Back to Norfolk
Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Steakhouse in Norfolk, Virginia

Freemason Abbey Restaurant

4.6 (4179 reviews)

209 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510

American restaurant
New American restaurant
Restaurant
Seafood restaurant

About Freemason Abbey Restaurant - steak house in Norfolk, Virginia

Traditional American fare in a circa-1873 church, now with a tavern ambiance amid the stained glass.

Customer Review Summary

Freemason Abbey Restaurant is highly praised for its perfect meals and excellent service. The meat loaf, featuring a rich combination of game meat and beef, is particularly noted for its smokey flavor, along with a balance of seasonings. Diners enjoyed a cozy and interesting atmosphere within the historic church building, with highlights like the award-winning she crab soup and seafood fantasia. Brunch is a popular choice, although some dishes, like eggs, could use more seasoning, and coffee may be bitter. Guests appreciate the attentive service, especially during special occasions, and the thoughtful touches such as personalized name cards. The restaurant is described as a true local gem, well-located near historical sites in Norfolk, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Overall, the food is tasty, reasonably priced, and diners recommend returning for more experiences, including brunch.

Key Features

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot

Customer Reviews

Rating Distribution

4.6 out of 5
5
3048
4
760
3
223
2
79
1
69
Based on 4179 reviews

Geoffrey Knobl

3 weeks ago

The perfect meal. I rarely write this but my meal (December 15, 2024) was perfect. I mean that. I had the meat loaf. It's so long ago now I do not remember what my son and wife had but look at the photos! The cocktail I had was fruity with only a mild alcohol flavor and the dessert was scrumptious. What I do remember was the meat loaf had game meat in it - boar I think and maybe elk - as well as beef and had a beautiful smokey flavor. It was NOT over salted or over-seasoned in any way but had a good herbal compliment to the meats. The service was excellent and prompt and the setting was beautiful. I should have posted sooner because I've forgotten too much about the meal. I think we paid under $150 even with all the extra stuff we purchased (extra drinks, desserts). Considering everything this is not out of line but a bargain. We will be eating here again when we return in May (maybe April too). You can get away for less if you are careful. This assumes Trump, that Nazi, doesn't screw us all over. Oh, I had their bread pudding (apricot, I think) which was sweet but not overly so. I cannot recommend this place more strongly. A perfect meal!

Christi and Tommy Bennett

2 weeks ago

Carson was our server and she was amazing! She took such good care of us and made sure everything was perfect. Highly recommend, and you should definitely consider going for brunch! Pictured is the Commonwealth Breakfast Burger (gravy on the side) and the Wild Wild Western Skillet.

Beatrice Li

1 month ago

Cozy and interesting interior with a great atmosphere. The award-winning she crab soup lived up to the hype—rich and full of flavor. Loved the seafood fantasia, perfectly cooked and delicious. Went for a birthday, and the personalized name card was a thoughtful touch.

Bill McGaw

4 months ago

We came in for Brunch, I’ve had dinner here a couple times and always enjoyed a good meal, wanted my wife to experience the atmosphere and history of the building. Brunch was good, wife had the ‘all-American brkfst’ and I had the western skillet. Eggs could have used some seasoning. Coffee was quite bitter. Everything else was quite good, the service was attentive and on time. The atmosphere was (of course) awesome…we love when an historic location is given new life. It reminded me very much of our time in Europe.

R R

5 months ago

This place is a true local gem, and if you're visiting Norfolk, it's definitely worth checking out. Located in the heart of Historic Norfolk, it's within easy walking distance to several historic sites and homes— you can even see the Allman-Archer House from their parking lot, and the Hunter House is just around the corner. The food is usually tasty, hot, and reasonably priced. While the service can slow down a bit when they’re busy, that’s to be expected. We particularly enjoy Sunday Brunch here whenever we can. Whether you're visiting the area or a local who hasn't been in a while, this is a spot you shouldn't miss. Definitely worth a visit!

Colleen Harlan

5 months ago

We were visiting last spring from the Midwest, and I kept hearing recommendations from locals to eat here… it was wonderful! The church building, the location (we had a fantastic walk all around the neighborhood and waterfront after dinner), and the food were all perfect!!! I have celiac, and their GF options were delicious and I didn’t get sick. My husband and I hope to return one day!

Hanna Alexander

2 months ago

We had such a wonderful brunch here. The service was fantastic. I wish I remembered our waiter’s name because he was great! We came for the weekend for my boyfriend’s birthday and he loves history. We ended up getting a cup and FORGOT IT 😭 but besides our own unfortunate mistake leaving it there, I highly recommend visiting. Fantastic food, deserts are to die for, and service is unmatched

Pit Ritter

1 month ago

Traditional American restaurant in an historic old church building in downtown Norfolk. Waterside and Chrysler Museum in walking distance. Unique atmosphere. Special occasions menus and participant in the Norfolk restaurant week. Delicious food and a very good service.

Location

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Friday 11 AM–10 PM
Monday 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday 11 AM–10 PM
Sunday 10 AM–8 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM

Price Range

$20–30