I have eaten there about 50 times over the years and every time it was very enjoyable.

Freemason Abbey is the kind of place where you walk in expecting a nice dinner and walk out wondering if you accidentally joined a secret society. The food was , the atmosphere was incredible, and the building has so much character that I half expected a guy in a robe to appear from a hidden hallway and whisper, "The appetizers have arrived." Everything was fantastic. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was so cool I almost forgot I was there to eat and not investigate a 200-year-old murder mystery. Five stars without hesitation. I'd come back again, although I'm still waiting for someone to tell me the password to the dessert menu. 10/10. Would eat here again. Would also investigate suspicious-looking fireplaces. read more

I have been wanting to try this place for awhile and my experience was average to say the least. The ambience is very intresting because of its previous usage as a church. There a lot of historical artifacts and decorations that show me what it was like before this place was a restaurant. My service was alright but not bad. My server was all over the place despite the restaurant not being really busy. It took awhile for me to get my food and place in my orders. But my server was very nice and friendly. I do wish when it came to deserts that they had a menu for the items. The food was very decent for me to say. The calamari was pretty good when I put in the marinara sauce. The French dip was pretty bland however despite using the sauce. I found the moose chocolate cake very intresting and it goes well with the whipped cream. Postivies ( plus other thoughts) 1. Some of the food was good 2. Intresting atmosphere. 3. Parking was not a issue. 4. Server was very nice. 5. Decent price for a full meal Negatives 1. Service was slow despite there being less people. 2. French dip was bland. 3. Lack of anything desert menu. read more

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A well known local restaurant, we liked the diverse crowd and ambiance on a Sunday afternoon. Food was all good, including a salad with grilled chicken and breakfast for lunch. Biggest problem was slow service. Waitress kept apologizing so it sounds like an issue in the kitchen. read more

French onion soup-- good Chimmichurri tibs-- these were awesome. The goat cheese and meat paired nicely Filet Mignon-- got a 7/10. Enjoyable but not the best ever Mesculan salad, crab cake-- good She crab soup-- good like a chowder in the cream content. Salmon ( gluten. Free ) -- too salty. Not delicate Scallop risotto-- good but salty Several items were too salty. The salmon and broccolini were too salty. The risotto was a little too salty. The side crab cake took at least 15 min to come AFTER. the main dishes. Crème brûlée and chocolate mousse cake Brûlée could use vanilla. Tasted a tad eggy Chocolate was fine. Could use higher quality chocolate read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Came to Freemason abbey for the first time for lunch and absolutely enjoyed. Inside, it looks like an older building, full of history, but still nice. We had a reservation, so we were seated immediately upon arrival. It was fairly empty in there as it was lunch time. Once seated, the waiter took our drink orders and bought out complimentary bread and butter which was so good! I wasn't super hungry so i got the soup and salad combo. I was told they are known for their she crab soup, and now, i see why! It was so good. There was plenty of crab meat in the soup as well. I wasn't a fan of the bread/cracker in the soup, but the soup itself was a 10/10. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - She Crab Soup - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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You get the most bang for your buck here when you go during restaurant week. Food is good but nothing amazing. I would go for their fish dishes. Their pastas are very heavy on the cream. Drinks are always good and refreshing. They're the only restaurant I know that does a whole cocktail flight read more

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Freemason Abbey is located inside an old church. Warm and inviting ambiance. High ceilings with seating downstairs as well as upstairs. A lovely wooden bar to your right when entering. Free parking behind the Resturant was available. They do recommend reservations so I went online and booked it for lunch prior to showing up. They were busy but not filled. Service was good but not great. My husband ordered the soup and salad combo with she crab and house salad. He raved about both. Soup was thick and flavorful and the dressing was very tasty. I ordered the club with turkey and ham with fries. Nothing special about it. Wouldn't order it again. read more

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We went to dinner to celebrate my promotion. The staff was very welcoming when get there and congratulated me on my promotion. We even got a little paper at our table that said I got promoted. I loved the layout of the restaurant and I loved sitting on the second floor. The food we got was delicious and I would definitely go back for the ratatouille! I was expecting maybe a little dessert since they were communicating the promotion so much to each other but it was just to congratulate. That was a little surprising but overall the experience was great! read more

