37th & Zen — Restaurant in Norfolk

I hate to leave this review, and I want to be as subjective as possible. My friends and I are big supporters of drag shows in the area. We frequent places like Crocs Drag me to brunch , rainbow cactus , and others. We decided to give this place a shot and it was okay. First and foremost, the ladies were fabulous. However the venue itself was uptight, I understand with Covid that things are going to be strict and I respect that fully. However, we were scolded for throwing money, and everything else in between. Basically, we are used to a certain level of etiquette and fun... we know to not stand up without a mask, don't touch the performers. We know the rules, and respect them fully. However some of the rules really prevented us from having the great time that we are so accustomed to. It was like staff was kinda breathing down our necks, and all I could think was this isn't half as wild as it normally is , we had just been at Crocs the weekend before and had an amazing time. Also, I only got 2 drinks and the bar tender was rude when I walked up to the bar to see if they had redbull. He didn't even let me ask my question and turned me away. I just want to say the energy was bad and unwelcoming. I usually carry 100 dollars on me for tips, and I literally only spent 20 because I just didn't have a good time. This is in no way a knock on the performers, I absolutely love the ladies, they're always a great time. My waitress was sweet and friendly. It wasn't an awful time but it wasn't what I was...

I'm a goth night regular, and this is my go to club! Zen is a great place to meet new people, dance, and attend LGBT events. Staff is lovely, incredibly polite and the service is always prompt. You never feel excluded.

In terms of goth night, though, will say as of late I've been mildly dissappointed. The music has unfortunately taken a massive downgrade. (Not discounting all of the DJ's hard work! They're great.)

As a member of goth and adjacent subcultures, I appreciate the space for like minded people. Along with having room to actually dance. However, the crowd has recently shifted as well, and I believe the music has followed in that regard. Not sure why at goth night, generic pop/dance songs have been playing with more priority, but it's pretty disappointing. This doesn't happen every time, but it has been more frequent.

I think goth night would really benefit from better advertising! As its an alternative/goth centered event, heavier emphasis of the theme would go a long way.

Overall though, my friends and I love Zen and consider...

The goth night has decent ambiance, but most folks are really standoffish, which isn't really the norm in goth clubs. There's usually a more welcoming family sort of vibe. The music fluctuates, depending on who's spinning and when. Def needs more old school, and earlier in the evening. The bartenders are STELLAR!!! They're friendly, fun, and pour some lethal cocktails.

The only major hang up there...the drink prices are currently higher than some of the more legendary L.A. Goth clubs. $14/tequila shot, $12 AMF(from the well, no less)...that's really going too far. A simple rum/coke is only $8, which isway more reasonable for pricing. Beer is always cheap...it's beer. Lol But seriously, if they'd just drop those drink prices, ppl would actually buy more drinks overall and they'd still make money. Esp for a small place that has very little parking. Hard to wanna stay late, when it's just...