Tucked along East Mellen Street in Hampton’s historic Phoebus neighborhood, Fuller’s Raw Bar is a salty, beach-vibed seafood gem that locals rank among the very best in the entire Hampton Roads region. 🦪
Less than a mile from Fort Monroe Beach, this locally-owned Virginia seafood spot specializes in raw oysters, steamer platters, and local favorites prepared with the kind of coastal authenticity that keeps regulars coming back.
From $1 oyster Tuesdays and a menu that blends Cajun soul with classic raw bar tradition, Fuller’s Raw Bar delivers an unforgettable hidden gem Hampton seafood experience.
How Fuller’s Raw Bar won Hampton’s hearts
Fuller’s Raw Bar captured Hampton’s devotion through expertly shucked oysters, bold coastal flavors, and a lively Phoebus neighborhood atmosphere. 💛
Rooted in a neighborhood with deep Fuller family history—Nelson T. Fuller was a third-generation proprietor of Fuller’s Restaurant in Phoebus before his passing in 1994.
The restaurant earned its reputation through an oyster program that serious shellfish lovers call unmatched on the entire peninsula—their shucker’s technique is so precise that oysters come out of the shell 100% with no grit, a standard that sets them apart from every competitor. 🦪
The beloved $1 Oyster Tuesday promotion features a different oyster variety each week—meaning regulars who visit five or six consecutive Tuesdays can taste a remarkable rotating selection of freshly shucked Virginia oysters that no other local spot replicates.
What truly won hearts is the restaurant’s philosophy of constantly evolving their menu—always changing drink and food specials to keep guests guessing while maintaining rock-solid consistency on their seafood classics.
The dog-friendly outdoor patio, free off-street parking, and proximity to historic Fort Monroe have made Fuller’s a natural gathering point for locals and tourists alike—a true Virginia seafood destination on the waterfront edge of a storied neighborhood.
This combination of authentic oyster expertise, Cajun-inflected coastal cooking, genuine community roots, and an energetic Phoebus vibe has cemented Fuller’s Raw Bar as Hampton’s most beloved hidden gem seafood spot that regulars fiercely protect and proudly recommend.
Food Highlights
- Steamed Seafood Platter: The signature experience that Fuller’s is officially known for—a generous steamer platter loaded with fresh seafood cooked to tender, succulent perfection.
-
Fried Oysters: A must-try for crispy seafood lovers, featuring golden-fried oysters described as exceptionally good. 🔥
-
Fish and Chips: A highly reviewed classic featuring crispy, well-seasoned fried fish paired with golden fries for a satisfying Virginia seafood staple.
-
Jambalaya: A bold Cajun centerpiece featuring rich, deeply spiced Cajun flavors that showcase Fuller’s mastery of coastal Southern cooking. 🍲
- Steamed Shrimp: A top-ordered customer favorite that showcases fresh shrimp steamed to tender, juicy perfection, the way Hampton Roads seafood lovers expect.
-
Fish Tacos: A fan-favorite lighter option described as absolutely delicious, featuring fresh fish in soft tortillas with toppings that balance coastal freshness with bold flavor.
-
Oyster Po Boy Sandwich: A beloved Southern classic packing plump fried oysters into a soft roll with traditional po boy accompaniments. 🥖
-
Crab Cake Sandwich: A locally celebrated creation featuring a generously portioned, well-seasoned crab cake on a fresh roll that showcases Virginia’s finest blue crab. 🦀
Atmosphere
Fuller’s Raw Bar delivers a salty, beach-vibed atmosphere that perfectly suits its Phoebus neighborhood address just steps from historic Fort Monroe.
The converted corner space exudes a relaxed coastal energy with lively indoor seating and a dog-friendly outdoor patio that makes warm-weather visits feel like an authentic Mid-Atlantic seaside escape. 🐾
The crowd is consistently described as a diverse, welcoming mix of locals and visitors, united by a shared love of great oysters and cold drinks in one of Hampton’s most historically rich neighborhoods.
Bottom Line
Visit for the freshest, most expertly shucked oysters on the Virginia Peninsula, rotating $1 oyster Tuesday specials featuring different varieties weekly, bold Cajun jambalaya and fish tacos that elevate beyond standard raw bar fare, massive crab legs and outstanding fried seafood, and a genuinely warm coastal atmosphere in one of Hampton’s most historic neighborhoods. ✨
Address:
38 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663
📞 (757) 251-6497
🕔 Open Daily 11 AM–10 PM