Hampton’s dining scene blends coastal Virginia flavors with a growing wave of creative, independently owned spots.
In addition to long‑time seafood joints, you’ll now find chef‑driven kitchens, modern comfort food, and lively neighborhood hangouts.
These five restaurants capture what makes Hampton an increasingly interesting place to eat.
1. Venture Kitchen & Bar
Venture Kitchen & Bar brings a fun, urban energy to downtown Hampton.
The space feels warm and brick‑lined, with an open kitchen and a bar that always has a bit of a buzz. It works just as well for a relaxed date night as it does for a casual night out with friends.
The menu leans into inventive small plates and pizzas.
Expect wood‑fired pies with playful topping combinations, creative flatbreads, and shareable snacks like roasted Brussels sprouts, sliders, or fried bites with bold house‑made sauces.
The kitchen clearly has fun with flavor, but the food still feels approachable. The bar program is a big part of the appeal, offering craft cocktails, rotating beers, and a wine list designed for sipping alongside a table full of shared plates.
2. Mango Mangeaux
Mango Mangeaux has become one of Hampton’s most beloved modern spots, blending French, Creole, and NeoSoul influences into something that feels totally its own.
The dining room is colorful and stylish, with an atmosphere that makes even brunch or lunch feel like a mini celebration.
On the menu, you’ll see shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, Creole‑inspired pastas, and rich, soulful plates layered with spice and texture. Mango—true to the name—shows up in sauces, glazes, and cocktails, adding brightness to savory dishes.
Brunch is a major draw, with decadent specialties, sweet‑meets‑savory combinations, and beautifully presented plates that practically demand to be photographed before you dig in.
3. Brown Chicken Brown Cow
Brown Chicken Brown Cow is a casual, upbeat spot that takes burgers, barbecue, and comfort food seriously.
The name sets the tone: a little playful, a little irreverent, but with a strong focus on quality ingredients and house‑made components.
Burgers come stacked high with creative toppings, from classic cheese and bacon to more adventurous combinations featuring specialty sauces, cheeses, and pickled veggies.
You’ll also find smoked meats, hearty sandwiches, loaded fries, and rotating specials that dive deep into comfort‑food territory. Craft beers and milkshakes (sometimes boozy, sometimes not) round things out, making this an easy choice when you want something satisfying and unfussy.
4. The Deadrise
Located on the water at Fort Monroe, The Deadrise pairs relaxed coastal vibes with a seafood‑forward menu.
The setting is a major part of the experience—think expansive marina views, outdoor seating, and a salty breeze drifting through.
Seafood is the star: crab cakes, fish tacos, peel‑and‑eat shrimp, fresh catches grilled or blackened, and seasonal specials built around what’s available locally. There are also burgers, salads, and sandwiches for anyone looking for something beyond seafood.
It’s equally suited to a laid‑back lunch, sunset cocktails, or a casual dinner where the scenery is as big a draw as the food.
5. 1865 Brewing Co.
1865 Brewing Co. is a newer addition that brings craft beer and elevated pub fare together in a space that feels modern and community‑focused.
The interior is open and industrial‑chic, with plenty of room to gather, sip, and linger. The beer lineup typically features a mix of approachable styles—lagers, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal experiments—brewed on site.
The food menu mirrors that easygoing vibe, offering burgers, wings, flatbreads, and bar snacks that pair naturally with what’s on tap.
Live music, events, and a welcoming atmosphere make 1865 Brewing Co. feel like both a neighborhood hangout and a destination for anyone exploring Hampton’s evolving food and drink scene.
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