Very lovely experience here. I had the pleasure of picking whatever lunch spot I wanted to go courtesy of my amazing employer and I picked this place. It's full of elegance and located directly off of Granby street. I used my yelpers help in picking this location. I ordered the lobster rolls which came with fries, I was a little disappointed with the amount of lobster that came with the lobster roll but I do feel it's a good place. Took several other coworkers with me and everyone loved their meal. read more

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Here for work and ordered the filet au poivre -- medium rare. Got there early, they were great! Got me a drink, were very nice and, bc I was traveling, they even gave me a steak knife to take with. Steak was cooked med rare, asparagus and potatoes were delicious. Well done to the chef! Class act. Will definitely go here again. Well worth checking it out. read more

When the general manager of all of the five restaurants tells you to not tip the server, because I am not going to comp you for the horrible service. Something is wrong?? And you wonder why you can't keep your staff? We waited over 20 minutes for our drinks, Another 30 minutes for dinner to arrive wrong, To have dinner served again wrong Food was good, but really horrible management! Not recommend!! read more

My first positive thing about 219 is the parking situation. There is a garage right behind the restaurant allowing for a very minimal outside walk to get to the restaurant. I don't dine in Norfolk as often as I would like, because the parking situation downtown often deters me on days that the weather isn't ideal. The convenient location to the parking garage was totally a "win" for why I chose this restaurant over a few others we were considering for the evening. We arrived at 6:50pm, I was hopeful that we could get a small table for two on a Wednesday night without a reservation. However, we ended up seating ourselves at the bar when the hostess indicated that she didn't have anything available. They aren't a huge restaurant and I assume outside seating helps during the warm months. They have an awesome Happy Hour, which explains why the restaurant started to clear about 45minutes after we arrived. We were able to order our first round with a few minutes of "happy hour" to spare. My friend enjoyed her wine and I enjoyed my happy hour moscow mule. I enjoyed watching the bartender make the speciality drinks throughout the night. The Tazewell Tea cocktail really caught my eye- I'll definitely get that next time! We both ordered off of the restaurant week menu, which made it all a really good deal. Outside of happy hour specials, the pricing is definitely in a more upscale category. However, the vibe of the restaurant was more casual that I expected it to be after looking at the menu prices. This left me feeling a little confused when I was thinking about who I should recommend to this spot. I got the calamari to start, and it was definitely some of the best calamari I have had in awhile. I am not seeing this as an option on their regular menu, I might be looking in the wrong spot since I see it mentioned in a few other reviews though. Play it safe and maybe don't plan your visit around how much I love their calamari. My friend and I both saved the sauce that it came with for our fries later in the meal, it was fantastic! We both got the steak and fries for our main course. It was a ribeye served with a spicy garlic butter on top over a bed of parmesan steak fries. I wish I was still eating this. The weird thing when our food came out to us was when the girl asked which one of us got the "rare" steak. We told her we both ordered medium rare and she just put the plates down in front of us, kind of shrugged, and walked away. Uhhhh... We then had to wait a few more minutes to get our steak knives, not a big deal. However, our confusion and knowing one of us might have gotten a "rare" steak had the anticipation building while we waited to cut in. Mine was definitely closer to the rare side, but I didn't mind and it still tasted great. Since I was still able to enjoy the meal, I didn't mention it to the bartender when she asked how everything was. The steak was very good and I loved the fries! I was more put off by the other server's nonchalant reaction to possibly serving one of us an undercooked steak. For dessert I got the tiramisu and my friend got the chocolate mousse. We definitely didn't get the same elaborate plating that I'm seeing in other Yelper's photos. The sacrifice of restaurant week, so don't judge my pics as a standard dessert experience at 219. My next visit to 219 won't include dessert. We both liked our desserts and definitely didn't turn them away, but they just weren't anything worth remembering or returning for. Overall good experience here. They have several menu items that caught my eye for next visit. It isn't a place I'll be running back to, but it's definitely worth a return trip eventually. Happy Hour Specials as of 1/16/19: $3 House Mixed drinks , $5 Cocktails, $5 Wine, $2 Featured draft beer, $3 & 4 Bottled Beer, $2 Tacos, $5 Sliders, $5 Cheese Fondue, $4 Loaded Tater Tots, $5 Scallops, $8 Peel & Eat Shrimp (1/2lb), $6 Nachos. read more

