The Stockpot Chesapeake — Restaurant in Chesapeake

First off, this place is really difficult to visit. They keep really weird hours and I don't get why. They serve both breakfast and dinner but I was really interested in the dinner because I expected soups and stews... I mean it's called the Stockpot...But they don't have a selection of soups. When I was eventually free to try out the restaurant on one of the rare nights they were open, I had the worst experience.

Let's start with the fact that they don't really do soup. Or homecooking. The only thing redeemable about their food is their biscuits... which are $14 for 4 biscuits and some jelly. FOURTEEN DOLLARS. For biscuits. We went on ramen night and I had the house special while my partner had a breakfast scramble. I wish I had gone with the breakfast options. The ramen was awful. The broth had an acidic aftertaste, the noodles had that overcooked spongy texture, and the meat wasn't cooked all the way through. I eat a lot of ramen and that was not good ramen. Maybe I got the wrong bowl but I was really unhappy with it. And my partner's breakfast scramble was unsatisfying as well. It was mostly potatoes--like 99% potatoes.

Now onto the "atmosphere". It was chaos. There aren't enough tables in there so we were seated at a long table next to some strangers in some of the most uncomfy chairs ever. Everything was loud. But the worst part was how cramped it was. People couldn't move around to get up to the bathroom easily and forget the servers. I can't believe how they navigate the mess of tables and chairs. No wonder they only open one night a week. For the cramped space alone, I will not be dining there again. I get you want to make sure you can fit as many paying customers into the space as possible but the current set up is not optimized to do that.

Service was pretty decent. From my observations, there were three servers working and one person behind the bar. Our server was pretty decent but not super attentive. We had to hail her over multiple times by practically shouting because she didn't notice the cues like a raised finger, and then a whole hand and arm. I think she might've been new but she seemed far from busy. The restaurant was a little small to have so many servers working and I couldn't understand why every single one of them was rushing around so much. I wonder if management has them doing food prep in the back because they kept disappearing for long stretches.

In the end, while I had different expectations for food, I was mostly upset with the atmosphere and service. And for all of it, I was upset with the price. Our bill was as expensive as it would be at a nicer restaurant and we had a far less enjoyable time. $75 for two people, no cocktails. Even with the extremely expensive biscuits, I don't understand how our bill was that expensive for the quality of food that was served. It should've been closer to $50. I will not be...

I've been a fan of The Stockpot since their first store in the Virginia Beach Vibe District over nine years ago. Including Norfolk they now have three locations. Chesapeake did not disappoint.

With a newer location in Chesapeake I was excited to try them out for the first time and popped in on a weekday just before close. It's a big hike from my home, but a treat for others that reside in this more rural area. There is good availability of surface parking and it was clear of debris.

The Chesapeake Stockpot may be off the beaten track, but it suits them perfectly in my opinion. It's not far from the NC border and I expect OBX traffic in season. The store is less than a mile drive off Highway 168 in a busy strip that once was home to Big Ugly Brewing for many years. They offer outdoor seating with a spacious patio.

The dining area is bright and fresh with trademark Stockpot open kitchen and bar like the beach. Interior seating appears less than Norfolk, but certainly more than Virginia Beach inside and patio. Merchandise and bakery items are up front and displayed nicely.

Staff were immediately friendly with seating at the bar which was my choice as a solo diner. My eating area was clean as was everything I saw including back house. The space suits groups.

Menus and water was made available and I moved quickly with the approach of their closing. They offer a full menu while open. I ordered the Big Island Bowl which consist of Seven Hills Farm beef patty, forbidden black rice, house brown gravy and a sunny side egg.

Through the years it's been a delight for me to watch the kitchen and how the staff interacts. It's tells me a lot, but I must say since I was the last customer of the day a bit different. The cooks and staff were also beginning prep for the next day. I witnessed a well oiled machine and execution of my meal.

My bowl arrived in about ten minutes, or so and was piping hot. The Forbidden Black rice is unusual and wowzers tasty. The proteins of beef and egg were an exceptional pairing. The gravy was the right amount. This was a uniquely different dish that I loved! I added an apple cake to round it off. It was fresh and the buttercream yum.

Another home run and congratulations to Patrick and staff. A well deserved 5 stars and recommend to locals...

Let me preface this review: Food is 5 stars*

The left to be desired 1 star is for service. I really hate to give stockpot a less stellar review since I love Stockpot food and have been repeat patron with great experiences at the Norfolk and VA Beach locations!

First time at this location. I am not surprised that they’re busy at lunch time on a weekday, with no other “ competition” within a half mile radius.

Service is dismal. There are tables not cleared, which is unacceptable at a busy timeframe. I was fine with being offered a seat at the bar/counter. There is only one chef on the grill, one sous chef seemingly busy with salad prep.

I had to let the waitress know I was ready to order as she was walking around just filling sauce cups?? The second waitress was just chatting away while clearly there was another group of 3 that also sat at the bar after me. After chatting, this waitress started asking the party that sat AFTER me for their drinks. Was it because I was one person probably with less tip potential? The same waitress can also be found taking quick breaks to check her phone! The food and drinks: I ordered the iced honey ginger green tea. Can’t taste the ginger.

Towards the end when I was given their device to add tip to the bill, the waitress said “thanks for your patience, it’s been busy out here”. It’s great for the awareness and reflection but doesn’t service have to be great impervious to how busy the restaurant gets?

Ambiance: There are also tons of flies indoors...