I am in love with Pendulum. The cookies, roasted cashews, meats and dog bones. I've tried almost all of the cookies they have to offer, and my favorite by far are the lemon basil. I have bought my dog cow bones, lamb leg, the ground dog food and turkey neck. My dog enjoys pendulums meats more than I do. Pendulum is a great edition to Ghent and I am happy to support it. read more

Excellent food, service and people running this great place! I cannot wait to come back!!

I ordered 5lbs of brisket... they gave me 5.68lbs for 72 dollars.... sad to say most of it was fat. I'm hoping 2 hrs of pressure cooking and an overnight slow cooking makes it into something good. read more

Great local butcher. They offer grass fed, pastured meats. Good selection of craft beers plus decent wine selection. You can also get lunch while you decide what to purchase. read more

Pendulum Fine Meats - Butcher Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Delicious food! I had the Cuban and it was phenomenal! Also purchased breakfast sausage to take home to my hubby...they too were delicious!

I moved to the area last January from South Florida. After asking at ALL the major grocery stores for a cut of outside skirt steak, I was met with "sorry, we don't do that." Anyone who has has had Argentinean style skirt steak knows there is nothing like a good cut of outside skirt, lightly marinated, grilled, and served with black beans and saffron rice. I was, really, upset, thinking I'd have to wait till I could travel back to FLA to get some. Then, a friend was shopping at Pendulum and asked. They said, sure. Within a week I had the prize in my refrigerator and it did not disappoint! It was delicious! I love this place. I've tried other cuts from them and everything is great. I love that they are willing to "go international" with their offerings. The bacon is exceptional. Can't say enough good stuff about Pendulum. But, I've never tried the sandwiches! Maybe next time. read more

Fabulous local gem! Small but cozy. Fresh and local selections to eat in or take home! Local butcher shops are a rarity, and this one is fabulous! You can stay for a bite in house or get some fine elections to take home with you to prepare yourself. The ambience is wonderful. You won't be disappointed. read more

Got our Thanksgiving turkey and a farm fresh ham from here. My wife's grandfather, a retired meat cutter and butcher, said that was some of the best meat he had had. You can get just about whatever you want, just call ahead and work it out with them. They even do sandwiches on site. Have yet to do that but will be back to try one soon. read more

Saw this place on Guy Fieri's show, Diners Drive-ins & Dives. It has become one of my lunch time favorites! I always get the roast beef sandwich, it is so delicious. I've also tried the Cuban which is also pretty good if you prefer a more tangy sandwich. The staff is awesome, everyone's always welcoming and friendly! read more

You can't beat place for lunch. Amazing sandwiches! We purchased some natural casing hot dogs to take home and were not impressed. They were sooooo greasy and over smoked - by a lot. But don't let that keep you from lunch! read more

Yum yum yummy yum ! Saw this place on diners drive ins and dives. Went to visit my daughter and decided to do lunch here . I had the roast beef , she had the Cuban and her boyfriend the brisket .., just good food !!! Kick back atmosphere only thing it's lacking is a kiddo friendly sandwich,( not many lil ones are gonna like roast beef ) Great staff. All around a wonderful place to have a great lunch ! read more

Outstanding sandwiches. S.O. and I split a roast beef and cuban. Roast beef was tender and flavorful with buttery smooth caramelized onions and fluffy focaccia bread. Cuban was a little more dry but had layers of mustard and fresh pickle that added depth to the sandwich. This place is a butcher shop, so it's no surprise that the meats were the predominant flavors and joy of the sandwiches. I'd be curious to try the rueben next time to see if that holds true - I've had too many ruebens from other restaurants that were drowning in their sauces and cheese. Another plus: you can get a garden salad as a side for no extra charge. read more

Pendulum Fine Meats - Roast beef sandwich with side garden salad - Butcher Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This place is a beautiful small spot that I'm so lucky to have found. They have an incredible selection of beers and the Cuban sandwich is absolutely out of this world. read more

Cannot say enough about Dylan and Dana and this Norfolk treasure. They catered our daughter's wedding a year ago and people still tell us it was by far the best "wedding food" they have ever had. A year later, we just went to have lunch--Beef Brisket and the killer fries with the garlic aioli--because even just thinking about the food made us almost literally drool. The service is just as hospitable, welcoming and exemplary as the service they provided a year ago at the wedding. You will LOVE your food AND relational experience at Pendulum. read more

Sandwiches are huge and decently priced for the quality of meat. I've had the Cuban and the hot ham and both were very good!

