Saltine

3.9 (912 reviews)

PriceySeafood, Cocktail Bars

Open • 10:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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Saltine - P.E.I. Mussels - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - One of the several dining areas - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Oysters were wonderful - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Saltine - Old Fashioned - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Moderate noise

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Vicky V.

The food at Saltine has always been good. Their oysters are fresh and flavorful. You can really tell the difference in where each one was sourced. My favorite was probably the ceviche. It was very refreshing. The cocktails are also very complex and have great flavor. I ordered a passion fruit martini and they said it came with a prosecco so that was amazing. The lobster dessert was just ok. It was a little too sweet. Service: On the two times I've been there, service was slow. We had a reservation and ended up waiting 10 minutes for a table because the hostess forgot about us

Maria G.

I love the freshness and the quality of the seafood here. My favorite is during happy hour with their cocktail shrimp. It's so yum, it's like they steam it in champagne or something. The cocktail sauce that comes with it has great kick of flavor. The fried shrimp is equally good! The crab cake has little to no fillers, the salad is fresh. Just everything I've had here was top notch for me! You won't be disappointed dining here.

Justina N.

This restaurant was very flavorful! The waitress was very nice and checked on us regularly. We was concerned when we first looked at the menu since we had a child with us as there was no kids menu but the waitress saved the day! She brought us a kids menu without us having to ask. The restaurant is located inside the Hilton so there was a lot of people but wasn't overly crowded. We probably will not be back but overall it was a great restaurant.

Shana C.

I came here for brunch and ordered the Chesapeake Hot Brown & She Crab plus the lemon ricotta pancakes, and overall the food absolutely carried the experience. The she crab soup was thick, creamy, and very flavorful with real chunks of crab throughout. Not watery at all. Definitely one of the better versions I've had locally. The Chesapeake Hot Brown surprised me. The base is a potato cake that somehow stayed crispy even though it's topped with a crab cake and smothered in sauce. I expected it to be soggy but it held up perfectly. It also came with actual bacon slices on top. I thought the menu just meant bacon flavor in the sauce, so that was a really nice touch. Very rich, very satisfying, and I would absolutely order it again. By the time I got to the lemon ricotta pancakes I was already full, but they were good. They're not the thick fluffy diner style. More buttery, almost griddled style pancakes. The ricotta and blueberry compote added flavor without making them overly sweet, which I appreciated. Drinks were solid. I had two mimosas, pineapple for $3 and cranberry for $7. I'm not sure what the price difference was about, but they tasted good and didn't give me a headache so I won't complain. Service was the weakest part of the visit. When we first arrived the hostess was dismissive. We actually grabbed our own menus from the stand because she didn't acknowledge us until we spoke to her. She told us the bar was open and that she would check on table availability but never came back. We ended up seating ourselves at the bar. I also noticed another hostess treat a different group the same way. The bartender was friendly enough, but it took about 45 minutes to take our food order. This was Valentine's Day and there were still a few open seats at the bar, so the place wasn't packed. I'm not sure what caused the delay, but once she engaged she was pleasant. The atmosphere is really nice. Apothecary style bar decor with lots of natural light. It was cold outside but they do have outdoor seating. The bar is well stocked with both popular liquors and harder to find bottles. The bartenders were clearly trained and making real craft cocktails. Overall I would return for the food, especially the Hot Brown and the she crab soup, but the front of house experience could definitely use improvement

Cindi W.

Went to saltine during happy hour while waiting for friends to check out Varia's wine tasting. My husband loves raw oysters and Saltine has the best happy hour deal for oysters at 0.75 per oyster. I don't eat them so I get the peel & eat shrimp that are $1 each. The shrimp are huge and seasoned well. Luckily since it was midweek it wasn't as busy as Fridays. We were able to get seats at the oyster bar and only took about 20min to get our order. Definitely a great spot for seafood lovers!!

Carol S.

My son & I decided there would not be any tiring cooking & clean up for Thanksgiving Dinner this year. I searched early and found seating availability for our preferred time at Saltine. I've had Saltine bookmarked for some time. They did not disappoint. It was a lovely & festive entrance to the restaurant Beautiful Holiday Decor and music puts one in the spirit of the season. We were seated when we arrived at a comfy 2 person table next to a window. I had a purse sized window ledge, which I loved. Service was a bit slow. My Vodka Martini was served plain without an olive or a twist. When I requested olives our server took the drink back to the bar to have it completed. A tradition Thanksgiving Menu was offered. We decided against it in favor of a regular menu. Dinner began with 18 Oysters on the Half Shell choosing 4 different varieties from their Raw Bar. Appetizers followed. My Oyster Stew choice was excellent. My son ordered the Smoked Fish dip, which he loved. Entree choices were Virginia Blue Crab Cake Dinner, All Jumbo Lump "Ultimate" Style with Pea & Pancetta Couscous for me and Blackened Mahi with Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes for my son. Both made us happy that we had chosen to order from the regular menu. We opted out of the dessert choices as none of the offerings were appealing choices for our palates. Saltine is located in the The Main, a Hilton property on Main Street in Norfolk. Their Valet Parking was the best I've experienced at a Hilton property & I'm a Hilton person. The nicely suited attendant pointed out the path we should follow when picking up my vehicle. The ability to add the tip to the parking fee was quite convenient, eliminating the need for cash. When left my vehicle was parked next to the exit from the hotel into the garage. I would highly recommend Saltine, not just for a Holiday Meal but also for an elegant dinner or Raw Bar visit. It made my Thanksgiving dinner quite enjoyable.

Heidi S.

I ended up at Saltine for a working lunch this week and am glad we did. Our initial plan was a rooftop lunch at Grain, but they were closed for maintenance so we opted for this first floor seafood spot. Saltine is inside the Hilton Main hotel and is accessible via the attached garage or any of the other local hourly garages in Norfolk downtown. It's a beautiful space with a raw bar out front and a welcoming bar. We were seated at a cozy booth in the back. This is definitely the sort of restaurant that is fitting to wine and dine a sweet someone, potential client or customer. Our server was prompt at greeting us and offering beverages while we perused the menu. We also got a chance to look at the weekend brunch menu, and it has me tempted to return on the weekend. For lunch, they offer a range of raw bar options, entrees and sandwiches. What was most impressive was the half and half lunch for $14. You can sample fish tacos or their signature lobster rolls along with a salad, she crab soup or clam chowder. I was jonesing for a nice piece of salmon which I selected on top of the house salad. That salad was very simple but fresh and the salmon was cooked perfectly though slightly under seasoned. Colleagues selections looked delicious and I don't think any leftovers were had! We agreed to share the Chocolate Bomb dessert, not knowing what we were in for. This is a great experience that a family with young children would love. The table is cleared and plastic is placed down. Drizzles of chocolate caramel vanilla and strawberry sauce are rounded out with sprinkles of brownie and crumbled cookie. Finally, a flying chocolate bowl of ice cream makes an impressive splash in the center. Ice creams were very tasty though I didn't care much for the cookie or brownie bits. Service throughout was prompt and attentive. The food was delicious! This was my first visit here, and it certainly won't be my last. Looking forward to returning with hubby for a special date night.

John F.

