Hello dear
Welcome to Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar
Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is a beloved gem located in Kill Devil Hills, NC, where seaside charm meets culinary excellence. With a rich tradition dating back decades, guests are welcomed into a nostalgic atmosphere adorned with fishing memorabilia, enhancing the dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, the dedicated staff ensure every patron feels valued, often going above and beyond to accommodate special requests. The menu shines with fresh, succulent seafood, particularly their renowned raw oysters and flavorful bisques. Whether you're indulging in a fried grouper basket or relaxing at the bar with a perfectly crafted Margarita, Awful Arthur's promises an unforgettable dining adventure that keeps visitors coming back for more.
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About
Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar
Welcome to Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar, the hidden gem nestled in the heart of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, at milepost 6 on N Virginia Dare Trail. This bustling seafood haven is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that captures the essence of the Outer Banks through its vibrant atmosphere, delectable offerings, and impeccable service.
From the moment you enter, the cozy decor filled with fishing memorabilia creates a nostalgic ambiance that harkens back to the classic seaside dining experience. The warmth of the staff enhances this inviting atmosphere, as they greet you with genuine smiles and a willingness to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
- Service: The service here is consistently praised. Guests like Angel Nguyen have lauded the friendly bartenders, who go above and beyond to make you feel welcomed. Whether you’re seated at the bar or a table, you can expect prompt attention, knowledgeable recommendations, and a personal touch that makes every visit memorable.
- Food: The culinary creations at Awful Arthur’s are the real stars of the show. From the infamous raw bar that draws patrons for hours to the perfectly fried grouper basket, every dish is crafted with care. The crab & lobster bisque has earned rave reviews for its rich and creamy profile, while the raw oysters are celebrated for their freshness and flavor. You can truly taste the ocean in each bite.
- Value: Diners rave about the exceptional value offered here. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy generous portions of high-quality seafood that does not compromise on flavor. Whether you come for a casual lunch or a festive dinner, you’re treated to a culinary journey without breaking the bank.
What’s more, Awful Arthur's is not just about food; it’s about community and tradition. As Kirk Pope shared, many visitors make it a point to return year after year, celebrating family connections in a place that feels like home. Whether you’re enjoying a chilly margarita while anticipating your meal or savouring the last bites of your dish, you’ll find that Awful Arthur’s transforms a simple meal into lasting memories.
With a family-friendly environment and an upstairs area offering views of the water, Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar not only caters to seafood lovers but also creates a perfect backdrop for special moments with loved ones. So, if you find yourself in Kill Devil Hills, take the time to visit this beloved locale. Prepare for a feast that delights your palate and a service that warms your heart. Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar is a true reflection of what the Outer Banks dining experience should be—all wrapped up in a delicious shell.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ After leaving a local seafood restaurant due to being ignored by the staffs, Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar saved the day with their wonderful service. We chose to sit at the bar due to a long wait, and it was a great decision! The place was busy, which is always a good sign. John and another gentleman who worked at the bar were wonderful and pleasant to us and the other customers. They went out of their ways to give my younger son some steamed clams after hearing his conversation with my husband about his favorite seafood. The foods were delicious, and the service was top-notch. Thank you, Awful Arthur’s, for turning our evening around! Highly recommended! ”
“ Annual tradition of waiting it out for hours to get a seat at the raw bar for dinner (even though I have a shellfish allergy). The wife loves her some family traditions. She’s been going for 35 years with her family (and the last 12 with me). Great service. Great food. Just a great tradition. #ThanksAwfulArthurs ”
“ Just stopped in for a Margarita. Cost was around 8 dollars. Top shelf consisted of Jose Cuervo grand marnier. Not sure what kind of mixer it they used but they salted the rim of a frozen glass and served it on the rocks garnished with a lime. It was spectacular! I’ll probably come back because the atmosphere was great also. I didn’t eat but next time I will. Next door is the Awful Arthur gift shop. Can’t wait to come back. By the way there are 2 one way street along side of the restaurant so it’s a little tricky getting there. ”
“ What can't we say about this place? It's our first stop when we get settled at the hotel. T, R, and J take such good care of everyone at the bar. You can't go wrong with anything that comes out of the steamer. Get there early before the place fills up or you'll have a nice wait. But don't worry, you can head upstairs for a drink and a nice view of the water. ”
“ - Fantastic Seafood Experience! We've been visiting Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar every time we're in the Outer Banks, and it never disappoints! Here's why it's a must-visit: - Ambiance: The moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The fishing memorabilia and decor really set the mood for a genuine seaside dining experience. It feels like a cozy, local secret, even though it's well-known. - Service: The wait staff at Awful Arthur's are not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They make great recommendations and ensure you have everything you need promptly. - Food: The star of the show! I had the fried grouper basket for lunch, which was an absolute steal at 12.99. The grouper was cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, served with fries and hush puppies. The crab & lobster bisque is a revelation; rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. We loved it so much, we took a quart home. And let's not forget the oysters - fresh, succulent, and simply the best raw oysters we've had. - Value: The quality and quantity of food you get for the price is exceptional. It's rare to find such delicious seafood that doesn't break the bank. - Overall: Whether you're a local or a visitor like us, Awful Arthur's offers an authentic taste of the OBX with its fresh seafood, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service. We're already looking forward to our next visit! If you're in Kill Devil Hills, do yourself a favor and stop by Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that keeps you coming back for more! ”
“ Classic seafood spot with catches of the day and solid seafood dishes. Tables and bar seating available. The place was hopping, but the short wait for seats was well worth the wait! Had the #2 steamed platter which included crab legs, shrimp, clams and mussels. Thanks to Sterling, the bartender who served us well, taught us about petite crabs, and gave us a great public beach recommendation. 10/10 recommend this stop! ”
“ Amazing food, great service and an even better atmosphere. We didn't make a reservation and had to wait about 40 minutes for seating but it was worth it. My husband and I went here for dinner while we were on vacation in Kill Devil Hills (it was less than a block away from our Airbnb) and it did not disappoint. We sat at the bar and the bartender was very attentive. Will definitely go back if we ever visit again! ”
“ Been going here for over 30 years and always amazing ! Staff is great & always friendly, food is delicious! Raw oysters, Alfredo shrimp and scallops, Teriyaki tuna sandwich, tuna bites, calamari, steamed clams, crab & lobster bisque (we take a frozen quart home every year with us ) All of the food is amazing, you won't be disappointed! It can get really busy during the season so expect a long wait especially if you have little ones or big parties, the pier is a great way to kill some time playing games ”