I went to Pendulum for the first time Wednesday and bought the Slab Bacon and Brats. I cooked off the Bacon this morning with some eggs and I haven't had a flavor like that since I was a kid. It reminded me of the Bacon my mom go from the local butcher in the grocery store. The flavor did not taste like the packaged stuff in a grocery store. I will be back to get more of there wares. Bravo to a little known art. read more

Pendulum has been on our "to try" list for far too long, and we're so glad we finally made it in here. This is our 2nd time here, and we can't wait to come back for the next time! My fiancé had the Cuban w/ a side salad this time around and I had the Monte Cristo w/ chips(the chips did not make it to photo time). Can't wait to buy some meats to take home w/ me! read more

Pendulum Fine Meats - Butcher Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Unfortunately, my last two visits to Pendulum (within the last three months) have soured my opinion on this specialty butcher store. The last two times, I have experienced some pretty apathetic service while ordering a sandwich for lunch. Its not the fact that creating their wonderful sandwiches takes so long --like up to 30 minutes -- I understand that they are creating sandwich masterpieces (the cuban is great!). However, at the price that they offer these masterpieces, their employee's behavior leaves me feeling confused and ignored. I feel like I've walked into pretentious-snobby-ville. This last visit, my husband and I intended to eat lunch and then ordering some $60 - $80 worth of 30-day aged Ribeye & NY strip steaks. However, we couldn't fathom continuing to receive their terrible customer service -- so we left after finishing our sandwiches. Here is what has happened to me, twice, at Pendulum: After you order a sandwich -- you are never quite sure if you should wait around the register or go find a table (only a few choices) where your food will be delivered. No one offers this information up, so you find a seat and you wait -- and then you wait some more -- and then you walk back up to cash register, just to make sure you sandwich isn't just sitting there -- and instead of providing an update, their employees just ignore you (even though they see you walking from the table to the register and back). Finally, just about the time you feel like saying something -- they deliver your delicious sandwich --sans utensils or napkins. Seriously -- this has happened the last two times! Then -- again, after you finish -- you aren't sure if you should leave your plate and drinks at the table or bring it back up to the counter -- and so, you gather up your stuff to bring it to the front, wait to be provided direction, but the employees just stare at you and do not offer any direction. We ended up leaving our dirty dishes on the table -- still not clear if that was the right thing to do! I know this isn't that big of a deal --and its not hard for me to speak up. However - when the employees outnumber the patrons in the store -- and the fact that Pendulum is a specialty store, seemingly with the desire to develop into THE neighborhood-local store (where you go to meet your friendly butcher) -- I just expect extra special friendly service -- what I'm asking myself is, in this tiny expensive store --should I have to speak up?! I just have a hard time comprehending their attitude, especially when the Fresh Market is opening up on 9/24 just a few blocks away. This tiny specialty store is going to need the extra friendly, customer-driven, service in order to survive. I feel that at the extra price their patrons' pay for their local food and meat -- it comes with the expectation of amazing customer service to every single patron that visits their store. I really hope that they figure it out -- be cause snobby, pretentious behavior isn't going to do them good. We really wanted to get those 30-day aged steaks -- its a shame their lack of customer service drove us away. We ended up going to Harris Teeter -- and I'm looking forward to Fresh Market's opening in a week! read more

AMAZING Cuban Sandwich! Atmosphere is great. Friendly staff. Fries were amazing. Beer, wine and much more to choose from. Best sandwich in Ghent read more

I don't usually make reviews (I've only made one) because usually there are already other reviews that dictate my feelings exactly. I just wanted to make this due to the fact that some of the two and one star reviews, few that there are, tend to commend the food but condemn the service. Now, these were made a few years ago when Pendulum just started and I'm not sure how it was back then, as I had only been once, but the service now is tremendous. Honestly, some of the best service I have ever gotten; it makes me detest the way I serve customers at my job. In conclusion, I would go as far as to say to disregard the reviews on service. Because it's great. read more

