The Sly Fox, Virginia Beach

Before Sly Fox even opened, its chefs were busy curing their own bacon and smoking their own pastrami for the occasion. Yet that depth of effort isn't just limited to meat, nor to the restaurant's big opening. Each day at 4:30 p.m. the doors open and the aromas of brisket and homemade pizza announce their presence to anyone within breathing distance. Other parts of the menu are plucked from around the world, from the New Orleans' famed barbecue shrimp to beef tacos drenched in Korean-style sauce. The ingredients don't necessarily come from afar, though, as they source many items locally, including their fresh strawberries.

One tip: wherever you wind up eating—be it the patio, a cozy booth, or at the bar—it's easy to get a drink. Especially during happy hour from opening until 7 p.m. each day.