A person who lives, works, or flourishes at sea is a waterman. Being referred to as a “Waterman” in the water sports of fishing, surfing, and other water activities is the highest accolade that seafarers have ever received because it suggests “the greatest ever.” The Waterman’s, which is owned and run by the Standing Family, has been around since the 1960s. The structure was formerly a walk-up burger establishment and gift shop called “Shake n’ Burger & Beach Nut Gift Shop.” The building was expanded at the beginning of 2007, and a new concept called “Waterman’s Surfside Grille”—an elegant yet laid-back oceanfront restaurant—emerged. The attic was changed into a space for special events, and the Beach Nut Gift Shop was recreated. It is now a location where one may find exclusive presents & jewelry, just inside the entrance to Waterman’s restaurant.

While the ocean-inspired cuisine of Waterman’s is well known, the Orange Crush, a favorite beverage in Virginia Beach, has also come to be associated with the restaurant. Waterman’s introduced this well-known drink and its original formula to the Virginia Beach oceanfront more than ten years ago, instantly catapulting it to cult status and coining the term “Crush Lover.” Waterman’s also serves non-alcoholic options like the O’Douls N/A.