A couple weeks ago I had the very fortunate misfortune of losing my keys while my car was parked on the street in front of Pendulum. I had heard about it for a couple of months since they opened, and kept meaning to try it, but finally went in while waiting for a locksmith. My boyfriend & I absolutely love it. Cute little place, great local produce, nice wine selection, bread from Artisan bakery in Portsmouth (best baguette I've had!), and of course... the meats! On our first visit (the lost keys incident), we got baguette, pate, and a bottle of wine (wish i had the receipt still so I could be more specific). If you've never had pate and balk at the idea, at least try it -- they've usually got samples on top of the meat counter. We also brought home a variety of sausages to cook for dinner. All were absolutely delicious. Wandered back in today (on the bicycle, so no keys to lose), and was glad to see the produce selection had expanded quite a bit compared to our last visit. Lots of local carrots, herbs, potatoes, etc. This time we got another baguette, chicken liver pate, and some of the local asparagus. As great as the first! In regards to negative comments about the limited selection... they're not trying to be a full-up grocery store. Go to the grocery store for that. What they do provide is great quality and local foods at a reasonable price. read more

The best Cuban sandwich in the 757, friendly staff and great atmosphere. The other sandwiches are extremely good. The ham and cheese is delicious. The French fries are some of the best tasting fries I have ever had, watch out for the garlic that looks like mini fries, but if you are like me and love garlic, it is a special treat along with the fries. Once you are done eating pick up some sausage or some of the best homemade hot dogs that can be bought. read more

Really want to try and support this place because it could be a nice addition to Ghent. Have to say though that the take out sandwiches were disappointing. At $11.99, my ham and cheddar left a lot to be desired. Roast beef sandwich not much different than a steak umm. read more

Dropped my favorite knife off to be sharpened for $3! Say what??? All staff were friendly and Keith was helpful in selecting a cut for tonight's dinner. I'll definitely return. read more

The BEST Cuban sandwich, and most likely the best sandwich you will EVER have. I chose the side of rosemary garlic fries that were outstanding. It is insane how good everything tastes and with extremely friendly staff, you can never go wrong eating here. I have eaten here four times in the past 2 months and plan to keep going back at least twice a month. Amazing! They have a cooler full of craft beers and an awesome atmosphere. read more

So, when you ask, "what do you recommend?" and they bolt out "the burger!" before you can finish the question, you feel good about ordering the burger! When it is delivered, it doesn't strike you as something special at first glance. It's not huuuge. It doesn't look it will sink the Wisconsin. And then it hits you! The smell of sizzled beef and the smokiness of the bacon (yes Lord! Get the bacon) they curl up and get you excited to dive in! When you do, the hamburger sonata begins to play. It is perfection on a bun!! And the fries... let's just say you can tell when someone gives care to their pomme frites!! A delicious experience. read more

Tucker knows his stuff! He was very helpful and as it was my first time I took a walk around and I got some of the Smartmouth beer samples they had on tap! Left with Edwards smoked bacon can't wait to try it. The guys here were all super friendly and ready to help or answer any questions! I'll be back for sandwiches :) read more

This place is the best little hole-in-the-wall in Norfolk!! Such a cool atmosphere and the food is AMAZING! It's a small menu but every single item on it is outstanding. My husband and I had the roast beef and the burger and they're both incredible sandwiches. The wine and desserts are great too. The man who brought us our food and check was really nice. Awesome food for a great price!! read more

Love this place, great quality meats and love the bread. I'm a private cook so I have to have healthy and quality foods. Great place.

