Norfolk Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Norfolk.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Norfolk! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Norfolk has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Norfolk. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Norfolk offers over 72 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Grain
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 839 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Bird
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.5 stars from 273 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 4314 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Waterside District
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 7734 reviews.
📍 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Taphouse Grill
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 514 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 931 W 21st St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Miracle at Waterside District
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 262 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and Restaurant
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.5 stars from 2574 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 211 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Ghent • Self-Pour Gastropub • Roof Top Bar & Event Venue
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.7 stars from 169 reviews.
📍 319 W 21st St Suite A, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Blue Moon Taphouse
Highly rated American in Norfolk with 4.1 stars from 3588 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Waterside Dr #108, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Gershwin's
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 995 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 332 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
37th & Zen
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.5 stars from 816 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1083 37th St, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
MJ's Tavern
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.5 stars from 1283 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4019 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
The Public House
Highly rated American in Norfolk with 4.2 stars from 1394 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1112 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
Broadway Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.2 stars from 60 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5671 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Wave
Highly rated International in Norfolk with 3.2 stars from 138 reviews.
📍 4107 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Ultra Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 3.2 stars from 46 reviews.
📍 5957 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Bugatti's Norfolk
Highly rated International in Norfolk with 3.9 stars from 231 reviews.
📍 111 College Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Banque Country Western
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.3 stars from 872 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1849 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
PBR Norfolk A Coors Banquet Bar
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 1016 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Waterside Dr #104, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
THE EDGE
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 3.4 stars from 150 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4814 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Circuit Social Arcade Bar Social
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 949 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 258 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
OMEGA BAR
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.3 stars from 517 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 928 Diamond Springs Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Levels Norfolk
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 3.8 stars from 261 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 839 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
The NorVa
Highly rated International in Norfolk with 4.6 stars from 2887 reviews.
📍 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Waterside District
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 7734 reviews.
📍 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Portsmouth Pavilion
Highly rated International in Norfolk with 4.5 stars from 995 reviews.
📍 16 Crawford Cir, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Gershwin's
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 995 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 332 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Dome
Highly rated International in Norfolk with 4 stars from 481 reviews.
📍 400 20th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Grain
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 839 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Blue Moon Taphouse
Highly rated American in Norfolk with 4.1 stars from 3588 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Waterside Dr #108, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Froggie’s
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.3 stars from 1235 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3656 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Waterside District
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 7734 reviews.
📍 333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Grain
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 839 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Glass Light Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Norfolk with 4.7 stars from 260 reviews.
📍 201 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Hell's Kitchen
Highly rated American in Norfolk with 4.1 stars from 1714 reviews.
📍 124 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Saltine
Highly rated Seafood in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 2617 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 100 E Main St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Seafood cuisine
Blue Moon Taphouse
Highly rated American in Norfolk with 4.1 stars from 3588 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Waterside Dr #108, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Norfolk
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.6 stars from 2550 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 131 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Torch Bistro
Highly rated Bar in Norfolk with 4.4 stars from 917 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 601 Orapax St, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
Push Comedy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Norfolk venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Attucks Theatre
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Norfolk venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Harrison Opera House
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Norfolk venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Venue on 35th
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Norfolk venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
"Get A Clue" Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Norfolk venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
SevenVenues
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Norfolk venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
PBR Norfolk A Coors Banquet Bar
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Wave
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Bugatti's Norfolk
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Taphouse Grill
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Waterside District
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
37th & Zen
Explore Norfolk's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Norfolk varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Norfolk range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Norfolk offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Norfolk cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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