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    The Atlantic

    4.5 (1.2k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    The Atlantic Photos

    Business Info

    THE ATLANTIC ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Atlantic

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    Reviews With Photos

    Anthony M.

    Listen, with the right server. This would have been amazing. Miranda was having a bad day. Just kinda miserable and wasn't happy or just didn't want to be there. Move it along girl and go find your happiness, this clearly ain't it. The reason I gave it five stars. The FOOD! Literally the best seafood/oysters. The ambiance is great and I finished everything I ordered. Got The Atlantic, Stuffed Lobster Shells, fried oysters, baked oysters, kids meals, the works. No FOOD items were bad. Check em out and avoid Miranda on a bad day.

    Oysters
    Laura W.

    While we sadly missed their Mon-Sun 3-6pm happy hour.... We had the most wonderful, entertaining and educational time at the Oyster Bar for dinner. If you enjoy Oysters, there is an Oyster Sommelier, Slim, you will not want to miss. His knowledge was so fascinatingly educational you left feeling you should have paid for the show. We were offered Oysters from all over the US and if you catch them on the right day, the World. I ordered the Hot Chicken Sandwich, and let's be clear...this is an extremely spicy slider. Not a sandwich. If you are hungry and not an Oyster/Seafood fan. You might be leaving hungry. The drinks were reasonably priced and the atmosphere at the Oyster Bar can not be beat. Service was fantastic. We can't wait to visit again and again.

    Shrimp
    Tiffany H.

    Another amazing experience at The Atlantic with my friends. I've now gone 2 times within a month's time frame lol. That's how addicted I'm becoming. Unless you park in public parking and walk to the restaurant their parking is Valet only. It's customary to tip a few dollars when dropping off your vehicle and when you're done with your meal and retrieving your vehicle. Be mindful that you more than likely will have a wait. Each time I've come there has been a wait of 20+ minutes to be seated. Each time we ended up finding space at the bar eventually and enjoyed our night there. The bartenders are amazing and very personable. I have gotten Sangria both times and each time they hit! The fried shrimp like I said before in another review is amazing. But the only downfall is you only get 3 shrimp for $6! Overall a part of me doesn't want to share how amazing this hidden gem is but the other part of me wants to shout from rooftop all about my new favorite spot.

    Tatiana W.

    Happy Hour specials were phenomenal and all were delicious. Our service was incredible considering the crowd thanks Douglas! Food came out accurately and quick. The place was loud with everyone enjoying themselves- great vibes! We enjoyed our three different HH oysters, so fresh and the ingredients so flavorful. We had Oysters Rock, Chesapeake and Garlic butter roasted. Fried pickles were really good as was the pimento cheese with bacon jam and pickled red onions served with seasoned saltines. The HH double grilled cheese burger was so juicy and delish. We finished with their house made sorbet, guava flavored and house made ice cream bowls in lemon Cheescake flavor and the mint chocolate chip was the best. These are all served as small plates and satisfied three of us. Order and share! Highly recommend and will be back again next visit.

    Kwame S.

    I cannot believe that I've never written a review for The Atlantic. I have visited this restaurant for years, and I have never had a bad experience. For low-key, easy breezy seafood bites and drinks, The Atlantic is my go-to on the Oceanfront. Although the food is delicious, I will also say that the service is always impeccable. The restaurant has a very generous 7 days a week happy hour where you can get a nice sample of what they have to offer. Note, if you go for happy hour, it is best to arrive super early to get a spot at the bar because the place will fill up very fast. For seafood bites, I highly recommend the Oysters Rockefeller, steamed mussels (OMG, the wine sauce/broth is out of this world delicious), and the AMAZING hushpuppies. Also, the restaurant has free parking. Since it's a valet service, remember to bring some cash to tip the folks in valet.

    Happy Hour Burger with Fries ($6 as of 3/16/2026)
    Rebecca C.

