Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills

The food at this place was fine. But the service was really poor. My boyfriend and I were looking for some good food and stumbled upon this place. The reviews were good, so we were anxious to dine. As soon as we entered the restaurant the hostesses pretended like they didn’t see us. We had to ask several times to get seated at a table. They acted like we were the ones interrupting their little gossip circle. Once they finally looked up and got us seated they put us at the worst table possible. The restaurant was not even half full, yet they seated us in an aisle and not near any of the cute decor of the restaurant. After a few moments the waitress got us settled and was fine. While the server wasn’t specifically rude to us they didn’t really seem like they wanted to be there and didn’t go out of their way to give great service. They did not fill up our waters or ask how the food was once. After we finished our meal the busboy picked up our plates. It then took 10+ minutes for our waitress to even come over to us and offer the check. This entire time we could see them behind the bar laughing with coworkers and eating food. Very unprofessional. We gave them the benefit of the doubt and left a tip, but then soon after regretted it. After we left the restaurant we went through the gift shop and just did as happy tourists do. To our surprise while we were getting in the car to leave an employee from the gift shop comes out in the parking lot. They proceeded to scould us and tell us that we couldn’t park their to “go to the beach.” However, the sign distinctly said that any persons that dined at the restaurant and went in the shop could park there. We proceeded to tell them this, but they continued to yell at us to move our car even though that was our plan from the get go. It was ridiculous for them to go completely out of context and assume we had parked their illegally when we indeed had not. Overall awful experience the food is fine, service was so poor that I regret spending any money here. Do not visit this establishment. One could say...

If you're looking for a place that will wow your taste buds and leave you feeling like royalty, Awful Arthur’s is where you need to be. But here's the real reason we’ll be coming back: Robin. Yes, that’s right. ROBIN. She made our night unforgettable.

From the moment we were seated, her friendly smile and attention to detail made it clear that she was there to ensure we had an exceptional experience. She walked us through the menu with enthusiasm and was incredibly knowledgeable about the dishes. But let’s talk about the star of the show: the seafood dish. If you’re a seafood lover, you know how picky you can get about freshness and flavor. Well, this dish was top-notch. The fish was tender, the seasoning just right, and the sauces complemented everything perfectly. It was like being at a five-star seafood restaurant, but with the laid-back charm of a local spot.

What really set Robin apart, though, was her impeccable service. She checked in on us just the right amount of times—never overbearing, always attentive—and her recommendations were spot-on. Not only was she knowledgeable about the menu, but she also made sure our drinks were never empty and that we had everything we needed to enjoy our meal.

I honestly can’t say enough about how amazing Robin was—she’s the kind of server that makes you feel like you’re a guest in her home. I would return just for her! If you're at Awful Arthur's, make sure to ask for her. She’s the kind of server who makes a good meal great and a great meal unforgettable.

We will definitely be back—and next time, we’re hoping Robin’s there to make our experience just as phenomenal. Thank you, Robin, for...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 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...