This is a review based on my latest two experiences at this establishment. 3/30/2024, my party and I came for dinner. The food and service was good which I have come to expect. However, the next day 3/31/2024 my the same party I came back from Easter Brunch. It was the exact opposite from the day before.The two overarching emotions we felt were, being rushed and neglected. The server came to the table with menus and took our drink orders. The server then proceeded to ask us what did we want to eat. I kindly asked him to give us time to look over the menu. Meanwhile he had a large table he attended to so it took a while for him to return. I don’t have a problem with that, but he rushed through taking our orders.Once the orders were delivered to the table my party had the wrong order. The server then brought the correct order without the items my party specifically requested. Instead of re-doing the order they just threw cheese on top of the eggs and grits and it wasn’t even melted. My order then came out after his.Then the server asked was there a problem and we said don’t worry about it. By that time, I just wanted to eat. But he responded by saying, “Obviously something is wrong and is there a way it can be fixed?” We again replied “Don’t worry about it we will make it work”.The server did not refill our drink orders and spent lots of time chattering with the large group. Once he returned with the check we paid the bill and left.I believe the contrast between Saturday and Sunday could be fixed with more training. I was embarrassed because I told my party who was visiting from NY how great this place was. Easter Brunch did not measure up.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
whyy me
James recommended chicken strips... ? missle. This might be best bar experience in hampton roads...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak and Eggs
Nykeya Petty
My first time there tonight on 03/23 and we waited 10 minutes to get served and the bartender took everyone around us. Then had an attitude when we tried to get her attention. A few other customers of color said she was rude to them too. I will never come back here or recommend this place to anyone. Service was disgusting. Big fat zero. Doesn't even deserve any stars
Deneice Wickens
I got my food to-go but it was the best vegan/veggie burger I've had in this area.
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Burger
Timothy Cooley
MJs is a cultural staple for the Norfolk gay scene. They cater to most subcultures within the community and keep things friendly and
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
The Devy Dollz
They have the Best service in the #hamptonroads
Jaker2902
Love this place. Food, drinks, atmosphere is amazingWheelchair accessibility: Accessible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger
Markdown Mania
I have been coming here for 12 years and have never left a review. I apologize. This is the most community inclusive place I have ever been to. Going above and beyond, Mike and John (MJ) always make sure this is a great, exceptional, and welcoming space; enjoyed by everybody. Brittany, Amanda, DJ pup coop, James x 2, Sierra, Debbie, Jack, they all make this the go to experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Candi Aintright
What a GREAT PLACE!! The staff is very friendly even to canine customers! There’s space for smokers outside also.The atmosphere is welcoming to all patrons. I haven’t even started with the food!! I got lunch, dinner,& brunch. (We went daily while I was in town)Every meal we had was delightful!! The brunch is a Must have!!I LOVED the spinach!!The Bartender makes a MEAN MIMOSA!! Overall all just outstanding!!I live in Atl and this is the best gay bar I’ve been to in years.Nuff said????
We went here after the 2024 Shamrockin' in Ghent. The service was great, I will start by saying that. The food was "okay." I ordered the nachos (see pic- not anything great at all... literally the most MEH nachos I've ever had) and a pretzel with cheese (yummy!). The pretzel was borderline room temp, so that wasn't the best- it had either been sitting for a while or wasn't heated up enough. My friends drank, but were charged top shelf for everything, including shots. I hate when places do this- I always appreciate the asking of what. Who automatically gives top shelf? Boo. I'll be back, but I'll be hesitant in what I order, both food & drinks. Also, it always seems to be a sausage fest in there, so if that's your cup of tea, drink up! :)
Thom Wells
awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, Burger, Brownie
Gracie alexander
I have never been to such an amazing place!! You can tell it was built on love !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ariel m.
If you ever want to explore Norfolk's beautiful gay scene please check this bar out. As a regular patron myself, MJ's tavern is a wonderful place to have a drink amongst friends and other members of the LGBT community. I would recommend ordering the chicken tenders as they are made perfectly. The bartenders and the waiters are very kind and welcoming and very attentive to it's patrons.
Charles Crane
The experience has gone downhill. I have gone to M J since it opened. I have known John before he opened the bar. Last night after ordering dinner, dessert and drinks from the bar and paying my bill of 85 dollars, I was drinking some water and talking to a friend beside me when a young man behind the bar told me to vacate my seat. I would have agreed with him but the way he said it was either I get up or he would throw me out because his friend wanted my seat. The staff is poor and is why myself and all of my friends don’t go there anymore.
