Discovering Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar: A Virginia Beach Culinary Gem
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Virginia Beach, Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar stands as a distinguished destination for those seeking an elevated dining experience coupled with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Located strategically at 2101 Atlantic Ave, this establishment has carved out a significant niche in the local culinary landscape, drawing both residents and visitors to its doors. It is more than just a place to eat; it represents a commitment to quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and exceptional hospitality. The very name evokes a sense of classic sophistication, hinting at a menu that respects tradition while embracing contemporary flair. For anyone exploring the offerings along the iconic Atlantic Avenue, Hemingways presents itself as an essential stop, promising memorable moments whether you are enjoying a casual lunch or celebrating a special evening.
The location itself is a key asset, placing the restaurant in close proximity to the bustling energy of the boardwalk and the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. This prime positioning allows patrons to seamlessly transition from a day spent enjoying the sand and surf to an evening immersed in fine dining. The interior design thoughtfully complements the coastal setting, often featuring elements that suggest warmth and refined comfort. Understanding the expectations of a discerning clientele, Hemingways focuses intensely on the overall guest journey, ensuring that every detail, from the initial greeting to the final farewell, contributes to a superior dining narrative.
What truly sets Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar apart in a competitive market is its dedication to consistency and its ability to curate an environment that feels both upscale and genuinely approachable. It manages the delicate balance between offering sophisticated cuisine and maintaining the laid-back charm expected of a premier Virginia Beach establishment. This dedication to holistic quality is what transforms a simple meal into a cherished memory, encouraging repeat visits and strong word-of-mouth endorsements across the community.
Key Highlights of the Hemingways Experience
Exploring the facets that contribute to the enduring appeal of Hemingways reveals a commitment to several core principles:
Culinary Craftsmanship and Menu Diversity: The kitchen team at Hemingways prides itself on developing a menu that showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients, often with a distinct nod to coastal American cuisine. Patrons can anticipate thoughtfully constructed dishes that balance familiar favorites with innovative creations. The emphasis is always on flavor integrity and presentation, ensuring that each plate tells a story of careful sourcing and expert execution. This dedication to culinary artistry makes every visit an exploration of taste.
The Bar Program and Ambiance: Beyond the dining room, the "Bar Pilar" component of the establishment is a significant draw. It serves as a sophisticated yet relaxed hub for socializing. The bar offers an extensive selection of beverages, ranging from expertly crafted classic cocktails to a curated list of wines and local craft beers. The atmosphere in the bar area is specifically designed to encourage lingering, making it an ideal spot for pre-dinner aperitifs or a nightcap overlooking the vibrant Atlantic Avenue scene.
Commitment to Service Excellence: A truly great restaurant experience hinges on the quality of its service, and Hemingways places this at the forefront. The staff is trained not merely to take orders, but to act as knowledgeable guides through the menu and beverage offerings. This proactive, attentive, yet unobtrusive service style ensures that guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their entire stay, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Prime Location on Atlantic Avenue: Situated at 2101 Atlantic Ave, the restaurant benefits immensely from its central Virginia Beach location. This accessibility makes it convenient for tourists staying nearby and local patrons alike. Being positioned along this major thoroughfare ensures a dynamic backdrop for dining, allowing guests to soak in the energy of the resort area while enjoying the refined interior sanctuary provided by the restaurant.
A Destination Worth Seeking Out
Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar represents a convergence of excellent location, dedicated service, and high-quality food and drink preparation. It successfully bridges the gap between casual coastal dining and refined culinary exploration. Whether you are seeking a place to enjoy expertly prepared seafood, savor a perfectly mixed cocktail, or simply soak in the atmosphere of Virginia Beach’s premier dining corridor, this establishment offers a compelling proposition. It is a venue built on the foundation of creating exceptional guest experiences, ensuring that every patron leaves with a positive impression and a desire to return. For those exploring the best dining options Virginia Beach has to offer along the oceanfront, Hemingways stands ready to welcome you.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Locals
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
On-site parking
Menus
SEA CUISINE
FISH AND CHIPSUS$25.00
FISH SANDWICHUS$15.00
BOARDWALK TACOSUS$17.00
DESSERTS
KEY LIME PIEUS$13.00
Peanut Butter PieUS$13.00
Flourless Chocolate TorteUS$14.00
FLATBREADS
BOURBON CHICKENUS$15.00
VEGGIEUS$13.00
PEPPERONIUS$13.00
Gluten Free PizzaUS$2.00
HOUSE SPECIALS
Chicken PenneUS$20.00
Pilars Flat Iron SteakUS$30.00
BURGERS & HANDHELDS
CLASSIC BEACH BURGERUS$13.00
THE HEMINGWAY BURGERUS$17.00
Chipotle Black Bean BurgerUS$16.00
Blackened Chicken SandwichUS$14.00
Papals CheesesteakUS$15.00
APPETIZERS
QUESADILLAUS$12.00
JUMBO TRADITIONAL WINGSUS$16.00
BONELESS WINGSUS$15.00
STEAMED SHRIMPUS$13.00
SIDES
CHEF’S VEGUS$6.00
GARLIC MASHED POTATOUS$6.00
MAC AND CHEESEUS$6.00
BASKET OF HOUSE OR SWEET POTATO FRIESUS$6.00
SOUP & SALAD
She Crab SoupUS$8.00
CAESARUS$12.00
Hemingway's House SaladUS$12.00
Kid's Menu
Kids Hamburger or CheeseburgerUS$8.00
Kids Chicken TendersUS$8.00
Kids Cheese or Pepperoni Flatbread PizzaUS$8.00
Photos
Reviews Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar
Elyse Galloway
27-11-2025
Really good food. Fair prices. I have eaten here 2 days in a row so far. I had the bourbon chicken flatbread and the fish tacos. Both were pretty good. If I had any critique, the fish tacos didn't have a lot of flavor outside of the fried fish and tortilla themselves. However, it is early May, so the fruit (mango, I think?) is probably just not in season; it was firm and crunchy.
