Captain Groovy's Grill & Raw Bar — Restaurant in Norfolk

Captain Groovy's Grill & Raw Bar is a true Norfolk institution, offering a delightful blend of fresh seafood, creative dishes, and a wonderfully quirky atmosphere. It's a place that consistently brings a smile to my face and satisfies my craving for good food in a lively setting, earning a solid four stars. The moment you step into Captain Groovy's, you're hit with its unique, eclectic charm. The decor is a playful mix of nautical themes, local art, and just plain fun, contributing to a truly laid-back and welcoming vibe. It's not stuffy or pretentious; it's a place where you can genuinely relax and enjoy yourself. The outdoor patio, when weather permits, is an especially desirable spot, adding to the relaxed, beachy feel. Now, for the food: the seafood, as expected from a "Raw Bar," is consistently fresh and well-prepared. Their oysters on the half shell are always a highlight – briny, cold, and delicious. Beyond the raw bar, their grilled and fried seafood options are excellent. I'm a big fan of their fish tacos, which are packed with flavor, and their daily specials often feature unique and tasty preparations of local catches. They also offer a good selection of non-seafood options, like burgers, which are equally satisfying. The menu is creative without being overly complicated, hitting that sweet spot of familiar comfort with a fresh twist. The drink selection is solid, with a good variety of beers and a full bar for cocktails. Service is generally friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. The staff often reflects the restaurant's quirky personality, which is a nice touch. Why not five stars? While the food is almost always very good, there can be occasional inconsistencies in preparation or execution, though nothing major. Given its popularity and the often-lively atmosphere, it can also get quite loud, especially during peak dining hours, making intimate conversation a bit challenging at times. Parking in the area can also sometimes be a minor inconvenience. Despite these small considerations, Captain Groovy's remains a fantastic and reliable choice in Norfolk. It's a place that delivers on its promise of fresh seafood, a creative menu, and an undeniably fun atmosphere. If you're looking for a taste of local flavor and a good time, Captain Groovy's is definitely...

Visited on 6/20/2021 around 3pm, so we were just in time for their happy hour specials! There was no wait and it was a bit rainy and humid outside, so we opted to sit inside. The inside is extremely dark, almost to the point of not being able to read the menu, which was bizarre for 3pm on a Sunday. but it wasn't a problem for us, but the older ladies sitting to the left of us had to pull out their cellphones to use as flashlights for the menus... There was also a really strange noise the entire time we were there; it sounded like someone was banging on the wall behind us rhythmically. We asked our waiter about it and they gave some strange explanation; it was a bit bizarre.

On to the food. We ordered 2 types of broiled oysters since they were half-price for happy hour. The "rock" style with the spinach, bacon, and provolone was nice, but they had A LOT of spinach on them. I would have liked a tiny bit less spinach and a bit more cheese for a slightly saltier flavor. The "Americana" style with butter, garlic, and Parmesan were our favorite. They had the perfect about of Parmesan funkiness and saltiness. I will note that the different flavors of broiled oysters had different names depending on which menu you looked at. The happy hour menu differed from the printed menu which differed from the menu on the chalkboard menu directly behind our table. Weird!

I ordered the Cuban panini and it was delicious. The roll was nice and crusty, and the ham/pork combo was just what I want in a Cuban sandwich. The fries were also great too; they seemed to be beer-battered or double-fried, yum. My husband ordered the fried shrimp basket appetizer which came with 4 jumbo shrimp, and a side of fries. He said he enjoyed everything and the cocktail sauce the shrimp was served with was nice.

If I could give 4.5 stars I would. I'm only taking a 1/2 star because of the dark and dank atmosphere inside. The furniture and carpets inside could do with some updating, but it's a seafood-shack style place, so I'm not dinging them too hard for that.

Overall, I definitely would visit Captain Groovy's if/when I'm in the area again. Great...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Captain Groovy's Grill and Raw Bar, and it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that set the tone for an unforgettable meal.

The food at Captain Groovy's is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and expert preparation. The raw bar is a seafood lover's dream, offering an impressive selection of oysters, clams, and shrimp, all incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The entrees were equally impressive, with a special nod to the perfectly grilled fish tacos that was both succulent and seasoned to perfection. Every bite was a testament to the culinary talent in the kitchen.

What truly elevated the dining experience was the exceptional service provided by our waiter, Ariana. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making sure that every aspect of our meal was perfect. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. It's rare to find such outstanding service, and Ariana's professionalism and warmth added an extra layer of enjoyment to our evening.

Captain Groovy's Grill and Raw Bar is a gem that should not be missed. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or simply looking for a great meal in a welcoming setting, this restaurant delivers on all fronts. I can't wait to return and savor more of their culinary delights, and I highly recommend asking for Ariana for an unforgettable...