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Restaurants like this remind me why I should go to downtown Norfolk more often. I came here on a Thursday night with a friend who was staying in the area. I've been here a couple of times before but it looks like they have remodeled since then. The restaurant is beautiful and nice and clean and the staff was wonderful. We took a few minutes to look at the menu and I decided to go with the lobster roll. My friend went with the ahi tuna. She loved her dish and said it was cooked perfectly. My lobster roll was delicious. I could have done with a pinch less of the lemon juice but still very tasty. I can't wait to go back and try their she crab soup as that's a favorite of mine. But it was just a little too warm that night for soup. Anyway all in all an enjoyable dinner with great food and awesome service! read more

219 Bistro - Ahi Tuna - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Happy this place stays open later than other surrounding restaurants on Granby street which means you can get a bite to eat late. The food is average however the three stars was for the server using profane and inappropriate language to describe the banana bread dessert. I understand the passion for the food but it is not okay to use that language with patrons. And I didn't even think the dessert was that good, it was salty:( read more

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Food was good. Drinks were okay. Wine wasn't the best. Don't waste your money on the charcuterie board for $25. It's lacking both meat and cheese (about 4-6 pieces of thin meat slices and same for cheese). That's a hearty price for just some crackers, jam, and nuts. read more

Mindy the bartender made my evening!  She is so friendly and very perky!  It was nice to be able to chit chat at the bar! Due to restaurant week, I ordered off of the specialty menu.  I settled on the pear and goat salad, the flat iron steak, and the Crème Brûlée. The goat cheese fritter on my salad was so gooey that when you cut into it and oozed all over the spring mix of lettuce and was fabulous.  It paired perfectly with the poached pears.  There was a raspberry vinaigrette on the salad which had just enough bite to make you want more. The flat iron steak came out with what was said to be a gorgonzola butter, however, it tasted more like a chimichurri sauce on the steak.   The meat was cooked to a perfect medium rare, however, it was sliced in the back, which made the juices flow all over the plate, which I'm not a fan of.  The taste of the meat was a little strange.  I couldn't place my finger on what made it taste that way.  The mashed potatoes were good, but could have been a bit more creamy, I'm not big on chunky mashed potatoes.  The green beans, however, were so garlicky and yummy and I could've had 2nd and 3rd helpings.  They were crispy and had the perfect crunch, yet not raw!  The entrée portion was so huge, that I did end up taking half of it home, which made for a great lunch the following day. Okay, now let's talk about the most fabulous Crème Brûlée!  It was so huge and OMG, was it the best!  The burnt sugar that you have to break thru mixed with the silky crème... I can't tell you how much this dessert made me happy! read more

219 Bistro - Yum yum yum! - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

this place is phenomenal! the food is to die for and the service is top tier. shout out to Alfonso for making our experience even better. his knowledge of the menu and recommendations did not disappoint. the espresso martinis are *chef's kiss* read more

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We were heading to a Nutcracker performance nearby and wanted to stop in and get dinner beforehand. It was spontaneous, and it was Yelp reviewers that encouraged us to go. We are SO glad we went. We ended up with several amazing appetizers for the table, and a pork chop cooked to perfection. It was actually juicy (and not cooked to heck, as most other restaurants may have done). We were very impressed. The atmosphere was lovely, the service was great, the food was delicious. All in all, it was a wonderful find and we highly recommend! read more

Just wanted coffee. Ordered with Baileys,cold. Ordered regular coffee, cold. Was told they just keep in carafes. Sorry.

Great service and wonderful food. Before the pandemic, this was my go-to restaurant before plays at the Wells Theater. Now, I order takeout from this restaurant. Love their burgers and the capresse salad. Brunch is great and any of their specials are outstanding. I have never had a mediocre meal at 219. Great service, cleanliness a plus. read more

I've ate here before on a less busy day, but tonight, on a Friday I walk in ask to be sat at the bar, I sit at the bar, and the bartender, the one who is always there, always seems so over worked, addresses me with "I can eventually get to you but i gotta make about 20 drinks before that" I ask for just a draft beer he says "no" never in my life have I experienced something like that at a restaurant/ bar. Get more than one bar tender stop being so cheap. And pay the bartender more since y'all over work him . read more

Good spot. Menu had a lot of good options. The scallops with risotto was well prepared and portioned. The staff was really attentive- I ate at the bar. Walkable if you are staying in town read more

219 Bistro provided an incredible dining experience for a group of friends on a business trip. Alphonso was our waiter, and he literally called us in off of Granby Street, promising that we would not be disappointed with our dining decision, and he meant it! We each had dinner entrées fixed to perfection and the offerings from the bar were the perfect compliment. For a waterfront area restaurant, the value was unbeatable. We cannot wait to return. Absolutely top notch!!! read more