April 15, 2026 | Saltine - Downtown Norfolk, VA Stopped into Saltine in downtown Norfolk on Wednesday, April 15th around 5 p.m. and grabbed seats at the oyster bar during happy hour. The place has a great vibe -- lively, energetic, and styled like a higher-end bar/restaurant inside the Hilton. Definitely a solid atmosphere whether you're just grabbing drinks or settling in for a meal. The highlight was easily the oysters. I ordered two dozen for $18 -- that's $9 a dozen -- which is almost unheard of these days. The oysters themselves were good and fresh. Maybe not the absolute best I've ever had, but at that price point, they're hard to beat. We also had the shrimp cocktail, which I believe was around $10. They were peel-and-eat jumbo shrimp, seasoned nicely with Old Bay, and very well done overall. Cocktails during happy hour were also very reasonably priced, which made the whole experience feel like a great value across the board. All in all, a really enjoyable stop. Between the atmosphere, pricing, and solid seafood, this is definitely a place I'll be coming back to next time I'm in Norfolk -- especially for that happy hour.

Justin V.

As part of the "Christmas Food Tour" my mom and I take annually, we decided to check out Saltine inside the Hilton Norfolk the Main. We've visited Grain on Easter Sunday for their huge brunch buffet, so it was time give Saltine a shot. I made reservations right after Thanksgiving and when we arrived, we were seated promptly. It wasn't too busy at the time, but it was filling up since it was lunch time (12:30p). Alison greeted us and quickly took our drink order. Since the Main is still fairly new, Saltine boasts an impressive interior. There are two floors - the second floor houses their private rooms (as noted on their website). We were seated on the first floor and there were 4 two-tops already dining in our section. In addition to the impressive architecture, Saltine was clean and organized. Alison offered her knowledge of the menu for any of our questions. She also explained that they were offering their dinner menu along with a meal prefix that included three courses (which customers could choose from a curated list). The highlight of the prefix was they offered prime rib, which I thought my mom would jump on (but she went another route). We actually took little time to order. Mom ordered for herself the She Crab Soup, we shared an Oysters Rockefeller appetizer, and mom's entree was the Braised & Glazed Short Rib. I had the Bone-in Hereford Ribeye - it was massive (40 oz). The food alone was fantastic. My ribeye was cooked to a perfect mid-rare, mom loved her short ribs and devoured her soup. We both enjoyed the oysters, while none of the food was too salty. In addition to the food, Alison is a fantastic server. She's kind, attentive, is very good at updating you with your food's status, and she was talkative without being loquacious. We had a nice conversation with her about Christmas meal traditions, and she was a hit (upon my observation) with her other tables. Based on this initial visit, Saltine is as excellent as I've been led to believe. Service is top-shelf, food is on point, and their venue is impressive. I think the only drawback was it took them a long time to arrive at my table with my drink order (a pint of Blue Moon). The bar was packed, though, and (as mentioned) Alison kept me informed of the pint's status. Thank you, Saltine, for a wonderful Christmas experience! I look forward to many future visits! JV

Jessica P.

Def make a reservation for fast seating. Outstanding food and service. We had a group for a bday brunch and everything was perfect. Make sure to check your receipt because large parties will have an automatic 20% gratuity added. There are brunch specials for mimosas and Bloody Marys, too - Bonus!

Absolutely fantastic dining experience in the Hilton in downtown Norfolk. First off, our server Lindsey was incredible. We were originally seated in the back dining room but she graciously moved us to the more intimate and luxurious power booth in the main dining room. Inside the vibe is immaculate, perfect dimmed lights, art work and pictures on the walls. Lindsey was attentive and helpful the entire night. The 40oz ribeye was perfect and comes with 3 sides. The apothecary bar was unique hand crafted cocktails, our favorite was the banana old fashioned.

This picture shows the mushy fish meat and the dry bone. I believe it is clear evidence the fish was served beyond its holding times.

Looking for a restaurant this Sunday before Memorial Day we did a internet search for one of the best restaurants in Norfolk, Based on recent reviews me and my wife made reservations at the Saltine restaurant that appeared to be connected to the Hilton Hotel. It was a terrible experience and the food was horrible. I ordered She Crab soup and the fried Red Snapper. My wife ordered chargrilled oysters for her appetiser with fried oysters as her main course. My She Crab soup was served after about a 40 minute wait. The soup was tasty but very watery with minimum pieces of crab meat. It clearly was not the typical thick soup available in most of the local Norfolk/Virginia Beach restaurants. After about another 10-15 minutes, it was clear they forgot to bring my wife her chargrilled oysters. We summoned the waiter and expressed our displeasure that our appetisers did not arrive at the same time or relatively close together. So we cancelled her appetiser. Shortly after that our main courses were served. Her oysters were warm and almost cold. My Snapper was warm (not hot like most fried fish. The fish was curved around its veggies making it difficult to carve off the bone. I believe the fish was old as the skin was leathery, meat mushy (not flaky) and the Center bone was dry ( not juicy moist) I couldn't eat the fish after turning it over. I took a second photo of the meal I left when I decided to go pick up the car from the garage. When I picked my wife up, she angrily wanted to know why I wasted the market priced fish $59. The meal was a total ripoff! If I had known the old dry fish was so expensive, I wouldn't have left before summoning a manager. Bottom line a restaurant needs to be consistent in serving hot fresh meals to all of its guests all of the time. Old meats should be discarded and nothing should be served beyond its holding times. I've never been served such a terrible meal in such an upscale restaurant! Future Guests beware

Bob R.

I've been reading a lot of reviews lately about Saltine at The Main in downtown Norfolk, and I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about, so today we decided to check them out. Most of the reviews have been about their Happy Hour specials. As a general rule, I don't eat Oysters in the months that do not have "R's" in them, as in any month outside of September through April. I've never gotten sick when eating oysters and I attribute that to my strict adherence to that rule. With that in mind, Saltine offers Happy Hour prices on their oysters for $0.50 each with a minimum order of 6. That was a hard pass for me for the reason stated above but they also offer Peel and Eat Steamed Shrimp for $1 each with a minimum order of 6. This is a great value because they are huge, cooked perfectly and seasoned properly with Old Bay, YUMMY! We also ordered the Fried Calamari and it was delicious as well. The service was good considering how busy they were today. I was a little underwhelmed by the Happy Hour food offerings and there was no option to get anything from the regular menu until 5pm. Overall score of 4.5 rounded down to 4. Would definitely come back!

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Brandy W.

Elite 26

1 year ago

Our date night at Saltine in downtown Norfolk, VA, was a fantastic experience. We parked in the Hilton parking garage for easy access to the restaurant. We made reservations which was nice since it was a busy Friday night. Our server, Lindsey, was attentive and made the evening special. The scallops with grits were creamy and divine, while the bronzed rockfish on succotash had the best plate of veggies I've ever tasted! Paired with creative cocktails from the Apothecary bar, Saltine delivered a high quality of seafood entrees and a wonderful date night . Highly recommend! read more

Saltine - Fresh catch of the day: rockfish - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Seared Diver Scallops - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Brandon P.

