80/20 Burger Bar — Restaurant in Norfolk

The 80/20 Burger Bar has been on my "Hampton Roads to list to try" collection for a little while. Since I've been eating clean, I had to wait for a good opportunity to go, and my cousin knew to let me know in advance so I can fit in my cheat meals. My cousin invited me to this place for her birthday dinner & I couldn't say no.

When we walked in, there was a little wait. As I was looking around the establishment seemed cool. There were different types of artwork around that gave it an artsy feel. I didn't notice the cows hanging around until we were leaving. . I thought that was a little weird since we were eating them. However, it was kind of cute lol.

When we were seated, Chris introduced himself immediately. We had a table of 6 plus a child & he did an amazing job making sure we were satisfied with everything. He was very quick to make sure our glasses were topped off during the whole experience.

The menu looked really cool. 80/20 offers a variety of starters. Let this be a lesson learned for everyone. Do not order two lol. I ordered the Fried Pickle Chips ($7). My friend ordered the mozzarella sticks ($8). The portions on both are big. The fried pickle chips were really good! I couldn't finish the by myself. Soooo lets chat about the mozzarella sticks, wow. Listen. . I never ever. . heard of dipper moz in alfredo sauce until today. Let's just say that was one of the best i've had. Especially since they were LOADED with cheese. When you pulled them apart, the cheese followed. . which is a great sign.

I ordered the Heritage Burger ($15). This is a domestic raised bison burger with caramelized onions, thick-cut bacon, and gruyere cheese. For the side, house fries with garlic, rosemary, and parmesan cheese. The bacon was really the best part. It’s nice that it had its own flavor also. You can tell that this was a bison burger! It was really good and cooked like I asked, medium well. The fries were good also. However, the parm over powered it a little but I got over it lol.

A lot of people at my table tried the lesner and loved it also! They ended up getting a bacon-aise on the side and on the burger. However, it is recommended to have it on the side because you can dip your fries and YOU are in control of how much goes on your burger. It can be a little too much for your liking.

Since we did have a little one with us, 80/20 helped provide a high chair for him and also a kids menu. He ended up getting fries with a grilled chicken. He seemed to enjoy it.

I’m already thinking about coming back and trying another...

Good, But I Can't Get Past the Buns I know, I know—people in Norfolk absolutely rave about 80/20, and I completely understand why. The place has a genuinely cool, laid-back vibe, the beer list is fantastic, and they have some of the most inventive burger creations in the 757. I can see the "blue collar gourmet" they're going for, and I respect the hustle. My friends swear by it, but for me, it all comes down to a fundamental flaw that I just can't overlook: the buns. Let me be clear, the heart of the burger—the patty—is top-notch. You can taste the quality of the grass-fed beef, and it's always cooked with care. The toppings are where 80/20 gets its reputation, with wild and delicious combinations from the bourbon-glazed "Mr. Lahey" to the fiery "Hades" burger. The creativity is undeniable. The fries are decent, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want from a neighborhood burger joint—a little hip, a little divey, and always welcoming. But a burger is a total package, and the bun is the foundation. And in my experience, it's a foundation that crumbles—sometimes literally. Whether it feels a bit too dense, a little dry, or just doesn't seem to match the high quality of the meat and toppings, it throws the whole experience out of balance for me. It's like putting a supercar engine in a car with budget tires. The most important parts are there, but the point of contact feels like an afterthought. I've given 80/20 a few tries, hoping I'd come around. I'll happily grab a beer here with friends anytime. But as a burger destination? For my money, it’s a three-star experience. I’ll keep hearing the raves, and I’ll be happy for my friends who love it, but I’ll be left wishing they'd put as much thought into the bread as they...

04/06/25 If you are looking for a great spot to eat and drink this place is a must. The staff is outstanding. Just a great hang. Come out and try this place if you never have.

11/29/24 This is the bar to true. So much fun. Love this bar.

Ask for the house shots. 09/18/24 What better place to celebrate National Cheeseburger day? Go out and enjoy yourself. Great place to have a drink also!! Fun restaurant and bar.

11/14/23 Never had some much fun. Love this.

1111/03/23 You just cannot say enough good things about this place. The staff is amazing and they know there stuff when it comes to food and drink. Never meet a fellow customer that was not fun and interesting to talk to. If you are on Norfolk or the 7 cities you must try this place. Great people and great food. 80/20 rules.

01/08/23 I was. Married here. Got kicked out for being racist. I am not racist. Love this bar. Go here. Tip the girls more. Mark gets 20 %

01/8/23 I love Jamie and the Sara's.

03/20/22 The best bar in Norfolk. I have sent these fools a Christmas Card before. Never have I met anybody that does not love this place. Most people live to far away to enjoy this bar. If you get a Sara your good. All the male bartenders are real cool, the girls are better though. A must stop in Norfolk.

06/11/21 again another fun night at this joint. Back to a bar again. Love Sara and the staff. Always find cool people to talk with. If you live in the 757, you come. Enjoy.

3/21/21 and it's still open!!

My favorite bar in Norfolk! Food is amazing also. When life was normal this place any night at 1am was fun to stop in. Great staff, fun customers. ...