Ray's Shanty Seafood Restaurant & Market

Welcome back to All Things Food in Chincoteague, Va.

When making that left or right hand turn off of Route 13 have you ever noticed the green metal building on the left hand side? If you haven't pay attention next time, because that is the home of Ray's Shanty. Ray's opened their doors to the restaurant on May 21, 1986 and they have been in business ever since. The past two seasons have been rough because of the pandemic, but after what I saw today, they are back and business is booming. As you enter the restaurant you are greeted with everything Eastern Shore, old oyster cans, duck decoys and of course the southern hospitality of a wonderful staff. As you dine you will see both Laura and Ray walking around and chatting with their guests.

The food is so good and fresh here, I ordered the trawler and it was 2lbs of shrimp (you could do heads on or off) I picked off, but Ray came by and said no you need to try the heads on, so they brought us a single heads on shrimp to try and I could taste the difference. They were the sweetest shrimp I have ever had. The heads off were also amazing, but that heads on shrimp was so good. The meal came with his famous hush puppies and a side of either French fries, baked potato or a salad. I did get the fries and they were the boardwalk cut and good. One of my friends ordered their broiled scallops and she said they were really good and cooked to perfection.

The seafood market is attached to the restaurant and has some of the largest and freshest selection of seafood you will find. If you are looking for anything that lives in the water Ray probably has it for you. He also sells his delicious fresh tuna fish by the pint (one of my favorites). 

Ray's Shanty

32157 Chincoteague Rd

New Church, VA 23415

757-824-3429

Their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/RaysShanty

They are currently open in the restaurant Thurs & Fri 4pm to 8pm and Sat & Sun 12pm to 8pm. The seafood market is open Thurs to Sun 10am to 6pm. Once the season gets into high gear they will be adding more hours. They do close for the season around mid to the end of Dec and reopen the end of March/beginning of April.

Do they offer vegetarian meals? If you eat seafood yes, if not no

Do they offer vegan meals? No

Do they offer gluten free meals? If you get your seafood broiled and stay away from the hush puppies you will be fine.

Do they offer low carb meals? Yes

Do they us peanut oil? No

Do they offer daily specials? Yes

Do they have a kids menu? Yes

Do they accept reservations? No

Do they have outdoor dining? No

Do they offer delivery? No

Do they offer take out? Yes, but it is limited, because the kitchen is preparing meals for the dining room as well.

Do they offer curbside pickup? No

Do they offer handicap parking & entrance? Yes

Do they offer military discounts? No

Do they offer senior citizen discounts? No

Do they have a loyalty program? No

What dish are they most famous for? Their shrimp is their most popular dish (and rightfully so)

What is my personal favorite menu item? The steamed shrimp, hush puppies and the fresh made tuna salad.

I know if you stop here for a meal or your fresh seafood to bring back and cook yourself, you will not regret it at all. Ray and Laura have done a great job creating and running a wonderful place to dine just a short drive off of Chincoteague. I wish them a very successful 2022 season.