While tropical places have their appeal year-round, there’s something about summer that inspires visions of palm trees and tiki bars. You might be wondering if such a place exists here in the Old Dominion. Fortunately, they do, and Clare & Don’s Beach Shack in Virginia is the answer. Surprisingly, this tropical themed restaurant isn’t even on the coast but tucked away in Falls Church. Amidst corporate businesses and parking garages, you’ll find this little slice of paradise to be refreshing in every possible way.

Claire & Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church may not be on the beach – or even close to the water – but you’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll feel transported to a tropical state of mind.

Dizzy Green / Google

The moment you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by colorful walls, tropical music, and all sorts of beach-themed memorabilia on display.

Jason K / TripAdvisor

With its live music, colorful outdoor seating, and delicious food, this hidden gem is perfect for the whole family.

Jason K / TripAdvisor For a complete list of events, including trivia nights and a live music lineup, click here.

The outside seating area even features a few palm trees. It’s hard to imagine a more festive destination than Clare & Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church.

sarah l./Yelp

The menu offers plenty of tasty options, ranging from crab cake appetizers to larger seafood entrees.

Kim T./Yelp

Photographed below is the plate of chicken nachos, a popular order for those looking for a shareable plate.

Caroline L./Yelp

Just make sure you save room for dessert. It wouldn’t be a tropical getaway without a little taste of something sweet!

Sylvia Yowe / Google

Whether you’re cooling off inside or lounging outside on the patio, you’ll feel completely rejuvenated by your visit to Clare & Don’s Beach Shack. What better a way to celebrate summer than a festive themed restaurant in Virginia?

xzay10 / TripAdvisor

Plus…you never know what kind of tropical guests might stop by for a visit.

Clare & Don’s Clare & Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia is open Monday - Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (and 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). We’ll see you there!

This colorful local spot could compete with just about any waterfront restaurant in Virginia. For more information on Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, be sure to visit the official webpage here. Also be sure to check out These 9 Beachfront Restaurants In Virginia.

Dizzy Green / Google

Jason K / TripAdvisor

For a complete list of events, including trivia nights and a live music lineup, click here.

sarah l./Yelp

Kim T./Yelp

Caroline L./Yelp

Sylvia Yowe / Google

xzay10 / TripAdvisor

Clare & Don’s

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, Virginia is open Monday - Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (and 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). We’ll see you there!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack In Virginia June 06, 2019 Beth Copenhaver What are the best themed restaurants in Virginia? Virginia is home to an impressive amount of themed restaurants, and no two are exactly alike. Whether you’re visiting a small town or a bigger city, you’re bound to find a destination restaurant that will temporarily transport you to another time or place. Some of the most beloved themed restaurants in Virginia include Havana 59 in Richmond (which even offers late-night dancing), Edelweiss Restaurant with a German-inspired menu in Staunton, or Abbey Road Restaurant near the Virginia Beach waterfront. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Virginia? With thousands of miles of shoreline, there are seemingly countless waterfront restaurants in Virginia to choose from. Gorgeous water views make for an excellent atmosphere, so you can rest assured that any waterfront restaurant in VA is bound to impress. That being said, there are a handful of waterfront destinations that have proven to be favorites among visitors and locals. Check out Mallards at the Warf (Onancock), The Landing Restaurant (Smith Mountain Lake), Island House Restaurant (Wachapreague), Indigo Landing (Alexandria), The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing (Richmond), or Merroir (Topping). Which cities in Virginia have the best restaurants? Since we’re on the topic of incredible dining, you might be curious as to which of Virginia’s cities are best known for their dining scene. It’s no exaggeration to say that each of Virginia’s major cities is a true dining destination, and we’d be remiss to neglect the small towns. Those of particular note are Richmond, who’s dining scene has completely evolved in the past decade. Others, such as Virginia Beach, are notorious for their festive waterfront restaurants and seafood offerings. Head to a smaller town like Charlottesville or Staunton and you’ll be equally impressed by the sheer variety of top-notch restaurants.    

The OIYS Visitor Center

Clare & Don’s Beach Shack In Virginia

June 06, 2019

Beth Copenhaver

What are the best themed restaurants in Virginia? Virginia is home to an impressive amount of themed restaurants, and no two are exactly alike. Whether you’re visiting a small town or a bigger city, you’re bound to find a destination restaurant that will temporarily transport you to another time or place. Some of the most beloved themed restaurants in Virginia include Havana 59 in Richmond (which even offers late-night dancing), Edelweiss Restaurant with a German-inspired menu in Staunton, or Abbey Road Restaurant near the Virginia Beach waterfront. What are the best waterfront restaurants in Virginia? With thousands of miles of shoreline, there are seemingly countless waterfront restaurants in Virginia to choose from. Gorgeous water views make for an excellent atmosphere, so you can rest assured that any waterfront restaurant in VA is bound to impress. That being said, there are a handful of waterfront destinations that have proven to be favorites among visitors and locals. Check out Mallards at the Warf (Onancock), The Landing Restaurant (Smith Mountain Lake), Island House Restaurant (Wachapreague), Indigo Landing (Alexandria), The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing (Richmond), or Merroir (Topping). Which cities in Virginia have the best restaurants? Since we’re on the topic of incredible dining, you might be curious as to which of Virginia’s cities are best known for their dining scene. It’s no exaggeration to say that each of Virginia’s major cities is a true dining destination, and we’d be remiss to neglect the small towns. Those of particular note are Richmond, who’s dining scene has completely evolved in the past decade. Others, such as Virginia Beach, are notorious for their festive waterfront restaurants and seafood offerings. Head to a smaller town like Charlottesville or Staunton and you’ll be equally impressed by the sheer variety of top-notch restaurants.    

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Virginia is home to an impressive amount of themed restaurants, and no two are exactly alike. Whether you’re visiting a small town or a bigger city, you’re bound to find a destination restaurant that will temporarily transport you to another time or place. Some of the most beloved themed restaurants in Virginia include Havana 59 in Richmond (which even offers late-night dancing), Edelweiss Restaurant with a German-inspired menu in Staunton, or Abbey Road Restaurant near the Virginia Beach waterfront.

What are the best waterfront restaurants in Virginia?

With thousands of miles of shoreline, there are seemingly countless waterfront restaurants in Virginia to choose from. Gorgeous water views make for an excellent atmosphere, so you can rest assured that any waterfront restaurant in VA is bound to impress. That being said, there are a handful of waterfront destinations that have proven to be favorites among visitors and locals. Check out Mallards at the Warf (Onancock), The Landing Restaurant (Smith Mountain Lake), Island House Restaurant (Wachapreague), Indigo Landing (Alexandria), The Boathouse at Rockett’s Landing (Richmond), or Merroir (Topping).

Which cities in Virginia have the best restaurants?

Since we’re on the topic of incredible dining, you might be curious as to which of Virginia’s cities are best known for their dining scene. It’s no exaggeration to say that each of Virginia’s major cities is a true dining destination, and we’d be remiss to neglect the small towns. Those of particular note are Richmond, who’s dining scene has completely evolved in the past decade. Others, such as Virginia Beach, are notorious for their festive waterfront restaurants and seafood offerings. Head to a smaller town like Charlottesville or Staunton and you’ll be equally impressed by the sheer variety of top-notch restaurants.