Big Sams Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar, Virginia Beach

With plenty of encouragement from his now-wife Dawn, Big Sam opened his Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar more than 15 years ago—but immediately felt that it was lacking. A former competitive skateboarder and surfer, Sam dreamt of transforming his single-hot-plate establishment into a beachfront staple alive with conversation, frosty beer, and fresh seafood. So he set to work, expanding, decorating, and reinventing both the restaurant and himself. Sam and Dawn were married on the sands of Bora Bora and developed a deep affinity for French Polynesia that resonates throughout their restaurant. It’s evidenced by the space's potent tropical drinks, tiki-themed decor, and ability to inspire guests to ask to have their passports stamped.

Today a full kitchen churns out hearty breakfasts of buttermilk pancakes or overstuffed burritos, as well as lunches of juicy burgers and sirloin steaks. Seafood aficionados can sample the raw bar's saltwater oysters and Eastern Shore clams or tackle the popular blackened-fish tacos. A friendly, laid-back vibe bounces off the stained-wood walls and abundant windows of the ocean-side cantina as guests take in views of the waterfront and chow down on Maryland crab cakes or savory meatloaf and mashed potatoes.