15 days ago

This place is where I had the most extravagant food to ever graze my tongue. I live in Michigan and came down to virginia years ago on vacation when I ate the most scrumptious butter poached lobster tail. I returned to virginia this week and the food I had from here made me come a second time. The service is also outstanding and our waitresses name was Stephanie, the ambience both on the inside and outside seating is very pleasant. 100% Recommend giving this place a try. read more

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Brian T.

19 days ago

Pretty disappointing place. Food was average to poor in quality. Service was just ok. My wife had the chicken sandwich and it was really not good. Dry and tough chicken breast that tasted rather fishy like it had been fried in a pan they just finished cooking seafood in. My crabcake sandwich was decent but nothing worth coming back for. Fries were hot and good. Definitely disappointing for the price. Won't be back and don't recommend. read more

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Floppy W.

2 months ago

This place is my go to. Hands down the best food, best service, and best decor. I have taken my family here, wife, friends, everyone. This is the place that has never failed me. The food is always excellent and the staff has always been 10/10 never missed. Tonight I took my friend and his mom here and praised this place heavily. I cannot believe I am here saying this but the service was so unbelievably bad and rude I probably will never come here again. 283 dollars spent and I genuinely felt robbed. 10 dollars I tipped her, and I actually felt like she deserved 0. She was condescending, rude, arrogant, and didn't attend to our table almost at all, she sent out anyone but herself to tend to us. Food was great as always but I come here for the full experience, not this. read more

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Nicholas B.

2 months ago

Went for dinner at Saltine late on a Friday night. We ordered the trout and the braised short rib. Overall, food was just okay. I think for the price you can do better. The service was good considering it was later at night, but we waited a bit for the food. The real sell of this place is the ambiance. Very beautiful interior, good noise level and decor. Next time, if I come, I will sit at the raw bar and try the oysters read more

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Yasmin B.

Elite 26 All-Star

162

631

152

7 months ago

The seafood was fresh and fries were good. Also ordered the calamari's which were pretty good. The reason for low stars was the service! It was terrible! Waitress would forget things and things came piece meal. Also I asked for bill and boxes and she took forever so I needed to find someone to find the waitress to get it. When I finally got the bill the service fee of 20% was already included which explains why the waitress did not give a crap about her bad service. Never again!!! read more

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Vianetta J.

2 months ago

kyle was amazing and the food was outstanding, I will tell everyone! I had cesar salad and salmon. The cesar was amazing and the Salmon..........outstanding. I will be back! The ambiance was wonderful. Kyle i will be back. vianetta read more

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Garrett B.

5 months ago

Absolutely fantastic dining experience in the Hilton Downtown Norfolk. First off, our server Lindsey was incredible. We were originally seated in the back dining room but she graciously moved us to the more intimate and luxurious power booth in the main dining room. Inside the vibe is immaculate, perfect dimmed lights, art work and pictures on the walls. Lindsey was so helpful and attentive the entire meal. The 40oz Bone-in Ribeye was perfect, and it comes with 3 sides, all of which were delicious. We got the squash, succotash, and whipped potatoes. They hav an apothecary bar with many spirits to chose from, our favorite was the Banana Old Fashioned. We will definitely be coming back to eat more here. read more

Saltine - Charbroiled Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Squash - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - She Crab Soup - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Whipped Potatoes - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Succotash - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Bone-In Ribeye - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Banana Old Fashioned - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Scallops - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Niki P.

3 months ago

Room service - delicious! Fresh and hot delivers quickly and tastes just as good as dining in.

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Leah J.

Elite 26 All-Star

658

478

3594

2 years ago

A friend and I decided to stop by Saltine last Saturday for Brunch and boy have I been missing out. Since the weather was beautiful, we decided to dine outside and even though the outside dining area was closer to the street, the dining experience was very pleasant. Our server greeted us right away and was friendly and welcoming. As I went to order a mimosa, the server mentioned that they offer a few different flavors such as pineapple, grapefruit or cranberry, so I chose the pineapple flavor and it was very refreshing. The Signature Brunch menu had a wide selection of items such as omelets, pancakes and quiches but I decided on the Chesapeake Hot Brown & She Crab Soup. The food was served pretty quickly and tasted amazing. The Chesapeake Hot Brown included a lump crab cake, a crispy potato cake, a grilled tomato and topped with bacon in a mornay sauce! It was absolutely phenomenal! The She Crab Soup was delicious as well. I've been to Saltine for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it but this was my first time for Brunch and it did not disappoint! The food and service were amazing! I will definitely be returning soon! read more

Saltine - Chesapeake Hot Brown & She Crab Soup - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Ryan H.

Elite 18

762

1320

1532

8 months ago

Loved the 50 cent oysters at happy hour. Loved the guys behind the oyster bar. Super fast shucking. It was hard to figure out who our server was since at the bar. Probably our fault. We were just having oysters and just went straight to the bar and ordered before a server showed up. Delicious oysters and served quickly so we were able to get to our reservation across the street. I will visit again if in town in the future. read more

Saltine - Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Brad H.

Elite 26

372

1871

1011

2 years ago

Great place for lunch in Norfolk. Street parking available for $1.80 an hour Good food, quality drinks and welcoming staff No issues read more

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Kellie B.

4 months ago

Food was hit or miss. The crab cake on the benedict tasted old so we sent it back. The shrimp cocktail, calamari and mussels were good. The Connecticut lobster roll was not tasty the lobster was dry and over cooked. The baby wedge was good but had too few toppings so it was mostly lettuce. The best part of the meal were the cocktails and the French fries with garlic ranch dressing. Not a place I plan to visit again anytime soon. read more

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Betz R.

714

9 months ago

In town for the night while traveling to a wedding. Decided on Saltine! 1. Fantastic Happy Hoir Deals with some of the best oysters and cocktail sauce we've ever had. 2. Excellent service by our server Trevor - he had the best recommendation for bronzing the rockfish. 3. Absolutely delicious entrees - Bronzed Rockfish and the Trout, which was seasoned and cooked to perfection. If you're in town you've got to check this place out! read more

Saltine - Trout - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Catch of the Day: Bronzed Rockfish - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Will W.

Elite 26

173

285

1 year ago

I am not quite sure why ratings on this restaurant are below 4 stars. I have been there multiple times and it is always very good. We were there last weekend and had three types of raw oysters that were fresh and very good. Also I had the lobster bisque and it was very good. Finally I had the lump crab stuffed flounder and it was everything I hoped for. Virtually no filler just big chunks of crab and a nice thick slice of flounder. It was topped with a bit of lobster bisque which rounded out the meal for me. I paired the meal with a smoked Manhattan and it too was great. Service was on point and the atmosphere was lively but not o er the top read more

Saltine - Lobster bisque - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Darchelle A.

9 months ago

I highly recommend coming during happy hour. The seafood is amazing and the ambiance is great. Our amazing host Trevor recommended a few items. Totally loved the raw oysters and peel and eat shrimp. read more

Saltine - Smoked fish dip - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Jorge I.

Elite 26

230

882

1 year ago

Great happy hour specials! Even better service and ambiance! We were seated next to the bar and on a high table and it was an awesome view looking out. Food was very tasty and portions were big! read more

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Christopher V.