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Celiac review! I'm gonna start by saying I did not give fewer stars despite a Rocky visit because all of the staff were very polite and accommodating and very apologetic when there was an issue. Parking is street parking but easy on a Saturday. The food was not good unfortunately. This is the primary reason for knocking a star off. My meal was extremely salty. I think it would've been fine if just one element had been salty and the rest weren't, for balance, but with all items being salty there was no relief from the immense salt. It was hard to eat. They also replaced my pilaf with potatoes without asking, telling, or explaining why. They offered to take it back and give me pilaf but it had already taken 45 mins to get th food and I didn't want to wait another 45! THE GLUTEN FREE EXPERIENCE I was excited they had a gluten free menu. Made sure the waitress knew I had celiac and what it was. I asked her about the food items and their contents + the apple cider I ordered. She said checked with the kitchen and the manager and repeatedly reassured me it was all gluten free. She was incorrect and I Was glutened. I think it may have been the apple cider. She claimed to understand celiac but evidently did not. I mentioned this to the waitress and asked to see the cider ingredients. I discovered it had a coloring in it (caramel coloring) which is often gluten and wheat containing as you guys all know. I explained this to the waitress and she told me she would notify her manager. Manager came over and asked some questions to understand the gluten containing ingredients and I also showed him that the mix does not say "gluten free" which means it's not safe to assume. They went to the kitchen again and came back out to try and tell me that google said there's no gluten in the packet. Somebody I was dining with had googled the caramel coloring to see if there's gluten and reported that what the manager had said was word for word the AI summary of sources from the google search. I explained again that just because the ingredients don't say "gluten" doesn't mean it's safe for celiac disease. They were extremely apologetic and discounted our bill. However I kind of walked away feeling like they did not understand the severity of their oversight. They reassured me so many times that it was marked gluten free only for me to find it wasn't. And they came back multiple times to try and tell me they hadn't glutened me. The staff was not well trained and the chefs and manager do not understand celiac disease. Everyone was polite and accommodating + apologetic.however, I wish they would have taken this as a learning experience instead of an opportunity to blame me for eating out with celiac disease. If your staff claims to understand celiac, and your menu has a notification that you understand celiac, I'm not the fool for taking you at your word. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Cider - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Gorgeous space, extremely friendly and kind staff, not a thing I'd change. We did a brunch on a Sunday at 1130 and had easy parking and a day before reservation for five. Food is quite hearty and well flavored, and I want to try their dinner menu. There were a decent many options for brunch with brekkie and lunch available, so something for everyone. I wish there was a little more variety for brekkie but all in all good especially the she crab soup! read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Food, drinks, and service are fantastic! Ambiance is unique repurposing this former church into a cool restaurant. Great for large groups or romantic and intimate evenings. read more

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food: the food was fine, i thought the pasta was quite yummy but kinda pricey, didn't get the famous soup service: nice staff but food took awhile to come out ambiance: really interesting interior since it's like a repurposed church, probably what makes this restaurant known read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Vibe - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I had to come back for another year of themed Harry Potter dinner. We came dressed up on the last weekend and I'm glad to see the decore and the menus were up. As always the service was very nice and prompt. We had a salmon appetizer which was nice but a bit on the dry side. I had the duck risotto and my husband had the tenderloin and those were 10/10 entrees! Risotto consistency was just right and the meat was cooked perfectly. I also enjoyed the butter beer. The drink menu was small but very vibrant. I went for the sacramental venom- refreshing and very strong! We finished with the pumpkin spice ice cream brownie and it was a perfect touch to wrap the diner. My kiddo had the Triwizard mac and cheese and seemed very happy. I also got their memorabilia goblet just for funzies. Staff was super excited that we wore costumes so we got a ton of coupons with discounts for future visits. I think this spot has a perfect ambience for fall Harry Potter themed events and it became somewhat of a family tradition. Looking forward to the next year! read more

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Very good! My husbae and friends dined here a few months ago and it was our first time! I must say we're looking forward to returning. Parking wasn't an issue and finding this location wasn't a hassle either. The vibe inside seems dark but it's far from that. The staff, super inviting and our waitress was awesome. We dined upstairs and on a Thursday night I noticed a steady crowd. I believe the restaurant featured different entrees on this night but I opted to try something from the normal menu. Check out the pictures because I do not remember my meal but I ate it all and made room for dessert. It all was delightful. I'm removing one star because the waitress advised the margaritas are not made fresh. Bummer! Oh well. My classic old fashioned was on point. But the blueberry featured old fashioned not so much. I do recommend you dine here. As a group, alone or a date night. Have fun and enjoy life:) read more

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This is NOT great food. I'm shocked at how many people like it. People - try other places, discover actually good food. The bang bang shrimp is almost exactly like pre packaged frozen bag from the grocery store, overcooked and oversauced. Scallops and the steak tips were way overcooked and so chewy - too chewy to get through, had to spit out a piece steak. The service was TERRIBLE! Nice enough people, but so slow, we were told by 2 diff people they'd bring bread, never happened. Sat with empty drinks for more than 20 mins. The wait in between courses was way too long. Wholly inattentive. At one point the hostess was vacuuming about 6 ft away from the table, which was just weird. When we arrived we thought the place was really charming, by the end of the experience, it all just seemed run down, shabby, and dirty. Not sure if that's because we just noticed or because we were so disappointed in everything else it lost all it's charm. (one diner wore white pants and they got brown/grayish in the butt from picking up dirt on the booth cushion!) One positive is the prices, at least we didn't pay a high price for mediocre food and terrible service. read more

