Pendulum Fine Meats — Local services in Norfolk

We wanted to try out as many meats offered as possible so we went with the Assistant (Roast beef, cheddar, smoked onion, horseradish sauce & focaccia bread) and the cattle baron (two beef patties, cheddar, smoked onions, pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato, mayo, bacon, and brioche buns). The assistant’s roast beef was flavorful and deliciously seasoned. The onion and horseradish sauce really brought the entire sandwich together! The cattle baron’s taste was fresh and juicy; try a delightful burger. The brioche buns were a great compliment ! As for sides, we had rosemary garlic fries with roasted garlic mayoli and a salad with a house vinaigrette. The fries were fried in beef fat and were the BEST fries we’ve ever had. Super soft while still having a crunch, the fries of our dreams and the garlic mayoli was addicting! The salad was as expected and tasted fresh. For drinks, we decided on the sprecher’s craft sodas (orange dream and ginger ale). While it had a lot of sugar, man did it make us feel great haha. The place itself feels extremely home-y and everything in the shop was made by the owners (from the tables to the giant sign outside). The staff is always so nice and helpful whenever you have any questions regarding meats (Reminder that it's a butcher shop!!) If you’re near Norfolk and ODU/Ghent, definitely visit Pendulum for their...

Although it's a popular spot, I'd still call this a hidden gem. Open 11-4, Pendulum Fine Meats' Luncheonette is a perfect lunch spot for Solo or smaller parties.

I've had an assortment of their sandwiches, but I mainly stop on Fridays for their burger special. There are no frills: "The Burger" is a classic style burger with fixins. What sets it apart is the premium beef patties, cooked to a perfect medium-well. I recommend adding bacon.

The atmosphere is like a small indie coffee shop. Exposed brick walls, old hardwood floors, butcher block tables. Seating is quite limited (so don't linger too long after lunch!), but they make good use of the space. I wouldn't recommend dining in for a party any larger than 4. It's always quite busy, and finding a table to accommodate might prove tricky.

Along the perimeter of the space are a lot of treats to bring home or supplement your meal. They've got a case with unique local and regional meats you can bring home and cook. There's a good assortment of wine, ciders, beer, Mexican Coke in glass bottles.. Fresh cookies bakes daily, slices of cake, fancy gourmet chocolates. They've got a well curated selection.

I'd give them six stars if I could. This place deserves the praise it receives...

FINALLY today, I got a chance to visit this small deli/restaurant in the Ghent section of Norfolk. I had heard good things about it from numerous friends, but hadn't been able to stop there to try it out. Bottomline - it IS as good as everyone claims!

I had their Big Tex (brisket, sautéed onions, and a wonderful BBQ sauce) and my wife had their Butcher's sandwich (roast beef, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and their own special sauce). We both got their tossed salad as our side and we both said how plentiful and delicious everything was. I hate to recommend it to everyone because they don't have many tables and I dont want to compete with you for a table, but its a true gem - we will make time to drop by this deli/restaurant as often as possible.

BTW the staff was exceedingly helpful (and patient with us - newbees) and the food was immediately prepared - we sat for less than 5min before we had our meals! They appear to have a vast wine selection, along with an interesting selection of beers and sodas.

Thanks Pendulum for a great lunch, we will swing by there as soon...