    This place is AMAZING!!!! We had done a mini vacation to see the Dancing with The Stars Live! Tour at the Dome in Virginia Beach. While looking for some good happy hours in the area (and there were many), I came across this one and it just sounded great. Had things on the menu that we usually don't see. It's a small plates type of place. My guest had the Caviar & Blinis ($16 - regular menu). She enjoyed them. It came with black caviar, and she realized that she prefers the red, however, enjoyed this appetizer that is usually not seen on menus. Oysters Rockefeller ($1 each min of 3 required) - sooo good. This was only my 2nd time having Oysters Rockefeller (first time was at The Hunt Room) and these were so much better. Oysters garlic & butter ($1 each min of 3 required) - they were good, but the Rockefeller were so much better. Fried Pickles with Ranch Dip ($6) - they were good. The Ranch dipping sauce complimented them well. They weren't overly salty or breaded. Pimento Cheese ($14 - special of the day) - very tasty. Had bacon jam on it which complimented it well. The crackers had old bay on them. Fried Oysters ($1 each min of 3 required) - My guest had these and she said they were ok but wouldn't order them again. Ice Cream and Sorbet is made in house and absolutely delicious. I had the mint chocolate chip Ice Cream and the Birthday Cake Ice Cream. Probably the best ice cream I have ever had. It's $5 a bowl and you can choose 2 flavors. My guest had the guava sorbet and that was very refreshing. Same price as the ice cream. You can also opt for one scoop for $2.50. We got the Burger ($6) from the happy hour menu which was with 2 patties, pickles, lettuce and American cheese. Came with fries on the side and a cup of ketchup. Delicious. The fries were cooked nice and seasoned just right. The burger was juicy and delicious. You could not beat the price for the quality and taste of the burger. Service - Oh my gosh was it amazing. Doug was so knowledgeable and friendly. Checked on us several times. Refilled our beverages when they were running low. Had friendly conversation with us. We couldn't have asked for better service. Atmosphere is very pleasant. Modern looking. Parking is via valet and it is free but remember to tip your runners, they definitely deserve it. If I could give 20 stars, they would get it. Absolutely loved this place. Next time in the area, this will for sure be my first stop. Only downside is no reservations for smaller groups, however, we had no issues, but we were here on 3/17/2026 (off peak time)

    Crab Dip
    Geysi J.

    Definitely recommend having a reservation! How packed this restaurant is crazy, you might be lucky to get a table walking in but there might be a long wait. Their happy hours are great. Front of the house service was great! As we waited for our party and table they served us drinks with no issue. Like the ambiance and the decor as we waited. Drinks were on point. Their oysters are great and delicious, clams wasn't it and their crab dip is definitely a must try. The peel and eat shrimp were a good addition to the appetizer as well. Just a heads up parking is valet as well.

    Variety oysters
    Kate G.

    We went to The Atlantic for my birthday dinner last weekend. We live in the area so we're able to walk to this restaurant, but keep in mind that if you are driving in the parking is pretty limited. This is especially important to note on the weekend. The vibe of this place is pretty casual, laid-back but elevated. A great atmosphere for a variety of occasions- if you are looking for something super formal, probably would skip. We started off with a variety of appetizers- the crab dip, whipped goat cheese, and a variety of oysters (they have a ton to choose from). The crab dip was some of the best I have tasted, the goat cheese was tangy (I can see this not being for everybody but if you enjoy goat cheese you'll like this) and the oysters were magnificent! You get quite a variety of sauces to try with them (various hot sauces, cocktail sauce, horseradish) and we enjoyed trying them all. As for entrees, our party got the fried chicken sandwich, burger, baked scallops, and the salmon. Everyone who got the fried chicken sandwich enjoyed it (the fries are out of this world! Perfectly fried and battered), the burger was enjoyed by my boyfriend, and I really really enjoyed my salmon (the creamed spinach potatoes were absolutely delicious and my favorite part of the meal- the salmon was perfectly seasoned and cooked). However, those who got the baked scallops were not as impressed- the presentation is neat (it comes in a shell) but the portion was rather small and cheese overwhelmed the dish per their report. It sure looked pretty, though! Since it was my birthday, I got a free brownie sundae with ice cream. I swapped the vanilla ice cream for coffee and it was the perfect ending to a nice meal! While our waiter was very nice, the service was very slow and we were not checked in on very often. The service was definitely the downside of the evening- it's possible that it isn't always like this, however. Just something to note. Overall; I really enjoyed this place and would consider coming back for a different occasion.

    BAKED SCALLOPS
    JoAnna C.

