Front Porch, Fire Pits, Drinking - Dining
1 / 10

Hot Tuna

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A lively seafood-focused eatery with California-inspired dishes, vibrant bar scene, and outdoor seating.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Front Porch, Fire Pits, Drinking - Dining

Hot Tuna

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lively seafood-focused eatery with California-inspired dishes, vibrant bar scene, and outdoor seating.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience fresh, California-inspired seafood and a lively atmosphere perfect for any occasion."

TIP

Try Off-Menu Tuna

Ask for the off-menu tuna 3-way dish for a unique culinary adventure.

Taco Tuesday & Mexican Monday

Enjoy $4 tacos and discounted Coronas on Mexican Monday Nights.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10:30PM

Cuisine

American Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(757) 481-2888

Address

2817 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Outdoor Seating with Fire Pits

Vibrant Outdoor Seating with Fire Pits

Enjoy the lively atmosphere with outdoor seating by fire pits, perfect for cooler evenings and live music.

The Definitive Nightlife-Lover’s Guide to Virginia BeachBest Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Virginia Beach
Innovative Seafood & California Twist

Innovative Seafood & California Twist

Savor creative seafood dishes and local staples with a unique California-inspired flair.

Top 20 of the Best American Restaurants in Virginia Beach (July 1, 2024) - restaurant reviews digest based on google reviewsTop 12 Restaurants with Outside Seating in Virginia Beach
Signature Cocktails and Happy Hour

Signature Cocktails and Happy Hour

Experience colorful, signature cocktails and a popular happy hour with deals on drinks and appetizers.

Happy Hours to Try in Virginia BeachHungry for Oysters? | Virginia Beach Visitors Guide+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What are you grabbing? #hottunavb #virginiabeach #restaurant #localeats #locallyowned
@hottunavb
506 likes • 6.1K views

Try Off-Menu Tuna

Ask for the off-menu tuna 3-way dish for a unique culinary adventure.

Taco Tuesday & Mexican Monday

Enjoy $4 tacos and discounted Coronas on Mexican Monday Nights.

Silent disco night!#hottunavb #silentdisco #virginiabeach
@hottunavb
120 likes • 2.7K views
Like my video and come eat at hot tuna #virginiabeach #server #serverlife #hottuna #va
@pickledel
36.4K likes • 98.9K views

Happy Hour Deals

Visit for happy hour (3-5:30 PM) for $1 oysters and other food & drink specials.

Tapas Night Wednesday

Experience Wednesday Happy Hour/Tapas Night from 5-9 PM with special offerings.

Shout out to our drummer @andrew gille because he’s just so cool and awesome!!! Come see us May 28th at Hot Tuna! #band #guitar #indie #rock #alternative #music #virginiabeach #backseatlovers
@thehalfstepsband
153 likes • 3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Try Off-Menu Tuna

Ask for the off-menu tuna 3-way dish for a unique culinary adventure.

Taco Tuesday & Mexican Monday

Enjoy $4 tacos and discounted Coronas on Mexican Monday Nights.

Happy Hour Deals

Visit for happy hour (3-5:30 PM) for $1 oysters and other food & drink specials.

Tapas Night Wednesday

Experience Wednesday Happy Hour/Tapas Night from 5-9 PM with special offerings.

Reservations for Hero's Night

Book for Hero's Night on Tuesdays to get 15% off food and drinks.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hot Tuna offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, California-inspired seafood and a lively atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the excellent happy hour deals, flavorful dishes like the Mahi tacos and Oysters Rockefeller, and the fun ambiance, especially the outdoor seating with fire pits. While most service is described as attentive and friendly, one review reported a concerning billing issue and discovery of a hair in food, though this appears to be an isolated incident.

"Hot Tuna is a gem in Virginia Beach! The service was top-notch from the moment we walked in. I had the mushroom risotto with shrimp and scallops, absolutely amazing, perfectly cooked and full of flavor. I enjoyed it so much that I came back the next day just for drinks. Angelica was at the bar outside and she was fantastic, super cool, attentive, and really made us feel welcome. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back, and I definitely will next time I’m in town!"

