Ballin’ on a Budget: Norfolk and Virginia Beach Cheap Eats

Article and photography by Fitz

The average American will spend an estimated $700 on holiday gifts and goodies this year according to the National Retail Federation. Therefore, it couldn’t be a better time to highlight some delicious cheap eats in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. In fact, forget the time of year for a minute, food adventures at local restaurants are often the pastime of many a millennial friend of mine. This is despite the conclusion that they make 20 percent less than their parents, as USA Today reported recently, citing an analysis of the 2016 Federal Reserve Report by the advocacy group the Young Invincibles. Therefore, this food list will serve not just through the holidays, but into early next year for anyone on a budget who wants to dine out at some of the best reviewed local restaurants.

1. $5.00 Breakfast Sandwich at Commune NFK

Monday through Friday from 8am-10am, start your morning off with Chef Barry Smith’s breakfast sandwich featuring a house-made brioche bun, local egg, bacon, cheese (3 choices available), mixed greens, and aioli (also 3 choices available). Several sandwich component combinations are also available, and also included in the five dollar price tag is an espresso or coffee. Commune NFK is located at 759 Granby Street in Norfolk. communeva.com

2. $8.95 Dan Dan Noodles at Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine

It’s listed as an appetizer and available anytime the restaurant is open Monday through Sunday, but don’t be fooled-Judy’s Dan Dan Noodles are a meal in themselves for diners with a taste for spicier fare. Presented to you unmixed, make sure to work the noodles thoroughly through the chili oil, Sichuan peppers, pork, bok choy and scallions. Judy’s Sichuan Cuisine is located at 328 Constitution Drive in Virginia Beach. judyssichuancuisine.com

3. $9.99 NFK Hot Chicken Sandwich at Supper Southern Morsels

On house-made bread, Chef Josh Gregory’s brined then basted chicken thigh sandwich, topped with rough cut coleslaw, brings together juicy and spicy. Available Thursdays from 5pm till close and paired with fries and thick pickles, it comes in at just above ten dollars after tax. If you are in Ghent on a Thursday looking for a deal, look no further. Supper Southern Morsels is located at 319 West 21st Street in Norfolk. suppereats.com 

———————————————————————————————————–

For more on Wasserhund’s German style beer with a Beach KICK, visit them online at wasserhundbrewing.com or click the flier above.

———————————————————————————————————–

4. $7.99 Beef Kim Bap at 757 Korean BBQ

Korean barbecue is a great family style dining experience that can be had at several restaurants in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. However, since it is a communal way of eating, things can get pricey pretty quickly. If you’re with friends who are ordering Korean barbecue, get the beef bulgogi kim bap. It is a delicious alternative to the pricier barbecue entree options that will still get you full while saving you money. At 757 Korean BBQ in Virginia Beach, their bulgogi roll, available on the menu any day/time, is an appetizer in name only. Substantial in size, the portions of bulgogi, fish cake, egg, carrot, radish and spinach rolled together make for a filling meal in itself. When dining in, this roll also comes with banchan (small side dishes). 757 Korean BBQ is located at 4885 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. facebook.com/757koreanbbq

5. $5.00 Burger at Chops 

Chef Eric Nelson’s 80/20 burger is available Thursdays from 4pm till the kitchen closes. With a bountiful helping of bacon and cheese, it is as hearty as it is light on your wallet. Paired with salted steak fries, it’s an American classic you can enjoy on a budget. Chops is located at 336 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach. www.chopsvb.com

6. $8.00-$10.00 Sweet Soy, Bone In, Breaded, Wings at Peck & Pour

Peck & Pour is a bit more casual of a dining establishment than the five previous restaurants. However, in light of the amount of local chefs that have been posting about them on their social media lately, it would be a mistake to do a cheap eats list and not include Peck & Pour’s sweet soy, bone in and breaded wings. These Korean style- twice fried wings combine the textures of crispy and juicy with a rich sweet soy sauce. Paired with thin cut fries or waffle fries and coming in at eight bucks for six wings or ten dollars for eight, this is a must have cheap eat for many in the late night Ghent crowd as they are available 11am till close, 7 days a week. Peck & Pour is located at 1308 Colley Avenue in Norfolk. facebook.com/Pecknpour