Ahhh, the oyster. It’s found its home in Virginia, quickly becoming the Capital of the East Coast. Now apply that “ahhh” to craft beer. They pair so well, don’t they? Here’re some spots that are going to give you the best of both worlds.
Merroir
RAPPAHANNOCK OYSTER CO.
Rappahannock Oyster Company is going to give you flavors from all over the Virginia coastline. The Rappahannock River Oysters are the most common, but have you ever heard of Stingray Oysters and Olde Salts? The oysters at these spots are going to give you three diverse flavors: sweet and buttery, sweet and crisp, and a bold, sea-side brininess. You’re going to find these babies at Rappahannock in Richmond, Rappahannock Oyster Bar, in D.C., and Merroir in Topping. And don’t forget, these restaurants are going to have some of Virginia’s best craft beer selections.
SMALL’S STEAKHOUSE & OYSTER BAR – NORFOLK
Small’s Steakhouse and Oyster Bar has four different oyster options from its raw bar AND three additional options for an entrée! If you’re in the area, put Small’s on the list for a great oyster experience. Try out the oyster grits and quench your thirst with three local breweries on tap.
THE SHANTY – CAPE CHARLES
Located on the Bay in Cape Charles Town Harbor, The Shanty focuses on fresh local seafood in a fun environment. Swing by on boat, car, golf cart or foot. There’s cornhole for the kids, live entertainment on weekends and amazing sunsets over the bay. Order some raw or steamed oysters, a fried basket, or an oyster po’ boy, and wash it down with Starr Hills’ the Love or five other Virginia craft beer options.
BIG EASY GRILL & OYSTER BAR – NORFOLK
Big Easy Grill & Oyster Bar offers some of the biggest oyster selections around. Start off with Oysters Rockefeller, pick out some raw or steamed samplers or platters. And guess what? When it’s time for the main course, Big Easy features the O-Rock Burger, topped with bacon, spinach, parmesan and gouda. They have the oyster po’ boy and their house specialty: fried oysters. Take back an oyster shooter or their vast selection of craft brews. You have some serious oyster and craft options at Big Easy. So if you have an empty stomach and want to fill it up, head over to Big Easy.
HANK’S OYSTER BAR – ALEXANDRIA
Hanks’ menu changes daily, with fresh seafood selections throughout their menu. Hank’s Oyster Bar serves their oysters on the half shell, as a po’ boy sandwich and a fried oyster dinner. Hank’s Oysters are always served up fresh, so don’t forget you can get them raw or steamed! Try out the Port City Monumental IPA while you’re there.
BERRET’S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & TAPHOUSE – WILLIAMSBURG
Berret’s Taphouse offers one of the largest selections of local microbrews in the area, including Wild Wolf and Legend. Pair them with unique raw bar selections, like spicy buffalo oysters on the half shell and daily chef’s choice items. The taphouse menu includes the po’boy sandwich and a seafood platter, which includes crab cakes and shrimp.
Try out all the delicious oyster spots and craft beer/breweries Virginia has to offer!
I’m surprised that the Ice House Cafe & Oyster Bar in Herndon, VA is not on the list. It is the best kept secret in Northern VA for craft beers on draft and fresh oysters!
You can’t forget Public Fish and Oyster in Charlottesville! 6 to 16 varieties fresh oysters daily – always some Virginia varieties. Several craft beers on tap. Outstanding Chef… Donnie Glass…. serving amazing food. The Maine Lobster Roll is heavenly!
You must visit Densons Grocery and Raw Oyster Bar. The most amazing people you will ever meet, fresh-not-frozen anything, craft beers, and great wine!
https://www.densonsgrocery.com/
Check out Norfolk Tap Room ….downtown Norfolk …..fresh oysters and 100’s of beers –both tap and bottle
Come see us at Bad Habits Wing & Oyster Bar. We have been serving Virginias finest oysters and beer since 2011. We have won ‘Best of Chesapeake” for our she crab soup and wings and also voted #1 raw bar in Chesapeake 4 years running. Come make us your new “Bad Habit”
Thank you for reading
Joe Habit / owner
The Pig and the Pearl? https://thepigandpearl.com/
Absolutely… im there a lot…lol
Why is there nothing about Colonial Beach, VA? We are a terrific little town….great food, several culinary trained chefs, fresh, never frozen seafood and oysters….lots of cool activities. The International Jet Ski races, the three/four state Rod Run for car enthusiasts, horse racing at the OTB Casino….Thai/French restaurants and lots of fun! It seems that you kinda ignore us….we are a bit rural but only 35 minutes out of Fredericksburg and 1.5 hours out of DC…..why not include us????
Hi Sherry! We were looking for restaurants that serve both local, fresh oysters and have Virginia craft beer on tap. Do you have a place there that we aren’t aware of? We’d be happy to include it. Thanks!
Hi!! Please check out Metropolitan Oyster Exchange in Virginia Beach, Va. They have only been open 6 months but they are kicking royal butt with their fresh and delicious oysters along with virginia craft beer and an extensive cocktail menu
Densons Grocery and Raw Oyster Bar!!
http://Www.densonsgrocery.com
In addition to their awesome New Zealand inspired burgers, Burger Bach in Short Pump and Carytown (Richmond area) also offers Virginia brews and Virginia oysters! Check them out, if you haven’t already: https://justathriftygypsy.blogspot.com/2014/06/burger-bach-new-zealand-burgers-with.html