For those of you who grew up here and are still faithfully sporting that 17th Street sticker on your raised Jeep, you know the Theater as the gorgeous, hand-painted, completely renovated building that expands over 15 thousand square feet. While boasting over a dozen balconies, ridiculously vaulted ceilings, four bars all strategically placed for your convenience, the biggest wooden dance floor in Virginia and a stage that is usually occupied by scantily clad female dancers, this place is a hideaway in disguise. It's the only "NYC Club" like feel in the area...everything else is like a restaurant with lazers and disco balls after 10pm. Get on it.... read more

Place was dead on a Friday night. The bathrooms are disgusting w/ pee, TP, and wet paper towels everywhere on the floor. The redhead bar tender w/ a beer will try to rip you off. he will also try and charge you $4 for a glass of water. Other bartenders were also very rude and snotty. read more

Management!!! You need to read this and take action! I went last Friday, 28 June, and it was terrible. Here were my observations. Upon walking up, I found that there was no line and the doors were wide open to look inside and see no one. That is already a bad sign. Once inside, I was impressed with the actual venue. What an amazing facility! Then, I was once again disappointed. There was no sense of formality. People were walking around in shorts and t-shirts. A place like Granby Theater should enforce a dress code! The place sounds nice and therefore, people should be expected to dress nice. It would really step up the atmosphere and increase the value. On top of all this, the bar tending was terrible. The majority of the time, the bartenders had their backs turned and gave terrible service. It really made the overpriced drinks not worth it. Here is the biggest issue of all... the DJ. Guy couldn't keep a rhythm to save his life. He had music ADD and played 30 second clips. There was no flow and you couldn't even dance to it. It was horrendous! If I were management, I would have kicked the guy off and grabbed an ipod instead. If you want an amateur night, open on a Wednesday and host it. Don't do it on a Friday or Saturday. I can tell that they want to have people enjoy the place. They advertise like crazy. Here is an idea. Take that money and put it toward a better DJ and staff. Take my advice and you will have people advertising for you by word of mouth. That is how you make a successful club. I wanted to like the place, but quite frankly I couldn't. It's sad. Running a club isn't that hard. read more

This "pub girl" really enjoyed her clubbing experience at Granby Theater! I don't frequent dance clubs very often, but was in town for a bachelorette party . . . and our bachelorette wanted to go dancing! I loved the unique look - it used to be an old theater. The staff was very friendly, the bartenders were fantastic, drinks were reasonable priced and the bathrooms were clean. As a few people mentioned, the dance floor is a little small. The DJ played a decent mix that would please most club-goers. I definitely recommend Granby Theater for a fun night out! read more

So I was traveling out to Norfolk for business and decided to stop into Granby Theater. The environment is definitely unique in the fact that it is a theater converted from 1910 or so into a nightclub. Hence the name "Granby Theater". The crowd seems to consist of a groups of nerdy white guys that dance like crap and seem proud of it. And groups of girls that seem to dress fairly sexy and cant dance either and stick in tight groups. Part of the show is watching corny guys attempt to weed out some of the members of the girls in the groups and hit on them but would be quickly devoured by the pack and sent on their way. Very funny to watch. Drinks are around $9.00 to $11.00 for a multiple mixed liquer drink, depending on the bartender, and of course cheaper for beer. Now I ended up going out there two times. First, I'll go over the first encounter with this place. The first time was on a Weds and unfortunately I wasnt to impressed as far as the drinks and the DJ. In regards to the drinks I'm afraid that it wasnt close to what it should have been, however, it was strong which was a good thing. The DJ that night was not spectacular, he was playing mostly top 40 songs, but his mixes were at to fast of a beats per minute for anyone to really dance. The second time was a different story however, the bartender, a girl by the name of Adriana or something was very friendly (and good looking) and knew her drinks forward and backwards. I asked her to make me something with a little alcohol in it that was smooth of which I couldnt smell the alcohol in it, as I was suffering from a bit of a hangover. What she made came out perfect. In regards to the DJ during this visit, the one that was playing on the Friday night was much better and had more of a crowd dancing. It looks like it starts to get busy around 11:30 or 12:00pm. Overall, because of my second trip there with the music and the second bartender, I would recommend this place. read more

this club has by far the best set up and lighting and overall best facility in the area, drinks are expensive, whatever that's to be expected, but when I went it was dead, I don't get it? read more

