18 Best Cocktail Bars in Norfolk

“Omg where do I start!!! Me and my wife came Friday the 16th!! We didn’t have a reservation and I promise you I suggest making one especially on I house guess the weekend. We decided to sit at the bar instead of a window seat I also let the host know if someone cancels or if a Hi top come available please let us know. After 2 cocktails in which was amazing we got lucky got a seat! All you could see was the kitchen door flying open lol as the waitresses was bringing dishes I mean we only do fine dining when we eat out but I honestly wasn’t expecting something at this caliber seriously, you know we eat alot of places and sometimes the food just doesn’t be seasoned the way you expected especially if its plated nicely. Because it’s true we eat with our eyes first! But let me tell you!!! Goddd KISS THE CHEF!! The Owner, Owners whoever lol because every aspect was on point from service to atmosphere it really was unbelievable! I felt like I was in a major city!! Miami especially because I’ve had the oxtail lasagna there so I advised my wife to get that and I got the 37oz Tomahawk for 2 top with crab meat lol I love a good steak seriously. We didn’t get any appetizers because I wanted to save my appetite and my mental was in my pocket lol if you know what I mean but a $100 for a tomahawk with roasted potatoes it was no way I wasn’t gonna have that for dinner and some left for breakfast with cheese eggs in the morning lol Now when my steak came out! I ordered medium in which I expected to see pink because medium requires pink and who orders a well done steak anyway??? I mean it was cooked and seasoned to perfection with roasted potatoes and onions OMG I’M GOING BACK THERE!! Soon!! I taste my wife oxtail lasagna because she just kept saying how much better it tasted here lol so I did and she wasn’t exaggerating I mean the pasta sauce was sweet with garlic Omg how did they make a sauce that good and it had tomato chunks in it not the big crazy chunks but just perfect everything was PERFECT THIS PLACE DESERVES A MICHELIN⭐️ if thats possible in this area Ive ate in numerous countries because of my military background but this place is one for the books!!“

“We visited Glass Light to celebrate my wife’s 30th birthday, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. We booked the Chef’s Course, which turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. Each course was creative, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.

What really set the evening apart was the personal touch — we had the opportunity to talk with the chef and learn more about the inspiration and techniques behind the dishes. The staff made us feel truly celebrated, and the atmosphere struck the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming.

From the food to the service to the setting, everything about Glass Light exceeded expectations. It’s the kind of place that turns a special occasion into a lasting memory. Highly recommend!

—Please talk to the valet though as it started us off rough. They were no where to be found and when we did find them they told me to leave my truck on the street running and they will get to it. Doesn’t make sense to me“

“Quickly has become our go to low key hangout for amazing food in a relaxed setting. Great staff and menu.“

“We were in town for the night and a friend told us a out this place. OH MY I am so glad we went. Its a plate of big flavor. My husband had the chicken I had the filet..We talked to the chef after, very impressed and alot of experience under his belt. Wow is all I can say. We wish this place the best of luck“

“Great people, food, atmosphere and affordable. I love the blueberry coffee by the way ❤️“

“Attended soft opening today. Ate at the bar. Food was great. Menu is filled with a great variety. Staff was well trained. Looking forward to trying more Menu items.“

“Friendly, knowledgeable staff. killer drinks, and great food. hats off .. 🤙“

“I just want to thank the manager and staff for my birthday experience last night. We got there after harbor fest and the kitchen was closed but they were nice enough to go shuck oysters for me for my birthday . It was definitely appreciated thank you guys Saltine“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I had an amazing experience thanks to Sierra. She was friendly, attentive, and made sure every drink was perfect. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she created a welcoming vibe that made the night even better. Easily one of the best bartenders I’ve ever had—professional, fast, and fun!”“

“Decided to stop by yesterday and l order the Pupusas, they were phenomenal. Not greasy/oily as other places, had the ones with beans and the traditional cheese ones as well. Staff was friendly, got to meet the owner, definitely see my self stopping at least once a week here for lunch. delicious food and the horchata was on point too“

