Baja Cantina is one of those true Virginia Beach gems! The food is always great: the wings are definitely a favorite, and it has that laid-back, local dive-bar atmosphere that's getting harder and harder to find. What makes it even better are the owners. They're longtime VB locals who really know the area and genuinely make everyone feel welcome, whether you live here or you're just visiting. As people who enjoy traveling themselves, they understand how nice it is to find a local spot where you're treated like you belong instead of "just another tourist." Great food, great people, and a fun, unpretentious atmosphere. Definitely a place worth checking out if you're in Virginia Beach! read more

This is one of my favorite hole-in-the-wall bars around. It gets crowded in the summer, but off-season is great for the locals. You can never go wrong with the Costa Azul bites. And the homemade sauces are amazing! Service is good, better now than it will be come summer. So for now I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts. read more

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I was in town working a show nearby and this place was close to our hotel. I love a good ol' dive bar with fresh food! Bartender was friendly and cute. It was late, but we were very satisfied! read more

Baja Cantina - Shrimp tacos, beef tacos, side rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Vibrant spot just off the beach next to a paid public parking lot. Very convenient spot with good deals and friendly staff. Stopped by after the lunch rush and had fast service. Food is tasty and spot has good ambiance-- semi Grateful Dead vibe with music, colored lights, decor, etc. Will be back next time we're in Virginia Beach! read more

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Been coming to this local dive bar spot across from Tautog's at the Oceanfront for a hot minute and I have got to say it's becoming my one of my faves. Great people and fast service. Food was reasonably priced and I highly recommend the chips, any cold beer, fish tacos and wings. Play some pool while you wait! Lots of hot sauces to choose from and Al Pastor tacos made fresh on Friday and Saturday nights after 7pm. Park in the lot behind it if there's no street parking. There's usually a kind gentleman that runs the parking lot there. read more

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I had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant. The woman who greeted me and took my order was extremely rude from the start. She told me I only had 10 minutes to order. Shortly after I was seated, a group of four white men came in and were greeted warmly. They were immediately brought chips and salsa. I was not offered chips, salsa, or even water. The difference in service was noticeable and uncomfortable. When I received my bill, I was shocked to see that gratuity had been added automatically, even though I was dining alone. They also charged 50 cents for takeout boxes, which felt unnecessary on top of everything else. As for the food, it was just okay, nothing that made up for the poor service. Overall, the experience left a bad impression, and I would not return. read more

Baja Cantina - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

DO NOT EAT HERE. Prices are great because the food is horrible. I've never had a burrito (sushi style) that was this bad . Service was "okay", you can tell they only care about their regulars. End of story no flavor , no service.. just don't waste your time . read more

I was craving some fish tacos and feel as though I found a great beachside location to get a couple, with an even larger fish to taco ratio than I expected. The associated sauce and slaw were both tangy and delicious, while the fish themselves were flaky and perfectly cooked. Service was immediate and helpful right at the bar. I found comfort in not even having to watch the formula 1 Miami go qualifying on my phone as it was playing right up on one of the TVs! read more

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This place is a little on the divey side. Which sometimes means the food will be good lol. This was not the case. I walked in and from the outside looks like it might not be open but, pulled the handle and it was. Good thing cause I was starving and wanted a cocktail. I was greeted right away and employees seemed pleasant. My waitress was nice but sorry not outstanding, just ok. I'm from Texas originally so my opinion of the food might be too high standard. The tacos almost had like an Asian taste to it , Im thinking they put soy sauce in the marinade. Idk but that's not yum. the rice was mush, beans had an over powering taste of cumin . SMH. The only thing that was decent was the cocktail . I got the Baja crush . Sorry but, I will not be returning read more

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This is a nice place with great ownership and staff. Their soft tacos are varied and all excellent! If you're looking for good food and nice atmosphere, this is the place! read more

Awesome place for tacos and a cold beer. New owners Aaron and Jordan couldn't be any nicer. This will be my go to for Mexican food.

Baja Cantina was near a brunch place that we had just enjoyed, and I wanted to check out their fish tacos. They have daily specials posted on their board, in addition to the appetizers, house specialties (such as fajitas, enchiladas, taco salad, etc.), tacos, burritos, and tostadas they have on their regular menu. I had their Alaskan Pollock taco, the Rockfish taco, and the shrimp taco. Everything was made-to-order, which was great, as the tacos came out piping out and super fresh. However, even though there were one or two other parties dining in, I did wait a considerable long time (which felt like close to 30-45 minutes?)! Probably highly recommend in calling ahead and placing your order for a pickup. Service was friendly, and I was offered some water while I was waiting up at the bar. The place seems to be a favorite with the locals. There's limited metered street parking in the area. +fresh fish tacos +daily specials +friendly service +limited metered street parking read more