Orlando Banners

"7/26/25 - I was invited to attend a birthday dinner that they were able to reserve the backroom. I was shocked to find they only had 1 server for the whole room but she did amazing considering that. Due to us being in the back room it was a different experience than dining in. When we arrived we were greeted for drinks, which we ordered. I order from their special menu and got the peach margarita. I did not taste any peach, just tasted like a regular margarita. It was still good and good amount of liquor. After awhile when everyone finally sat down, we ordered our food. I got the half dozen Rockefellers oysters (which was on the specials menu), and the shrimp tequila tacos blacken style. Food surprisingly came out quick, which I was shocked since there was maybe about 30 of us. The food was excellent. The shrimp taco's had great flavor and they blacken the shrimp perfect. The meal came with 2 tacos, and a side of rice and beans (black beans). It sounded like you may be able to sub those out with something else, but that is what I had wanted. The Rockefellers were great, no sandiness and great flavor. After dinner, we ended up hanging out for a bit on the outside firepit area which was nice. They had live band that night. I will say be mindful when being outside with the bugs (water bugs). We saw 3 when sitting by the firepit. If you are debating on booking the backroom, it is a good size and it has a separate bathroom. I would love to came back and try some other foods. This spot is also great for night out for drinks/hang. It was quite busy when we left."

Matea L.

"Hot Tuna did not disappoint! From the second we walked in we were greeted with a smile and seated near the bar. We came for happy hour and wow… everything we ordered was on point. We started things off with raw oysters, then Rockefeller oysters, shrimp cocktail, buffalo wings, shrimp and mahi tacos, and that cedar planked salmon… absolutely delicious!

Our server wasn’t super enthusiastic, but honestly the rest of the staff made up for it because they were so friendly and attentive. The food though? Amazing. We’ll definitely be back!"

Alicia Janae

What People Like

Fantastic happy hour deals
Fresh, flavorful seafood dishes
Lively atmosphere and outdoor seating

What People Dislike

Billing discrepancies reported by one guest

Frequently Asked Questions

Happy Hour (3-5:30 PM) is popular for deals, and evenings often feature live music on weekends.

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Yes, they offer outdoor seating, including popular fire pit tables, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere.

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Yes, enjoy Mexican Monday Nights for taco deals and Hero's Night on Tuesdays for discounts.

Yes, gluten-free options are available and marked on the menu.

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It's known for a lively, vibrant, and friendly atmosphere, often described as 'surfer chic.'

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Reservations are recommended, especially for special events like Hero's Night.

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Hot Tuna Bar & Grill is the kind of pub-restaurant-tavern that you come across once in a lifetime. It’s a steakhouse and seafood grill, but you can literally see the chefs’ passion for cooking and witness firsthand the bartenders’ zeal for mixing drinks. The atmosphere is vibrant, alive, and promises to put you in a good mood.

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Treat yourself to a cocktail at Hot Tuna Bar, a local favorite known for its locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh menus matched only by its fun, friendly atmosphere. Daily happy hour, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., includes $1 shrimp or oysters (raw or Rockefeller,) other dishes like grouper bites, mahi tacos, burgers and chimichurri skewers; and $4, $5 and $6 drink specials on beer, wine, margaritas, sangria and Orange Crushes. Located right on Shore Drive in Chesapeake Bay, it’s no wonder the dress code here is “surfer chic.

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Treat yourself to a cocktail at Hot Tuna, a local favorite known for its locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh menus matched only by its fun, friendly atmosphere. Daily Happy Hour, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., includes $1 shrimp or oysters (raw or Rockefeller,) other dishes like grouper bites, mahi tacos, burgers and chimichurri skewers; and $4, $5 and $6 drink specials on beer, wine, margaritas, sangria and Orange Crushes. Located right on Shore Drive in Chesapeake Bay, it’s no wonder the dress code here is “surfer chic.