    Oysters, scallops and crab cakes! The drinks were good. No beer on tap (only bottles and cans), and no local wines, but the margaritas were good and the food was hot and tasty. Fun outing with colleagues after work. Staff was friendly but not bothersome. Seated as soon as we arrived though it was a weeknight and off season. If you're looking for a spot to enjoy the evening and don't mind paying a bit higher price fore your meal (I spent about $80 for 2 drinks and 2 plates) this is a great spot. Oh and they have crème brûlée if that tickles you fancy!

    Roy W.

    I started with the raw oysters, and they were exactly what you hope for when ordering them fresh. Clean, briny, and chilled just right, they had that crisp ocean flavour without any off notes. The accompaniments were simple and didn't get in the way, which I appreciated. For my main, I went with the baked scallops. They arrived with a lightly golden top and a rich, buttery aroma. The scallops themselves were tender and not overcooked, which can be tricky. The topping added just enough texture and flavour without overshadowing the natural sweetness of the seafood. The space has a coastal, easygoing feel that fits the menu well. It's polished without feeling stiff, making it comfortable whether you're there for a casual dinner or something a bit more special. The staff handled everything smoothly and kept things moving at a good pace. The Atlantic delivers well-prepared seafood in a setting that makes you want to linger a little longer. It's a spot worth revisiting if you're in Virginia Beach and in the mood for quality ocean fare.

    Jess L.

    First time for everything right, well let me just say this place is absolutely amazing and the wait is worth it. The food was just soooo tasteful.. and you won't be disappointed with the oysters. Though it was happy hour our service was just right and efficient. The ambiance was set up really nice too, very cozy.

    Baked Oysters
    Allison P.

    One of our favorite (if not our favorite) eats during our visit to VB! We ordered oysters galore and were not disappointed! Our favorites were their raw oysters. The local ones to Virginia were actually our top picks! We also got a selection of their baked oysters. They're a great alternative if you're not the biggest fans of raw oysters. You have to try out their Old Bay Chili Butter Roasted ones -- so so good! My only note on the baked ones is depending on which toppings you chose, it could overpower the oyster. We're definitely stopping by for their happy hour the next time we're in town. You really can't beat their $1oysters deal!

    Woman's bathroom artwork
    Cat C.

    If you take away anything from this review... stay away from the clam chowder. The Atlantic just made a new menu for dinner and I was really excited to hit the happy hour then go into dinner with my book club. Happy hour was fantastic as always - dinner was where I could not even finish my dish. The clam chowder was not only over seasoned it tasted weirdly like almond flour, clams, old bay seasoning, more salt, and honestly I don't know what else but it wasn't good. White wine clams were delicious but it needs to be in a wider pot. You can't reach the juice at the bottom of the pot for your garlic bread or dipping your clams until you eat most of the clams. I love the service and always have loved the ambiance. I'm glad they took off the lobster Mac because any one I spoke to thought it was terrible, but is the chowder going to be their new "most hated" dish... maybe?

    Braised short rib

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    Page 1 of 31

    The Atlantic Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Atlantic

    Is this restaurant Kid friendly?

    No, keep them rugrats at home!

    Do they still do takeout?

    Yes they still do take out

    What time is their happy hour?

    3-6pm every day!

    Best place to park?

    There is a small lot adjacent to the restaurant which has complimentary valet parking for the Atlantic.

    View All 5 Questions

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    This placed had good reviews so I decided to try it for myself. Walked in in the afternoon. It was…read morenot busy and I had a choice of seating outside or inside. Sat in a booth inside since it was a little warm outside. Bomb MI was good. It had black garlic sesame aioli, kimchi, pork belly, sunny side egg, cucumber on a sesame seed bun. The Southside was alright. It is bombay gin, St. Germaine, Jack Rudy small-batch tonic, and soda. Would have given this place a 4/5 if not for the crappy service. The rude guy working the bar was neither friendly or pleasant. There were no napkins when food was served. I stood up and politely asked for some. I found some below the register and, since the guy was busy prepping drinks, I decided to get them myself. He then said, "okay do my job," which was unnecessary and rude. Though the other waiter was friendlier, service was overall bad.