Spur of the moment dinner date. Lovely table, great ambiance and service. The bacon wrapped goat cheese fig appetizer was divine. Spouse loved his beef entrée. My salmon was slightly over done but still pretty good, sides were uninspired and frankly boring. But honestly the ambiance made up for it easily and we may have found a new date night place. read more

Enjoyed brunch on a nice Saturday afternoon. Sit outside to enjoy the weather. The service and the food was great. Nice beer selection which I loved because they had new beers for me to try. I had the breakfast burger and my wife had the Cobb salad. read more

219 Bistro - Cobb Salad - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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We found this place online. We stayed the night on our way to the beach. This was the best part of our stay while in Norfolk. Joy took great care of us serving appropriate old fashions. I am particular. The food was excellent! We ordered the figs, scallops, filet and burger. They did not disappoint! read more

This restaurant is definately a 5 star experience. When i first came inside i didnt expect much because ig was a very small grouped restaurant but it turned out to be amazing. Honestly this restaurant was such a great dining experience and i would definately come back. 10 out of 10 read more

219 Bistro - THE DRUNK DUCK BURGER, GRILLED SALMON - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Excellent brunch menu. Service and food were spot on. My eggs benedict ($9.99) was on my table seven minutes after I ordered and the tiramisu cheesecake was worth the splurge at $7.99. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of food received. I would definitely recommend the brunch. read more

219 Bistro - Tiramisu cheesecake - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Me and my fiancé went there for date night. And It was awesome ! I had the chicken bacon ranch sandwich and It was tasty and my fiancé had the drunken duck burger! He loved It! The fries and Ranch are top notch! The Moscow mules were fantastic and our waiter Alfonso was so informative and helpful! Down to earth and he made our experience so much better. Didn't get to take pics bc we were starved but we will def be back read more

So I was going back and forth between 4 and 5 stars because their brunch menu is pretty basic and their food is average but the new renovation and the friendly staff push them up to 5 stars. They have a brand new dining room with vintage murals of Norfolk. They have tables (good for groups, pushing the tables together, etc.), a bar, and some booths so this is a good spot for any kind of outing. They had $3 Bloody Mary's and $3 Mimosas for Sunday brunch which is pretty great! They are also one of the earlier spots for Brunch on a Sunday- most of the other brunch spots on Granby Street don't open till 11 and they open at 10! Good stuff, check it out! PS: 2 different Spice Girls songs played while we were eating so that pushed them to 5 stars as well. read more

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Ok, let me first start with the good about this place. It's in the heart of Norfolk with a great location. The atmosphere is what I like to call "business casual" meaning not to nice were you fell you need to dress up but as not a place you go in sweats and a t shirt. So how about the experience you ask? Well first we were seated and our waitress came up and took our drink order. We ordered water and when she brought them she had to apologize that the lemon was larger that the glass. We looked around and saw that everyone else with water had normal glasses but we did not. Through our whole service there we also had to continuously ask our server for water or another in passing. There were two times that one of our glasses were empty for a good 5 minutes before we got a refill. So after taking our order we sat around waiting. We literally had to wait 20 mins before she came back and apologized for the delay because they had two large tables before us. I happened to notice that a table that was sat after us got their order right before ours. I made a comment on this to my friend who was with me. Then I see the server that sat their food down come back with a new tray of food and apologized for the mix up. I made another comment to my friend about that and to my horror the food they took back was my food their were about to serve me. I asked them to take it back and cook a new one because who knows if they touched it or not. And then it came back out (less than 5 minutes later) it looked poor and had less home fries than the prior dish they tried to serve. So honestly I cannot say they made a new one or not. Again, while eating our water continuously went down to nothing and it was a good 10 minutes between each time our waiter came back. The food itself was decent I just wished it was at least warm still and came sooner. This has by far been my worst experience in ANY eating establishment in this area. Highly overrated and poor service. I will not be going back and I surely hope others do not as well. There are a lot better establishments in the area that may not look as fancy as this place but have great food and great service. read more

I had a brunch for my birthday. The establishment was very accommodating at the last minute. They have a mimosa special which was nice. We had the breakfast tot and green tomatoes for apps which everyone like. My food was cold and no I didn't complain because I was hungry. Food is slightly pricey. I would return for the apps. read more

