Discover Hampton’s best-kept dining secrets: Fuller’s Raw Bar turns ocean-fresh oysters and buttery crab legs into a coastal celebration, complete with sandy-spirit patios and frosty beers.
Across town, Kente’s charms with Afro-Caribbean soul—think crispy golden wings, curried shrimp, and cheesecake that feels like family.
Fuller’s Raw Bar
Fuller’s Raw Bar in Hampton, VA, is where seafood dreams meet laid-back coastal charm. This no-frills spot packs a punch with fresh catches, lively vibes, and a menu that turns first-timers into regulars.
Think frosty beers, buttery crab legs, and oysters that taste like they’ve just been pulled from the ocean.
Tuesday’s $1 oyster special alone is worth the trip—just ask the locals who flock here weekly.
Food Highlights
- Caesar Salad with Fried Oysters: A crispy twist on a classic, featuring plump oysters fried to golden perfection atop fresh greens. A must for texture lovers.
- Steamed Sampler Platter: A seafood feast with oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, snow crab, corn, and sausage. Ideal for sharing (or not).
- Fish and Chips: Flaky halibut in a light, crispy batter paired with shoestring fries. Malt vinegar required.
- Shrimp and Mussels Boil: Juicy shellfish drenched in garlic butter, served with corn and potatoes. Bring extra napkins.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A caramelized, buttery dessert that’s worth skipping the gym for.
Atmosphere
The vibe is effortlessly coastal—nautical decor, bustling bar stools, and a patio that’s prime for people-watching.
Servers like Stephanie and Brandon keep things lively with cocktail recommendations and oyster-shucking wisdom. Come hungry, leave sandy (in spirit).
Bottom Line
Fuller’s Raw Bar delivers fresh, unpretentious seafood with portions that satisfy and flavors that linger.
Perfect for messy hands, cold beers, and stories you’ll retell all summer.
Address: 38 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663
Kente’s
Tucked away in Hampton, Kente’s African American Cafe dishes up hearty comfort food with a twist of Afrocentric flair.
This unassuming spot wins hearts with its health-conscious yet deeply flavorful menu, blending American classics and Caribbean-inspired creations.
Locals rave about the cozy vibe and portions that feel like a hug from grandma—if grandma secretly added okra to her red beans. Open for lunch and early dinners, it’s the kind of place where every bite tells a story.
Food Highlights
- Fried Chicken Winges Supreme: Crispy, golden wings served with seasoned rice and sesame green beans—a crowd favorite for its juicy crunch and nostalgic flavor.
- Grilled Salmon: Perfectly charred and smothered in a savory glaze, paired with fresh garden salad for a lighter yet satisfying meal.
- Curried Shrimp and Rice: A Caribbean treasure with plump shrimp swimming in aromatic curry, layered over fluffy brown rice.
- Kongo Balls: Zesty meatballs drenched in a tangy house sauce, dubbed “flavor bombs” by regulars.
- Red Beans and Rice: Slow-cooked with okra and spices, this Southern staple gets a smoky, soulful upgrade.
- House Cheesecake: Creamy, dense, and just sweet enough to end the meal on a high note.
Atmosphere
Kente’s feels like a laid-back community hub where retro photos and warm lighting set the mood.
The walls whisper history, and the staff treats everyone like family. It’s casual enough for solo lunches but intimate enough for date nights—especially if your date loves shrimp and soul tunes.
Bottom Line
Visit Kente’s for generous plates of home-cooked creativity that won’t break the bank. Come hungry, leave happy, and don’t skip dessert.
Address: 301 N Back River Rd, Hampton, VA 23669