Elite 26

1408

1027

14081

1 year ago

I didn't realize Saltine was a hotel restaurant when I booked the reservation. From my experience they tend to be mediocre at best for some reason. By the time we realized it was too late. The hostess seated us promptly at an outdoor table. It was a beautiful day so we didn't mind. We ordered a few appetizers before deciding to skip entrees. So so across the board. 2.4 stars. read more

Saltine - Hush Puppies - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Charbroiled James River Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Mussels - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Calamari - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Kristin M.

2 months ago

I honestly don't EVER leave a bad review. I'd never want to be a "Karen" and I worked in hospitality for a few years. It took forever to even get a menu at the bar. I ordered right away a wedge salad with blackened salmon. I know it's a friday night so a wait in reasonable. After an HOUR I ask how much longer. Didn't even get checked on.She couldn't tell me. I said "I'm so sorry I'm starving can I get a small cup of chowder. Anything even crackers to hold me over." An hour +15 later the salmon comes undercooked. I just asked for the check and boxed it. Still paid and gave 18% no manager came by. No comp. Barely an apology. I saw people eating around me and several parties leaving. I stay at this hotel often. I will NEVER be back. Don't waste your time. read more

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Allen P.

Elite 26

100

290

284

1 year ago

So if this were just a review of dinner it would be 5 stars. But we had brunch and dinner there during our stay. Let me start with the service which is and always has been great. No matter where we have sat or when we have come in the service and the staff have been consistently wonderful. Now let's talk about dinner. - The absolute star is the fish wings. They are cheap and delicious. Here is the secret: treat them like you would a chicken wing and not like a piece of fish. The flavor is awesome and they are loaded with delicious meat. - the oysters are another star. They have a constant and large selection of local varieties for a variety of tastes. From sweet to briny to small to large. Absolutely delicious! We also had a delicious shrimp appetizer and several distinctive cocktails. I know the rule is not to eat at the hotel when you travel but this place is the exception. The variety of seating areas means that you can sit at the busy bar or have a quiet booth in a corner. Good for socializing with strangers or for an intimate evening with friends. I do not recommend the brunch. The chicken biscuit was not very good. The biscuit was extremely dry and the gravy was strangely flavored and slightly spicy. The potatoes were also inconsistently spiced. There are much better brunch options within walking distance. read more

Saltine - Fish wings - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Oysters on the half shell - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Fried shrimp appetizer - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Brian S.

Elite 25

115

427

11 months ago

A Beautiful Spot with Great Food, But Watch the Pricing I visited Saltine at 100 E Main Street in Norfolk three times in a single day, that should say a lot. The place is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. I had lunch downstairs (the burger was excellent), enjoyed drinks at the bar, and later checked out the rooftop, which offers amazing views and a great atmosphere. The staff were friendly, attentive, and the overall vibe of the place is upscale and welcoming. I really wanted to love everything about it, and for the most part, I did. But here's the issue, during my second visit, I sat at the bar and ordered a single pour of Clase Azul after talking about it with the bartender. No mention of price, just a casual pour, and then the bill came. $111. For a single pour. On a bottle that retails for around $290. I've been all over the country and around the world, and I'm no stranger to upscale spots. At premium venues, it's common courtesy for the bartender to say something when a single drink costs over $100. That didn't happen here. And while I accept some blame for not asking, that kind of pricing without any warning feels predatory and dishonest. I've always experienced bartenders at least giving a heads up on premium pours like that. A simple, "Just so you know, this one's pricey," would've gone a long way. I still think Saltine is a fantastic venue with quality food and great staff. But if you're going to splurge, ask prices first, or you might end up paying $111 for a drink you weren't expecting. read more

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Chris C.

11 months ago

Would be a zero if I had the option; poor service and attitude from bartender. Lunch order was a huge fail!!! The order somehow did not get placed after the staff went back to the kitchen a couple times to determine the status. Preparing a Caesar Salad and Lobster roll is not tall order, especially when there was not a lunch rush. Do not recommend this place read more

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Lesa G.

2 months ago

Kyle was amazing. Very engaging and knowledgeable about everything on the menu. Loved having him as our server the food and wine was divine. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Thank you so much. read more

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Danny B.

Elite 26

352

444

2 years ago

Not going to lie, the food here is solid. Personally think it's over priced, but if you come here, but your taste buds will leave satisfied. The oysters are excellent, crab soup hits the spot and the short rib is bomb, just not sure why they do mashed sweet potatoes with the soft rib, give me the good old regular mashed potatoes, if it ain't sweet potato pie then I ain't trying to have no sweet potatoes on my plate! read more

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Janet C.

Elite 26 All-Star

199

357

2 years ago

Food | was less appealing than a fast food joint. I hoped for higher but, no bueno. The OYSTERS were absolutely flavorless and small broken shells included for what...calcium or a chipped tooth? The CRAB SOUP had, I believe, zero crab...??? Flavor was yummy... but no crab sighting, Service | the service was great at first with Courtney... then went completely downhill from there. Food took forever.... Drinks took forever... but thats okay.... The other bartender had a great flirting session with the boys nearby. Good for her. Ambiance | nice vibe ... too bad everything else was horrible. All in all.... West coast has better oysters... and hate to say this ... but possibly even better service than Norfolk.... Glad we came for snacks in the afternoon and cancelled dinner. read more

Saltine - Flavorless oysters - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Fries - were actually good - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Crabless crab soup - no crabs were harmed during this preparation - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Gordon

6 months ago

I went here with my wife for lunch. There was a slight delay getting a seat however once we were seated things were fine. Very friendly hostess that was knowledgeable of the menu. As for the food, did she crab soup was very good and my wife said she enjoyed her crab cake quite a bit. I had the Mahi sandwich with truffle fries, they were okay but both of them were a little salty. read more

Saltine - Mahi sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Truffle fries - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Zoom Y.

6 months ago

We tried their Happy Hour on an early Monday night. It was already pretty busy at the bar but we were able to find two seats at the main bar (they also have some tables and limited seats at the oyster bar). We ordered a half dozen each of raw oysters and shrimps. They were good for the price ($0.50 each) but we would have been disappointed if we had to pay full price. Oysters were not as sweet as we expected and the size was inconsistent (some were very small). Calamari was mostly breading and not much meat. The accompanying white dipping sauce was ok but I prefer marinara sauce. Also, grilled half lemon looked nice but in reality, it was bitter and I wish they'd given us more calamari and a fresh lemon wedge instead. Since there were only few HH appetizer options, we ordered two items from the main menu - fried oysters (very good) and a filet mignon to share. The first filet was overcooked but the second one was cooked perfect medium rare. The meat was tender and the sauce was delicious. The filet came with three sides - mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious and truffle fries were also very good. However, the grits missed the mark - too soupy and flavorless. The restaurant has a nice ambiance but on this unseasonably cold night, it was freezing by the windows (or garage doors?) They have space heaters but they weren't turned on. Another thing to note is that the bar table and the floor were not clean. There were noticeable amount of crumbs but clearly no staff noticed or bothered to clean. The service was ok. There were several bartenders but most were not attentive. The main server for us was nice and friendly, though. Lastly, about their bill - their suggested tips was based on the amount that included sales tax, which is a dishonest business practice. read more

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Savannah A.

