40 Top-Rated Nightlife in Norfolk To Have a Great Night Out

Nightlife in Norfolk is among the most underrated spots in America. Contrary to people’s beliefs that Norfolk is dull and boring, this city in Virginia offers visitors diverse entertainment and recreation for all ages. Along with top-rated nightlife in Norfolk, Virginia offers great road trip destinations and budget-friendly travel options.

What is Famous in Norfolk?

Norfolk is a city of Virginia famous for being home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters of NATO. With rich history and culture, its scenic attractions like the botanical gardens, museums, zoos, and tunnels draw in tourists year-round. Norfolk is also famous for its admiration of music and classy to laid-back nighttime hangouts.

The Best Nightlife in Norfolk

Unbeknownst to most, this city has been growing in popularity and has been named by USA Today as one of the “Top 10 Booming Downtowns”. With its growing popularity comes a growing selection of ways to have a great night out. So check out our list for some of our favorite options.

Scotty Quixx

This nightclub & cocktail lounge is located at 436 Granby St. and offers international foods and drinks, live music, and dancing. You can also hang out on their outdoor patio and watch sports or movies on TVs. 

Baxter’s Sports Bar

This award-winning bar & lounge is located at 500 Granby St. and is the largest in Downtown Norfolk. Enjoy their amazing beers, cocktails, wines, and food at their bar. You can watch your favorite game on one of their many TVs, which you can also enjoy at their seasonal outdoor patio seating.

The NorVa

Named by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2013 as “The Best Music Venue in America,” it’s the perfect place in Norfolk to see your favorite indie bands. You can choose to enjoy the show from the balcony or with others on the general admission floor. You can find it at 317 Monticello Ave.

Gershwin’s

Relax at Gershwin’s, a piano bar situated at 332 Granby St. It is a 30’s & 40’s Manhattan-style restaurant with outdoor seating that hosts live performances every night. Their great food comes at affordable prices, and they offer specialty cocktails that can’t be found anywhere else.

80/20 Burger Bar

The name of this hamburger joint located at 123 W 21st St. comes from its burgers being only made by 80/20 grass-fed Virginia beef. All their beef is sourced from local farms, and every morning they’re preparing their meats so that they are fresh and delicious. Aside from their delicious burgers, they offer other incredible meats and sides such as braised pork belly, smoked pork shoulder, fries, and wings. 

The Taphouse Grill

You can taste phenomenal foods and beverages in The Taphouse Grill at 931 W 21st St. They have a dog-friendly patio and exciting bar games. Also, their menu is filled with lots of vegan options.

Mermaid Winery

A modern American restaurant located in Palace Shops & Station, serving great appetizers & entrees alongside a full wine menu. Their stylish interior and outdoor seating are the perfect complement to the food and wine.

Luce

This Italian restaurant at 245 Granby St. deserves a spot among the most recommended spots in Norfolk because of its intimate atmosphere, inventive Italian fares, and local tap beers and wines. 

O’Connor Brewing Company

A microbrewery sited at 211 W 24th St. offering live music and craft beers in a taproom. There are also food trucks on-site where you order some great food to accompany your drinks.  

Luna Maya

A Latin-American restaurant at 2010 Colley Ave offering beers, cocktails, coffees, wines, and foods with healthy alternatives and vegetarian options. 

Press 626 Wine Bar

An upscale restaurant at 626 W Olney Rd. serving American fares made from locally sourced ingredients paired with an exquisite wine menu. Winner of “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator, they make it their goal to provide unparalleled service. 

Cogans Pizza Ghent

This pizzeria located at 1901 Colonial Ave offers Italian and American dishes accompanied by draft beers. It is an ideal spot when traveling with kids and those who want to hangout and watch sports. 

The Chelsea Bakehouse

If you’re looking for the best wood-fired pastries, bread, and pizza, then head to The Chelsea Bakehouse at 1233 W Olney Rd. They have limited seating, but you can order something and eat it on the go. 

Orapax

Established in 1966 at 1300 Redgate Ave, Orapax is known throughout Norfolk as “the place to eat”. Their Greek menu gives customers fresh and high-quality dishes that also feature many vegan options. You can also order their house cocktails, beers, and wines. 

Smartmouth Brewing Company

A brewery at 1309 Raleigh Ave offering free tours and a tasting room. Their great beers pair perfectly with the food you can order from their rotating food trucks.  Although indoor seating is not available, you can grab a seat on their outdoor patio. 

The Birch

A retro bar at 1231 W Olney Rd offering exclusive craft beers with foods at its bar. They also have outdoor seating, which makes it ideal for tourists and large groups.

Sanctuary

This American restaurant at 109 Addison Street is famous for its unique decor and exceptional menu. Order some of their incredible tacos and late-night drinks, and take a seat at their outdoor evening and enjoy the evening.  