Nice venue with a good mix of people. So why the two stars? We arrived at 12:45 on a Saturday night and still had to pay the $10 cover. Perhaps at that hour it could go to $7 or $5 when the club closes at 2. The major complaint, the music was awful. I like a mix of music,but it was 90% techno. The dance floor is super small for such a large venue. read more

We Love The Granby Theater!! Always a amazing time!! It's also nice to start in the Granby Lounge for a cocktail before hitting the dance party in the theater!!! We love this place!! read more

No way I'm ever going back. Great venue. Bar tending staff was friendly and accommodating. But the security staff was ham-handed, wayyyy overdone, and obnoxious. Crowd was mid 20s to 70s in age, respectful, no problems whatsoever. The band played their final song and with 40 minutes before the scheduled end of the event, large men in black security shirts began shouting, "everybody out! Get the hell out!". And saw people being manhandled. No way. Avoid! read more

A good place to go dancing on Granby St. Only complaint I have is the price of drinks. My husband got a double jack and coke that costed $16. We had just come from a bar where a double jack and coke was $8 so that was disappointing. Aside from it being an old theater and well decorated there was nothing else super special about this place. Not too many people were there the Friday night we went. I noticed more guys than girls. Will give this place another try though. read more

Being a local, I haven't known this place even existed. After Cajun Norfolk festival at waterside, hoping to have more fun, I asked to random people about dance club, everybody pointed to this Granby Theatre. Pros- 1. The venue has potential- decent sized floor and seating area 2. People - guys and gals seemed to be ordinary people who want to enjoy their time in decent outfits. To me, it is an important factor. 3. Price - $10 cover charge, $8 drink , proper price considering it's located in downtown Norfolk. Cons - 1. Lighting - could be better, boring lighting with the use of mainly giant mirrorball. Could use laser lighting on people not just little bit on the fabrics that are hung which was a part of background. Dancers love dramatic lighting on themselves, also the lighting can cover their not - so great dancing. 2. Music- sound system was okay. Music choices were not great. I think at the dance club, music, lighting are important factors to attract people. read more

Was here in 2009 and 2016. Same great place! Fun atmosphere and lots of room to dance!

I used to really enjoy coming here but their in house DJ is not that great and ends up talking over most of the music...they coud definitely use a house/EDM night! Drinks are ok, you could get ripped off or end up getting something really strong, it just depends on who your bartender is. The theatre concept is pretty cool and the atmosphere is good. read more

We went here with a group to celebrate my friends birthday last night. We started at 456 Fish across the street ( which was great btw) and then conveniently walked across the street to this club. We got there before 10, so we didn't have to pay a cover ($10 btw) Anyways, this place is great if your 21 or something, but it's run by a bunch of kids that have no way of handling their customers. I had called them a few days prior to ask to bring a cake and they didn't even have her reservation in the books. My friend called and explained that she booked her reservation months ago and they found it, kinda. We showed up and they didn't have her reservation so they put her in an area that wasn't what she wanted. THEN - their computers went down. No one could order drinks. THEN - the bar turned into cash only. Everyone that had started a tab had to use the club ATM and pay cash. The service fee on that ATM was $3.75 btw. I went to go find the manager to complain. I said, "The birthday girl is upset..." and he cut my off and interrupted me and said, "the only thing wrong was we didn't have her reservation." THEN - (after seeing someone he knew) completely ignored me and started saying what's up. I about lost it. When he realized he was being rude I informed him about the cash issue and he assured me that it was okay. Folks could still use their cards. Liar. Ten minutes later everyone was being handed their tabs and being told to pay up. Lastly, I was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a cab to leave. I stood up in the corner to get out of the wind and they told me I had to move. Seriously? read more

I love the environment there. It was so clean and upscale almost as if it needed a velvet rope out front. The staff was nice and courteous and the look of the theater itself was historical and modern at the same time. The dance floor was huge and there was a lot of comfortable places to sit and balconies to rent out. It had a wide variety of people which I love and the music was good and your able to move to it, but I wish that there was more of a mixture of hip hop and r & b, but I still loved it. The parking is what I expect for downtown Norfolk, get there early and you won't have a problem. If you can't park on the street, there are two garages close by. Cover charge varies depending on season and night, but I went on a Saturday during the summer and it was $10 after 10 PM and free before. Granby Theater is a great place to take your friends for a night of drinks and dancing, and it's a great excuse to get dressed in your best. read more

