We were staying in the area and had been looking for someplace to have Thanksgiving dinner, we were told about the buffet that Wilkerson's has. I called the day before and got on the reservation list. The place was packed when we pulled in, but the line moved very quickly as we checked in and waited. After about 20 minutes we were seated and drinks were brought out. Not only did the buffet have all the Thanksgiving Day fixings but they also had fried flounder & fried oysters. Between my hubby & I we tried everything and it was well worth the $35/each that we paid. Well Done Wilkerson's! Thank you read more

Service was good and friendly. Food served quickly but was very bland. The cost of the meal was high and the food was not up to par.

I will tell you this, the crab legs and the spiced shrimp were amazing. That is what everybody at the table 8, and it was hands-down the best shrimp we have had. It was tough to peel, but it was worth every minute of it.. We had hoped for outside dining, but there is no seating outside on the water. it was freezing inside of the restaurant. We heard some other tables complaining about it as well. Again, we didn't eat anything else off the menu, but the crab legs and the spiced shrimp, and of course, the hush puppies that they give you when they first sit you at the table. This was all delicious. I forgot my son did get the crab fries. They were not great. Not what we would've thought of when we thought of cheddar crab fries. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - crab legs, spiced shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

Situated right on shore of Potomac this place is an old style diner. Plenty of parking in front and across street from building. No matter where you sit there is a view of water with seating of probably 150 customers. The food is ok, nothing to get excited about. Salad bar is small, jus the normal stuff. Service was good. A one and done place for us. read more

I ordered for pick up 1 pound of SPICED shrimp and asked for them to put EXTRA old bay or whatever seasoning. I got zero seasoning. I called and told the very unfriendly African American lady in the front of the restaurant, and instead of apologizing she argued with me that they "spice all their shrimp". I told her I'd send a picture and she basically said I can come back and get old bay! also ordered crab soup to go and the portion was tiny and average taste. the crab sandwich was meh! I can get a crab ball at Halls for slightly less and SO much tastier. I moved to Colonial Bay last year, and I won't be returning. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - No SPICE whatsoever! - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

Meh. If you want a big plate of fried seafood and frozen french fries, this might be the place for you. I got a grilled rockfish, which was dry and overcooked. My friend got the crab cake and boiled shrimp special- the crab cake had lots of filler and not much crab. The shrimp was well spiced but also overcooked and hard to peel. My friend's fried oysters were decent but my husband's shrimp taco was also mediocre. The side of broccoli was overcooked. The salad bar was okay - some browning on the lettuce and terrible tomatoes, but the macaroni salad, potato salad were surprisingly tasty. The wait staff was friendly if a little slow. The views over the water are lovely, but it's surprising there are no outdoor tables (we would have gotten steamed crabs and eaten outside if that were an option). read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

The scallops are wonderful, I get broiled and they are about 3/4 to 1 inch round, plump and at least 14 scallops are served, with salad bar and one side and hush puppies. Most places in Fredericksburg only give 4 to 5 scallops and they are smaller, the price is the same or more. read more

My family and I came up to Virginia and stayed at Colonial Beach for the weekend. This was really the only restaurant that we could find around the town. There's a lot of seating inside and the staff was nice. But the food, wasn't worth the price. I got the buffet and there was not very many options and it didn't taste real good. I figured being close to the coast that the food would be fresh. But it didn't taste very fresh. I really wanted to try the blue crab, but unfortunately it was out of season. It's not the worst seafood I ever ate, but it wasn't the best either. read more

Hands down, I think Wilkerson's had the BEST customer service of any restaurant that I have visited in a very long time. Our waitresses, Michelle and I forgot the name of the other server, were absolutely amazing. I swear that we never had to wait for anything because Michelle constantly checked in on us. Also, both waitress seemed to enjoy interacting/engaging with their customers. The good-natured personality of those two really enhanced our dining experience. From my understanding, this restaurant has been around since the 1940s, which I think gives it a certain local, down-home, personal charm. Some might see the restaurant as "old-looking", but I think the ambiance gives the place some character, which is lacking in many restaurants nowadays. With the large sized tables and an ample dining area, I would imagine that this place is great for medium- to large-sized family/friend get togethers. Also, the restaurant is right on the Potomac so you can get some decent sights while dining...if you get a table by the window Although the service was quite exceptional, our food was decent. It was not the best seafood that I have eaten, but it was fine. For my dining pleasure, I went with a broiled seafood platter which had flounder, shrimp, scallops, and crab dish for about $30. The platter included a side and one trip to the salad bar (normally priced at around $8 for a single serving and $17 for all you can eat). With the exception of the shrimp, I thought everything was delicious in the platter (or was it a combo) that I ordered. In particiular, I thought the scallops and flounder were perfectly seasoned and cooked. Pricewise, I didn't think anything was out of the ordinary. While the food was not the amazing, I thought the pricing was pretty good based on the amount of food you get. I hope to return again during another beach trip and try some other items off of the menu. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - Margarita with a view. - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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Best seafood buffet around. There just aren't many old school places around like this and it's definitely worth the drive.