2 months ago

Kyle was incredible! loved our experience with him! Food and service were impeccable. Go Vikes!

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Sandy N.

7 months ago

Who knew! Does this ever happen to you that when you grab a seat and the bar, order a libation and a few noshie items they are prefect. Timing was on point! beverages are delish. But here is the kicker or the 'who knew' part that at this place if your original bartender walked away and you have to order a new one - anyone else can deliver the same libation! Same flavor profile!!! Dude !!! That never happens. Usually if someone else makes a drink it tastes differently and that did NOT happen here! Wow! Kudos the Mixologist and crew at the Saltine Bar! Shout out to Ryan, Bruce & Cherokee! No B.s. they were on point! read more

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Alisha N.

100

11 months ago

Went for happy hour and they have the best deals. The drinks were great and strong. The food was delicious. The whole place was such a vibe. Only bad thing is they were pretty busy so service wasn't super fast. read more

Saltine - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Thurman ..

3 months ago

I can honestly say I've never closed out a bill without leaving a tip--never! Not even after receiving poor service, perhaps out of kindness or guilt. However, my recent experience with the waitress, Venissa, left me no choice. Despite sitting at the bar and ordering a Caesar salad, four other orders were served to guests who arrived after me. Venissa seemed unaware that I hadn't been served, largely because she made no effort to check. When I finally asked why, her response was, "We're a team." Unfortunately, no one on that "team" realized or inquired about my missing order until I brought it up. It felt as though the human connection was switched off--at least where I was concerned. Abdicating responsibility toward a hungry customer isn't ideal. On a positive note, the clam chowder was delicious, and the bar itself is charming and inviting--though, sadly, my interaction was not. Written by a human! read more

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Milan S.

Elite 25

1 year ago

This restaurant is located on the 1st floor in the Hilton Norfolk Main. My sorority's regional conference was held there recently and many sorors, including myself, stayed there over the long weekend and tried out the restaurants in it. We had our lunch break between plenary sessions and ate here. They had some very tasty seafood. Super fresh and clean savory flavors. We went for brunch and I thoroughly enjoyed the crab cake sandwich. It was flavorful and light. I didn't feel sluggish or greasy after eating it. My sorors ordered the cous cous dish and the crab cake Benedict. All of our plates were clean. We were very hungry but the quality of the food was there. lol. The decor and lighting is dimmer in here but I like that the music was low so that you can actually talk to and hear the people that you're there with. I really appreciated that. I imagine this place is probably jumping in the evenings and on the weekends. Our server, Cameron, was the utmost professional, answered all of our questions, and was attentive to any of our needs. Thank you for the great service! I'd recommend this place if you like seafood. read more

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Loren N.

6 months ago

Don't sell oysters on the Halfshell if you don't have a shucker . Paying $40 a dozen and they are mangled by the shucker is not good. Bartender Nichole was rude from the time i was seated . I won't be back read more

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Adam G.

3 months ago

My partner and I go to Saltine every Friday, and Kyle has been our server several times. He is the absolute best, and always makes for a pleasant and attentive experience! We look forward to being back next week with Kyle! read more

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Greg V.

7 months ago

Top notch oysters. Best variety in the 757. Super clean and fresh. Very small place so there's limited seating. read more

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Carmen F.

6 months ago

Some of the best food I've ever had! Short rib was actually unreal and the service was fast and friendly!

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Rachel S.

1 year ago

Food very mediocre; chickpeas in the mussels is insane. Drinks were amazing! Ambiance is nice but Lauren does not have the gift of gab might wanna replace her & tell her to write down customers orders in the future. read more

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Micaela R.

Elite 26

376

420

966

3 years ago

I've been here so many times for their happy hour but decided to just get drinks. This pineapple drink was tasty and super refreshing, but my favorite was the strawberry cheesecake drink. This one was FANTASTIC with the strawberry cake on top added the perfect touch. The service was great and the environment for this place is always nice, never any complaints. 100/10 read more

Saltine - Strawberry Cheesecake Drink - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Grace T.

3 months ago

My husband and I went here for Valentine's Day for a late lunch and it was delicious! Our waiter was super sweet and helpful. They also have many unique and fun drinks to choose from! The oysters here are really good! read more

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Euni B.

Elite 26

148

366

2 years ago

Decided to get drinks and small bites ... boyfriend recommended this place for date night. Made Rez in advanced via open table. Was seated at a nice and secluded corner booth. Ambience was nice and waiter was good. The food and drinks were good. I wouldn't brag about the food but it was overall a good place for date night. Expect to spend some money. read more

Saltine - Ceviche - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Oysters Charbroiled James River Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Saltine - Rhode Island Style Calamari - Seafood Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Back

Page 2 of 23

100 E Main St
Norfolk, VA 23510
Directions
(757) 763-6280
Call Now
Visit Website
https://saltinenorfolk.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Saltine open?

Saltine opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Saltine opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Saltine close?

Saltine closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Saltine closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 11:30 AM - 11:00 PMFri 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sat 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Sun 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Saltine take credit cards?

Yes, Saltine takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Saltine have catering options?

Yes, Saltine does have catering options.

Does Saltine have a happy hour?

Yes, Saltine has a happy hour.

Does Saltine serve alcohol?

Yes, Saltine serves alcohol. Full Bar

Services

Is Saltine by appointment only?

No, Saltine is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Saltine allow dogs?

Yes, Saltine allows dogs.

Does Saltine have TVs?

Yes, Saltine has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Saltine have bike parking?

Yes, Saltine has bike parking.

Does Saltine have outdoor seating?

Yes, Saltine has outdoor seating options.

Does Saltine have parking?

Yes, Saltine has parking options. Garage Parking, Valet Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Saltine allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Saltine allows outdoor smoking.

Does Saltine have free WiFi?

No, Saltine does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

A street level seafood restaurant in Downtown Norfolk, Saltine offers a chic, airy space for diners to savor seasonal shellfish, seafood and spirits. Enhancing the locally-sourced menu, the restaurant's black distressed millwork, old-world detailing, and mosaic tile floors blend historical authenticity with modern elegance that flows from the dining space to the bar.

More Info

Health Score

Saltine Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Saltine

Are oysters still apart of happy hour?

We were told (about 2 months ago) that they wouldn't be a part of the Happy Hour menu until after all Covid restrictions had been lifted.

View question details

How do I make reservations?

Use OpenTable app or website! Enjoy

View question details

Is there a dress code? Are reservations required/needed for Monday evenings?

It’s a hotel bar so people wear a variety of clothes. The atmosphere is swanky but I saw people in nice clothes and others in very relaxed clothing.

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Went here last night with a friend…read more It's located in the first floor of the Main in Downtown Norfolk right next to the Saltine restaurant. The bar has a very rich and relaxing environment. It's very modern yet with a classic vibe. Sorta steam punk esque if you will. I had several classes of Jameson (my favorite) and my friend tried the Violette and the Mr. Pink (play on a Negroni) which were both very good. We also shared some Old Bay French fries which were very yummy. The service was great! The bartender was very knowledgeable about the drinks and was even able to offer substitutions for ingredients in the drinks. We stayed until the lights came on and the manager kindly told us it was time to go lol. Love the experience!