I attended Granby Theater for NYE. I have to say they have the rudest staff I have ever encountered. The bartender never handed my card back, and one of my friends lost her house key. We went back to retrieve the items. Several ladies were standing outside taking a smoke break that work for them. They said they saw the key, but someone threw it away. I am really concerned about staff that would throw away such an important item. Needless to say, we asked to speak to a supervisor, and were met with a tremendous amount of resistance. The ladies had went back inside already, and he said we were making it up. He even said, "Lots of keys are silver". We were instructed to dig through the trash in the back. Then one of the guys pushes my friend and tries to slam the door on her. I honestly couldn't believe it happened myself. It really ruined our night. I will never visit this establishment again, nor will I recommend anyone else to visit. read more

One star is actually being generous - this is the worst place I have ever been to; they act like they are running a club in Cancun, newsflash: this is Norfolk. There were maybe 35 people inside (only one balcony reserved the entire night - it was a SATURDAY) but they act like its packed. Don't waste your money (everything is ridiculously overpriced), terrible place - I'd rather never drink again than ever go here. This place has so much potential; it is a shame that the owners/management are completely inept at running a club (a woman (appeared to be the owner) was passing out flyers to visit an after hours lounge - maybe you should worry about this establishment before you even attempt to drag me into another crappy establishment of yours). read more

i went here as part of another one of my mini-vacations on halloween.... all i can say is amazing... at first i thought the $20 cover charge was insane but once i was inside i realized why... after i picked up my jaw and fixed my face, i proceeded to put rum in it lol... seriously this is THE BEST CLUB I HAVE BEEN TO ON THE EAST COAST... truely a work of genious... you need to go and see for yourself... there is simply too much to define without writing the world's longest yelp review lol... read more

If you are looking for a beautiful location for a wedding, performance, conference or any type of an event, this is the place to rent. It has been a pleasure working with the staff of Granby Theater and the owner himself organizing my event. They are very accommodating and they have all the connections in the world to make your event a success. At first glance you may think this place is going to cost a million dollars because it is absolutely beautiful. But, don't be afraid as the prices are very reasonable and worth every penny. I absolutely recommend planning your next event at the Granby theater. read more

Amazing scenery, drinks are overpriced but that is everywhere I believe in this strip. The bouncers are very rude, also made my wife open her clutch before entering. What can she fit in there? Not so cool. read more

Is a great place to have fun, but single guys be aware and careful, some females that do not work as bartenders are actually working for the club and will try to have you spend money by inviting them to drinks. So don't fall into their trap, be smart and don't let your male instincts lead you. read more

this is a nice club didnt really realize it was an theatre but i like the concept as far as it being racist i hadn't experienced it fortunately. and im black well caramel lol.. 22 years old urban swagg and im from chiraq drillinois (chicago) came up here 2 va for the holidays and must say was the most fun i had since here the music was blah but we did what we do made the best out of whatever now must admit girls where a lil bit stuckup smellin there shit a lil bit 2 much but again we made the best security was cooler then expected thought there would be sum issue but all in all it was smooth 10$ bucks for a night of fun dance floor is good i wanted 2 dance with the go go girls on stage lol but got escorted off. but all in all it was coo wasnt 2 racist or discriminatory atleast on my behalf even though i cant front i was expecting it 2 be but this a cool lil spot love 2 do a music vid there in the future though juketastrafe dj pierre chicago approved!! read more

I heard a lot about the Granby Theater and me and a couple of friends decided to try it out. The club does have a dress code so If you're like me and like to wear jeans, t-shirts, ball caps, and Jordans then think twice about going here. You can go in a nice pair of jeans, button up shirt, and a pair of dress shoes and you'll be fine. Walking in and the place was kind of shocking. It had nice night lights, nice bars, and it was pretty spacious. One thing I have to say that I didn't like is that some of the girls in there was stuck up. Some were friendly and can turn you down in a nice manner and others think the ground they walk on is gold. Other than that the drinks were priced ok and it played really good music. Like every other club in Hampton Roads in closes at 2. It is a decent spot if you want to drink and get your dance on but other than that you might want to check out some of the other spots especially if you are like me and like to barhop. read more