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Hot Tuna (4.5 stars, 1,541 reviews): Experience a taste of California-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood at Hot Tuna. This lively restaurant offers a menu featuring innovative takes on seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Popular choices include fish tacos, sushi rolls, and their signature ” ahi tuna poke bowl.” The vibe is casual and energetic, perfect for a fun night out with friends or a casual lunch with a beachy atmosphere.

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While Hot Tuna, a popular seafood restaurant near the Chesapeake Bay side of town, is known for its local catch, the real scene is at the outdoor bar stocked with fire-pit tables. Catch well-loved local performers here Wednesday through Saturday nights and make a point of stopping by the Wednesday night Happy Hour—known also as Tapas Night—which runs from 5 p.m. all the way until 9 p.m.

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This beloved local haunt tantalizes visitors’ senses with delectable seafood and a vibrant atmosphere. This isn’t the most elegant establishment on our list, but Hot Tuna offers a 5-star experience with a surfer-chic dress code. Here you’ll enjoy locally-sourced food staples, such as fresh-caught Ahi Tuna, gourmet gouda burgers, and adventurous, inspired cocktail pairings.

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Hot Tuna has a bustling vibe making it one of the best restaurants in Virginia Beach for a fun and relaxing dining experience. It offers incredible American coastal cuisine, as well as specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. At Hot Tuna, you can indulge in delicious flavors while you listen to DJs hitting up rhythmic music that will make you want to dance.

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Hot Tuna: Another long-time VB fave at Shore Drive and Great Neck, the festive vibe comes with a full menu of fresh, local seafood, steaks, small plates and cocktails aplenty. Top your salad with fried oysters or hit their happy hour or “Shuckin’ Sundays” for $2 oysters raw, Rockefellar, chorizo or bourbon butter, and $2.50 oysters shooters.

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For a lively bar scene, colorful cocktails, and fresh seafood-focused fare check out the Hot Tuna Bar & Grill. Located along Shore Drive, this local favorite is a hot spot for live music and a social atmosphere. Grab a drink at their outside bar and enjoy the warmth from their fire pits tables for those cooler spring evenings.

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This late-night Virginia Beach hangout has such great food that you can go for dinner and stay till closing with no regrets. At Hot Tuna, ingredients are sourced locally and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Gluten-free options are labelled on the menu, alongside “house rules” for fun reading to kick off your night.

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2817 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451Phone: 757-481-2888 Visit Website. A post shared by Hot Tuna – Virginia Beach, VA (@hottunavb). Right inside of Cape Henry Plaza shopping mall is Hot Tuna, another fantastic spot for fresh seafood in Virginia Beach that everyone needs to check out.

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Here at Hot Tuna, our food is 5-star, but our dress code is surfer chic. Hot Tuna is a member of the Farm-to-Fork Movement; our menu features what is fresh, in-season and local. Eastern Shore seafood and produce from our local farms are staples, and our menu runs the gamut, from […]

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2817 Shore DrVirginia Beach, VA 23451(757) 481-2888 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This eatery with a bustling vibe is one of the best restaurants Virginia Beach has to offer, with its incredible American coastal cuisine, plus specialty cocktails, wine and beer.

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When friends and family come to visit, Hot Tuna happy hour is almost always on locals’ list of to-dos. Before 6 p.m., two drinks won’t cost you more than $10, and you can eat for less than $5. When it comes to gourmet grub, Hot Tuna dishes out their all-stars for $8 or less.

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Dinner and Drinks at Hot Tuna – This place is the best spot for the freshest local fish in the area. The fish tacos, burgers, platter, and organic margarita’s make this restaurant a Virginia Beach gem.

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Hot Tuna is a must-visit while you’re in town for the freshest seafood and live music. If you feel like treating yourself, head to Mermaid Winery for a delicious entrée and wine tasting.

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