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(174 reviews)

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My husband and I went here for our anniversary, and it was such a memorable experience. From start…read moreto finish, the food was absolutely amazing - beautifully presented, full of flavor, and clearly crafted with care. The atmosphere felt elegant and perfect for a special night out, and the service matched the setting well. That said, this is definitely not a casual dining spot. It is very pricey, so it's best suited for a celebration or when you're prepared to spend quite a bit for the full experience. Overall, it was a fantastic anniversary dinner and worth it for the quality and occasion.

The appeal of this restaurant is definitely in the atmosphere. Celebrated our anniversary here and…read moreit was cool to be able to walk around with our wine and look at the art. Food wasn't bad but it wasn't amazing. Portions are kind of small. We left without any leftovers. Service was good

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4.0

(38 reviews)

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Came across Black Spice restaurant on a random Wednesday night and am so glad I did…read more Black Spice absolutely delivered on both flavor and presentation. The lemon drop martini was one of the highlights of the night -- smooth, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart without tasting overly sugary. Definitely one of the better lemon drops I've had lately. The Black Spice wings were packed with flavor. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated with a sauce that had the perfect mix of sweet heat and Caribbean-style seasoning. They were addictive. The lobster egg rolls were another standout. They were crispy, stuffed generously, and paired with a sauce that complemented the seafood really well without overpowering it. The lobster flavor actually came through, which isn't always the case at a lot of places. The cabbage was tender and seasoned with a tasty spice which was delicious. On top of the food, the atmosphere was stylish and energetic with great music and a fun crowd. Perfect spot for date night, brunch, or drinks with friends. Service slowed a little once the restaurant got busy, but overall the experience was worth it. The chef even blessed us with a sampling of a new catfish egg roll he is thinking of putting on the menu, and like everything else it was amazing and worthy of menu placement. Would definitely come back to try more of the menu

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon for Brunch, and we were seated immediately. It wasn't crowded at…read moreall, only about six were seated. Parking can be an issue off or on Granby Street so plan accordingly. Jenny was our server and she seemed a little discombobulated and new to serving. It took her forever to take our order and her attentiveness was lacking. Now to the food, chef Tonya did her thing. The banana-pecan waffles were delicious. The waffles were light and fluffy. The shrimp and grits were scrumptious. The grits were cooked to perfection and not gritty.

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Black spice wings + lobster egg rolls.

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Lamb chops

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Smash burger was tasty and $5 special, can't beat that. We sat at the bar and Rachel was amazing…read more Very friendly and recommended a great beer. The views are everything here, highly recommend going here on a nice day when you can enjoy the patio.

Had drinks & an app tonight with Lexi & Chris B serving us. Couldn't have asked for a better…read moreexperience! The bar was clean at all times, the drinks were amazing & both bartenders were on top of it!

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Easter Sunday 2023

Gershwin's

We found ourselves in downtown Norfolk and opted for dinner at Gershwin's on Granby Street…read more Gershwin's continues to deliver a polished dining experience, pairing New Orleans-inspired cuisine with attentive, professional service. It's the kind of establishment that understands both execution and consistency--two qualities that are increasingly rare and always appreciated. The shrimp and grits remains a signature highlight. The Creole sauce offers a restrained heat, balanced by a layered depth of flavor that speaks to careful preparation rather than excess. The shrimp are properly cooked, retaining a delicate snap, while the stone-ground grits provide a well-seasoned, creamy foundation. Each component is thoughtfully prepared, and together they form a cohesive dish that feels both composed and satisfying--an authentic nod to Cajun tradition without unnecessary embellishment. Gershwin's stands as a reliable fixture in the downtown dining scene. For those seeking a refined take on Southern and New Orleans classics, it is well worth the visit--and a strong example of the quality found within Norfolk's local restaurant community.

It would be zero stars if possible. And I can honestly say that I've eaten in restaurants across…read morethe world and the US, at many different price points and this was hands down the worst culinary experience of my life. If this restaurant was in an area that was even moderately competitive they would have been put out of business. The bar seems adequate but it was almost like they stopped serving food and forgot to tell anyone. I swear I'm not making this up, this actually happened: 1) it took over 2.5 hours for the entrees to come out. One came out so early that by the time the second set came out they were already done. 2) The only appetizer that was ordered that actually came out, arrived after the entree was done. 3) One person's order had to be changed 5x because the waiter kept coming back to say they're out. When his pork chop finally arrived, it was undercooked and not eatable. 4) Nothing was offered in any way as a comp, nor any real apology If you go, be wary. There is no way they were this thoroughly incompetent in every single aspect of the food services industry without practice.

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Cheers Aaron

Luce

This was kind of a meh dining experience. I called the restaurant to make a reservation for 3…read morepeople on a Tuesday evening. I was told that there was no availability for the evening and I should try to walk in for bar seats. Upon arrival, the bar w

Food was really good! The lobster gnocchi was flavorful. They have a huge assortment of whisky so…read moreif you're a whisky lover I would recommend getting the whisky flight. The restaurant was really small and I recommend making a reservation in advance if you want to go. Otherwise, they will turn you away.

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We stopped in to see this place after the First Friday Sip & Stroll in downtown Portsmouth. We…read moreheard this was a cool little hidden gem, in a building that's been around for a couple hundred years and is partially underground and very "speakeasy like". Super glad we stopped in, the vibe is incredibly comfortable and cool and envelops your soul. Ambience: super cool, comfortable, a little dark, exposed brick walls with plaster patches, hardwood floors, heavy wood and leather furniture, incredible bar that is more like two bars in an L-shape with an unbelievable selection of anything you could ever want. This place is very solid feeling, you just feel safe and tucked in. Service: was fantastic, we met the executive chef named Ty who greeted us before we even sat down, just saw us sitting in the foyer bar and came over to say hello, very cool. We were greeted and seated by an absolute sweetheart upfront named Jackson and our server couldn't have been nicer, her name was Casey. Food: the food is all served tapas style, smaller plates, but well curated with interesting and innovative ingredients with beautiful presentation. Unfortunately, they were out-of four things that my wife wanted, she didn't want all of them simultaneously, she wanted one and they were out, and that happened three more times. Apparently, they often order in smaller batches and buy locally so sometimes they don't have as much as someplace buying in bulk, that's as much a positive as a negative, not a bad thing, just a bit of a bummer that she didn't get her first few choices. She ended up with the duck tacos which were good. We started with the brussels sprouts, which were also good and had nice presentation. We also started with bacon wrapped tots, the dish came with four of them and chili ketchup, beautifully presented, and rich, creamy, crunchy and yummy. I ordered the braised beef and fry bread and it was my favorite thing, very beefy flavored, warm and rich on soft pillowy fry bread with some cool crunch and crispy, thin plantain slices, very good. We started with a Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned that was delicious. Overall the food was very good and the value was decent at around $12-$16 per plate. Overall: this was a really good experience and I'd go back to try some of the things they were out of and enjoy the incredible bar and stellar, considerate, thoughtful service. Definitely recommend!

