Eating your way through the River Realm? That’s funny! We are, too. In fact, it’s one of our favorite past times. Fortunately, we never run out of options here. We’re fortunate to have chefs and culinary gurus from around the world who make their home here. They create robust and exciting menus inspired by their travels and guided by our local food and culture. Beyond their printed menus, you’ll find creative specials throughout the week and for a deal!
While all of our restaurants deserve a spotlight on this list, here’s a sample of some of our favorite “specials” in the River Realm, any night of the week.
Monday Happy Hour at Adrift
Adrift features a seafood heavy menu daily. Regular stars of the show include Thai mussels, buttermilk battered chicken wings, and mushroom risotto. Throughout the week, though, pop in for happy hour. Enjoy fresh White Stone Oysters and Tangier Oyster Company oysters for $1 from 5 to 6 p.m. Wash them down with half-off select wines by the glass and $2 domestic beers. Check Facebook for more regular specials at Adrift.
Taco Tuesdays at Dredge
Bryan Byrd is well known for his famous fried oyster tacos. He got his start in the River Realm on his Byrd Seafood food truck where he slings fresh seafood creations inspired by his time in Key West. Today, he also has a restaurant, Dredge. His menu is one of the most creative around and features new specials every night of the week. On Tuesdays, though, he nods to his beginnings with Taco Night. Stop in for dinner to try tacos for $5 each including fried oysters, cuban pork, beef short rib and others inspired by the latest fresh catch.
Wine Down Wednesdays at Vine
If you like sipping spirits, then stop into Vine – Wine, Beer, and Provisions in Irvington on Wednesdays. Founder Terry Riggs hails from Merroir and knows a thing or two about creating special places in the River Realm. She’s put her know-how to work developing Vine. On Wednesdays, the tasting room is open for guests to sample a new variety of wine or beer every week. Learn more about the wine or beer from reps and pair them with a new food every week, from ropa vieja to freshly shucked local oysters. Get a glass or bottle of your favorites and enjoy them on the big, open patio out front.
Thursday Tacos at the Galley
The Galley Manager Pam says you can’t get in the door sometimes on Taco Night. The local eatery features specials all week like Prime Rib Night and Pasta Night. Everything is always made from scratch. On Thursdays, though, tacos take center stage. Choose from beef, chicken, soft shell crab, shrimp, and fish. Be sure to request some special Galley Sauce to top off your tacos. Wash them back with happy hour specials featuring buckets of beers, rail drinks and wine.
Fridays at Good Luck Cellars
Who doesn’t look forward to Friday? Head out to Good Luck Cellars for Wine Down Fridays. The vineyard is tucked away in the hills of the River Realm and the perfect escape from a busy work week. It is always lively and totally tasty. As you pull in, you may hear music, laughter, and then some. Local music creates a relaxing environment to taste the vineyard’s extensive list of award winning wines. Pair your vino with bites from Bryan Byrd of Dredge, who sometimes brings his original food truck creations to the vineyard including oyster or soft shell crab tacos and fresh, raw oysters.
Saturday Tasting with Dug In Farms
We’re excited to welcome Dug In Farms to White Stone. Throughout the week, you can stop by to purchase items from their farm and other local farmers at its farm market just off Route 3. On Saturdays, the farm stand opens for Sara’s Saturday Tastings (Seasonal). You’ll find something different, but always fresh and local, every week. Think Chorizo-Stuffed Poblanos and Grass-Fed Beef Wraps.
Sunday Brunch at Willaby’s
You can’t say you visited the south if you didn’t have Sunday Brunch. A long list of our local restaurants feature unique brunch specials you won’t find anywhere else. They’re all worth the drool. For this list of daily specials, we recommend enjoying brunch by the water at Willaby’s Cafe. The restaurant’s big windows and open porch are set upon a private beach–a view just for you and your friends. The brunch menu is packed with items like Eggs Rappahannock with eggs benedict topped with sauteed oysters. Try other local favorites like the Oyster Stew made with freshly shucked local oysters. If you’re craving a burger, try the White Stone Burger made with swiss cheese and grilled sweet onions. For boozy brunchers, take a look at the extensive beer menu. We recommend ordering a flight or a creative cocktail. Stick around for music, which plays nearly every week. Visit the Willaby’s website for a full calendar of music.
What Are Your Favorite Specials?
We know you and your squad will enjoy every special bite here. With the views, fresh local seafood, and creative chefs, we know why. If your food looks as good as it tastes, we want to see! Tag us on Instagram at @virginiasriverrealm.
