If you’ve ever wanted a place where the food is solid, the drinks are strong, and the history on the walls is worth talking about, Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront delivers exactly that. Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable weeknight dinner spot or a visitor who just peeled off the sand, this is the kind of place you find yourself coming back to.
The Story Behind the Name (It’s a Good One)
Long before Virginia Beach was known for the Boardwalk or the annual Neptunefest, the iconic Cavalier Hotel was already hosting Hollywood royalty. Silent film star Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was a regular guest in the late 1920s and early 1930s, known to rent out an entire floor just to throw a party. He lived by one simple idea: “I don’t believe there is any finer mission on Earth than just to make people laugh.”
That spirit lives on at Arbuckle’s, where the atmosphere is fun, the staff is genuinely welcoming, and nobody takes themselves too seriously.
Where to Find Them
Arbuckle’s Bar & Grill is located inside the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, right on Atlantic Avenue. The bar has a direct view of the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, making for a surprisingly memorable backdrop for your burger and a craft cocktail.
Address: 4101 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: (757) 228-3111
Hours: Open Early, Stays Late
- Breakfast: 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Lunch: 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Bar: Open until 11:00 PM
Walk-ins are always welcome, and no reservations are required.
What’s on the Menu
The kitchen leans into traditional American and seaside fare, which is exactly what you want steps from the Atlantic. This is not a watered-down hotel restaurant. The menu is built for real appetites.
Fan favorites and signature dishes include:
- The Mobley Cheeseburger, a standout that regulars order on repeat
- Hatteras Clam Chowder, a coastal Carolina nod that feels right at home here
- Petite Filet of Beef, for when dinner calls for something a little more elevated
- Crab dip, consistently called out in reviews as a must-order appetizer
- Made-to-order omelets at breakfast (chef Rio has earned his own fan club among guests)
- Chipotle chicken sandwich and fried shrimp are solid lunch options that always hit the spot
The full menu covers fresh salads, seafood, grill creations, and classic cocktails, with gluten-free and vegan options available too.
Happy Hour Worth Planning Around
Guests on OpenTable have called it “a great place to spend Happy Hour(s).” The margaritas get strong reviews, the crab dip practically sells itself, and the bar staff will steer you in the right direction if you are not sure what to order. The bar side has its own energy in the evenings, especially when the Cavalier Hotel lights up in the background. It is a legitimate social scene, not just a place to grab a quick drink.
More Than Just a Restaurant
Embassy Suites overnight guests receive a complimentary made-to-order breakfast and a nightly evening reception, making Arbuckle’s a full-day dining destination for resort visitors. To-go orders are available during all business hours as well.
Other perks worth knowing:
- Private room available for events and group dining
- Full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities
- On-site and valet parking available
On Tripadvisor, the retro-inspired seating and attentive staff get repeated praise. The team here gets called out by name in reviews more often than most restaurants ever see, which says something real about how they show up every day.
Pull Up a Stool
Virginia Beach has no shortage of places to eat, but Arbuckle’s brings something different: a sense of place, a story worth telling, and food that earns its reputation one plate at a time. Stop in, order the crab dip, and see what the good times are about. You’ll thank yourself later.
Craving more local spots worth your time this spring? Check out more Virginia Beach business spotlights and find the places that make this city worth living in and coming back to.
Sources: arbucklesvb.com, cavalierresortvb.com, visitvirginiabeach.com, tripadvisor.com, opentable.com, yelp.com, dineinvb.com
Header Image Source: cavalierresortvb.com
