The Norfolk Pub — Restaurant in Norfolk

This restaurant gave me one of my most incredible birthday dinners and it makes an impressive list that includes exceptional eateries in different states and countries. Really phenomenal food.

I regret as a GM local guide their grill was one of the first reviews I ever posted, (see below under the hashtag) and so like many new reviewers I wrote very few words and little detail. I couldn't even tell you what we ate as I did not take any photos - either because I didn't have my phone/camera with me, or I hadn't thought to do this yet, again, just beginning this undertaking. My partner and I dine out a lot and it may be we'd just eaten in so many places I was picky. Or, maybe the lunch was just okay. Regardless, my opinion today of their dinner service, is it's a place worth driving a distance to or if you're within the area worth frequenting.

Though retro, I still love the idea of disposable table coverings that allow patrons to draw on them with provided crayons. The first time I experienced this was at Café Un Deux Trois in Manhattan in the eighties, so this concept goes back awhile. Love that Wood Creek Bar & Grill still does this, whether it's for kids or adults. Candles lit should always be a part of your experience at any fine dining establishment. Special menu items should be special or favorites.

Back to the dinner. Having a spontaneous day, we did not have reservations and could have been dressed less casually, but we were in formal casual wear, if you will, meaning this is not a place you need to wear a suit or cocktail dress, but perhaps reconsider tube socks and tank tops. They found us a table on the small upper level to the right of the door where we'd had lunch for my original review.

Let's get to the food. The scallop appetizer was unforgettable. It may be the best I've ever had, and for those that read my reviews you know I'm working on a top ten list for this dish. It's hard to do because often the scallop starter is a special, as this was, so for that reason it can't make the list as it's not always available. However, if and when you're at Wood Creek Bar & Grill, and this is on the menu, by all means order them as either an appetizer (two) or dinner (four). Or, get two of each. We realized after each having one, we could have easily had a second. The arancini (fried rice ball) stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto was also perfect.

Our entrées were equally spectacular. One is still a regular menu item, fortunately - the pan seared duck breast. Unbelievable. Moist, depth in flavor with a raspberry demi glace, accompanying mashed potatoes and squash. A special menu fresh haddock with wild rice and the same squash was above par. Light and gratifying. The accompanying salads with dinner were also noteworthy. The bartender did a fine job with our cocktails.

Good service but pricey....

It was a Saturday night and crowded. Our party of 6 arrived at 6:15 to eat before an 8 pm concert 2 doors down the road. First, the waitress brought everyone's drinks except my husband's beer. When questioned, she didn't seem to realize it was missing, and said the bartender was overwhelmed. But she didn't follow up, and we had to ask again. Probably 1/2 hour later, she finally brought it, and had to substitute a different beer than the one he ordered. I ordered the Grilled Vegetable Platter, which was listed under Pastas. It was described as an array of grilled vegetables with tofu. I assumed it would come over or with pasta. The service was extremely slow and we watched the wait staff enter and exit the kitchen, many times, but empty handed. Finally, with little time left before the show, the food arrived. But mine was simply 2 stacks of grilled vegetables (the waiter called it a Vegetable Stack, which he explained was the old name for this dish) without tofu or pasta. When I asked, I was told they ran out of tofu. No one apologized or offered me an alternative protein source. Nor had anyone let me know they were out of tofu, so that I could have changed my order. Perhaps the restaurant assumes that only vegetarians would order this dish, AND that vegetarians eat only vegetables. Which is ridiculous. The vegetables were tasty, but not satisfying by themselves. I'd have had another slice of bread if the waitstaff hadn't whisked that away when serving the entrees. I understand it was crowded, but this restaurant should be used to that, given its proximity to the Infinity Music Hall. At least they did the right thing and didn't charge for my dinner. I won't be going...

I’ve been here a number of times and always had a good time. But I’ve never had an experience like I did Saturday July 12th, my only regret is that I forgot to post this sooner. We went to Bearly Dead and we came early I could say that it was the show, but honestly, Lindsey (maybe A idk) stole to show. She was there for when we came in for drinks at 2 o’clock. we asked if she’d be here after the show. She had a smile that said yes and said I do a long day for all my show people. She said she comes in at 10 am and is alone most of the day but loves her job, and is happy to make people feel welcome One thing she said when I said “that’s a long day” she responded with “it’s no one’s fault that I come in that I’m tired “ “ going to a restaurant is an experience, and I’m here to make a good one” We went to the show and left early to come back to make sure we could see Lindsey again, she brought happiness, comfort and and a sense of humbleness. Then she started dancing and singing. I hate the song “picture” but she did it in a way I wanted to hear more. My wife and I are instagram junkies and wanted to premier her and she said “just come back” I give this place and A+ the food was great, but having someone like Lindsey behind that bar brings this place to a...