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jack brown's was so so so so good. the place is super tiny and packed -- but not uncomfortable,…read more that's kinda what made it fun. the staff were really busy but still nice, and the whole vibe of the place was cool. i loved all the decorations around the bar, especially all the dollar bills with writing on them everywhere. it made the place feel really unique. the burgers were amazing and the sweet potato fries were literally some of the best i've had. definitely somewhere i'd go back to if i'm in the area again.

My party came here on Sunday afternoon after visiting Nauticus with our kids. The burgers were good…read moreand fresh, but smaller than expected for a place known for burgers. Price point was about $16 for a burger and fries without a drink. We ordered the regular cheeseburger, the Cowboy (bacon, BBQ sauce, and American cheese), the Cobra Kai (cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño jelly), and the Classic Jack (caramelized onions, JB sauce, and dill pickles). Everything tasted solid and came out hot. The restaurant itself is very small and does not seem ideal for larger groups. Despite this, I loved the ambiance, it has a dive bar vibe with lots of notes on dollar bills on the walls that were fun to read. I will be coming back again when in the area! A special shoutout to the waitress with the bridge piercing. She was friendly, accommodating, and quick with service, which really stood out.

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AW Shucks is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the 757…read more Food: Delicious! Best oysters in this area for the most reasonable price. Go on Thursday for $20 for a dozen. The oyster po boy is my favorite. The oysters are plump and delicious Service: Quick and polite. No complaints Ambiance: The outside doesn't look like much but the inside is very chill

This place was my mother's day lifesaver. I originally had reservations at another restaurant…read more After a long wait. Even having reservations. We only received our appetizers and after one hour I lost patience since it was only fish that we both ordered. My husband paid the bill and we left. He suggested this restaurant and we have eaten here several times before. We ordered my food to go. I ordered the flounder topped with crabmeat and green beans. It was delicious. I realize it was Mother's Day. So I appreciate being able to place the order to go. My husband was happy and so was I. The food hit the spot. I will be returning here for my seafood dinner whenever I'm in the area. Which is about twice a year.

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Toast

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Ryan M.

9 years ago

Worst service I have ever experienced, I would give zero stars if I could. I have never felt the need to review a restaurant before now. We sat at the table for about 10 minutes in an empty restaurant before our drink order was taken. Every drink ordered needed to be substituted (Jameson and yuengling ). Which is fine - I get it. Jameson & yuengling might be a tall order in some joints. But rather than walking over to inform us that our request wasn't available, they took it upon themselves to pour some unfamiliar whiskey and basically said, 'we don't have what you want so YOU'RE GETTING this...' Didn't even bother asking whether we had a second choice. Whatever - they're new. They haven't worked out the kinks yet, right? Being that we were experiencing Stage 5 Hangry at this point from riding our motorcycles all day, we let it slide and ordered some food. (and no, we were not taking our hangriness out on this establishment - patience was most definitely exercised.) So we went ahead and order the $14 shrimp cocktail - which consisted of 4 mediocre-at-best shrimp that looked like they had been removed from the freezer, thawed, & placed on ice. We didn't bother tasting them as we couldn't get over the rubber consistency and the fact that even though they had been cut as if deveined, they still had the giblets in them. After that, we didn't even bother with the deviled eggs & calamari that we ordered. Between the unwarranted frazzledness of our server & the poor condition of the 'starters,' we decided to not let a bad thing get worse and asked for our check - which they did not present along with their side of apologies. (thank you management). It would be my suggestion that the wait staff familiarize themselves with the fare they present and that they take a deep breath - it was only 8:30 on a Sunday. And that if you're gonna charge $14 for a shrimp cocktail, that it be satisfying and worth the $14 of my hard earned dollars. A+ for ambiance & décor, however. I will never return or recommend. Too bad - cause it's a great location in a much anticipated new addition to the appeal of downtown. read more

Gary A.

Elite 23

181

3 years ago

If you're looking for a nice seafood restaurant with a modern atmosphere, Saltine in Downtown Norfolk might be worth checking out. My wife and I visited Saltine for my birthday and had mixed feelings about our experience. The atmosphere was nice and the waiter provided good service. We started off with the Blue Point oysters which were fresh and flavorful, and my martini was perfectly made. My wife enjoyed her Aperol Spritz, but her Caesar salad was a bit of a letdown. The large pieces of anchovies on top were a bit overpowering for her taste. For the main course, I ordered the bronzed Rockfish with succotash, which was good but not exceptional. My wife ordered the scallops with corn risotto, and while the risotto was delicious, the scallops themselves were just okay. It was a bit disappointing that they didn't have the chocolate orb dessert we were looking forward to, so we opted for the Baked Alaska. Unfortunately, the center was way too frozen, and the meringue on top was a bit burnt. Overall, while the food was good, the dinner was just okay, and we felt that it was overpriced for what we received. Despite this, the atmosphere and service were pleasant, and it could be worth checking out for those who want a modern seafood experience. read more

David M.

7 months ago

I stopped into Saltine at the Hilton in downtown Norfolk for an early solo lunch and had an excellent experience from start to finish. I was greeted right away and seated promptly. On the way to the table, the hostess pointed out a few of her favorite lunch items, which I really appreciated--such a warm and thoughtful touch. I ordered the hush puppies, fries, and a lobster roll. The hush puppies were absolutely fantastic, and the presentation of everything was top-notch. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were really high quality. I'll admit I'm super picky about lobster rolls, so it wasn't my personal favorite--but that's more about my tastes than the restaurant. The real standout was by my server Sher-ron. She was incredibly sweet, attentive, and genuinely a pleasure to have as a server. She elevated the whole experience and made my lunch feel special. Overall, a great spot with great service--Great job Sher-ron and thank you for making my lunch experience! read more

Christian H.

Elite 24

213

757

2 years ago

Saltine in Norfolk was far from what we had hoped for. While the restaurant projects an air of sophistication, the food does not measure up. I ordered the fried whole Snapper, which lacked any freshness or flavor. It was bland and soggy, certainly not what you'd expect from a seafood dish. My wife's Blackened Rockfish was so heavily salted it was nearly impossible to enjoy. My daughter's fillet mignon was overdone and lacking the tenderness you'd expect for the price. The entire meal, from the tasteless She-crab soup to the stale bread, was a letdown. Given the steep prices, we anticipated something far better. On a positive note, the service was attentive, and the staff were friendly. However, no amount of good service can make up for food that simply misses the mark. If you're looking for quality dining in Norfolk, I suggest looking elsewhere. Saltine tries to impress, but the execution leaves much to be desired. read more

Severina H.

Elite 19

139

146

1031

1 year ago

I had high hopes for Saltine, but unfortunately, my experience was underwhelming. I ordered the truffle fries, fried snapper, and braised short ribs, but none really hit the mark. Especially for the price of $190. The truffle fries were lukewarm and tasted like they had been reheated in a microwave--definitely not the crispy, flavorful experience I was expecting. The fried snapper had a nice texture, but the seasoning was almost nonexistent, leaving both the fish and its sides bland. The braised short ribs were the best dish of the night, with good flavor, though slightly overcooked. However, the carrots and mashed potatoes that accompanied them were also lacking in taste. Overall, nothing stood out enough for me to return. For the price and reputation, I expected much better execution. read more

Reggy W.