Torch Bistro

An American lounge located at 601 Orapax St, serving various small plates and quick bites with excellent choices of wines and frozen cocktails. They have outdoor seating and high chairs for travelers with children. 

The Back

A social club at 319 Granby St. provides visitors a happy hour, late-night drinks, and diverse food at its bar. There are also live performances, live music, karaoke, and a dance floor. 

Norfolk Seafood Co. & Big Easy Oyster Bar

An upscale seafood restaurant at 111 W Tazewell St, designed with a modern interior and a fireplace as its highlight. This grill and bar also offer happy hour food and alcoholic beverages. 

AJ Gators Sports Bar and Grill

A local sports bar chain in Norfolk serving American dishes and wings. You can also try their beers, wines, and cocktails while you watch the game on one of their many TVs. 

Circuit Social

This social club at 258 Granby St has various arcade games, bowling, and pinball. Visitors can enjoy some nostalgia while drinking and eating in this club. 

Culture Lounge & Restaurant

Experience some of the best live performances and live music in this lounge at 814 Granby Street. You can enjoy their karaoke and quiz nights alongside their happy hour drinks and food.

Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Grab their famous Shepherd’s pie and other popular Irish dishes and beers at 211 Granby Street. You can also enjoy live music, quiz nights, and televisions to watch sports.

Grain

You will have a great night out in Norfolk when you visit Grain in Hilton Norfolk The Main. Norfolk’s only rooftop beer garden serving hundreds of draft beers accompanied by small plates and snacks. Paired with its beautiful views of the city, you will have an unforgettable night out.  

Hair of the Dog Eatery

Located at 4820 Hampton Blvd, this brewpub offers excellent beer choices alongside its Southern home-style cooking. You can bring your kids with you, as it’s a great location to have a family night out.

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint

This hamburger restaurant at 131 Granby St continues to provide visitors with different innovative burgers, accompanied by an extensive selection of beers and wines. 

Saltine

A seafood restaurant found in The Main, Saltine serves breakfast to late-night dinner. They have cocktails and a vast seafood menu, offering indoor and outdoor seating for you to enjoy.

Tap It Local

A two-story bar and grill located at 244 Granby Street serving an array dishes, craft beers, cocktails, and wines. They have live music, bar games, and televisions to watch sports. 

Varia

At 100 E Main Street, this Italian restaurant provides Italian dishes with exceptional wines, cocktails. They have a bar on-site and high chairs for travelers with kids. 

Waterside District

Enjoy the beautiful views of the water as you hang out with your family and friends at 333 Waterside Dr. This waterside restaurant offers customers diverse dishes and beverages in a casual interior and outdoor seating. 

The Pizzeria @ Norfolk Tap Room

Go to 101 Granby St. and try The Pizzaria’s award-winning New York Style pizza, wings, and other famous dishes. Eat and drink beers, cocktails, coffees, and wines in a serene setting as you watch sports on their TVs.

Town Point Park

If you want to spend a night out in Norfolk with your family and friends in a picturesque landscape, Town Point Park at 113 Waterside Dr. is a great choice. Hosting occasional events, but you can see the spectacular fountains and enjoy the free picnic areas.

Suite 1200

This restaurant with outdoor seating at 731 Granby St. serves various small plates, quick bites, and impressive beverages, all available from their on-site bar. 

Push Comedy Theater

Spend your night laughing out loud in Push Comedy Theater at 763 Granby St. This comedy club is best known for its outstanding performances, satisfying foods and drinks, and comedy lessons.  

Hell’s Kitchen

Enjoy diverse American dishes and beverages in this stylish restaurant at 124 Granby St. They also have live music every weekend. 

Cork & Company

A family-friendly restaurant at 244 Granby St Suite A offers pub plates, snacks, and happy-hour drinks. 

Chicho’s Backstage

A bar at 320 Granby St with a dance floor and exciting music, offering customized pizzas, wings, and beverages. It is named among the best nightlife options in Norfolk. 

Brick Anchor Brew-House

This American restaurant at 241 Granby St is known for its impressive list of awards won from Veer Magazine. Their steampunk-inspired decor, outdoor seating, outstanding American dishes, and microbrews on tap make for a must-visit destination.

Performing Arts Theater

This is one of the most well-known nightlife destinations in town for its diverse entertainment and performances. A few examples are Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Symphony, and Virginia Opera.

Can’t Forget About Accommodation

Those who experience the nightlife of Norfolk leave with a lasting impression from the exciting and countless options. Norfolk is a hidden gem that is becoming more and more not so hidden, and our list will help you make the most of your time here, with options for every type of traveler. We also know that while traveling, accommodation can make or break a vacation. On our platform Rental Trader, you can find the perfect accommodation, offering options across the US. Also, If you would like to know more, contact us with any questions you may have.