Over all, I'd still definitely eat here again. The bartenders have all been very kind, attentive, and friendly.
I saw dolphins off the back patio today at lunch. Yesterday, I saw a few blackhawks flying over the water and a naval ship pretty close by. Cool environment!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Kristy Sharp
27-09-2025
We needed food and were on the lookout for a good mojito so we landed here with absolutely no regrets. Great view and Paige helped us add a memory to our vacation with perfect mojitos. I had the Boardwalk Tacos with fried shrimp and they were the best shrimp Tacos I've had. My friend's burger looked amazing too! More
Rebecca Leser
19-09-2025
This restaurant was a solid 4 stars. The ambiance was lovely (there were no tables available outside because they only have a few, so we had to sit inside), but we didn't mind. The frozen drinks were tasty, our waitress was lovely, and the … More
C B
09-07-2025
We were shown to our table outside Sunday night, 10/5/25, waited for an extended period of time to be acknowledged by waitstaff. We saw others come into the restaurant through the windows long after us get service so we got up and walked … More
Kayla
18-04-2025
The staff was very friendly and the service was quick.
We ordered 2 pizzas one cheese and one bourbon chicken. We each loved our own pizza, the bourbon chicken pizza was literally like taking a shot! Not for me but … More
Iga Kasprzyk
28-03-2025
Very nice place with a nice view. Very good food as well. Delicious grilled shrimp tacos, the best I’ve had in a while. Fish burger was good as well, and the fries were also delicious. I’m usually not a dessert person, but the key lime … More
Micah Bolduc
24-03-2025
We were walking along the boardwalk to see what to get for dinner. We looked over the menu and then continued up toward neptune statue. We decided to give Hemingways a try as the meals sounded tasty. We arrived around 6 and walked in noticing how clean the restaurant and hotel lobby looked, we were greated by the hostess and brought over to a table in the bar area by the windows. The bar tender Erica was our attendant. We had a really nice time talking to the staff, Erica was alot of fun while also knowledgeable about the drinks that they could offer. I had a great salmon dinner and my wife enjoyed her meal of black bean burger.
I got to have some of the fries from her plate later in the meal and although they had been sitting on our table and went warm anymore, I was impressed at how good they were cold. I can only imagine if they were hot like she recieved them. I don't know why we have never ate here in the years past, but if it continues to be the way this night was we will be enjoying more meals here.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people, 9+ people, Suitable for all group sizes
Wheelchair accessibility
From the boardwalk they have a ramp, from the front they are ground level through the lobby
Todd Sites
10-03-2025
Very clean and well kept restaurant in Holiday Inn Oceanside 21st. St. Excellent breakfast buffet with a lot of choices including freshly baked croissants, bread, and scones. Warm and tasty eggs, waffles, chicken biscuits. Thick cut crispy … More
LaKisha McKenney
13-01-2025
This place is AWESOME with bartender Tray (a female so you know). I don't drink much but because I was on vacation, I asked for her recommendations. SHE DIDN'T DISAPPOINT!!! All 3 of the drinks she recommended (1 being a secret recipe!!!) … More
Charmaine
05-01-2025
Staying at the Holiday Inn which this restaurant was connected to and decided to try this place out. Holiday Inn gave us coupon to use for this restaurant which was nice. The food was very good considering we ordered take out. Ordered out and ate dinner by the beach which was very nice. Definitely try this place out if you’re in the area.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Group size
Not sure
Wait time
No wait
Reviews Hemingways Restaurant Bar Pilar