219 Bistro - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

My favorite brunch place in Norfolk (: The servers are formal and friendly, restaurant is clean and tidy, and everything they serve is always YUM! I really wish they had brunch served all throughout the week though, which is why I'm taking one star off. Other than that, this is THE spot to go to. read more

Came here about 2 months ago for Sunday brunch with a friend, as they are known to have a make-your-own-bloody-mary bar during their brunches ($3 a pop). The place is on the other end of Granby St. closer to the water. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating (we opted for outdoor dining since it was a nice day). Our server was great, and he even made my friend's bloody mary at her request, because she was too lazy to get up from her chair. I ordered the quiche of the day, which sounded a lot tastier than it sounded when our server recited the ingredients for us (the only thing I remember is that it was a vegetarian dish). It came with breakfast potatoes and fruit. It was rather cold, the crust was too dry and flaky, and the filling was even drier in taste. I felt like they had heated/reheated the damn thing too much that it was too overcooked. But then they didn't want to make the same mistake again, so they just left it cold this time before serving it. The price was at least very reasonable ($6.99), thankfully. My friend ordered the crab benedict ($12.99), and she wasn't too impressed with her dish. I did try a bite, and it wasn't very good at all. I was actually pretty glad that at least my dish was meh as well, but at least it was almost 1/2 the price and I "saved" $5 relative to my friend. For an establishment on Granby St., I would have expected better food. There are much better brunch places around the area, and I doubt I will take any more out of town visitors here for any meal. read more

219 Bistro - One of their quiches from their brunch specials menu + home fries, fresh fruit and a side of ketchup - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Mistake alert!!! Mistake alert!!! Mistake alert!!! I read the Yelp rating on this place AFTER I was finished with my meal. Standing on the sidewalk outside of 219, I now see that the yelp reviews gave this place 3 1/2 stars. I couldn't agree more. Why, oh why didn't I read the reviews before I just wasted 50 bucks on a meal that is best described as "meh". Then again, it's not like the Norfolk restaurant scene is bursting at the seams with five-star places. Good luck, and Godspeed. read more

Not really liking this place. Started off good. Got our bottle of wine and ordered a collection of small plates for my husband and I to share. Almost fifty minutes later after only one visit from the waiter. We complained nicely and were finally brought some bread. Another ten minutes we finally got some Average small plates. The restaurant was not busy at all. No excuse for the lousy service and long wait! read more

The lobster and crab roll. It's EPIC. I would guess 8+ ounces of huge lobster chunks AND lump crab, simply presented (no celery etc) dressed lightly in mayo on a buttered roll. Please, see my pictures of this bliss, and, you too, will understand. Screw the DC Red Hook Truck or the lobby roll from Hank's Oyster. This is the real deal. read more

219 Bistro - Lobster and crab roll:close up! - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Sent this to owner on "Open Table" app. I just visited your restaurant, after making a reservation on "Open Table" for 12:30 today, Saturday, April 2, 2016. I arrived already knowing what I wanted to order (Shrimp & Grits) . This because I'd viewed your menu online, on several websites and had this dish several times when at this restaurant. Your menu online, at least in this case, did not coincide with the restaurant menu, in fact, the "Shrimp & Grits" item in the restaurant is listed as an entree, not a brunch item. Your Manager, was unapologetic, indignant and demonstrative when this was brought to his attention. He failed to listen, presented responses before I completed my statement. His immediate position was defensive and not on any level, indicative of basic customer friendly behavior. What transpired after speaking with your manager, has positioned me to never patronize your establishment again. Additionally, I will share my experience with anyone who ever mentions patronizing your establishment in the future. I am so grateful that there are so many other options in the area. Those business, without question, will get my business and everyone I know living and working in the area, over yours. #Bait&Switch #BrickAnchor #Shrimp&Grits read more

219 Bistro - Menu in line different than in restaurant. Prices more expensive (Shrimp & Grits). #Bait&Switch - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

My friends and I decided to go to 219 Bistro for brunch! Needless to say we were very satisfied. The host greeted us with a warm smile. The staff was very inviting. Our server explained he menu and shared his favorites. I ordered the Chicken & Waffles, while my two friends ordered the First Light Fill Up and French Toast. The food was amazing! We really enjoyed our meals. The service was a little slow (NOT a deal breaker); however, our server was pleasant. We will definitely be coming back. read more

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Love it! Food is good! Nice window seating or outdoor seating. Staff is polite. Parking is easy as there's a garage right behind the restaurant. Very clean. read more