I haven't been here in at least two decades! It is still an amazing location for history, uniqueness, and ambiance. There wasn't much of a crowd there for a Tuesday lunch so parking was a snap. Service was prompt and professional. While I was tempted by the crocodile po boy special, I went with the chicken lunch and my lunch partner had the quiche. Both were not your usual thing that is offered everywhere. It was a nice afternoon out. read more

Great eats, great service, interesting decor. Font miss it! Best to get reservation at dinner time but lunch is easier yo get a table. Parking is plentiful. read more

The building was built in the late 1800's, so you are immersed in the ambiance and history. The food here is simply outstanding and this visit, we went for a wider sampling then our normal. We started with their famous She Crab Soup, which is so decadent and rich, you can almost have just a bowl and and call it a meal! We also ordered the Calimari, which were so pillow soft and fresh, we really enjoyed them. For our main course, my wife had the Broiled Seafood Platter with Crab Cakes and without a doubt, the Flounder was the best I've tried...ever. I opted for the Broiled Scallops with Orso. The dish was perfectly balanced with the brininess of the scallops and the buttery orso...outstanding. We are already planning to return to Freemason Abby and also, the parking is in the back of the establishment. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Broiled Seafood Platter - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This has a long history in the area - the locals above 70 years old seem to have this as a second home. During restaurant week, we brought the family and found the main course to be okay - not better than something one could make at home. However, the desserts were deeply disappointing - we won't be returning. read more

I would lean more toward the seafood at the place. We had a large party and the service was fantastic. Steaks could be seasoned better, pork was dry but everyone said the seafood was amazing. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Pork chop - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Couldn't get over last before they closed so we wait till the next day and went for a late lunch. Super cool building (old church with lots of history). Server did a super job and was right top of things. We decided to do the 3 course for $36. You get and app, we both went with She Crab Soup and thought it was the best we had anywhere. The we order the Smoked Gouda Tenderloin Penne which was amazing. Then the final was Apricot Brandy Bread Pudding. Wow everything was amazing. We couldn't finish everything so some came back to the hotel for my wife's dinner and get a sub. Highly recommended. Don't miss this if you in Norfo read more

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Freemason Abbey was a very unique restaurant, the restaurant is a church building which is super nice. The inside gives off such a cozy feel and the service was great. Our waitress was super friendly and food came out quick. I started off with the She crab soup and it did not disappoint! Real crab meat inside. Me and my boyfriend had two different pastas and they were amazing. Only thing I noticed was the food wasn't super hot. Blue drink in the picture is the liquid luck. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - Seafood Fantasia Smoked Gouda Tenderloin Penne - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Decided to check this place out during restaurant week. The waitress was absolutely attentive and nice. She suggested a couple of her favorite drinks that were really good. The crab dip was amazing! The honey buttered chicken, mashed potatoes, asparagus were amazing! However, I will say the flavor for the asparagus was good but it was super tiny and thin that you could only partially eat it. I was a little bit disappointment because I love asparagus. The ambiance is very old but cute. I feel like I deserve a free crab dip due to the fact I could not fully enjoy my asparagus. Haha. read more

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I'm vegan. I was happy that our server was attentive but shocked when he said the French fries had dairy. Never heard of that. ​​

Food was mediocre at best, ultra processed and cheap. We went towards end of brunch nothing was fresh. Service was terrible, none of our requests were correct. I ordered the breakfast burger no bun - came with bun, no big deal but missing the egg, the mayo and cheese was only half a slice barely covering the burger, and it was regular bacon not Canadian - sooo I didn't really get what I ordered. My hubs drink was wrong, his food came with the wrong side and no apology or fix. Cool looking place too bad it wasn't enough to draw me back - this one is no for me. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I went to Freemason with a few different coworkers for lunches and dinners. I'd say it's def a older restaurant in the inside, but a fair classic. The food was 3-4/5 and the service is consistently good. I was able to get seated both times with no reservations. Good food for reasonable price - won't blow your mind, but it is consistent. read more

I'd say 3.5 if I could, but I rounded up to four because I really like the idea of the place. Here's the good: I love their happy hour specials at the bar, and the she crab soup and fried green tomatoes are amazing! There's nothing bad I'd say about it, but the menu feels uneven in terms of quality. I've ordered meals that were great and I've ordered meals that were just mediocre. I love that it's local, not crazy expensive, and they're always friendly. I just wish it were more consistent. A solid staple for an everyday kind of meal. Probably not for a special night out. read more