“We had such a great experience getting married at The Harbor Club! Just about everything about the planning experience and the day of was perfect as far as the venue and food was concerned.
Communication with the venue via Jenn, the venue coordinator was quick and professional. She was able to answer all of our questions before we booked, and was very informative when we did a tour. Communicating throughout the planning process after we had booked was the same. Jenn also served as our day of coordinator for the other vendors, kept our timeline on track throughout the day. Everything ran smoothly!
The venue itself was lovely, the perfect size for our wedding. Easy access to the restrooms, and the whole venue is handicap accessible. The view of the Elizabeth River is gorgeous, and all of our guests loved the balcony where we had our cocktail hour.
Several guests complimented the appetizers that were passed, as well as the food we had for dinner. The service and bar staff were top notch, very professional and good at what they did.
We had a perfect wedding day, and the Harbor Club and all of the wonderful staff and hard work that was put in was a large part of what made the day so amazing.“

“06/10/05I had a blast at this bar. Go during a car race. They give drinks for crashes. I asked for a menu in this place, they gave me a pizza shop that would drop off. The balls on these people.So much fun. Be respectful and you will have fun.“

“I’ve eaten meat longer than I haven’t. I’ve also cooked professionally for decades. Trust me when I say, Alkaline’s vegetarian ramen is some of the best I’ve ever had PERIOD. The broth is straight up magical!“

“Shout out to Yummo Bucko! A party of 4 we all spent close to $100, please know a 15% gratutity is added to each person no matter the size of group. This place will fill up fast (small and quaint), opens at noon on Sunday. I checked online to see if reservations could be set up and didnt see where that was an option, upon entering we were asked if we had a reservation. Even though we didnt we were told to select wherever we wanted to sit.

Food ordered: Sampler - grits where stiff and saudage links appeared and tasted as if straight out of (brown & serve box)

Fried shrimp - seasoned well and fried perfect

Eggs Benedict (2x) - one with fried, one scrambled it comes with two crab cakes and 2 lamb chops (lamb chops were supposed to be grilled medium well. Lamb chops was a new born baby lamb chop and so tough to bite)

Side order of original French Toast - ( one piece of bread cut in half $6.00)

Lamb chop brunch meal - comes with 3 lamb chops, smothered in brown gravy (I missed that part on the menu, I just wanted med well grilled lamb chops which came out the same as above. The menu stated mashed potates came with; however received cheesy grits with lobster meat. NO on the grits and the lobster was OK).

Lemon Pepper wings to go - brought order out and gave to the wrong person with no bag, just plopped down and walked away.

4 Mimosas which was ok.

Will we try this place again??? - Possibly on another day, just not BRUNCH.“

“I love this place, the servers help one another so you don't just have your waiter but a couple other and the Manager even helps just to make sure everyone and everything is running smoothly. The food is great from the tacos to the fajitas to the drinks. I can say enough about Jose's“

“Just left here. Showed up at around 6:30 with no reservation on a Friday. Had to wait a few to get seat at bar but no problem. So glad I waited to experience this place. They have a parking lot which is great. Vibe inside is lively but not overwhelming, upscale but not uppity, with food to rival their drinks. Bartender Joe was so busy but remained attentive and pleasant. Ordered the fried shrimp app, nachos and ahi tuna tacos. Usually I order ahi tacos at a place and get 2 tiny things. I got 4 which was super shocking. I spent $130 AFTER tip but I ain’t mad it was worth it. Drinks weren’t watery and weak, service was great, vibe was great with a good mix of people and food was well worth the money. Highly reccomend. Also their happy hour is also on Fridays which is unusual.“

“Amazing dinner. Great price.“

“I don’t know which is better…the amazing authentic espresso martinis or live music. The appetizers aren’t too shabby either. Can’t wait to come back for dinner.“