Thousands of real, signed one-dollar bills are stapled to the low wooden ceiling inside Monk’s Place, creating a thick paper archive left behind by decades of travelers.
Located at 649 Princess Anne Road, this weathered red tavern stands as a permanent fixture in the agricultural community of Pungo.
Open fields of local crops flank the unpaved gravel parking lot, drawing beachgoers returning from the shores of Sandbridge alongside local tractor operators who have been ordering cold beers at this same wood counter for generations.
Quick Bite – Monk’s Place, Virginia Beach, VA 🤯
Fast facts and local trivia you shouldn’t miss.
The entire culinary operation at Monk’s Place runs off a single, seasoned iron flat-top griddle situated directly behind the worn wooden bar rails, completely exposed to the dining room. There are no industrial back-room prep kitchens or hidden lines here; you watch your fresh beef patties get smashed and listen to the grease pop while chatting with the bartender.
The true draw of this deep-country Pungo tavern is its legendary, no-frills butcher-style burgers that have kept the exact same preparation method for decades without changing to match modern gastro-pub trends. On any given afternoon, neighbors driving down from Chesapeake and Norfolk line their trucks along the unpaved dirt shoulder of Princess Anne Road to grab hot paper plates from this independent mom and pops and hole in the wall.
Signature Bites – Monk’s Place, Virginia Beach, VA 😋
The must-try dishes locals keep coming back for.
-
The Double Cheeseburger: The undisputed signature order, utilizing fresh ground beef balled by hand and smashed flat on the hot iron, served with melted American cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a plain bun.
-
Steamed Shrimp: A massive coastal tavern favorite, serving up full pounds of plump, peel-and-eat Atlantic shrimp tossed in a heavy coating of Old Bay seasoning.
-
Ribeye Steak Sandwich: A heavy-duty lunch choice featuring a whole, tender cut of seasoned ribeye steak seared on the flat-top and served hot on a toasted sub roll.
-
Fried Chicken Gizzards: An old-school country bar standard, rolling classic poultry cuts in a peppery flour batter before frying them until deeply golden and crunchy.
-
Classic BLT Sandwich: A straightforward comfort standard layering multiple strips of crispy griddled bacon with fresh green leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and mayonnaise on toasted bread.
-
Monk’s Sub Sandwich: A cold deli alternative loading up a split roll with sliced ham, turkey, provolone cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and house vinaigrette.
Local Insider FAQ – Monk’s Place, Virginia Beach, VA 🤫
Tips, tricks, and things to know before you go.
What is the smartest scheduling strategy to use if you want to bypass their busiest dining hours?
The interior space is small, meaning the limited tables and bar seats fill quickly during Friday afternoon happy hours and Saturday sunset runs, so arriving on a Tuesday or Wednesday at 1:30 PM offers the clearest access to the griddle.
How should travelers prepare for transactions at the counter given the tavern’s traditional setup?
The house operates primarily as a cash-preferred business, meaning you should hit the bank beforehand, though they maintain an automated teller machine (ATM) inside the main room if you get caught with an empty wallet.
Where exactly should first-time visitors leave their vehicles when arriving off the main road?
The property has no paved stalls or concrete garages, so you simply pull your vehicle straight onto the open dirt and gravel perimeter lining the front and sides of the building.
Takeaway Bite – Monk’s Place, Virginia Beach, VA 😎
Monk’s Place remains a raw, unedited piece of Pungo country history, proving that hand-shaped griddle burgers, fresh steamed shrimp, and a cash-only setup at 649 Princess Anne Road work together to keep this independent mom and pops and hole in the wall operating completely on its own terms.
📍: 649 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
📞: (757) 454-6214
🕒: Mon: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tue: Closed; Wed-Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM; Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM