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Chefs Kitchen and Cocktails

4.3 (180 reviews)
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CHEFS KITCHEN AND COCKTAILS ATMOSPHERE

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Garlic parm fries
Lee M.

Jan. 30th. O. M. G. This was absolutely one of the best experiences I've had since moving to Norfolk hands down. The level of attentiveness and service was a solid 10/10. I didn't have to beg for water. I didn't have to stare at an empty cocktail glass waiting to be asked if I wanted another. I didn't have to sit with dirty dishes lingering on the table. From the moment we walked in, the hostess and waitstaff were incredibly friendly, kind, and oh-so polite,which is rare these days! Kudos, and please keep up this level of service. The drinks were amazing. We ordered the happy hour wings, fried calamari, and garlic Parmesan fries. My only complaint is that the calamari was a bit too tiny for my liking, but the flavor and breading were absolutely spot-on. The wings were perfectly portioned for two to share. I met a friend here for happy hour, and we're already plotting our return between how good the happy hour food was and how incredible the dishes at the table next to us looked, we were sold. I'm excited... sign me up! The ambience is very grown and sexy, intimate, and yet inviting. This is definitely a place where you want to dress to impress. The décor is simple but intentional, blending seamlessly into the vibe and allowing the focus to stay on meaningful conversation with someone across the table that you genuinely enjoy talking to. Love that for them.

French 75
Sharon W.

Recommended by a friend so that we could catch up, this establishment is great for solo dining, date night and groups with proper coordination. Parking is available across the street and when weather permits, they have a gated outdoor area for dining. We made reservations, but walk ins are welcome depending on the size of your group. When in doubt, make the reservation. The decor is nice, lighting is dim and friendly staff. The menu isn't extensive but it had a lot of options for various diets. I began with a French 75 and it was prepared to my liking. For an appetizer, we split the salmon egg rolls. Depending on how hungry you are, this was enough for 2-3 people to share and a bit heavier if you aren't that hungry for an entree. My entree of the shorty short ribs came with pureed sweet potato and bok choy. Here's where the star was lost. When eating the bok choy, it was gritty as though it hadn't been washed properly. It gave that same apprehension when you bite down on an eggshell. Nice presentation and flavor and I ended up eating the other half the next day. It reheated well but there was no getting past that sandy texture of the bok choy. It was giving dirty greens vibes. There was a small wait for our food given the amount of patrons at the time. We didn't care as we were chatting and catching up. Our server had plenty of personality and made sure to check on us. An overall four star experience and I would dine here again.

Menu (November 2025)
Leah J.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to stop in to Chef's Kitchen & Cocktails for date night. I made reservations online for 7pm, to be sure we were able to be seated as soon as we arrived. Unfortunately, parking was a bit of a hassle. We weren't able to find street parking so we found a spot in a parking lot nearby. We were greeted as soon as we walked in and were seated right away. The restaurant is much smaller than I expected. There's between 8-10 tables in the main dining area, some high top seating and a few tables in the bar area so it's definitely a smaller spot. Our server, Kaé, was amazing! He poured us some waters and gave us time to look over the menu. We started with the Billionaire Bourbon cocktail and the Mystery Margarita. I'm not sure what was in the margarita (hence the name lol) but it was great! We also ordered the Colley Calamari Bruschetta and the Citrus Fried Lobster Bites for starters. I loved the light and crispy batter on the seafood but wish it was seasoned a bit more; however, they were fried perfectly! The lobster bites were delicious!!! For our entrees, we decided on the Chef's Lamb Lollipops and the Fried Snapper. The lamb chops were a 10/10! We ordered them "Medium" and they were cooked perfectly and tasted great. They were served with mashed potatoes but they definitely could've used some help lol! I wasn't a huge fan of the Fried Snapper. It was good, but just a tad bit dry. I wish it had a little more sauce drizzled on top. I did enjoy the dirty rice and the plantains, even the house salad with the vinaigrette was good. Overall, between the ambiance, the service and the food, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. By the time we left, it was packed. If you're in the area, definitely stop in and check the out.

Jerk pasta
Zie B.

I've been to this place twice , and let's say both experiences were really good. The ambiance and great. A little small, but they made the space very cute and cozy. However, if you plan to wear heels, be careful because their floor can be a little slippery. The service was also great. Both waitresses I had were nice, friendly, and were able to answer all of our questions. The drinks were good. Good presentation, nice flavors, and awesome variety. I do want to mention though, if you don't like a drink and you ask for a new one, you will still have to pay for it. The food was really good. We tried the salmon bites as an appetizer both times. We tried it both ways - fried and grilled, grilled is the way to go. The first time I ordered the red snapper, and let's say that dish is SO GOOD! If you don't mind bone if your fish, order this dish. The rice, the sauce, the plantains... all go great with the fried fish. The second time I went, I tried the jerk pasta. Let's just say it wasn't as good as the fish, hence the star off. The shrimp was really good and big but the pasta was really salty. Overall, try this place out for your next date night or girls night.

