
The Public House
1112 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA 23517
About The Public House - steak house in Norfolk, Virginia
Upscale comfort fare with a Southern spin joins Belgian ales & craft drinks in a dark-wood space.
Customer Review Summary
The Public House receives mixed reviews from diners. Positive experiences include friendly service, particularly from hostess Kira and server Nick. The atmosphere is noted as cozy and inviting, especially during events like karaoke and trivia nights. The food has its highlights, such as the fried lasagna rolls and well-seasoned fries. However, some customers express disappointment in the food quality, describing it as bland, overcooked, or poorly executed—particularly the tikka masala and sandwiches lacking key sauces. Service issues are also reported, with complaints about slow water service and failures to provide utensils or accompaniments like au jus. While many enjoy the casual, local vibe with options for games and a smokers' lounge, others feel the menu has become smaller and pricier over time. Overall, some guests are willing to return for specific dishes, while others remain skeptical about a second visit.
Key Features
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Sports
Popular for
- 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
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Customer Reviews
Rating Distribution
Shalaura Tyson-Griffin
I attended a work event at Public House and was warmly greeted by the hostess, Kira, upon arrival. I grabbed a seat at the bar and took advantage of the happy hour menu, ordering a glass of white wine and the fried lasagna rolls. When they arrived, they looked delicious, though I doubted I’d finish them all. However, after just one bite, I was hooked. The pasta, lightly coated in breadcrumbs, filled with cheese, and served with marinara dipping sauce, was absolutely delightful—I’d definitely order it again. Our work event took place in one of the private rooms, and our server, Nick, was professional, attentive, and friendly throughout. The atmosphere was a bit on the darker side but still had a cozy, inviting feel.
Ashley P
We were looking for a local low key spot to grab dinner after enjoying Winterfest. We walked in, weren’t greeted and stood at the front until someone realized we were there. After grabbing a seat in an almost empty room, it took another five minutes to get water. The appetizers were the same prices as the meals. The menu sounded great but when the food came out it was hard to choke down. My daughter got the French Dip and Mac and cheese. Mac and cheese was decent but the meat tasted overdone and over seasoned. I had the Sweet and Spicy Toasted Cheese. The bread was perfectly toasted but the cheese inside was still cold, and there were raw slices of jalapeños. There was so much aioli it overtook the flavor of the sandwich. The brussel sprouts were very good. The service was also a bust, we didn’t get straws, or refills. To top things off, there is an extra charge for cc vs cash.
Ayo Clark
*Pictures taken about halfway through eating because I forgot to take them before.* My husband and I ordered takeout about an hour before closing. First, the atmosphere in the restaurant was appealing (even though we didn’t stay) and the employees we encountered were all really nice. That said, we were not totally pleased with the food itself. My husband ordered the tikka masala and I got the PH Dip sandwich with fries. We also got some bourbon bbq wings to share and some cheesecake and bread pudding for dessert. Unfortunately, I did not receive the au jus that was supposed to come with my sandwich. The restaurant was closed by the time we got home and realized it, so I had to power through lol. The overall experience ending up being a bit dry and bland. That said, the aioli on it was delicious and I really think the au jus would have tied everything together. I also loved the fries, they were well seasoned and stayed crispy even after they cooled down. We were less than impressed with the tikka masala and found it lacking in flavor. The wings were okay, but could have been crispier. The desserts were also decent, but I think they were overpriced (12.99 each) for the size and quality given (see pictures). Overall, we may be willing to come back and try certain things, but we’d avoid some others.
Madison Lowrey
Atmosphere here is perfect. This was my second visit-coincidently on Valentine’s Day. There was karaoke, bubbles and cards. Good company and excellent after midnight energy. ✨
Thomas Hummel
It's a good place but used to be a lot better. They changed the menu a ton each time getting smaller and smaller with the price going up. Every time a rework would come out me and my friends would lose our favorite dishes. They have amazing trivia on Tuesday nights They have pool tables as well
deependablereviews
You’ll find a nice selection of beers and some pool tables here. They have a room in the back with two pool tables and a bar. You can also smoke in that room, but it was very warm in there. I went in there for more drinks and started sweating immediately, but everyone in there seemed to be having a good time. There’s also a smaller room off to the side with a pool table. Operating the coin mechanism was a little janky but you can make it work. They also have a covered patio. Overall not a bad place to check out.
Jorge
An absolute Gem! The food was so good. Best chicken wrap I've had in ages. The portions were good and the prices match. We tried them last weekend and we're definitely coming back. A++++
Christopher Kugler
Great, low key, locals place for food food and drinks and even a game or two of pool. Separate, speak-easy style smokers lounge with two pool tables set up in the back of the building. One pool table on the non smoking bar and restaurant section as well.
Location
Contact Information
Hours of Operation
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