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    Sky Bar - Igloo

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    Best bar I've been to in a very long time ! The vibes here are amazing all the staff were fast and…read morepolite. Definitely recommend this place to anyone give it a try you won't be disappointed!

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    I have walked and driven by 100's of times and never stopped. It's not the kind of place that you…read moreare going to walk off the beach in bathing suits and get food. It's a nicer vibe. Bigger than I thought and a cool vibe inside....however....very dark! Use your flashlight on your phone to read the menu and bring your readers. Very small menu but done well. This place is not for everyone....I wouldn't bring my dive bar loving, basic burger kind of guy husband here. We started with a few apps so I got to try the smoked fish dip, cheese with baguette and apple butter. Both were delicious, especially the fish dip. Those house pickles were delicious. I could have eaten just a bowl of those. I didn't try anything else but everyone that did was raving about how good the food was. Service was good. Sometimes a little difficult to get water. I think they even have HH in the back bar. Open kitchen. Friendly staff. Foodies would enjoy this place. Worth the check out.

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    Great experience last night celebrating a birthday outside on the veranda at Pacifica.. Our group…read moresort of exploded from 4 to 11 and they were totally accommodating in making sure we had space as we expanded. Really wonderfully creative cocktails the bartender/owner invents included a cask aged Negroni. Service by Ella was 5 Star all the way. With a group that size the orders just keep coming and we never had to look for her. If you are a charcuterie fan, this place has the best board in town. We also loved the daily special, dirty martini hummus. If you haven't been here in a while, I'd suggest you give it a go.

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    Great fun little brunch spot. Stumbled in here right after attending the Virginia Beach farmers…read moremarket on a Saturday. Loved sitting in their back patio on a warm spring day. It is fully shaded which was nice considering we had some young kids with us. Service staff was very attentive and knowledgeable. I'd encourage them to be more targeted when describing some recommendations on the menu, she simply listed about the entire menu she asked "what are some of your favorites". Drinks were delivered very fast by the bartender. 2nd rounds were offered prior to the drinks being empty which shows good serving habits. The serving portions were very plentiful and played very well on the brunch theme! Burger was cooked medium well but still very juicy with a delicious mayo based sauce. The chicken and biscuit was juicy and the biscuit was flaky and delicious. It would have served the dish well TJ have a little more syrup. I also loved the unique hash tots. I was simply visiting from out of state so I won't return, but I'd encourage you to! They are also included on Resy so be sure to book there or use a Resy credit if you have it!

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    First time in Virginia Beach and first time at Esoteric, couldn't have been more pleased! Went on a…read moreTuesday so it was Burger Night. Arrived around 6:30 and were able to get a table but it filled up fast. Host noted we were probably new bc Tuesdays were usually familiar faces; love to hear that locals love a place too! We ordered the Buffalo Mushrooms as a starter and let me tell you, it's worth the hype. The crunch on these things is legendary. The sauce is a little spicy but it won't blow your palate out. Also the portion is enormous. We wanted to save our appetite for our mains but just kept eating them. We got the monthly special burger which was the kimchi burger with Brussels sprouts on the side and a wagyu meatball sub with fries. Dear lord that burger! I am trying to remember another burger that I loved this much. The kimchi was cooked down into a bit of a compote which melded with the cheese and gochujang perfectly, the patties were crispy as hell! The bun added a perfect sweetness. I told the server it was "stupid". I almost cried. This can't even capture just how good the food was. I'm sorry. The Brussels sprouts were a little understated, kinda like creamed spinach at a steakhouse. They were delicious but overshadowed by other menu items. The meatballs were spicier than we expected, so if you like a spicy meatball, get after it. The best thing about the sub was the pesto sauce on top, which added a nice green brightness to what was an otherwise heavy sandwich. Good luck picking this monster up, we needed to resort to knife and fork! The fries were on point. Whoever is running the frier at Esoteric has the temp dialed in. I wish we had room for dessert but we were already bagging up most of the sub and fries. The portions here match the prices. Would love to eat outside here when it's a little warmer. If you are looking for a cute spot in the vibe, don't miss Esoteric. We for sure will be back.