Che C.

My friend and I dined at Chefs Kitchen and Cocktails on a Saturday night. We made reservations and was running about 5 mins late. Even with the tardy we were seated promptly. The layout is a bit odd but they make it work. They have like a dining room where the bar is and there's I'm thinking like 10 maybe a little more tables there. Then there's like a corridor (that's what it feels like) that has a row of tables set up, if you're seated in the row you're definitely close to other patrons. Not my favorite set up but not unbearable either. The server greeted us, told us about the menu and gave us time to look it over. I ended up ordering the salmon egg rolls, grilled mango salad , house wings and a lychee martini. The salmon egg rolls were okay. I found them to be a bit on the salty side. The grilled mango salad was fresh and delicious. You have the choice of adding a protein but because I got a side of wings I didn't. The house wings were good. My only gripe is that there were huge. Some people like jumbo wings, but to me they just feel genetically modified on sight. As a result I ate maybe 1.5 of the wings. Great flavor and I loved the sauce I just couldn't get pass the size. The lychee martini was perfect. I did get the fried banana pudding for dessert and I didn't like it. Overall, good dining experience. I would return for the lychee martini and to try some other menu items.

Angel E.

I love the vibes at this restaurant. I came here with a friend on a busy weekend and the customer service was great. We arrived earlier than our reservation and were able sit at the bar for a short wait. I highly recommend making reservations as it's a small restaurant. Once seated, our waiter was great. I ordered the blackened salmon with the Brussels and sweet potatoes. 10/10 My friend ordered the jerk pasta with chicken and the spicy level is up there! Definitely jerk seasoning!! So if you like spice , this is for you!! A great spot for date night and small groups. I'll be back soon!!'

Crab fried rice
chelsea d.

Me and some girlfriends went for dinner after work. The food was actually very good. The portion sizes were phenomenal. Nothing was too small like this place was very aesthetically pleasing, but I was really happy to see that my waitress was thoughtful. She checked in she boxed up our food like she was really really attentive, but not overbearing love that about her. The bartender that made our drinks did his thing as they were absolutely delicious.

Oxtail Lasagna
J.E. S.

Every time I go here, the ambiance, the food, the staff and service is always top tier.

Menu
Rob M.

4 of us dined Friday night at Chef's Kitchen for our first time. We were all impressed by every aspect of the evening, including ambiance, service and the food. We have enjoyed all of the area's top restaurants and Chef's Kitchen is right up there, we certainly recommend it. The food was executed flawlessly and presentation was strong. We're blessed to have found a new place and we'll be back!

Bar area

The food was amazing and the overall ambiance was top tier. Our server K was very professional and gave us great service. 10/10 recommend.

Blackened Salmon
Severina H.

Chef's Kitchen has a moody, intimate ambiance that makes it great for a date night, though it does blend upscale dining with a slight sports bar vibe, thanks to the bar and TVs. Just a heads-up--there is a dress code, which caught me off guard. I had to zip up my jacket, which felt a little unnecessary given the setting, but no big deal. For food, I ordered the blackened salmon and the Shorty's short rib, while my husband tried the lychee martini. The portions are definitely on the smaller side, but everything was well-seasoned. The blackened salmon had good flavor, and the short rib was tender and enjoyable. My husband really liked the lychee martini--it was refreshing and well-made. Overall, the experience was good, just not mind-blowing. The service was okay, nothing particularly memorable. While nothing stood out enough to make me rush back, it's a solid spot if you're looking for a chill night out with decent food in a stylish atmosphere.

Kevin L.

Oh. My. Goodness. I have heard about this place from several people but finally going it lived it up to the hype. I had the oxtail lasagna which I still dream about today, I went with family and every left nothing on their plate! I will say the vibes here have a great night life feel if you wanted to bring a date. The cocktail list is amazing. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could.

Oxtail lasagna
Alex B.

Amazing ! Went well . Food is consistent and delicious. Enjoyed the seating area and ambiance The staff is pleasant and very attentive.

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Went here Friday night after 9:30 pm. Decently full inside, all seats and tables were taken when we…read morearrived. There's now a security table/desk where the DJ booth used to be; definitely wasted space where more tables and chairs could've been added instead. Had to stand for about 10 mins before some people finally left then we had to like "hurry" to get the seats before anyone else got them. We needed an extra chair at our table and went up to the security to ask if he knew where anymore could be or if we could borrow the one that was behind his table since he seemed to only be standing all night, but he responded kind of harsh with a stern "NO"....def unnecessary. Even though he was rude, the bartenders were the opposite, making funny light conversation and friendly while we ordered and waited for our drinks. The atmosphere was a nice, chill, and intimate vibe, with red/orange lighting. To drink: I tried the Saturn (8/10) it was pretty good, I liked the flavor, but there really didn't seem to be much alcohol in it fr. To eat: we ordered a Margherita Pizza and added Pepperoni (10/10) it was fresh, flavorful, and all around really good. There were hints of spice in the sauce that really added to the flavors. Their pizza seems to be a popular menu item as I seen pizza boxes on almost every table throughout the night. Def will be back again, but next time, we're going to get there early, so we can have a table for the night. Looked like once people secured themselves a table in here, they held it all night long and never moved / left till closing. My overall rate of experience : 7.5/10

Casual date night or a spot to hang out with friends with some layback tunes this is the perfect…read morespot to be at especially when they have special pop up. We went out for acid fish which was a pop mediterranean raw fish experience, and they delivered all the way through with the combination of fish as well as the flavor profile of each and how the presentation is. You just immediately are very pleased with everything I would recommend trying them out when they come through again and they do pop in quite frequently at this lounge and this was my first time ever trying them out and I'm very pleased of the service as well as the introduction of each component of the dish, the cooks were very friendly, as well as given us guidance of what choices to choose from based off of the menu. The menu does change each time they do come so items that you will see will vary, depending on what they are putting on for the menu. We try their Sicilian sashimi that was definitely a 10 out of 10 and good for people that want to kind of share rather than have a full plate is definitely well proportion as well as light and not too heavily in on the pallet. The vibes vary from day to day depending on what time you get there it can get really packed so the earlier the better if you want more of a calm night I would suggest getting there early rather later cause that is usually when the dj that are going on that night come in that's usually there peak time. The drinks are well crafted I tried their cocktail called Saturn it had a sweet taste and was more of tropical with the passion fruit perfect pairing with the raw fish dish we tried tonight. If you're looking for a spot that has more of chill vibe and has good music with different styles and beats each day this is the place for you.

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We were in town and a friend recommended the Kobros coffee so we went to Toast. I'm glad we did…read more It's a cute place with an outdoor space with benches and lots of plant life. The place inside is very cute and reminds me of a nice punk pop bar. The bar wraps around and there's some tables and a side table that we sat at to eat. I ordered one of their specialty coffees and it is quite the journey but I enjoyed it with the ginger beer and the coffee. My quiche was fluffy and delicious. It jiggled when I tapped it and the side salad tasted great with dill in it and it brightened up things. The combination of both was great. The crust on the quiche was nice as well. My spouse enjoyed their sandwich but didn't realize there was mustard so he ended up just using the chips to eat his egg and sausage. His egg was also fluffy. The patrons that came seemed friendly and you can tell who are locals since they greeted by name often. I love that this place is open. They also have local wine you can purchase. Next time we're back in town, we will visit again.

The vibe of the place is really chill and comfy. They have a really cool outdoor patio area that…read morewould be amazing to hangout at when the weather allows. Food was mid for me unfortunately. I had the midnight cowboy and wouldn't order it again. It's a turkey sandwich topped with pulled chicken, but the chicken was inedible and got taken off. Seemed like they took it from the fridge and mega nuked the chicken. It ended up being a crunchy topping on a basic turkey sandwich.

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Vang Go Bistro - Gift Certificate The Experiment

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WOW!!! When you think of Asian Fusion, comfort foods and fun twists one has Vang Go Bistro in mind!…read more Finished a show at Chrysler Hall and wanted to find something new and this did not disappoint! Amazingly awesome service that outlined menu and answered a barrage of questions I had about the menu. Provided great recommendations to feed my late night appetite! What is also great you may ask? Happy hour specials for the late eaters!! That's right happy hour treats after 9 pm, what a concept! Full bar to choose from, I had local draft IPA to wash down this delicious treat. Had some crispy rolls, kimchi fried rice with mojo pork and an Asian slaw dog. Mmm mmm mmm all around! Portions are decent so bring your appetite! Truly enjoyed the kimchi fried rice, the dog had a lot of bun and slaw yet still hit the spot. Great vice within this place with some music in the background, not overpowering to have casual convos either at the bar or your table. Great for single dinner plan, date night or a group of friends. Recommend checking this one out if you have not given it a try!!