Sort of confused that Wilkerson's Seafood only averages 3 stars because our meal was delicious! Since we were so close to Maryland I had to get some soft shell crab. My sandwich was awesome and all the sides that came with were also great. My 1.5 year old was obsessed with the hush puppies. They were perfectly crisp. read more

Wilkerson's never disappoints- I love the view, everything on the salad bar is fresh, nothing exotic just good fixings and dressings. The crab cakes are delicious and frankly I never order anything else - my husband loved his rockfish, too. Stick with what you love! Service is friendly and not intrusive. Wine prices are great. I hope it's here forever. read more

Great seafood, I go for the Scallops and like them broiled or fried. The non- fish eaters have no complaints with the choices and quality of the food available. We have always had good service even when it is busy. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - Water view dining - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

Extremely friendly and attentive service. Good, solid family restaurant food. Kid friendly. A great option if you're in Colonial Beach and need a bite. read more

The view was amazing. Right on the river. The place is very clean, The service was great. My server was super attentive. I ordered the flounder filet. Which came with 2 massive portions a side and a trip to the salad bar. The salad bar was ok would like to see a few more toppings options. The food came out piping hot and tasted good. If you're looking for a no frills solid place to eat seafood I think this is a good option. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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I had fried oysters and onion rings, that was good, wife had crab cakes that she sent back due to a lot of shell in it, changed to fried shrimp that was okay. Waitress was good for service but not personable. Not a place I would revisit. The view was good. read more

Excellent hush puppies and fried seafood selection. Solid salad bar and good service. Nice View of the river. A solid place to stop when visiting Colonial Beach. read more

Service was great; attentive but not obtrusive. The view through the windows of the river were nice. It has a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is very clean and bright. The food was not exceptional, just average. We had the fried shrimp and the fried flounder/oyster dinners. Nothing to make me tell anyone "you should try this place". The dinners were just ok. The price for the dinners was a bit too expensive for what would've been fair to charge for just "ok". We probably won't be back when thru this way unless there is a big difference. read more

Maybe the best seafood we have ever had! Melissa rates right up there with the best servers we have had!! My mother in law has commented several times we need to go back soon! Hopefully before we have to head back to Michigan! Thank you read more

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Food was less than mediocre. View of the Potomac was good but that's where it stopped

We were on the hunt for some food on a Sunday evening, and despite it being a holiday weekend, most places closed at 6 pm. Fortunately this place didn't. They have been in business since the 40s, and it definitely had a sort of diner, hometown feel. Clearly lots of regulars. We opted in for the weekend seafood buffet which they are known for. Everything was really tasty and had a home cooked flavor. I especially enjoyed the crab cakes. My daughter inhaled several plates of ribs. We also really liked the fried shrimp. The scalloped potatoes, and salad bar options were also good. Only small complaint was no soup which I think would be an easy addition. Apple cobbler also yummy. We had excellent, attentive service. Our drinks were frequently refilled and the plates cleared promptly. They served true southern sweet tea which we enjoyed. This restaurant overlooks the water and the view is quite nice. There is also a large deck. A solid, reliable place it is easy to see why they have been in business so long. read more

My husband and I went to Colonial Beach today, June 7, 2025. We drove to Wilkerson's for lunch arriving at 1:30 pm. We were greeted by a gentleman who told us to walk up to the sign that stated "Please Wait to be Seated." We waited and waited and decided to leave since we were not seated. There were waitresses going back and forth and a couple other employees passing by but none said a word to us. So we left. Can't rate the food since we were never seated. Drove to Riverboat on the Potomac and had a great lunch. read more

I went there may 30 2025. I paid almost 50.00 for a Fried seafood platter that had a bit of everything on it. I've eaten at some truly good places and bad. This was without doubt the worst ive ever had. Im not picky. But if you ever been to a long John silvers and compared it to Wilkersons the long John silvers was gourmet. If you go there and eat then all I can say is " I told you so".. read more

