Hair of the Dog Eatery, Downtown Norfolk

Simple breakfast! Eggs bacon potatoes. Added grits, and French toast. Good, service was excellent.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Very adequate atmosphere. Had a Blue Moon and the Pleasure Point Benedict for my hangover and it was amazing. Forgot the bartender’s name but she had blueish hair, hope to come back to see her again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The place was pretty empty on a Thursday afternoon which should have been the first sign. Food was average at best and the service was poor. Took 5-7 minutes after our food was delivered to get silverware. Do not waste your time. They also automatically charge 18% gratuity . It may be why the server had no incentive to check in on us.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Food was excellent. I had the Chesapeake Benedict...so creative and yummy!! And the mimosa flight was refreshing on a hot day and the perfect way to try several flavors (since I couldn't make up my mind). Server and staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too!).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

i asked for no peppers in my shrimp and crab omelette but i received peppers. told waitress and the new omelette i received looked rushed & undercooked. was cooked in 5 mins. toast was hard as a rock. i just went on and ate the first omelette and just took the peppers out. received a percentage off (whoopi-doo) was thinking a free meal but y’all know how that goes… had to get a side of lemons from another waitress because the original waitress was so pressed about serving the larger birthday table… won’t be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 2

Great bloody Mary's!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

My favorite spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and booze.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was an alright experience. The potatoes were perfect and the carnivore omelette filled me up. I loved whatever soft cheese was inside of it. The presentation of the Benedict was also nice.

Things that turned me off: the coffee flight was bland and tasteless, the waffles were soft and didn’t seem fresh, and the mandatory 18% tip added to each check. I’d like to control how much I’d like to tip. The price is a bit on the high side but not terribly unreasonable considering the location. Otherwise it seemed like an okay place to go to but this might be a one time deal for me.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Great Brunch, fast friendly service! Highly recommend the coffee flight!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

My egg benedict were really good and service as well!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

The worker was disrespectful and rude

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

My burger was so good!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a great first time experience, the staff was welcoming and very helpful and the meal was quick, fresh hot and delicious. Definitely one of my favorite brunch spots from now on.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sam the bartender and Kim the manager were so amazing an accommodating !!!
When I visited Sam was extremely attentive and gave me strong recommendations!!! The specials seem to rotate every few months and they have been BOPS!!

Smoke house Benedict was so amazing just like every other special I’ve had!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Given that Hair of the Dog Eatery (specifically the ODU/downtown Norfolk location) has reportedly closed as of February, 2025, a review would be more of a reflection on its past performance than current. However, if I were to write a one-star review based on a hypothetical bad experience before its closure, it would read as follows:
My experience at Hair of the Dog Eatery in downtown Norfolk was incredibly disappointing, to say the least. I had heard some buzz, but clearly, it was misplaced. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt neglected – tables were dirty, and the overall cleanliness left a lot to be desired. It felt like the staff simply didn't care.
The food was even worse. My order arrived cold and lacked any semblance of flavor. It was clear the ingredients weren't fresh, and the preparation was sloppy. I ordered a classic breakfast dish, and it was barely edible – a truly forgettable meal. The service was practically non-existent; getting someone's attention was a struggle, and when I did, they seemed indifferent to my concerns.
Given the prices, the value here is simply not present. You're better off spending your money elsewhere for a more enjoyable and higher-quality meal. I left feeling completely ripped off and frustrated. There's nothing about this place that would make me ever consider returning, even if it were still open. A definite one-star experience.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1