This is a review based on my latest two experiences at this establishment. 3/30/2024, my party and I came for dinner. The food and service was good which I have come to expect. However, the next day 3/31/2024 my the same party I came back from Easter Brunch. It was the exact opposite from the day before.The two overarching emotions we felt were, being rushed and neglected. The server came to the table with menus and took our drink orders. The server then proceeded to ask us what did we want to eat. I kindly asked him to give us time to look over the menu. Meanwhile he had a large table he attended to so it took a while for him to return. I don’t have a problem with that, but he rushed through taking our orders.Once the orders were delivered to the table my party had the wrong order. The server then brought the correct order without the items my party specifically requested. Instead of re-doing the order they just threw cheese on top of the eggs and grits and it wasn’t even melted. My order then came out after his.Then the server asked was there a problem and we said don’t worry about it. By that time, I just wanted to eat. But he responded by saying, “Obviously something is wrong and is there a way it can be fixed?” We again replied “Don’t worry about it we will make it work”.The server did not refill our drink orders and spent lots of time chattering with the large group. Once he returned with the check we paid the bill and left.I believe the contrast between Saturday and Sunday could be fixed with more training. I was embarrassed because I told my party who was visiting from NY how great this place was. Easter Brunch did not measure up.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 2
James recommended chicken strips... ? missle. This might be best bar experience in hampton roads...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak and Eggs
My first time there tonight on 03/23 and we waited 10 minutes to get served and the bartender took everyone around us. Then had an attitude when we tried to get her attention. A few other customers of color said she was rude to them too. I will never come back here or recommend this place to anyone. Service was disgusting. Big fat zero. Doesn't even deserve any stars
I got my food to-go but it was the best vegan/veggie burger I've had in this area.
Food: 5
Recommended dishes: French Fries, Burger
MJs is a cultural staple for the Norfolk gay scene. They cater to most subcultures within the community and keep things friendly and
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
They have the Best service in the #hamptonroads
Love this place. Food, drinks, atmosphere is amazingWheelchair accessibility: Accessible
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Burger
I have been coming here for 12 years and have never left a review. I apologize. This is the most community inclusive place I have ever been to. Going above and beyond, Mike and John (MJ) always make sure this is a great, exceptional, and welcoming space; enjoyed by everybody. Brittany, Amanda, DJ pup coop, James x 2, Sierra, Debbie, Jack, they all make this the go to experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a GREAT PLACE!! The staff is very friendly even to canine customers! There’s space for smokers outside also.The atmosphere is welcoming to all patrons. I haven’t even started with the food!! I got lunch, dinner,& brunch. (We went daily while I was in town)Every meal we had was delightful!! The brunch is a Must have!!I LOVED the spinach!!The Bartender makes a MEAN MIMOSA!! Overall all just outstanding!!I live in Atl and this is the best gay bar I’ve been to in years.Nuff said????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Meet up with friends for Friday Happy hour.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, French Fries
Restaurantji Recommends
We went here after the 2024 Shamrockin' in Ghent. The service was great, I will start by saying that. The food was "okay." I ordered the nachos (see pic- not anything great at all... literally the most MEH nachos I've ever had) and a pretzel with cheese (yummy!). The pretzel was borderline room temp, so that wasn't the best- it had either been sitting for a while or wasn't heated up enough. My friends drank, but were charged top shelf for everything, including shots. I hate when places do this- I always appreciate the asking of what. Who automatically gives top shelf? Boo. I'll be back, but I'll be hesitant in what I order, both food & drinks. Also, it always seems to be a sausage fest in there, so if that's your cup of tea, drink up! :)
awesome!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, Burger, Brownie
I have never been to such an amazing place!! You can tell it was built on love !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you ever want to explore Norfolk's beautiful gay scene please check this bar out. As a regular patron myself, MJ's tavern is a wonderful place to have a drink amongst friends and other members of the LGBT community. I would recommend ordering the chicken tenders as they are made perfectly. The bartenders and the waiters are very kind and welcoming and very attentive to it's patrons.
The experience has gone downhill. I have gone to M J since it opened. I have known John before he opened the bar. Last night after ordering dinner, dessert and drinks from the bar and paying my bill of 85 dollars, I was drinking some water and talking to a friend beside me when a young man behind the bar told me to vacate my seat. I would have agreed with him but the way he said it was either I get up or he would throw me out because his friend wanted my seat. The staff is poor and is why myself and all of my friends don’t go there anymore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1