1 year ago

**Review of Saltina Restaurant** Saltina offers a delightful dining experience that beautifully marries modern culinary techniques with traditional flavors. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. The menu features a diverse selection of dishes, with standout options like their expertly grilled seafood and innovative pasta creations. Each plate is a work of art, bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring a seamless dining experience from start to finish. Don't miss their signature cocktails, which perfectly complement the meal. Overall, Saltina is a must-visit for anyone looking to savor exquisite cuisine in a charming setting. Highly recommended! read more

Vance S.

Elite 26

217

520

390

6 months ago

I decided to take my wife to Saltine downtown for her birthday. It was an incredible experience for me, and although it might not have been as special for her, she still enjoyed it. Saltine is a seafood restaurant, but they also offer other options such as steaks, chicken, and dishes that pair well with seafood. It's a great spot for appetizers and dinner. What stood out most was the local oysters -- fresh, locally sourced, and delicious. They come with a variety of toppings and preparations, and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere at Saltine is fantastic -- casual and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back evening with wine and good company. I had a great time, and we'll definitely return. Our server was outstanding -- truly one of a kind. Can't wait to go back to Saltine. read more

Mike S.

9 years ago

I was downtown with a friend today and decided to try Saltine for lunch. From start to finish, it was a delightful experience. The waiter suggested a soft shell crab special which I tried. It was awesome! Having been in the restaurant business, I am very aware of details of service and I must say everything was perfect throughout our lunch. Jacob, our waiter did a super job anticipating our needs....very personable and quite professional. When one goes to a restaurant, you look for great food, perfect service and lovely surroundings......Saltines gets an A in all categories. Without a doubt, I will look forward to coming back soon. . read more

Ol L.

159

9 years ago

Yes indeed, 5 stars.. for what you get vs. what you pay, absolutely! Had lunch here, fantastic new restaurant with a great terrace and bar to boot. Had peel and eat shrimp - 6 huge prawns - served cold but exactly as they should taste with some simple Old Bay. The daily fish special I had was blackened grouper with 2 sides - truffle fries and seasoned veggies - all were fantastic. The fish was done to perfection, including the sauce. The attention to detail, quality, freshness and perfectly prepared dishes should bag this place a Michelin star one day. Highly recommend eating here before the prices start to match the experience. read more

Jaleesa M.

9 years ago

Came here with my boyfriend John (I see you down there boo boo) and had such a happy time at the bar! The happy hours daquiris aren't frozen or strawberry flavored but there really good. The shirmp are mushy and not very good, I always order them and then say they are not good and then they take them off the check. The oysters are on the smaller side, but that just means you can eat more and get their special affect! The bartender with the big musles and beard is a delight. I wish I stay in the hotel sometimes so I could tip him with a room key ;P maybe too much oysters for me. read more

Bev G.

7 years ago

My son & I tried Saltine out this past Monday and it was PHENOMENAL. Our waiter's name was Patrick and he was so friendly and helpful. We tried the she crab soup and got a dozen extremely good oysters on a happy hour special which was an awesome surprise. The lobster hush puppies were decent- wish the lobster in them was more discernible. But...the whole rockfish baked in an egg white salt crust was amazing. We shared that entree and were glad we did. It was so delicious, great happy hour drinks and wine. A new favorite. I will definitely be going back soon!!! read more

Bruce W.

8 years ago

We booked this restaurant for a private dining event in the "Chef's Loft" at Saltine...a very special, long-overdue reunion for dear friends from throughout the country. With the ala carte restaurant menu available to everyone, all aspects of the food and service were impeccable...beyond compare...perhaps the best ever seen. Literally every individual was overwhelmingly pleased, and for that we are extraordinarily grateful for the professional efforts of Nick Pisula (Restaurant Supervisor), Michael Cubilete (Restaurant Manager), and our awesome server, Ben. read more

Sajan M.

9 years ago

The atmosphere is great and the bartenders were awesome. I had pleasure talking with Sasha and Nicole, both of them were quick with their service and genuinely nice people. The old fashion at this establishment is as good as it gets. They definitely crushed the old fashion game. Highly recommend getting old fashion here. Lastly, chef Kenny T's Paella was one of the best Paella. Overall, I was very happy with the old fashion, Paella, and the service I received from Sasha and Nicole. Definitely will be back next time I find my way to Norfolk, VA. read more

Christian S.

Elite 18

279

7 years ago

I have mixed emotions about Saltine. The bar is pretty cool and you will find a neat mix of people there. The restaurant is also nice and serves great seafood and other dishes. Since Saltine is attached to a hotel the prices are higher than you might find somewhere else. I feel like there should be a "locals" discount. We've been a couple times to both the bar and the restaurant and keep going back so I guess we don't mind the prices that much. Ha! The food is really good here and worth a visit. read more

Sydney D.

4 years ago

Wine drinkers beware! Service was great! However, they do you dirty with pricing. The wine list stated $13 (?) for a glass of Riesling. When I got my check, I was charged $23 for a GLASS of wine?! Turns out, the waiter assumed I wanted a 9 oz pour instead of the 5 oz even though we weren't aware there was a 9 oz pour. Food was delicious, service was great. Price gouging is real in this place, will probably not return. Super bummed, I really wanted to love this place :( read more

Rick M.

9 years ago

This is absolutely the best restaurant I have eaten at. The food is delicious!!! I recommend the Rock Fish Catch of the Day, Bronzed. Cheese grits are to die for. And our server, Bianca was exceptional!! She was so knowledgeable of the menu and all options. Her recommendations were much appreciated and spot on! She made a great dining experience superb! I recommend this restaurant 100%. When you go, hopefully you get the pleasure of having Bianca as your server. read more

Erin A.

9 years ago

Stopped by Saltine for an early dinner on Saturday and we opted to grab seats at the bar. I started with a White Julep and it was wonderfully refreshing for the muggy day. Switched to a Vida Bandida and fell in love. We shared the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Salad and I think I could eat the crispy brussels on everything. Finished the meal with Shrimp and Grits. Bar staff was lovely, but they could be awful and I'd still go back for the Vida Bandida! read more

Lisa F.

3 years ago

Saltine was an excellent experience from start to finish! The staff was very friendly, the atmosphere was alive and inviting and the seafood was superior. The food was phenomenal. I eat out at a lot of places and this was honestly the best meal that I have ever had. The Wasabi Pea crusted Tuna and Bronze Rock fish were big hits.The fried shrimp was delicious. The paella was one of the best. I highly recommend this place. read more

Gina R.

4 years ago

While staying at the Hilton Main, decided to try Saltine for a late lunch, only to discover it was restaurant week and the special included 2 courses for $15! I got the most amazing she-crab soup and beer bartered fish sandwich with truffle fries!! Delicious!! I also ordered a house salad with lump crab meat which was also unforgettable!! Thank you Saltine and thank you Taylor for such great service! read more

Joseph L.

Elite 26

296

837

2 years ago

I have dined at Saltine multiple times, and it never disappoints. The shellfish and cocktails are exceptional, with the She Crab Soup being one of the standout dishes. Their cocktails, including the Negroni, Manhattan, and various berry shrubs, are consistently excellent. The restaurant offers a classy atmosphere, with great food, superb drinks, and an overall outstanding dining experience. read more

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