This beautifully renovated historic church building is now the home of a wonderful restaurant. Located in the downtown area of Norfolk, it is easy to locate. After spending the morning aboard the USS Wisconsin, we walked over here for a late lunch. Not familiar with "She Crab Soup ", the waitress informed me that this is a dish they are known for! ..."when in Rome..." It was delicious!! I'm very happy I chose a bowl, rather than a cup My companion chose the Tuesday Special, Bang Bang Tacos which he thoroughly enjoyed. Our server couldn't have been nicer. Food and beverages were delivered promptly. I would highly recommend this place! read more

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Came for brunch with my husband, during their Wizard and Wands event. I had made a reservation so we were seated quickly upstairs. It took a while for our server to make their way to us. My husband, avid Harry Potter fan got their butter beer. I got the elixir lemonade. I got a cup of she crab soup and he got the bang bang shrimp. For entree I got the seaside quiche with roasted potatoes. My husband got the smashburger and grits. The service was on the slower side but the food was pretty good. The soup had lumps of crab meat, the shrimp was really good. My husband enjoyed his burger and the quiche was ok. I would try different seafood items if we come back. read more

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Food (5/5): We had the special $36 3 course meal available in the month of April and split this. The Service (5/5): Dianne was nice and friendly server. Ambiance (4/4): Really cute renovation of a church. read more

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We visited the Freemason Abbey Restaurant while in Norfolk and absolutely loved the experience. The restaurant itself is stunning -- located inside a beautifully restored historic church building with so much character, warmth, and charm. The ambiance alone makes it worth the visit. We originally came hoping for clam chowder, but instead decided to try the famous She Crab Soup... and WOW. It was one of the best soups I've ever had. Thick, rich, creamy, and loaded with huge lumps of crab. The touch of sherry gave it incredible flavor and depth. Honestly, it was so hearty you almost needed a knife to cut it! They served it with their signature seeded crisp cracker, plus a basket of warm fresh-from-the-oven yeast rolls and butter that were absolutely delicious. The combination of the historic atmosphere, comforting food, and attentive service made this one of our favorite meals of our Virginia trip. If you visit, the She Crab Soup is a must-order. Just don't ask about the calories -- it's worth every single one. read more

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Love it everytime we visit. The best She-Crab soup in Hampton Roads. Freemason Abbey is our go to place when family who live outside Virginia come to visit. read more

Pleasant staff, but really greasy bacon. Burgers seemed overcooked. Don't think I'll go back.

This is our favorite pre-opera restaurant that never disappoints. Loved the elk and the brocollini was grilled perfectly, too! Although I'm usually not a fan of bread pudding, I tasted my husbands and it's the best I've ever had. read more

I dined here during lunch on a weekday while I was in town for a work trip. There weren't too many options nearby, but this one's charming location in an old church and promise of delicious she crab soup made it worth a windy walk. I was seated upstairs and ordered the lunch combo of a cup of she crab soup and half a club sandwich. Both were delicious and combined to make a surprisingly filling meal. I didn't love the texture of the soup (very thick) but the flavor was tasty and there was loads of crab meat in it. The sandwich felt fresh and warm on a blistery day. I ended the meal with the bread pudding, which was slightly disappointing. It wasn't evenly heated, so it had some cold spots, and the flavor was perhaps to cinnamony and could have been a little sweeter. I did appreciate the whipping cream soak, though. And bread pudding is hard to find! I also must comment on my wonderful server, who was friendly and attentive. He provided great recommendations and made sure my soda glass was filled. read more

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What a fun experience! The history behind the building itself definitely attracted us. Given we are visitors to the Norfolk area, we were looking for something memorable and unique. We were lucky enough to come during restaurant week! We were warmly welcomed and found the staff to be attentive. Given the special price fixe, we indulged on three courses and had a nice variety around the table. I enjoyed the New York strip but found it more medium as opposed to medium rare as requested. I also found the string beens to be a tad chewy or under cooked. However the meal was overall pleasant. The bread pudding dessert was nice! I will certainly return on my next visit to Norfolk and sample my way around the menu! read more

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Very cool restaurant with great food. Service was excellent. Would be cute for a date night. read more

Freemason Abbey Restaurant - New American Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Our family of 4 had seafood pairing themed dinner, for first time in a year. Ambiance was nice, unique, service was good. Food: disappointing-- she crab soup was too heavy creamy, with little crab. The fried flounder was soggy; mashed potatoes were gummy, dry. Son liked the Asian salmon special though glaze was heavy. read more

Visit this restaurant for lunch after church service. The atmosphere or the ambiance is nice. Being an old church building. The waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu. Gave excellent selection choices. The food could have been a little better. The calamari was a little salty, and the marinara sauce was weak. My husband had pasta not enough meat in the dish. I had a Reuben sandwich had to ask for some more sour. Crab soup so was decent read more