The Best Breakfast in Virginia Beach: Doc Taylor’s Restaurant
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On our recent Virginia Beach vacation, we were looking for a local restaurant walkable to the beach and happened to come across a local gem called Doc Taylor’s. This is a wonderful local breakfast and lunch hotspot located just a block or so from the touristy beachfront area. We are not a big fan of junk food so figured we would try to find some type of cafe serving real homemade breakfast fare. We love avoiding chains and keeping it local so this place fit perfectly with what we were looking for.
This cafe is open year round from 7:00am – 2:00pm (closed Tuesday-Thursday) making it a great stop pre or post beach day. They offer an outdoor patio, but unfortunately you will find no ocean views as it is located a block or so from the water.
We decided it would be a good idea to enjoy a hearty breakfast before our ride on the gorgeous Virginia beach boardwalk path. We enjoyed both the food and the breezy ambiance on the patio.

The restaurant was extremely crowded, which was a surprise for a weekday morning. Luckily, we still got a seat on the outdoor deck. Menu prices were surprisingly cheap for such a touristy area which was a nice surprise. There were plenty of traditional breakfast items as well as healthier variations.
I enjoyed a slice of vegetarian quiche with some sliced fruit: it was a delicious and healthy way to start the day. I appreciated that they had a few options for vegetarians. Oftentimes, I have a hard time finding things I can eat at smaller diners and cafes.
You will find typical diner fare like pancakes, French toast, omelets, and breakfast burritos. Southern specialties include Sweet Potato Pecan pancakes and The Deep South featuring 2 eggs, toast, and cheddar grits topped with chopped ham.
Update: Check out the current menu to see what is on the lineup before your visit.
The best part about dining here is relaxing on the airy patio. The laid-back setting makes breakfast here a perfect compliment to a lazy day of fun-in-the-sun. I like to eat at more low-key establishments on any beach vacation. There is no point visiting a stuffy restaurant when you are in your flip flops and shorts – it just doesn’t go together. This place offered just the vibe we were looking for!

Overall, I would say that this is a wonderful choice for breakfast before swimming or relaxing at the beach. The carb heavy selections will give you plenty of energy for your morning out walking/biking along the boardwalk trail. Remember – there is nothing wrong with treating yourself to some pancakes or French toast while on vacation! You likely will be burning up those calories pretty fast with a ride along the amazing boardwalk bike path!
Additional details
Location: 207 23rd Street