Still disappointing. Off night?? I know several person who speak highly, so I was expecting good…read morethings. Stopped by two weeks ago on the 24th just before 7pm. When arrived looks pretty much like former restaurant less decorations. Two groups seated about eleven persons. Bar was empty. Slowly filled two more tables and three or four at the bar. About 20 persons in total. Most of the visit, only single waitress serving tables and bar as long with busing tables. Kitchen is semi open. Only one person could be send in kitchen. Two persons only seemed understaffed for near full menu service and bar. No bus person, kitchen help, runner, or dish washer seen. Menu Asian fusion for lack of better term. Ordered scallion pancakes and spicy spring rolls. Service slow.... After ordering. Pancakes are one of my favorite snacks. Order portion size was large for appetizer. Scallion pancakes should be chewy with a flakey crust, savory with an onion punch from the scallions. These were chewy with no flakiness at all. Sort of like a flour tortilla with onion in the mix. The dip was like extra salty soy sauce spiked with raw ginger, strong and almost inedible. Then about five minutes later spring rolls arrived. Piping hot then down hill. First impression,, over cooked and greasy. Did not appear to have been drained. two small puddles of oil in dish below rolls. Sort of cross between lumpia and cha gio with appeal of neither. Noodles and meat wrapped together and fried. Favors muddled and greasy. Dipping sauce not much either. As a person who has sat through many food handlers permit classes. I witnessed a no-no with the waitress. Concerning.... It appears that disjointed service front to back needs improvement. Like location and ideas but without consistent execution it will likely fail in long run. Will be back?? Not likely Never say never. If still open this time next year?? Plus next block up there is very good ramen/Filipino/Vet place.

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The Bird - BYO Omelette

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First of all can I just say WOW!…read more We were excited at the first because we thought the Neat Bird from Chesapeake had a new location in Norfolk Colley Avenue but there chicken sandwich was even delicious here too with a different owner! We met the owner, he is a cool band guy with a mustache name Dand. The drinks he made for us were so good and so was the way he talked with his staff and the way they worked together. My parner and I had seen that they pride themselfes on Scottish eggs, which we were lucky to try and it was also very delicious! We like that they have the vibe and also a board with many events of the community on the wall to check out while you sip on a delicious expresso martini. Good job to the Bird! now dont go opening another restaurant in Chesapeake or we will all be very confused!

Had brunch at The Bird on a Monday morning a couple of weeks ago, and it was amazing. The ambiance…read moreis cozy and homey, with a few tables outside, some high-top tables inside, bar seating, three half-booth tables, and even a couch area. You order at the register, and the staff brings the food out to your table. Everyone was attentive, and we had no issues with the service. We ordered the waffle plate, which came topped with fruit alongside eggs and their house sausage. We also tried the Huevos Rancheros, the Sausage Egg & Cheese sandwich, and a build-your-own omelette. For drinks, we ordered the brown sugar cold brew, dulce de leche cold brew, drip coffee, and an espresso martini. The waffle was huge, and the sides were great. My only complaint was that it could have used more fruit, as there were only a few small pieces. The Huevos Rancheros were delicious and came with a generous serving of avocado. The only thing that caught us off guard was the lack of salsa, since in traditional Huevos Rancheros the salsa is a key component. Even so, the dish was still flavorful and filling. The omelette was excellent, and the breakfast sandwich was equally delicious. I was especially impressed by the house-made jam, house-made hot sauce, and the perfectly seasoned home fries. As for the drinks, the brown sugar cold brew was excellent, but the dulce de leche version was far too sweet for my taste. From what I understood, they use two flavored syrups to make it, and I think using smaller portions of each would create a better balance. We ended up adding oat milk and some drip coffee to tone it down. The drip coffee itself was solid and came with free refills. The espresso martini really tied brunch together for me -- strong, well-made, and delicious. Overall, we really enjoyed both the food and the experience, and we'll definitely be back.

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Craft on Colley - French connection burger

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This was my first visit to Craft on Colley. The atmosphere is so cool. Their bar is amazing. They…read moreeven have a seating area out front that is covered and has a fire pit. I ordered the Noco. This dish is served with one piece of French toast cut in half, two meat s of your choice, eggs, choice of bread and choice of potatoes, grits or something else (can't remember what). The bartender didn't ask me what my other choice of meat was and when inquired he said "I just put you in for two orders of sausage". I thought was odd because I would have preferred the two selections. I did ask if one order of meat could be substituted for fruit, but he said that was more a side with the meal. Another thing that was odd is that I asked for the eggs to be scrambled hard, they were not. I cannot eat soft scrambled eggs, something about the texture just doesn't work for me. Although I will eat an over medium egg, either way that wasn't what I asked for. I will say that the bartender was friendly and that the patron who was sitting next to me was also friendly. I will probably give them another shot but maybe for dinner instead.

