21st Street Seafood Raw Bar

21st Street Seafood Raw Bar at 2106 Pacific Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 is where locals and travelers gather for fresh seafood, cold drinks, and a laid-back beach-town vibe. If you’re craving oysters, crab legs, and the kind of meal that lingers in memory long after the vacation ends—this is your spot.

Discover the charm of 21st Street Seafood Raw Bar in Virginia Beach

Just two blocks from the Virginia Beach boardwalk, 21st Street Seafood Raw Bar isn’t just another place to eat. It’s a neighborhood favorite with a soul. From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by the warm glow of wood-paneled interiors, bar stools filled with friendly locals, and the mouthwatering scent of grilled shrimp and garlic butter. This place doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks—it lets the seafood speak for itself.

One of the first things regulars mention is the vibe. It’s casual, but never careless. You can roll in straight from the beach, sun-kissed and sandy, and find yourself tucking into a dozen raw oysters or a pile of steamed clams with a cold beer in hand. Whether you’re seated at the bar watching the game, or outside enjoying a summer breeze, the atmosphere invites you to stay a little longer.

But it's not just the vibe that keeps people coming back—it's the flavor. The seafood is always fresh, never over-seasoned, and always served with heart. And the staff? They know their regulars by name and make newcomers feel like part of the tribe. That kind of service is rare these days.

Why 21st Street’s menu feels like a love letter to seafood

The menu at 21st Street Seafood Raw Bar is focused, confident, and rooted in local flavor. It doesn’t stretch itself thin trying to do everything—it does a few things really well. Think raw oysters shucked right in front of you, snow crab legs steamed to perfection, shrimp seasoned with a secret blend that has people guessing (and returning).

Start with a classic: the Raw Bar Sampler. Oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab claws on a bed of ice. You can taste the ocean in every bite. Then there’s the crab cake sandwich, which, to be clear, is a local legend. No fillers. Just lump crab meat, lightly seasoned, pan-seared, and served with a side of golden fries.

If you’re more of a “hot dish” diner, the seafood pasta brings serious comfort. It's creamy, loaded with scallops and shrimp, and balanced with a little white wine and fresh herbs. And for those who like to keep it classic? Go for the steamed shrimp with Old Bay and butter. Simple, satisfying, and unapologetically Virginia Beach.

Beyond the seafood, there are a few under-the-radar menu hits too. The grilled chicken sandwich, the cheeseburgers, even the house salads get attention from the regulars. Because when a place cares about its food, even the sides shine.

And let’s talk drinks. This place has a full-service bar, which means cold beers, beachy cocktails, and a good bourbon selection for those who like their seafood with a side of spice.

Local love and real reviews that speak volumes

What makes 21st Street Seafood Raw Bar different isn’t just what’s on the menu—it’s how people feel about it. Pull up any review platform, and you’ll see a consistent pattern. Guests praise the friendly service, the no-frills, all-flavor food, and the comfort of being treated like family.

A quick scroll through the reviews gives you a sense of the real experience:

• “The best oysters I’ve had in Virginia Beach, hands down. Super fresh, and the bartender gave me great pairing recommendations.”

• “We stumbled upon this place during a beach trip and ended up coming back twice in three days.”

• “It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what you want from a seafood bar. Relaxed, local, honest.”

What’s striking is that even the occasional 4-star reviews still sound like 5-star experiences. Maybe someone wanted more hush puppies, or the wait on a summer Saturday was longer than expected—but they still mention they’d come back. That says everything.

If you’re unsure what to order, just ask. The staff knows the menu inside out. They’ll tell you what’s freshest, what’s most popular, and even what locals love most that doesn’t always get listed.

A must-visit location for seafood lovers in Virginia Beach

2106 Pacific Ave is where beach days end on a high note. Just a short walk from the boardwalk, 21st Street Seafood Raw Bar is in the heart of the action—but just tucked away enough to feel like a local secret. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a five-minute walk from most beachside hotels. If you’re driving in, street parking and nearby lots make it easy to drop by for lunch or dinner.

But it’s more than just convenience. It’s the kind of place where every visit feels like a memory in the making. From the clatter of oyster shells hitting a tray, to the warm laughter over steamed mussels, everything about this spot screams authentic beach town dining.

Locals treat it like an extension of their backyard. Visitors stumble upon it and end up wishing they’d found it sooner. The mix of both is what gives 21st Street its magic.

Whether you’re planning a casual date night, grabbing dinner after surfing all day, or just want a cold drink and a dozen clams with a view of the sunset, this place fits. It’s flexible, welcoming, and consistently good.

And let’s not overlook the happy hour deals. From 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, you’ll find discounted raw bar items and drinks—just another reason this place stays packed with locals who know where the real value is.

The kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer

The best restaurants aren’t always the flashiest. Sometimes, they’re the ones where your napkin sticks to your drink glass because the bar's that cold. Where the lighting is low, the music is classic rock, and the menu hasn’t changed in years—because it doesn’t need to.

21st Street Seafood Raw Bar is that kind of place.

It’s where you bring your out-of-town friends to show them what Virginia Beach is really about. It’s where you go when you want fresh oysters without a side of pretense. And it’s where the servers remember your name, your drink, and that you like your shrimp spicy.

There’s something about the consistency here that builds trust. The food is always fresh. The team is always kind. And the experience is always what you hoped for—simple, flavorful, and easy.

So if you’re in Virginia Beach and searching for seafood that tastes like the ocean, a menu that respects its ingredients, and a space that feels like home, don’t overthink it.