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    0.1 mi
    $$

    Whoo where to begin with this one. My wife and I decided to come here for dinner on 5/19. It was…read moreher first time coming for actual food and it was my first time ever. She had always wanted to try it, it had a happy hour menu with food and drinks, so why not. We parked, walked the few feet over, got seated outside, and waited. Our waitress, Taya, was an absolute gem. Only 2 months working there and she was in her element for us. It was quite humid outside but it wasnt uncomfortable. The inside though was big and spacious (the big wall of Makers Mark alcohol bottles was quite a site to see). Now onto the food and drinks: For drinks I ordered their Catch 31 Orange Crush (delicious) and they went out of their way to prepare me a Irish Car Bomb (shot of Baileys Irish Cream in a pint of Guinness) the best they could and it worked out beautifully. My wife just had her favorite Blue Moon on tap and she had no complaints. For food we ordered a Buffalo Mac and Cheese (wife), The Mack (me) and coconut shrimp (share). The Mac and cheese my wife had blew her mind. The couple bites I took I could see why. The buffalo chicken on top was melt in your mouth tender and the cheese sauce balanced the spice out nicely. The Mack I had was a double cheeseburger with thousand island dressing, lettuce, onions, tomato, and pickles. I've mentioned the best burger I've ever had came from Smashed RVA but now it has competition in this one. It was fresh, juicy, and the toasted bun made it all come together. So good in fact I ordered a second one to go. Speaking of... The coconut shrimp we shared was so tender and the sweet chili dipping sauce would make your eyes pop out your head. It was spot on cooked, nice golden brown color, and very flavorful. My wife doesn't even like spicy food or coconut even but even she said she loved all of it. We got a second order of the shrimp to take home too. I talked to the manager on duty, named William, and told him my feelings and thanked him for a wonderful experience and meal and that we would definitely be back again. I can't speak for the people who gave this place negative feedback but I can say for my wife and I we had zero issues with the service, staff, and food.

    This is my third or fourth visit over the last few years. The setting is one of Catch 31's…read morestrongest points. Oceanfront views, open windows, and a coastal, airy vibe make it a genuinely scenic spot. Perfect for sunset dinners or drinks with the water right there. The energy at the bar was lively but not overwhelming. Clam Chowder: Rich, creamy, good balance of clams to potatoes. Classic and comforting. House Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing: Fresh greens, generous portion of blue cheese. Tangy and well-dressed without being soggy. Burger: Flavor was excellent, juicy, well-seasoned. Came out slightly overcooked for my preference, but still delicious. Drinks: Two Old Fashioneds were balanced and strong. Also had a shot of Jim Beam bourbon. This is where the experience fell short. I'm a 20%+ tipper and I sit at bars often, so I understand how busy it gets. But the difference in service was hard to miss. Tatiana (bartender): Greeting took much longer than other guests. I wasn't asked if I was eating or drinking right away, yet I watched her promptly greet others, offer water, take orders, then ask for a card. With me, she asked for a card for the tab immediately. The interaction felt noticeably different from how she treated other patrons. I give grace when I can, but the contrast was clear and can't be ignored. I also noted her manager appeared to be a Black man, which made the disparity feel even more disappointing. Hayden (bar back): Cool and helpful. Stepped in, checked on things, and was genuinely hospitable. I reluctantly left her 15%. Honestly, I didn't want to give her anything at all but a piece of my mind. The good Lord Jesus is working on me, so I left the 15% and walked away. As a regular 20%+ tipper, that drop speaks volumes about how the service felt. Pros: Scenic oceanfront atmosphere, good food with strong flavors, solid cocktails. Hayden's help improved the night. Cons: Inconsistent bar service. The burger was slightly overcooked. Most concerning was feeling singled out by Tatiana's approach compared to other guests. Catch 31 delivers on location and food. The view and the chowder alone are worth a stop. But the service experience at the bar was uneven and left me feeling offended as a paying customer who tips well. I hope management addresses the disparity, because the place has too much potential to be weighed down by that. Would return for the food and view, but hesitant about the bar experience with Tatiana.

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    Catch 31 Fishhouse and Bar
    Catch 31 Fishhouse and Bar - Rockfish

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    Catch 31 Fishhouse and Bar - Scallops and shrimp

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    Scallops and shrimp

    The Atlantic - seafood - Updated May 2026

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