I dined here with a group of friends during Norfolk Restaurant Week and I enjoyed it. Tables are placed a little too close to each other, witness to a busboy being knocked from behind and dropping a full glass of water on our table. Despite that accident, the service was top-notch. Food was excellent despite picking from a set menu. Had the New York strip and I was fairly impressed. Everything is top-shelf but that's because it's a high-end spot. Can't say I'd come here often, but definitely good for a special occasion or if you want to impress someone. JV read more

We were on a road trip to Florida from Boston and decided to hop off the highway to have lunch. I googled best eats and decided on this restaurant... And boy are we glad we did! Just delicious Started with the SHECRAB SOUP!! God we died we and went to heaven.. I then chose to have blackened yellowfin tuna tacos and he the crab cake entree'! The both knocked us out. It was a quiet time, around 1:30, and we so enjoyed that too. Service was prompt and knowledgeable. Would stop again in a minute! You should go and enjoy. Thank you Bistro 219. I should add that we are serious foodies! read more

Three star food and one star service. Food was fine, but that's about all that can be said. O'Brien potatoes were the only standout, the rest was average. Service: Apparently we had a server, but it was hard to tell. I ordered coffee and a water, only got the former. Waitstaff (we cycled through three) was somewhat surly. When the server (finally) came back and noticed my empty coffee, she took the cup without an offer of a refill. Wife's iced tea glass was filthy. Will not be returning. read more

My friend and I were strolling down Granby looking for a place to grab lunch and since it was a rare, beautiful day we wanted a place that offered outdoor seating. We were a bit hesitant to pick this place at first because it seemed fancier than what we were looking for. There were a lot of nicely dressed business people and their menu looked high end-ish. We went with it anyway. We got the onion rings as an appetizer. Came with a good amount for two people. I like my onion rings pretty crispy and these were not. I only had about 2 and probably wouldn't get them again. For my meal, I had the pulled pork BBQ and opted for the mac and cheese as my side instead of fries (no extra charge!). The BBQ was OK. You know how normally there will be the BBQ on the bun and then some sort of sauce drizzled over top? Yeah, no sauce. I'm a condiment type of chick so just the juices from the BBQ itself wasn't doing it for me. The mac and cheese was DELISH. It was really creamy and cheesy and the cheese tasted " real," if that makes any sense! Definitely not a boxed 'roni. My friend got the cheeseburger (boring!) with fries. It looked really good and she said she really liked it! I tried the fries and I was a fan as well. Some things to note : 1. They don't have sweet tea. . .problem 2. They don't have regular mustard, just dijon. . .I hate mustard, but problem for my bestie! 3. The waiter messed up our checks. . .problem/annoying 4. The outdoor seating allowed no sun, so on a kind-of-warm-kind-of-cold day (like the day I went) you'd need a light jacket for sure. Despite some of the shortcomings I would return for the mac and cheese and fries and another shot at a main dish! read more

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Bartender was a pleasure. The calamari is a secretly awesome item on the menu and you can't go wrong with their burgers. My coworker had order one medium rare and it was well done but otherwise good little lunch dinner spot. read more

219 Bistro - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

My friend thought the staff was pretentious. But this is MY review and well, I thought they were friendly and smart. However, I could see her disposition. It's an interesting air at 219. I loved the scallops, spinach and corn risotto even though it was a little too soupy. The scallops were so perfect, the supporting cast didn't matter...as much. This was my second visit in four years, for no good reason. I'll be back soon. read more

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I've eaten 219 for lunch many times. The sweet potato chips are the bomb! The menu has a huge variety of items. I've had a hummus sandwich, black bean cakes, a tofu stir fry and pizza and all have been phenomenal. Hands down, my best experience there was when the soup of the day was pumpkin. I think you can find it pop up on the menu in the fall. They top the soup with cream and pumpkin seeds. Oh, yea! Unfortunately I was not as pleased with the dinner menu. The entrees are much more expensive and there were not any vegetarian options. I was surprised, given how enjoyable they are for lunch. read more

219 Bistro - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Came here for norfolk restaurant week during lunch. It was not overly crowded and our waitress was very attentive. I ordered the roasted squash and sweet potato soup with pistachio creme fraiche and the lamb meatloaf. The soup was really good. The soup was not overly sweet like some roasted squash soups are, rather thus was savory and velvetly. The pistachio creme fraiche added just the right amount of creaminess and nuttiness. The meatloaf came with gravy and mashed potatoes. This was also really good. The meatloaf was very tender and full of flavor. The mashed potatoes were nothing extrodinary but paired great with the mushroom gravy. Definitely a must try dish! read more

219 Bistro - American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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