologized for the loud crowd. The meal (6 steamed shrimp, coleslaw, hush puppies, and fried flounder were accompanied by sauces and were all tasty (the fries were not very good), We split the plate and there was plenty of food - the flounder was huge! We didn't choose a special as we weren't familiar with the choices, but it must be a popular place. The service was great and the prices reasonable.
Written June 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose R
Bethesda1459 contributions
Sep 2021 • family
Stopped here on our way to Chincoteague around 3PM and got a seat easily. The decor inside definitely has the fishing and seashore vibes. My toddler son enjoyed the crayons and looking at the fish and shark on the paper placemats. The hush puppies were a hit - very tasty. Got the steamed shrimp platter - the shrimp were huge and juicy but just seamed to lack overall flavor despite the old bay seasoning. I did like the cocktail sauce which gave it a little more kick. The fries and cole slaw were just ok. I decided to try Smith Island cake and went for the seasonal lemon raspberry. It was too sugary sweet for me. Our waitress was lovely - I think her name was Saira. If in the area, I would consider coming back but would probably order something totally different.
Written September 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon M
Chattanooga42 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We love these local joints. We luckily got there at the best time because they sat us at the bar which is lucky for us because we got to chat with the owner. He’s been there for over 36 years! Talk about fresh! Another advantage of sitting at the bar is getting to see them prepare the fresh fish in the market. It also helps that the Neptune Soup was scrumptious!
Written July 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz D
16 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
We spent a wonderful day in Ocean City at Jolly Roger's Waterpark. Met up with a family member in Chincoteague at Shanty. Looked forward to a good meal! 3 of the diners live there. We were left waiting even when it was apparent our table was ready for a party of 8. The hostess asked if our bathing suits were dry looking at me. I said yes my shorts are more than dry, she said no her! My granddaughter had on just regular jean shorts. She was embarrassed. I would have just left if others didn't want to stay. Our waitress must have drawn the short straw because she seemed apprehensive. The meal was good and enjoyed by all. Will I go back there after being embarrassed..never!!! It was pointed out to me that the owner had arrived during our meal..he didn't look better dressed than us! I suppose the restaurant just wants to hand pick their clientele. Not something you would expect at a beach community :(
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
renarr
Freeland377 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Excellent spot for lunch. Very fresh and huge portions. Delicious hush puppies, flounder, steamed and fried shrimp, crabcake and onion rings. We came home w another entire meal. Delicious seafood.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beawnorris
Lake Orion5 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
Ray’s Shanty, a short 7 mile drive off the island, provided us the best dinner we had on our visit to Chincoteague, Virginia. It is not fancy, but the food is delicious, is served quickly and with a smile. This is a local’s place and I almost hate to post a review lest it becomes overrun. We will definitely return.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baltimoremary_12
70 contributions
Sep 2021 • couples
I was expecting the seafood to be fresh caught and therefore delicious. I was disappointed. The flounder was over cooked and the scallops were a bit chewy. Can’t complain about the hush puppies and sides. Service was very good however. We’ve been meaning to come to Rays for years because of all the great reviews but it was always too crowded. I don’t think it’s worth the wait, I won’t be back.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esther F
7 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
Hushbpuppies delicious. French fries soggy and cold. Main dishes good. Oysters ordered raw ,were.served cooked shriveled and dreadful. Dinner portions good and cooked properly
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luke47
Chincoteague Island1731 contributions
Jun 2021 • solo
As always, this place never disappoints.
This time I had the blackened tuna special platter. The tuna was perfectly cooked (but my idea of blackened and theirs is not the same. I like a crust and lots of seasoning.)
Their hush puppies are the best around: big, not over fried, seasoned just right.
The hand cut fries were delicious.
You can never go wrong here.
Written June 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles G
5 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
If you like fried seafood, this is your kind of place. Great variety. Food prepared perfectly and huge portions. Real homemade hush puppies! Excellent service. Every table was occupied. Acoustics are loud.
Written June 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seeyouathefield
Ponte Vedra Beach12 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
Called ahead and told seating till 8. Drove 15 minutes from chincoteaque arriving at 7:58. Walked in and there were 3 girls at the counter. Not 1 even said hello. Had to ask if we could be seated. The answer was no. Requested they check with manager to see about 2 more. No can do on the request. Don’t say seating till 8 if you not seating till 8. A simple hello would have been nice, too! Followed up with a phone call to the manager and she said they didn’t turn anyone away. Then after consulting with her staff she was told we walked in at 8:05. Absolutely not true. We were on the road back to Chincoteague by 8:01. When I mentioned how rude the staff was manager said “not possible because she is my granddaughter”. The professional response would have been I am sorry we couldn’t seat you. Huge disappointment! Don’t waste your time and gas to drive the 15 minutes off island. There are plenty of good restaurants on Chincoteague.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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