Welcome to the home of the happy oyster where for over 35 years the oyster has been our world.
The Outer Banks only authentic oyster bar is the place to enjoy sensational fare from the sea washed down with your favorite brew or cocktail. We serve by the peck, pound, and dozen, raw or steamed to perfection. Kicked back casual, down to earth friendly staff, and reasonable prices make Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar the all-time favorite of locals and travelers alike.
Whether you just discovered this famous Outer Banks restaurant, have been coming in for years, or have always wanted to, one thing rings true: Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar has a reputation that is second to none. The first oyster bar to open its doors on the Outer Banks 35 years ago, Awful Arthur’s is a local mainstay known for its fresh, delicious seafood and casual, friendly atmosphere.
Customers will delight in watching hot oysters come hissing right out of the steamers as the guys behind the bar shuck and serve them on the restaurant’s copper-topped bar. Order them steamed, fried, or slurp them down raw; no matter how you like your oysters, Awful Arthur’s has it covered.
Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar, owner Jo Whitehead
One of the only Outer Banks restaurants with an ocean view lounge, Awful Arthur’s emits a welcoming, coastal vibe. Dubbed one of America’s greatest oyster bars by Coastal Living magazine and recognized by Esquire magazine for its steamed, spiced shrimp, Awful Arthur’s is not only a household name on the Outer Banks, but is recognized all over the country by its emblematic logo, backed by its delicious seafood and other popular menu items.
Nautical adornments lend to the salty, seaside atmosphere of this quintessential Outer Banks restaurant; the perfect place to bring the entire family, enjoy a casual date night or join a group of friends to enjoy a peck of oysters, an ocean view, cold drinks and good times! Kicked back is the name of the game and Awful Arthur’s plays it well.
Jo Whitehead proudly describes her oyster bar: “People want to sit at the Oyster Bar to watch and be entertained by the guys steaming all the oysters, shrimp, crab legs, and clams in front of them!”
Awful Arthur’s has been recognized by Esquire magazine for their steamed, spiced shrimp and took home 2014 ‘Taste of the Beach’ award for the chowder cook off.
A Little History
Born and raised in Virginia Beach, owner Jo Hopkins Whitehead moved to the Outer Banks in 1985 with her then soon-to-be-husband Jay, after she graduated with a business degree from Atlantic Christian College. The couple opened Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar, and after getting married in 1991, Jo and Jay would expand their venture of Whitehead and Whitehead to include Awful Arthur’s Beach Shop and Bad Barracudas Raw Bar & Grille.
After having two children, Katie and John, Jay’s untimely passing left Jo to run their three businesses and her family on her own, so in 2005 she decided to sell Bad Barracudas to focus on Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar and the beach shop. Katie graduated from Elon University, in 2017 and John will be a junior at Hampden-Sydney College this fall. Today, she continues to thrive. In the spirit of Jay’s legacy Jo continues to give back to the community through many charitable donations and her work with the Outer Banks Community Foundation’s David Stick Legacy Society and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
Along with its esteemed national recognitions, Awful Arthur’s was the proud winner of the 2014 Outer Banks Taste of the Beach Annual Chowder Cook Off for its popular shrimp corn chowder. Awful Arthur’s isn’t just about oysters, there’s also a wide selection of crab legs and clams from the steamer, fried seafood, or steaks, chicken, pasta and salads to choose from that keep people coming back year after year. Oh, and don’t forget to get a homemade dessert before you leave; they truly put the icing on the cake.
Chef AJ Johnson has been with Awful Arthur’s for 25 years and in 2011 was promoted to head chef and kitchen manager. Consistency and customer service are two of AJ’s hallmarks as a chef, and many of the restaurant’s regular customers wouldn’t consider it a complete experience without a visit from him. AJ attributes Awful Arthur’s enduring reputation to the effort of the staff led by Whitehead, with some employees having been with the restaurant for more than two decades.
Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar, Chef AJ Johnson
If longevity is any indication of quality, it’s no surprise that over the past three decades, Awful Arthur’s has become a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Now come and taste the fresh seafood that started that reputation!
Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Also, stop by next door at Awful Arthur’s Beach Shop for great logo apparel, resort wear, fashion jewelry coastal décor and everything for the beach. Get your $2 off coupon from the Outer Banks Visitors Guide or the Outer Banks Go Guide.
2025 Awful Arthur’s Oyster Bar, Gold: Best Oyster Bar
