These days, there are a lot of bars in Norfolk and Virginia Beach with great beer programs. So many so in fact, how does one decide where to go in either city when craving a memorable beer experience? Proximity to ones house? Atmosphere of the bar? The obvious, beer selection? Price point? Service?! We decided to ask those in the local restaurant industry where they go and why when they get off their shifts. Who better, we thought, to inform us lushes.
Humorous words by Josh Gregory | Contentious words by Fitz | Photos credited to the social media pages of the winning bars
1 THE BIRCH: Selection + Knowledge
It’s the Library of Beers. Ranked one of the top bars in the US by USA Today, ranked #3 bar in the US by Ratebeer…we’re not listing all the awards and accolades, they go on and on and on! The consensus of this snapshot industry poll was that there is no other bar in Norfolk or Virginia Beach with as good a combination of selection and knowledgeable staff. If you are looking for a truly exceptional beer experience in Norfolk, there are so many hidden gems to be had at the Birch. thebirchbar.com |1231 W Olney Rd Norfolk, Virginia, VA 23507
2 ESOTERIC: Selection + Atmosphere
Esoteric’s beer program is the Kevin Smith of beer programs in Virginia Beach. Wait, that’s too indie. Better yet, Esoteric’s beer program is like the Tarantino of beer programs–but Kill Bill Tarantino, not Reservoir Dogs Tarantino. It’s rooted in an indie, “we’re going to serve what we like” mentality, but broad enough in appeal to satisfy the masses. With bottled gems hidden purposely to the side of low line glass fridges to be discovered by informed drinkers, as well as a unique diversity of offerings on tap due to going through different types of beer distribution channels, this magazine has been known to describe Esoteric as Virginia Beach’s answer to the Birch. esotericvb.com | 501 Virginia Beach Blvd Virginia Beach, Virginia, VA 23451
3 LYNNHAVEN PUB: Atmosphere + Selection
Lynnhaven Pub didn’t start as a craft beer Mecca. At one time, it was a bar you could go to to throw up in public. As the locals grew up “The Pub” grew up as well. Even today though, it’s a place that’s been known to infuriate self-described “food journalists”, by not treating them like the celebrities they pretend to be but rather like every other patron looking to take the edge off with a good beer. There’s no table service, a great beer selection, and zero pretentiousness. facebook.com/lynnhavenpub | 2236 W Great Neck Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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Specializing in soups, bone broths, salads, smoothies, toasties, and pastries, The Stockpot in Virginia Beach sets itself apart with heathy comfort food. Visit them Monday through Saturday at 700 19th St. Suite #106 or learn more about them online at stockpotsoups.com
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4 80/20 BURGER BAR: Selection + Service
It’s the place you can go and ask Gabe (the bartender) what beer he is excited about, he will tell you the truth about what he is excited about, and he will have it in. It’s a bar that serves a large restaurant industry crowd. It’s a bar you can bitch about the last table you had at the end of your shift, an episode of Game of Thrones or football. It’s quintessentially Ghent. It feels older than it’s actual years. 8020burgerbar.com |123 W 21st St Norfolk, Virginia, VA 23517
5 COGANS: Atmosphere + Price
OG Cogans rounds out the list at the fifth spot. Technically tied in votes with AW Shucks and 1608 Crafthouse, with their sister restaurant, Cogan’s North, also tying for the contentious spot, we’re going with Cogans to round out our list (we’ll deal with the hate mail). Cogans is a Ghent institution that goes back way longer than when they upped their tap game and paired it with pizza. It’s the closest thing to a true Norfolk dive bar on our list; we mean that with love. If you’re in the mood for utility pizza and an ample beer selection without blowing a ton of money, this is your spot. coganspizza.com | 1901 Colonial Avenue Norfolk, VA, United States 23517
Honorable Mention: 1608 Crafthouse | Cogans North | Aw Shucks
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