Well...I was on a diet before I came here. Their smash burgers were AHHH-mazing! Highly recommend…read morethe Whoa Bacon Burger that's topped with crispy pork belly...my mouth is currently salivating as I am typing this review!! The place is super cute but small. So I would go there when they first open to make sure to get a table. They also have an outdoor area with a fire pit area. They have a full bar if you wanted to just sit and relax.

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I love when a new coffee shop blows me away! Really enjoyed our visit to Fr8 House. First off, what…read morea cute area and cute building! Truly very comfortable and a great space. We got there early and enjoyed their sandwiches for breakfast. I wish they just had a description of the sandwich rather than having to ask the cashier, but she was very helpful and thorough. Our sandwiches were really good and the aioli they came with was AMAZING! As a self proclaimed coffee snob, the coffee was really good too. My husband enjoyed his (very hot) coffee and I enjoyed my coconut mocha. Overall great experience and we can't wait to go back!

Fr8 House is such a fun little gem here in downtown Norfolk! The cafe is very bright & welcoming,…read moreand with a bonus of the trains passing by if thats your things. It's the kind of spot that just makes you happy to walk in & stay a while. There is a good amount of seating which happens to be very spacious so you're not sitting right next to someone. There's seating inside and then a few tables outside. Check out the swings! The coffee is great with a nice selection of pastries and snacks on display. From drinks & pastries everything was really fresh and tasty. The staff are super helpful, kind & friendly. They have free WiFi & I saw lots of people working & studying from laptops. Their Parking was not an issue because they have plenty. If you haven't checked out FR8 House yet, you're missing out. Whether you're a local or just visiting, definitely check it out -- it's quickly become one of my favorite coffee spots downtown! #foodie #food #coffeeshop #coffeelover #norfolk

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FR8 House
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508 Locals - Spicy Chorizo Mussels in cream sauce

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4.3(35 reviews)
1.1 mi

So we have been here twice now. I'm going to give each one separately:…read moreFirst time: Came in after a VA Stage show so kinda late. Sat at the bar. Service was absolutely awesome. Bartender was incredibly attentive for having a full bar. We each had 2 different cocktails and both were distinctive and excellently crafted. We had shared a couple of the small plates and enjoyed them both. We enjoyed the place so much that we decided to come back with a group of 14 for All Lovers Eve. Second time: Made the reservation with ease. If you've ever made a group reservation you know how complicated some places make it. This was a large group and they were short handed. This lead to a slower service which actually worked out well for our group. We didn't mind the gaps. They put us in their back room (hint - GREAT for groups) there was a little confusion with the order to include an extra dish we didn't order. We still ate it and paid for it though. The staff was great with our large and rather disruptive group. The food was all excellent (local oysters on the half shell and the apple desert were my highlights). Multiple cocktails that were all wonderful. My only real negative was that there was a $50 "loyalty club " charge that was never mentioned and I didn't even notice on the $1200.00 bill. This is, I believe, some sort of credit card fee. Both times were good. Both times staff were wonderful. Both times we were comfortable. Give the place a try. I don't think you will regret it.

My reservations fell through at a different location, and I came about this restaurant online. Most…read moreplaces were booked on a Saturday night. However, I called 508 locals to see if they had any availability. The hostess told us to come on through. When I pulled up it wasn't too busy. They were welcoming and sat us right away. We had an awesome waiter. Judging from his accent, he was from Ireland. He was great. Very enthusiastic and attentive. I was pretty hungry. I ordered the crab cakes (great sauce and aioli), Brussels (hot honey with goat cheese and cranberries), junglebird drink (delicious, it wasn't overly sweet), and ribeye. All delicious. I was not disappointed. It was such a chill place. It wasn't overly loud. It was clean. I recommend.

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508 Locals
508 Locals - Salted caramel pecan cheesecake

Salted caramel pecan cheesecake

508 Locals - Espresso martini, not too creamy or sweet, very coffee forward and delicious!

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Espresso martini, not too creamy or sweet, very coffee forward and delicious!

Gershwin's - French onion soup

Gershwin's

3.7(337 reviews)
1.8 mi
•$$$

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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Gershwin's - Pre concert drinks

Pre concert drinks

Gershwin's - Filet mignon and green beans

Filet mignon and green beans

Gershwin's - Art Deco bar

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Art Deco bar

Chefs Kitchen and Cocktails - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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