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Fair Grounds

4.2 (328 reviews)
InexpensiveCoffee & Tea
Open • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

Fair Grounds Photos

Business Info

FAIR GROUNDS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Fair Grounds

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Store front
Mary L.

Good old coffee shop in Ghent, I think this place has character. It's definitely not your usual, cookie cutter Starbucks. Which can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're looking for. If you're looking for something super caffeinated, this is mid. The coffee drinks are good, and almost too sweet (for me as a sweet tooth, that says a lot). Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they offer sugar free options, either. The food is good, although the last time I came here for a muffin, it wasn't even heated. But the breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel is yummy!!! I like how there is plenty of seating. The music is jazz currently, so I'm digging it. I would say the only downside to this coffee shop is the stairs, which for having a lot of leg issues isn't great for me. And there is no elevator, go figure. Good thing I'm in physical therapy! Overall decent coffee shop and I'm sure I will be back!!!

View from top floor
Alisha N.

The vibe was so cute and cozy. The perfect place to study, chit chat or people watch. The coffee was really good and they had a wide variety of fun flavors to chose from. Will definitely be returning.

This is where we sit every time
Brandon H.

It's a renovated house into a café on the second floor. As soon as you walk in the door you are faced with the stairs to go up to the café, along the wall you'll see events that are going on locally which I think is neat. There are tons of options for the menu between food to tea, coffee, and unique sodas so far I've tried the iced latte which was delicious. I ask for it just like I would at Starbucks. I've gotten the lemonade and the Italian soda, which I did cherry and lime flavor, and it tasted just like a sonic drink. The food that I've had so far has been delicious which was everything bagel with cream cheese and and everything bagel breakfast sandwich. Me and my best friend usually get there between 8-9am so we can start our day with relaxing and talking. In that time zone It's not packed at all so that makes it much better. If you're not familiar with ghent, it's better to pick times of the day that are least populated. If you want to enjoy a spot you really like. Highly recommend this place to start your day.

Menu
Jean M.

Coffee is ABSOLUTELY amazing, so much so that my wife and step daughter ALWAYS want something from there. Compared to a place like Starbucks my wife mentioned the coffee is much better and drinks taste amazing. The staff is incredible. They make the place feel Like home. Few things I wish the owner improve AC. Even if it's 60's outside it will be HOT inside to the point I'm sweating. In summer it gets unbearable. WiFi. Been on it once or twice it wasn't able to stream video, I use my hotspot when I go. Wish they would get gigabit internet put Access Points throughout the top floor. Water. I order water and they get it from the faucet, wish they had filtered water.

Menu
Marilyn D.

Such a charming and cozy coffee shop! I love that you can stop by for a coffee, tea, or meal while getting some work done or settling into a corner with a good book to enjoy the atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

Heather M.

Always a pleasure at fairground's I've visited this unique hipster coffee shop many times when in high school my friends and I would walk over and do our homework or goof off depending on the mood lol there is Wi-Fi and plenty of seating both inside and out Heads up this is on the upper level so you do have some stairs to walk up but the view is worth it you can see a good portion of colley ave They also have a private parking lot :) The coffee is delicious and they offer all of the fancy substitutions needed My favorite is the French toast frozen drink!!! They offer pastries and sandwiches that sound so good I adore all of the puns on the signs and the unique decor The staff are amazingly polite and always helpful they keep a genuine smile and love to talk

(Feb 2023)
Yoonie L.

Fair Grounds (FG) is located in Ghent in Norfolk and it sits on the corner of Colley and Baldwin. Parking can be found on the streets, usually 2 hour max. I had been in once before, but most recently, I stopped in one morning to grab a coffee and do some work. I love coffee shops in old houses. Just adds to the warmth and comfort that a cup of coffee provides. Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by the barista. First thing he informed me of was that the espresso machine was down, so he was not able to provide any lattes and anything that required steamed milk. I was given the choice of teas, drip coffee and any blended, frozen drinks. I was disappointed since it was pretty chilly out that morning and I had really been looking forward to a warm latte, but no big deal. I'm just a roll-with-it kinda gal. The Godfather immediately caught my eye on the frozen section because it has dark chocolate and tiramisu. I am a sweet tooth, so I did appreciate the sweetness level, but for my friends who are watching your sugar, probably not your best choice. I was delighted by the dark chocolate (LOVE dark!) and the tiramisu notes. I would definitely get it again! The upstairs is divided into different sections for seating. There is a big, round table closer to the coffee bar for big groups and then you'll find tables throughout in the front, a bit more secluded or in the fireplace room. They also provide wifi and the password can be found by the coffee bar. One thing to note is that you have to walk up the stairs to get to the main coffee bar and I don't believe I saw an elevator option. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I hope to try one of their lattes again on a future visit, perhaps the Godfather in the hot version! Stay safe, Friends!

Its a place for all to grab a quick cup of coffee or take a seat, talk, study, work, or even play magic. Been coming here for few years now and it's always been great vibes and service. Also Ruby's our rockstar!!

Me coloring during my visit
Madelyn M.

This is my favorite place in Norfolk. Its has such a cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee. Every since worker is friendly and will offer suggestions if you need it. I come here for the sense of being around people but also having a quiet space. There's a fireplace that they even light on cold days. And they sometimes have open mic nights. If you are alone and are wanting to venture out on your own, grab a book a journal or any activity, head here, and get yourself a nice drink!

Frozen Chai w/ whip
Aneesa P.

I hopped over to NFK to visit a friend. We went walking downtown and decided to grab some coffee to cool us down. I had never been, but she said Fair Grounds was her go-to coffee place with many options. This coffee shop has an outdoor seating as well as limited seating indoors. You have to go upstairs to find where you need to go. I decided to order something simple such as a frozen Chai. The barista was very nice but it did take a minute for us to receive our drinks. When it comes to frozen drinks, I'm someone who prefers more ice and a harder blend. This Chai was almost like a melting slushie, but I drank it anyway. The taste was great. I just wish it was more frozen.

From the parking lot
Mary-Ann L.

I fell in love with this place when I lived in Norfolk, this was my go to happy coffee place. Even loved it more as I remember my first date here. Just very cozy with nooks where you can sit and chat, or sit to the side and play board games with friends. It's a transformed old house with benches outside and the charm of creaky steps to the upper floor and open upstairs landing that you can imagine used to be a living room with a fireplace, a dining room with windows. Coffee and beverage selections are varied including tea and sandwiches. Service is friendly, you get discount when you pay cash.

Sabrina C.

This place had such a cute vibe. Parking (1/5): There is NO parking. If you park in the parking lot in front of their place, you will get towed (according to the signs). There is street parking down the road inside the neighborhood. Coffee (4/5): The cold brew with a shot of espresso was delicious! It had the perfect bitter kick I was looking for. My friend got a Frozen Chai, and she said it tasted like a very sweet pumpkin pie. She couldn't finish it, but she enjoyed it! Service (5/5): The staff was very friendly and got our orders out really fast. It looked like they had 1 person on making drinks and 1 person on putting in the orders. Ambiance/Seating (3/5): It smelled amazing in here, and it had such cute coffee shop vibes. It had 3 different tiny rooms with very limited seating. It also has outdoor seating on some small wooden tables, but it was very hot out there and the umbrellas didn't do much for shade. You need to go up a flight of stairs to get to the coffee shop, and it seemed to be moderately busy. TLDR: Coffee was amazing. Wish it had some more seating and better parking.

Seating area and barista
Audry P.

A quaint little coffee house...IN a house. Follow the stairs to the top floor and find yourself a delicious brew conjured up by the most friendly barista! They've even got a few baked goodies to satisfy your sweet tooth. There are a few seats to snag and share a cup of joe..but I would.recommend grab and go! This area is a beautiful spot to just stroll and check out all the shops. So swing by, snag a delicious winter themed coffee (chai, pumpkin spice, winter white latte) and enjoy the ambiance of this little place. Ambiance: casual coffee shop Seating: limited Customer service: good Restroom: dual use single stall

Sugar Free and yummy!!

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Great coffee spot! Very cool and comforting sitting areas inside with great coffee and food!!

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Fair Grounds - coffee - Updated May 2026

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