Today we’re going to check out Beach Bum BBQ in Mathews, VA. It’s a nice little restaurant located on Highway 14 East. They have a beachy feel to the place with their colors and the way it’s set up. For those like me that have to look on a map, Matthews isn’t far from the Chesapeake Bay. I don’t know about beaches there but I guess they’re close enough to pick up on that vibe. So here’s how it went.
The Restaurant and Staff:
This restaurant has been here for about 30 years. Previously it was known as Lynne’s Family Restaurant. About 3 years ago they decided to change it up and opened Beach Bum BBQ. I’m told that the same family owns it. Our waitress was Nichole. She was fantastic and very nice. There was another waitress there also and both were wonderful and fun to have waiting on us. They worked well together and both had a great sense of humor. What else can I say, they did a great job. Thanks ladies.
Smoked Brisket and Smoked Turkey at Beach Bums BBQ.
Our Choices at Beach Bum BBQ:
Tammy ordered a Trio with Smoked Turkey, Pulled Pork and Sliced Brisket. Her sides were Corn Pudding and Spiced Apples. Both were homemade. She loved the corn pudding. I actually tasted it this time. It was ok I guess but I still just don’t like corn pudding. Sorry Folks. Now the apples were really good. I enjoyed the spices along with the apples they used.
The smoked turkey was good. It had a really good smoke flavor. Tammy liked it more than I did but that’s understandable. You know my feelings about turkey. I’m just not a big fan. The brisket was good as well. It had a nice smoke flavor and was moist and tender. They add a little sauce but not too much. The sauce was pretty good too. The pulled pork was very good. It had a nice smoke flavor and a hint of a vinegar taste, like NC Style. Not strong vinegar though. There is vinegar sauce at the table you can add but I chose not to.
And My Choices At Beach Bum BBQ:
Trio with Pulled Pork, Sliced Brisket and Ribs.
I also went with a Trio. Mine was with Pulled Pork, Sliced Brisket and Ribs. For sides I chose Onion Rings and Smoked Baked Beans. Again, both were homemade. The onion rings were absolutely fantastic. Really thin sliced onions with a homemade batter fried up perfectly. What else is there to say? And the beans were awesome. They had a thick smoky sauce and lots of meat in them. I loved the beans too.
I already talked about the pork and the brisket so let’s try the ribs. The ribs had a great taste to them. They do come sauced. I’d prefer a little less sauce but I still loved them. I do think I needed a bath when I finished. I was into them pretty hard.
How About Dessert:
Peanut Butter Pie at Beach Bum BBQ.
Tonight we shared a piece of Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. Oh my, it was wonderful. I’d make the hour and a half or more drive back just for this pie. The peanut butter was on a thick chocolate crust and had a little whipped cream on top. Did I mention homemade? Oh yes, have mercy. This pie rocked. My advice is to get a doggie box for left overs and save some room for pie. And one slice is more than enough for two people.
Final Thoughts:
Well we really enjoyed our visit to Beach Bum BBQ. Some of the people I work with have told me about this place so we finally made the trip to check them out. I’m glad we did. This was a really nice ride and off the beaten path. They are about 14 – 15 miles off Rt. 17 from Gloucester. The staff was great. They started getting busy after we were there. Everyone was friendly and the food was excellent. I’d love to make the trip back to try some more items on the menu. And maybe, just maybe some more pie.
Now For Your Thoughts:
I may be wrong but somehow I doubt that a lot of people stumble across this restaurant by accident. But if you have made a random visit here let us know how your visit went.
I know that the people coming in after us were locals. So how about filling us in on some more about this place? Tell everyone what keeps you coming back. We’d love to hear more about the rest of the menu also.
Scroll down and drop your comments in the box. I’ll get them posted as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you.
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10 Comments
We love Beach Buns BBQ. I love the pulled pork. But my favorite is the crab cakes. We live in a seafood area where everyone has crab cakes. These are by far the absolute best. They are always the same and always delicious. My husbands favorite is the hamburger steak with onions and gravy. If you haven’t been, give it a try. Really delicious food.
I love crab cakes. I’ll have to go back to check out some seafood. The hamburger steak sounds fantastic too. Thanks for letting us know. I do appreciate everyone’s input.
Close by this restaurant is Gwynn’s Island Campground. We have camped there for a few years. Part of our tradition is eating breakfast and sometimes dinner at Beach Bums. Excellent food. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and BB doesn’t disappoint. If you go back pick up a bag of bar-b-que flavored pork rinds. They are made at the restaurant and are delicious.
You know, I almost got a bag of the pork rinds but didn’t at the last minute. I’ll have to try them next time around. Thanks for the tip.
Great sides, whatever you choose. Collard are my fave. Great crab cakes, flounder, their soup specials are always delicious, I love the seafood bisque but it isn’t offered often. Onion rings are truly the best I’ve had and I try them all. Their staff are all great people. Before it was Lynne’s and she remodeled, it was a dairy freeze, and I worked there in high school. Born and raised here for 65 years, this place is dear to me and most of Mathews County. Thank you for your great review.
We really enjoyed our visit. I’m glad to hear so many wonderful comments. Thanks for adding to our story.
A little history of the building for you: It was built over 50 years ago by my parents and it was called “Payne’s Frostee Freeze”. I grew up in this building for over 20 years and have so many memories of that building. It was where I had my first job and where I met so many Mathews folks. It was very family friendly and Beach Bums continues to follow in that tradition. I frequently have dinner at Beach Bums and the food is always delicious. That building will always have a special place in my heart.
Cyndi, That is so cool. Thank you for sharing that with us. I really appreciate it.
I just moved to the area last June. Went to Beach Bum and I have loved everything there! SOS for breakfast is awesome. Crab cakes, chili, fried chicken. Too much to choose from. I go at least 2 times a week and when family is in town that is our go to!!
Beverly. That’s awesome! I am so glad we found this little gem and have had the responses from the people in the area. Thank you for your input. The crab cakes keep coming up. I think I’m going to have to make another trip just for some of them. Thanks again. Take care.