Location: Norfolk
Top Things to do in Norfolk
Things to do in Norfolk, Virginia (VA): The Best Breweries
An early English settlement, Norfolk is filled with historic sites and monuments. Norfolk is also home to the oldest U.S. naval port, as well as the Battleship Wisconsin, which was in service from World War II through the Persian Gulf War. Locals and visitors head to Town Point Park for outdoor concerts and annual events such as the Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival. Families enjoy relaxing in Norfolk Botanical Garden and touring the harbor on a 19th-century Mississippi riverboat.
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. The Bold Mariner Brewing Co
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By MichaelK1998
This local brewery relocated from the Lamberts Point area two years ago, and their loss is OV's gain. The facility is a beautiful two story location, with a spacious tasting room downstairs and mid-size event space upstairs. The real draw though, is the sun-drenched wraparound porch on both levels which during the spring and summer months, provides an excellent place to sip a cold beer with your friends while you enjoy cool breezes from the Chesapeake Bay, just a block away. The beer is crafted with love and care, and there is a varied and rotating selection. Their Lucky Cat Japanese style Lager became a smash hit last year, and Frogman Lager and Dog Zebra IPA remain trusty go-tos. Not only Bold Mariner beer is served, there's usually one or two guest taps available as well for a little extra variety. Prefer wine? The tasting room also provides a selection for you too! If you're hungry, you are in the right place. From Thursday to Sunday, the best Texas style BBQ in Norfolk can be found inside, courtesy of Bar-Q. Bar-Q was once a pop-up that frequently visited the old Lamberts Point location, but is now permanently integrated into the venue. The big beef ribs aren't always available, but when they are, you are in for a real treat! COME HUNGRY. The rest of the week, you can still snack on a charcuterie board assembled fresh while you wait, or chips and salsa or hummus. There's usually some local live music in the tasting room on Frogman Friday, as well as team Trivia on Thursday. And the staff? The friendliest in Ocean View! Suzanne's smile lit up the entire building, and she was so knowledgeable about their beer. It was truly a pleasure.
2. Smartmouth Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Since 2012, Smartmouth has helped shape the Hampton Roads craft beer scene with unique styles, quality ingredients and an emphasis on flavor over flash. No gimmicks, no funny business, just an appreciation for well-crafted beer and a desire to share it with others. At the end of the day, we are “beer geeks,” who make beer, think beer, talk beer and drink beer. It’s what we do and it’s what we love. Today, we distribute a variety of beers throughout the state of Virginia, in addition to serving our local community. We embrace our roles as stewards of craft beer and we thank you for your support.
Reviewed By Bonnielt23 - Chesapeake, United States
I had been wanting to visit this place for so long. Finally made it, but only had about 40 min before closing. But the time we spent here was so much fun with AWESOME beer. We'll be back!
3. O'Connor Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
The brewery is located at 211 W. 24th Street in the new Railroad district of Norfolk, situated next to the historic Ghent neighborshood and just a mile or two from Downtown. The Tasting Room and Production facility share a 35,000 sq. foot mid-century modern historic building. Free parking is available in their private lot or street parking is free along 24th and 23rd street. O’Connor beer drinkers come from all walks of life, but what brings them together is a love of the small, simple joys in life. The pleasure of being outdoors, relaxing on the beach with friends, having dinner with family after a day of hard work, and of course, enjoying a fresh, flavorful beer. Customers appreciate the O’Connor brand for its approachability and authenticity. They value its independent spirit, that it remains family owned and operated, and its support of the local community. And their loyalty has established it as a mainstay brand with 10 years of sustained success.
Reviewed By Sal_Paradise767 - Durham, United States
This is an excellent brewery. They have a great selection, fun merchandise for sale, they have food trucks on the premises and as it's a huge warehouse there is plenty of space to sit both inside and outside without any COVID worries.
4. Coelacanth Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Coelacanth Brewing is a locally-owned Brewery located in the Ghent/Railroad District of Ghent. Focused on producing unique twists on classic styles on our 15 bbl system. Multi-award winning and recently named Virginia Green Brewery of the Year, we are also Hampton Road's FIRST certified Green Brewery!
5. Rip Rap Brewing Company
6. Elation Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By wingnut457 - California, United States
I’ve been to a lot of breweries and very few combine really high quality beer with a really nice place to sit and enjoy the beer with company. Love this place.
7. Benchtop Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
We are an award winning microbrewery that focuses on using local ingredients wherever possible. We have 12 taps to choose from and we offer cans and bottles for purchase to take home, as well as, crowlers and growlers for purchase of draft beer. We have two modern outdoor patio space that are pet friendly.
Reviewed By wsmithhd - Wisconsin Dells, United States
This is a neat venue in the Ghent neighborhood. Beers are really good. They have a couple sours that are nice and a good IPA or session. They offer several beers and the four types I had were all very good.
