Ballyhoos — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

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I’ve had the absolute pleasure of attending several of the themed parties at Ballyhoos, and I can confidently say that Event Specialist DeeAnna has a true gift for creating unforgettable experiences! From the Kentucky Derby celebration to the Barbie Party and even the creative Waldo & Wenda night, each event has been completely unique, thoughtfully planned, and full of fun.

The Kentucky Derby party was spectacular — from the vibrant hats and race-inspired décor to the perfectly themed cocktails and entertainment, every detail made me feel like I was actually at Churchill Downs. DeeAnna really captured the excitement and elegance of the Derby.

The Barbie Party was equally incredible! The venue was transformed into a colorful, playful world where guests of all ages could step into Barbie’s dreamland. Everything from the decorations to the activities was perfectly on theme, and you could see how much joy it brought to everyone who attended.

And then there was the Waldo & Wenda Party — hands down one of the most fun and interactive events I’ve ever been to! Guests were laughing, mingling, and actually playing along with the theme, all because DeeAnna knew how to make the event engaging and full of energy.

It’s clear that DeeAnna pours her creativity, organization, and passion into every single event. She has a talent for bringing people together, making each gathering feel welcoming and exciting while paying attention to even the smallest details. Ballyhoos is lucky to have her, and I can’t wait to see what she...

Walked over to check it out and we were shocked that despite the restaurant being right off a major road, it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere as we sat outside. Didn't realize there was a huge play area, which our kids LOVED! Giant connect four, bag toss, tether ball.. so much fun.

Food was pretty good - the shrimp with parm risotto stole the show but we also enjoyed fried grouper and the po'boy. Burger wasn't anything to write home about, but it's still a burger. Would recommend skipping the fries and getting literally any other side. The crush selection was really fun (spicy seed and Valencia ranch water 🔥🔥), and I thought the prices were extremely reasonable considering the area. Out of the $2 PBR, but it was later on a Sat night so can't place too much blame.

Service was decent. I believe our server was pretty new, which is fine; everyone has to start somewhere! Between her and other staff members we were given plenty of attention and didn't go without what we needed.

They had a band come play later on that I thought was really good (Jen Exits). Very cool set up, and if you don't want to be in the thick of it, there's still outdoor dining as well as another bar area (which i like their TV setup a lot!)

We have already discussed that this will be a repeat this summer - happy to stumble upon a place like this so...

We came to Ballyhoos because it was recommended by various friends of ours. Their website clearly states that they are open until 2:00 AM. We arrived around 12:30 AM, and were immediately approached by one of the blonde, female bartenders, who told us that they were now closed, and were no longer serving anyone, implying that we had to leave. Because of this, we had to stand outside in the rain for over twenty minutes waiting for an Uber to pick us up, as the same bartender and others continued to serve seeming "insiders" for the entire duration of our time standing outside. At one point, these insiders who were still there being served, as well as the very bartenders who told us we wouldn't be served, were looking at us standing outside in the rain and laughing at us. I'm a local attorney in the area who simply expects hospitality and simple courtesy from any local establishment, and I can honestly say that I've never experienced worse service than what my friends and I received tonight at Ballyhoos. It was a truly disappointing experience, given the great recommendations we originally received. My friends and I will be sharing this horrid experience with anyone who asks about this place, moving forward. If I had the option to give no...