Good service, clean and the A/C is cold.Best deal is the Hamburger. Rockfish sandwich is great. Add the side baked potato and your full. Cream of crab is probably the best local. Not like some where the crab might have walked thru it. Good amount of meat . read more

Horrible food. For a seafood restaurant the food looked and tasted like it came from a grocery store freezer. $30 meal and it was terrible. Going back to Captain Johns! read more

Everything was great!!!! food was hot and seasoned well. Customer service was excellent. no complaints here. Plenty of parking. there is a small buffet and menus is available. read more

All you can eat seafood buffet that has been around for decades! A small army of waitresses, and table clearing teens make sure that things run smoothly and efficiently! Lots of a la carte items as well. My son had scallops and they were lots of them and superbly done. My oyster stew was a little watery, but my wife's red clam chowder was excellent! Salad bar was also quite decent. Amazing view of the Potomac and a cool fishing pier. read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - View from restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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Set on the Potomac River the scenery can't be beat. The waitress we had when I went was outstanding - she was very friendly and very attentive, and got the order right. I had their fried flounder and it was exactly what I'd been searching for. The fish filet itself was a tad soggy, but the breading was delicious. Their fries and hush puppies were hot and tasty as well. Absolutely recommend this place!! The only reason I docked a star is because there was an overwhelming smell of urine or something when I first entered the restaurant. I'm POSITIVE it wasn't that, but it definitely smelled that way. read more

The food was amazing here and the service too! You can get steamed crabs right at the table and I had one of the best crabcakes here. The river view is just a bonus! read more

Wilkerson's Seafood Restaurant - Steamed crabs, broiled crab cake - Seafood Near Me - Colonial Beach, Virginia

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Salad bar was not fresh, stuffed shrimp was overcooked and only got four for 29.95. Not a very good meal.

We came in to reminisce as siblings as this was a place our parents would bring us. We walked in as a party of 8 and waited over 10 minutes and no one ever greeted us or acknowledged we were there. Sadly we left and will not be back. We had great memories but no longer. read more

Just not good food. It's a great location and with new owners they may be able to be great. You are paying very high prices for low quality food in a run down and kind of dirty facility. A new owner and a facelift could make this place a gem but it's just old, worn out, and not at all worthwhile. read more

Doesn't look like much when you drive passed it, plus it's the only place open for lunch and dinner in the winter in Colonial Beach! I decided to wonder in just to check it out. Well everything I had was fantastic! You get a basket of hush puppies as you sit down and kid you not this were the best hush puppies I've ever had!! The cream of crab, the crab cake the salad bar were all great! The deserts are also made in the house and are delicious the brownie sundae and the peanut butter pie were outstanding! read more

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Good and service was very good. I got prime rid, as not seafood fan. The remainder of my party purchased seafood and everyone was very happy with portions, taste and service. read more

I was told once by someone in the restaurant business that if you walk into a seafood restaurant and it smells like fish that the seafood isn't fresh. So do with that what you will when you come here. Decided to eat here anyway cos we have young kids and getting them in and out of car seats is a hassle. Wasn't too busy at 5 pm on a Wednesday. I got the platter with crab cake, flounder, shrimp, scallops, and oysters and honestly it was pretty good. My husband got the shrimp tacos and he said the shrimp tasted a bit swampy. The servers weren't very enthusiastic about being there, so don't expect friendly service or even a smile. You can probably get better seafood at a Red Lobster though, and it'll probably not smell fishy. read more

I wasn't expecting much based on the reviews, but I was very impressed!! We went for weekday lunch. First thing I really liked was that hush puppies come complementary with for the table, and they were GOOD!! Second thing I really liked was the waitress was there with water as soon as we sat down, and brought a small pitcher for refills!!! I thought that was really neat. For lunch I got the lump crab BLT with a trip to the salad bar (which was an extra $2.50). The sandwich was a little bland, but still really good!!! I would get it again. Although the salad bar was good, it was not really worth the extra charge. My husband got the lunch seafood plate. He really enjoyed it. For dessert we got the key lime pie. It was IMPRESSIVELY GOOD!! read more

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Great food and friendly service for dinner last night. Thinking about returning tonight.

High priced mediocre food. Service and river view were nice but certainly not enough to overcome the food.

The food is expensive and not impressive at all, servers take you for granted and you could have seafood at home cook it better, enjoy your own ambience and save some dough! read more

Great place to go for your seafood desires. Staff is attentive, and also you are served yummy hush puppies while you wait. They also have a great Prime rib sandwich that is enough to split with your partner. I would for sure recommend it to everyone read more