Too many bars nowadays only care about the libations and forget about the music. Tired of digital jukeboxes cranking out overplayed Journey songs that you can barely hear above the din of conversation? Sick of poorly screeched Neil Diamond songs on karaoke night? Then check out one of these awesome Norfolk bars where great live music is still embraced and treasured.
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen has its finger on the pulse of downtown Norfolk. They pride themselves on their great food, bad attitudes, and blisteringly loud live music. They’ve been rocking the downtown scene for nearly two decades, and they’re here to stay! Exposed brick, grungy wall decor, and red everywhere gives Hell’s Kitchen a tough-as-nails, yet fun-loving vibe. Did we mention that it’s really loud? Live music can be found here on Friday and Saturday nights.
Food at Hell’s Kitchen is as good as the tunes are. Going way beyond mere bar food, they serve up delicacies such as teriyaki tenderloin steak, seafood nachos, buffalo flounder sandwiches, hand-cut sirloin steak, blackened tuna, and jumbo-lump Maryland crab cakes. There’s a kickin’ vegan menu as well, replete with plant-based “meats.”
Gershwin’s
For a classier outing, try Gershwin’s in the heart of the theater district. Gershwin’s is tricked out in Roaring ’20s Manhattan decor, so don’t be surprised if someone in a top hat refers to you as “old sport.” Yes, you may actually want to dress up a bit. Gershwin’s has live music every night of the week, but don’t expect a Nirvana cover band. You’ll enjoy laid-back jazz, piano music, and American standards like Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter.
Servers in tuxedos bring the libations, with cocktails as the specialty of the house. Think smoked whiskey, cucumber-infused gin, and cherry bourbon. Imagine Sidecars, Manhattans, and Singapore Slings. Gershwin’s is also a fabulous place to dine. Try the linguine, grilled pork chops, or New York Strip Steak au Poivre. On Sundays, Gershwin’s hosts one of the best brunches in Norfolk.
The Tap House Grill
As its name implies, Tap House is a great place to try a vast array of local, craft, and mainstream brews. They’ve been serving up the suds for more than 20 years, and currently have about 50 beers on tap and hundreds of bottles available. Believe it or not, most beer contains animal products of some kind. Vegans need not worry since Tap House has both beer and menu items for them. Carnivores will be happy here as well since Tap House serves some of the best burgers in town.
Tap House doesn’t have a website, so it can be hard to track its upcoming bands, but information can be found on their Facebook page. Live music is here on most Saturdays, many Fridays, and occasionally on other days of the week.
Live music, depending on the selection, can bring you anything from a meditative state of tranquility to a massive shot of adrenaline in your jugular vein. Whatever you’re looking for, Norfolk has it. Get on out and get your tunes on!
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