Eat: An American Bistro — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

I have been eating (and drinking) here since they opened - I'm calculating 14/15 years. When I lived at the ocean front I was a regular. Now residing in Norfolk I am not as regular in more recent years.

The food has always been great except the last two times in. I do not know if this is an indication that the fire is waning on the part of the chef. I am not sure how much time the chef (Erick) spends in the kitchen these days. I have had so many good experiences here over the years but the above rating is based upon the last two visits.

The jury is out on these last two trips. I had a N.Y. Strip that was very poor - nearly inedible - tough and poorly cut. It was plated sliced and I have to guess there is not a grill in the kitchen (??). It appeared that maybe it was cooked on a griddle (Flat top?) maybe in a pan. No grill marks and not a nice sear etc; Perhaps the grill had beeen cleaned and shut down for the night? I can't believe the chef was working - he would not have sent that steak out of the kitchen. Also, I have to say, I do not think the whole steak made it to the table. There was no need or reason to cut the steak into slices before it was sent out of the kitchen.

Chad is always great - he has been on the bar since the beginning. We always hangout in the bar area and eat in the bar area. I did not complain - after 14/15 years of great food and service. I did not send it back.

This last trip the food was good - BUT the Oysters Rock seem to have lost their way. The dish IS about the oysters but the tasty preperation was much more focused on everything but the oysters. The oysters themselves were poor and all but missing in the dish - it would be a MUCH better preperation if there was a nice (not overcooked) oyster. Of the eight oysters I ordered there was not one nice oyster - terribly overcooked and the oysters were lost in the preperation. I have to wonder if the kitchen has lowered its standards and tried to expedite this dish by cooking it ahead and then warming it at point of service? The only reason I say that is because the oysters were cooked into oblivion.

The Tuna dish (Fire & Ice) was a nice preperation...

My wife and I went there for the first time this Valentines Day. We didn't know what to expect, especially when we walked into the lobby. The lobby isn't fancy by any means and you stare directly into the bar that you can see from the street. However, the back dining area - where we were sat - transformed you into an upscale romantically inspired dining area - small, but intimate, only seating around 26 or so. My wife ordered the streak and frites and I ordered the duck that was on special and both were ordered mid-rare. Both came out perfectly cooked and well displayed, however, both were under-seasoned, but a touch of salt brought them both to perfection. The frites were not like anything we'd seen, shoestring fries, cheese curds, thick chunks of pancetta and small pickle chunks. The fries needed salt - but only if you didn't get some of the other goodies. A bite with the other items made the fries perfect! Even the unusual item of pickles was a very nice and well paired addition. You can't underestimate the level of service you will get. It absolutely made our evening. Will was our server and what a delight. He met our every need - and quickly. More than that, he wasn't scarce and checked up on us frequently during our evening. The one item nearly out of their control was their restroom. It's a beach public restroom (1 horse only) that you need to pass through a breezeway to access. It was clean, but awkward for such a great dining experience and parking is very limited (street only) and could be a nightmare. Overall, it was a great Valentines Day - you made me look good! We will...

This cute little spot is right nice to the new nice Marriott hotel at the Ocean Front. I reserved a table for my husband and I on Open Table. We arrived early and they were still able to seat us immediately. It is nice small intimate restaurant. We had good service and the menu seemed very good. I had a hard time deciding what to eat.

I was disappointed in the drinks. I ordered a Lavender Lentini because it was one of their special drinks. I did not like it! So the server took it and gave me a Prosecco which tasted cheap and flat.

Our appetizer was the "Fire and Ice" it was tuna tataki. It was the best thing I had tasted at the restaurant. I think I would come back and eat only this. So I highly recommend ordering it.

My husband ordered the salmon special and I ordered grilled tuna buigoigi. My husband enjoyed his salmon, however my grilled tuna buigoigi with rice was overly sauced with what tasted like soy sauce. I couldn't finish my dish it was just too saucy.

We ordered something from the dessert menu that had toffee flavored and ice cream. That was pretty delicious.

I had to use the restroom and was caught off guard that the restroom was in the back, outside of the restaurant. It was freezing to go from the back door out to the bathroom. It is also one one single bathroom for everyone to use. The bathroom was shockingly clean.

Overall, I didn't love my dish or my drinks which is what kept me from rating this...