I sing. AND I sing... I sing the praises of Pendulum wherever I go. I tell the people at my day time office where I work. I tell my customers at the restaurant where I work nights. I tell my friends and my boyfriend and I have conversations about Pendulum. Ok- that might be a bit extreme- but believe me, they are worthy of the praise. I grew up in the country so appreciate everything that this place is about. The meats, the house-made sausages and pates. Fresh, local eggs and produce. Sure, it's a bit pricier than what you get at the Teets or GW's BUT- you get exactly what you want in the amount that you want and there IS A DIFFERENCE! Flavor...color...texture. It's better for you! My only sadness about it is that I can't eat it every night! The staff is super nice and always go above and beyond to make us feel special. For instance, saving me bacon ends for a soup I was making. Also, packaging us up special mustards at no extra cost when we bought fresh pretzels (from the Artisan Bakery) to take to the Beer Fest. Their meats are amazing. We've tried several different cuts of pork and beef and also several different sausages: Bahn Mi, Dried Cherry and Thyme and their wieners! Go- Look! the meat speaks for its self! Pendulum is like a down home country store/butcher shop reminiscent of the stores of my childhood memories- but with a Ghent flourish! The only real downfall is when I go in, I want to hang out. I want to chit chat with the workers, listen to records and eat all of their samples! It is definitely my current favorite place in Ghent! read more

Pretty good. I had a Roast beef sandwich and fries. The meat was tender and the whole thing was great. I bought some bacon while there too, and while it was good, I felt it was over priced for what I got. So, my recommendation would be to go there for a lunch treat and shop for your meat at central meats on Kempsville RD. read more

Pendulum never fails for lunch. Discovered this a month ago and have been 4 times! I always get the roast beef sandwich.

if you want to take your wife, girlfriend, mother, fiance, boyfriend or bff this is a place you must consider. Quiet, out of the way, unobtrusive, great, tasteful and awesome food, excellent atmosphere, quaint, friendly, laid back. A place to order a meal, snack, glass of wine, beer or just to sit and relax with a best friend. All the adjectives that describe a good place to go. More than once. read more

This place is amazing. The menu is very simple. It's a cute little sandwich shop. My family and I got different sandwiches so we can taste a variety of them. The sandwiches we tried were the monte cristo, Ruben, Cuban, and Ham. The meat was so fresh and the fries were really good with the garlic dipping sauce. You can also opt to get salad or chips with your sandwich. They have different types of beer, cider, and pop as well that you can choose from. You get a lot of food for the price you pay. Average was about $11 for sandwich and side. Very well worth it. read more

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I was in Norfolk and saw this was a Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives place so I tried it out. Simply awesome sandwiches. I saw a review that docked them for not having "Walmart prices". If you want Walmart prices, you'll get Walmart meat. If you want top quality, delicious meat, go here. I'll pay the extra, but it's not really that much extra. Prices are what they should be. You get what you pay for. The roast beef sandwich I had was awesome. My daughter had the turkey and ham (I sampled) and it was awesome. Fries came with the sandwiches for a total of $24, tax included. That's not expensive for huge sandwiches that you have to be really hungry to be able to finish. Fresh bread, top quality meat. I highly recommend. read more

Clean, fun and hip place to have lunch. Great atmosphere including a turntable sound system. The staff and owners are very friendly and attentive. I had the brisket and it was tender and tasty almost like the best pot roast. It was served over thick toast with bread and butter style pickles. The baked goods are homemade and unreal. I can't wait to go back. read more

Absolutely love this place... Very small and somewhat limited but the produce is very fresh. I've been a few times for pork chops, brisket, and bacon! Everything was delicious! I'll definitely be coming back for more :) the staff is incredibly nice and helpful which is a plus! read more

Beautiful inside! Got a pound of bacon from here with my husband last weekend and it was some of the best bacon I've ever had. For a single visit so far I was very impressed!! Will likely return soon to explore the other meats that they sell. Pretty sure that they cut your meat to order. Some wonderful local gifts for sale inside along with a few other foods items for sale like local sausage and eggs from a farm in Suffolk. Very excited about this new addition to Ghent! read more

This place is one of my favorite places to shop for meats and to grab a bite to eat. Just come here and check it out for yourself! I promise that you will not be disappointed! read more

Pendulum Fine Meats - I had already started eating but still awesome! - Butcher Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The best sandwich spot I've been too! I trust Guy's taste buds, and this place didn't disappoint. We came twice in three days! The second time was even better. The meat portions are plentiful and filling. The sandwich's are nice size. The garlic aioli and pepper jelly are a nice compliment to already delicious sandwiches. read more