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By John Streit
Correspondent
In Virginia Beach, enjoying a post-work drink while watching the sun set into the water is a near impossibility.
It's a matter of geography; the Oceanfront beaches face east and Chesapeake Bay beaches face north. But thanks to the brackish waters of Back Bay, one of Sandbridge's secret spots offers sunset viewing.
Almost all the way down Sandpiper Road is the Baja, a true throwback-style beach bar and grill that's been a Sandbridge institution since 1975.
"This is really one of the last, if not the last, old-fashioned beach bars left in the region," said Jim Reeve, Baja's owner since 2004. "And with a view as good as we've got, we wanted to offer as many reasons as we could to get people out into our natural setting."
That setting is a picturesque lot backing up to Back Bay, the expansive shallow waterway that empties into the Currituck Sound.
Behind the main restaurant is the open-air Bayview Lounge, which has more in common with a beach shack than a bar. Windows are replaced by hinging wood panels that let the sea breeze in.
Every table in the Bayview overlooks Back Bay, which reflects some stunning colors when the sunset hits it just right. A reed bed to the left of the property completes the frame, as do distant pine trees that line the west bank of Back Bay.
"This is the most legitimate spot in Virginia Beach to take in a sunset, by far," said Bayview manager Reid Ganther. "It's the most low-key place to get away from the urban hustle of most of the city. It's just a whole different atmosphere down here."
As if the sunset wasn't enough to provide a relaxing way to unwind after a long day. Starting the week of June 15, Baja kicked off its summer sunset specials series.
Wednesday nights offer the locals' favorite of $1 beef tacos and $1 can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer from 6 p.m. until supplies run out.
Thursday brings all-you-can-eat $10 sushi from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., which is accompanied by $2 sake bombs and $4 Mai Tais. Residents living in the 23456 zip code are eligible for $3 off the price of sushi.
Live bands provide the soundtrack starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays begin at and 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Kempsville resident Mike Stuart said he can't get enough of Baja's casual atmosphere.
"It's all about the view," said Stuart, 24. "I mean, where else can you play a game of horseshoes out back while waiting on your food?
"You can just walk right off the beach into this place wearing boardshorts and a T-shirt. I feel like I'm dropped in to Tahiti or something when I'm here."
John Streit, 639-4805
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I just want him back
Jim Reeve was an asset on city council and we need him back! Draft him to replace Henley!
wrong side of town
...from me that is. I'm all the way on the north shore near Lynnhaven Inlet. The DUI Nazi's make it hard to drive that far and relax.
One other locatin comes to mind where you can see the sun set on the water as if you were looking out on the Pacific. Probably the only view of it's kind on th eeast coast. That's the famous "tiki-bar" at the Sunset Beach Resort hotel on the eastern shore on the left just to the other side of the Chesbay bridge. It's also a large gathering spot for the local boaitng community on weekends, especially Sundays.
Definitely going to put the Baja on my list of places to checkout.
End of the world
Yes, when the world is ending this is where i want to be.Baja,Virginia.This place is more than just good times its fantastic!Ladies come see the sunsets and then get your groove on.Kareoke on Thursdays is sick.