Great Chimichqngas, both chicken and beef! Great atmosphere plenty of TV's and very.nice. Ft friendly atmosphere to.boot. Very. Close to.boardwalk.and Ocean front hotels. Reminds me of Cheers plus sports Bar with very good foods. You won't be disappointed read more

I went here for the margarita festival and walked away with mixed feelings. I spent about 20 minutes sitting at the bar before anyone acknowledged me, even though the waitress looked over several times. Eventually, she came over and took my order, and to her credit, the margarita was pretty solid. That said, they didn't do anything special for the so-called "festival." There was no vibe, no unique menu, and no energy. It felt like a regular day with a catchy label slapped on it. I'm giving two stars instead of one because the drink was tasty. But if you're going to promote a themed event, you need to actually deliver an experience--not just a decent cocktail after a long wait. read more

We stopped in one the way back to our hotel - not many places are open beyond 10:00 pm. Appeared to be a mix of locals and travelers, but the place was not packed - lots of indoor, and some outdoor seating, and room around their large bar. The chips and salsa were very good, and the tacos we ordered were very good. The kitchen looked busy from where we sat, but the food arrived promptly, and the service was polite and knowledgeable about the menu. A great late evening stop we'll visit once we're back in VA Beach. read more

We stopped by trying to go to Doc Taylor's but they weren't open. Went across the street to try this place. Trio dip was good...everything else not so much. I should've paid more attention to the menu, ordered beef fajitas and it was GROUND Beef...who does that?! It tasted like sausage didn't even eat them. Wings were burnt, chicken fingers yuck. Also charged auto gratuity for a table of 4. read more

We waited an hour for our food, service was terrible. Staffs were impatient, avoided eye contact, and rushed past our table from a distance like they were trying not to interact. A 20% tip was already included in the bill without clear notice, so we ended up double tipping. Very disappointing. Would not return. read more

Go on a Monday night for goth night in the sidebar. Candi is the best bartender in Virginia. great atmosphere, great drinks, great service, great prices. food comes fast, drinks come even faster. If I could give it 7 stars I would read more

Our tacos were incredible! I got the blackened mahi tacos and they were exactly what I've been looking for. My husband got fried shrimp and fried fish tacos and enjoyed those too. The dips were also really good. The service was friendly and fast too. read more

Dope af!! The food was absolutely delicious and even on a busy day (surfing comp) we got our food and drinks very quickly. Exactly what you want in a beachside lunch and bar! read more

If you're craving food that tastes like summer- head to Baja Cantina. That's the best description I've got for this spot. I visited a few weeks ago during Phase 1 of COVID-19 reopening so they did not have dining available yet. They had converted their side window to become a curbside pick up window though which was pretty rad. Our order was ready right on time, we got two lobster burritos and some wings. Everything was fantastic. I'll say it again, it tastes like summer 100%. Light, yet extremely filling. The wings were excellent as well. I've visited in the pre-pandemic days for drinks and haven't been let down. It also has never been super crowded when I've visited which I always appreciate. If you're in the area and want some great beach food, great drinks, and good vibes- this is where it's at! read more

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I walked in and was not greeted. A man was cleaning the bar and still didn't speak. I asked how do I order. He said "her". 10 minutes later and she finally addressed me. My food did not take long at all which concerned me. Once I got home I bit into undercooked scallops. I ordered steak and received bland ground beef in my chimichanga. The rice and beans were good. The cheese sauce was great. I will not be a repeat customer though. Maybe for queso and chips. Oh...and I was charged for a to-go plate. read more

Baja Cantina - Ordered steak and received ground beef. The GROUND BEEF was mildly seasoned and kind of mushy. The rice, beans and cheese sauce were good. - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Walked into the place and thought it was a nice place. Well air conditioned, lots of seating and mostly clean. Me and the two others I was with seated ourselves by the bar. Not one of the bartenders came up to us and asked us what we would like. They skipped us 3 times and helped others at the bar. They were also taking small shots of whiskey and making small talk with each other. I was about to suggest to my two that we should leave till one called out to one. When the blonde bartender approached, I could smell the alcohol on her. I, myself, am a bartender. I can't help but observe what other bartenders do. And this is very unprofessional. Not only were they drinking on the job and ignoring customers, but they were over pouring for most customers. My two friends drinks were incredibly strong while mine was just a bit strong. We watched and they poured more alcohol than they did the juice. We didn't stay long. Only had that one drink and got the hell out of there. I believe management needs to look into this cause they're literally wasting money doing what they're doing. read more

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The place was very interesting we sat down and we got our drinks I got a sprite it tasted like water they didn't have drpepper or sweet tea the food was very marvelous read more

Food: Was good the opinions on the menu were good and well priced . The fried shrimp tacos we tasty . My friend got the blackened Mahi Mahi . She loved it the presentation was messy but still delicious she said . Service : Top Notch read more

Stopped in on Memorial Day specifically for the fish tacos. We started with chips and guacamole. The guacamole was delicious. My house Fish Taco did not disappoint. One was all I needed. My husband got the chicken finger basket. Not really sure why....but it was very good. It didn't taste frozen. It tasted homemade and the fries also tasted fresh. We had awesome service from Brianna. She was excellent. Very genuine and kind. This place is nothing fancy and a great stop after the beach. read more

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Places is awesome, monday was quite busy. Good drink and food menu. But food not good at all. read more

Baja Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Fish and Fried Chicken Tacos / Burrito hit hard asf The burrito is kinda overpriced tho but good read more

It was pretty good with nice service. The lobster tacos were really good and the portions were an okay size. Their mask policy was very nice too. They were strict on it and tried their best to implement safety measures. Their enchiladas were a bit dry though. read more

Baja Cantina - Lobster Tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Do not order to go from this place ever. They charged us a 20 percent gratuity for just packing our food. I have never seen a restaurant so this before. Very disappointed as a customer. read more

This is my fourth review of Baja Cantina. I kept up with it through the remodel...and happy to say throughout it all....the quality and tastiness of the food has not changed! While you may or may not not be of fan of their facelift....you have to appreciate the owner cared enough to expand it. Now there is more room and contemporary look. It's reinvented itself and still have the staying power to become the premiere surf bar in Virginia Beach. My recommendation is to stick with a working model. Beach girls + Booze + Bodacious food and add a splash of customer service = happy customers. I'm glad Baja weathered its change...and will be here for decades to come. If you find me here, I'll buy you a shot. read more

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Baja is definitely a hidden gem! I've been going here for about 10 years and the food and drinks have been consistent even through the renovation! The nachos are a MUST! read more

Taco are excellent! The service could have been faster but good enough. It's a beach restaurant but if try them you won't complain.

This place is a must when we visit VB. Atmosphere is great and food is always amazing!!!

Blackened nachos here have been my favorite for YEARS. I no longer live in VB but whenever I visit I make It a point to stop here for the nachos and tacos. I also buy the green hot sauce and take it home with me, it's the best! read more

This was recommended by a co-worker who frequently comes here. When you walk past this place you would have no clue it was there. Apparently they got the main bar,side bar,back room with pool table & upper outside seating as well. The food was awesome. Prices were reasonable as well. Pictured is the shrimp & steak fajitas with nachos with guacamole,queen,& salsa (this tad spicy) but In was fast and fresh. Definitely recommend!!!! read more

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I visited Baja Cantina while in Virginia Beach a couple weeks ago, grabbing a quick bite while waiting for my Airbnb to be ready. It struck me as the sort of place locals frequent. Fairly empty while we were there with a couple people playing pool, definitely a dive bar sort of atmosphere, but with tacos. I had a shrimp taco and a regular beef taco. Both were good but nothing to write home about. My friend had the chicken nachos, piled high with toppings and better than my tacos. Margaritas were what you'd expect in a dive, not awful but not the best. The tables had cute maps on them and overall the place was clean, but there were some alarming holes in the bathroom door (see pics). Overall not a bad spot especially if you like dives, nachos, and billiards. read more

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Super disappointed with takeout since their negligence could've given us food poisoning. Got takeout because the restaurant staff were not wearing masks over their noses. I personally felt uncomfortable with how packed the place was but that was not the main issue for me (everyone can take their own risks and takeout was my choice). Ordered rice and beans on the side for my burrito and was charged extra which they ended up forgetting. The worst part was finding raw meat in the nacho chips. Absolutely disgusted and would not recommend eating here. read more

Baja Cantina - Found a piece of RAW uncooked meat in the to-go nacho chips. The staff was not wearing masks either. Honestly disgusted. - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This was our first time here, and we will definitely come back. Food and serves is fantastic!

Pretty good fish tacos sitting at the bar, especially when it's Thursday BOGO. Nicely stuffed and not all cabbage. Bottled beer choices were good, so I opted for a (Mexican) Pacifico and a second one later. My main complaint and what keeps Baja from being four stars is the smoking. Because it's a bar, people are allowed to smoke up a storm there. And that may have caused my fish tacos to taste less than stellar. And I will echo what Scooby said about hot sauces. They were simply hot with no texture and no depth. Might as well be straight Tabasco. I might return, but only if they opt to exclude smokers from indoors. read more

Baja Cantina - Baja Cantina just before dark in Virginia Beach - Mexican Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia