Ray's Restaurant: A Must Eat If One Vacations in Chincoteague, Virginia

Although we would like to simply trust that we are going to have a good experience when we go out to eat, this is sadly not always the case. Most of us have been taught many times that just because a restaurant looks good or appears nice from the outside does not mean that is going to be a pleasant dining experience. For that reason, we tend to stick to the places that we know and trust. For those that are visiting or may be near Chincoteague Virginia, however, one sure bet for a great dining experience can be found at a restaurant known as Ray's Shanty, located at 32157 Chincoteague Road, in Wattsville, which is the neighboring town, just off of the bridge to Chincoteague.

Although the outside of the restaurant looks simple and plain, as soon as one steps inside, the entire experience beings to unfold. The entire restaurant is decorated in the style that one would expect for a place that specializes in seafood. Boating memorabilia adorns the dark wood walls, and displays regarding ancient fishing equipment are scattered about the restaurant. There is a nice gift shop upstairs, and it really helps to pass the time while one is waiting for a table (although the prices are reasonable, and it is a great place to shop for souvenirs). The actual dining room is furnished in the same way, and the tables are made out to look like planks left over from a ship.

Of course, while looks don't mean everything to a restaurant, sometimes have a pleasant atmosphere can make a major difference. The service at Ray's is always pleasant and friendly. The waiters and waitresses make sure that you are happy with your food selection and are very knowledgeable about the types of seafood that is being served. While there are sometimes longer waiting times before getting a table, the staff does their best to make sure that one does not have to wait too long of a time before sitting down.

After one does sit down though, is when the real experience starts. The menu at Ray's is stocked full of almost every seafood dish you can imagine. From swordfish to Maui Maui, and even old favorites such as cod or tuna. Any especially good choice is the "pick 3" option on the menu. With this, you can pick three (or four) of any seafood element you want, and have it put together for you. It is also served with French fries. The fried scallops are especially delicious. Also, Ray's is known for their crab crakes. When you order a platter, you get two massive, all-crab patties, a definite must for those who love crab. Another favorite is the clam strips, caught locally and then fried, they are simply delicious. Even those that do not like fish can still find something worth dining on at Ray's. There are a variety of steaks available, and each one of them is always cooked to perfection, just the way that one has ordered it. Even the appetizers are good. A perfect choice to start the meal off right is the blooming onion. The crab soup is another great choice. Even if one may have to wait a little bit to actually get their meal, the appetizers are always served right away.

The portion sizes are plentiful, and although it is a tad bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants that one will find in the area. Judging by the atmosphere, the service, the quality and amount of the food that one can get, the price is more than justified.

Although Chincoteague definitely has it's fair share of seafood restaurants, definitely one of the best, both in terms of food and a friendly comfortable atmosphere, is Ray's Shanty. Whether one is looking for a fun dinner for the whole family, or a nice night out for two, Ray's is definitely one of the best choices that can be found in Chincoteague.