A W Shucks Raw Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Norfolk

Came for dinner on a Saturday night. Had called earlier and asked if we needed reservations, was told that they weren't necessary and the place didn't get crowded till 730. Got there at 630 and told we would have a 30-40 minute wait. Mentioned that we had called and asked about reserving a table and they didn't care. Said we could wait at the bar. We went to a table by the bar near the front and were told we couldn't use that table. Ended up walking to the far end and found chairs to sit. Girl behind the bar gave us some menus and took our orders for drinks. Friend ordered a beer and she informed him it was misprinted and was 16 bucks instead of 6. He said a beer wasn't worth 16 and she had to channel her inner 15 year old to tell him, oh yes it was. Her demeanor was much less than friendly after that.

After sitting at the bar for about 30 minutes, we noticed that two tables that had been empty were still empty. See the picture. At about 35 minutes we finally got seated and there were about 4-5 empty tables at this time. Waiter came and got our orders. Food took about 40 minutes to finally come to the table. Wife ordered crabcakes, I had a burger, friend had steak and shrimp. Food was good, my burger was well cooked, wifes meal was good though she said the size of the crabcakes was smaller than the last time a year ago. Friends meal was overdone, they offered to recook the steak but he declined.

After dinner we had desert and coffee. Another 20 minute wait for the desert to come and another 25 minutes before the coffee finally showed up. At least it was freshly made. Wife used the restroom, said it was "disgusting".

I'd give this place a 4 for the quality of the food, but between a 1 and 2 for the service and the attitude of the wait staff. The table they saved for the reservation was empty for an hour before it was used. Understand it was a Saturday night, but they could have done a lot better. Being generous and...

A Ghent Institution That Still Delivers the Goods A.W. Shucks is a cornerstone of the Ghent dining scene, a place that feels as comfortable and reliable as an old friend. For years, it has served as the neighborhood’s go-to spot for fresh oysters, cold beer, and a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s a formula that continues to work, earning it a solid four stars for its consistency and classic raw bar appeal. The main draw here is, without a doubt, the raw bar. The oysters are consistently fresh, with a rotating selection that gives you a taste of various local and regional waters. Whether you like them raw on the half shell with a simple mignonette, or baked as Oysters "Shuckefeller," the quality is always apparent. Beyond oysters, the menu offers a broad tour of coastal favorites. The "Colonial Crab Dip" is a perfectly sharable, cheesy delight, and the fried seafood platters are generously portioned and satisfyingly crisp. The atmosphere is a huge part of the Shucks experience. It’s perpetually bustling, casual, and friendly. The hum of conversation and the clatter of oyster shells create a vibrant energy that’s perfect for a post-work gathering or a relaxed weekend meal. The enclosed, heated patio is a fantastic asset, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy a dozen on the half shell any time of year. If there's a slight catch, it's that the restaurant's immense popularity can sometimes be its main challenge. On a busy night, the lively vibe can tip into being loud, and service, while always friendly, can feel a bit stretched. And while the seafood classics are the undeniable stars, some of the other menu items, though perfectly fine, don't always shine as brightly as the raw bar offerings. Still, A.W. Shucks remains a Norfolk essential. It’s a place that understands its identity and executes it well, providing fresh seafood and a welcoming environment at a fair price. For a dependable and delicious taste of Tidewater, it’s a spot that rarely...

I come to this restaurant at least 1-2 times a week for dinner when I’m in town working in Norfolk This place has great food and 99% of the staff are kind and friendly EXCEPT the Bartender named Crystal. The other night after I had closed out my check with the waitress at the table I was sitting at, I felt like having a Margarita so around 9pm I walked over to the bar(HUGE MISTAKE) the look she gave me as I sat down was horrid, nevertheless I am a warm and kind person so I still was nice to her, so I order my drink and she makes it and gives it to me(still with a mad look on her face) never once did she ask if I needed a menu or if I wanted another drink or anything at all and at 9:25 pm I felt like getting one last Margarita but before I had the chance to even say anything she walks over to me and places the check down in front of me and I asked her if I could get one last drink and she said that it was too late already and that she called last call at 9:20(which she didn’t ) I even asked the gentlemen sitting three chairs down if he had heard her say last call and he said no(right in front of her) then she says we don’t call it out even though she literally said she had a minute or two ago. I felt very awkward and uncomfortable at that point so I paid my tab and left feeling humiliated, I don’t know what this bartenders problem is, don’t know if she is prejudice, I thought I’d write this review(which I never ever do) so that people know what they could be potentially getting themselves into by sitting at this bar while she’s back there running the bar. I will continue to eat dinner whenever I’m in town as this has been the only bad experience I have had there and all the other servers and hosts are very nice and professional and the quality of the food is excellent but will definitely stay clear...