Irwin's Fountain
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Irwin's Pharmacy and Fountain is a Chesapeake institution, they have been in business for so long, I would definitely say that they qualify for this particular honor. When you enter the front door, it's like stepping back into a bygone era where life was just different and somehow better. If you love a great milkshake, you have definitely come to the right place. They make some of the best milkshakes in the whole area. Check out Irwin's, you'll be happy that you did and you can rest assured that you are supporting our local business community.
Step into the pharmacy and be transported back to a 1950s soda jerk. This place started in Portsmouth in the 1920s. After the original owners went their separate ways, this shop opened in its current location in the 1950s. By the 2000s, the counter closed. The current proprietor, Steve, reopened the counter about 10 years ago, and restored the vibe to 50s authentic. After lunch, I was jonesing for a malt, but when we called around, we couldn't find any ice cream places in Chesapeake that sold malts. Lots of milkshakes, but no malts. Then my wife found Irwin's. As you can tell from the pictures, this is an old school drug store food counter. They have burgers, sandwiches, soups, and of course ice cream. The milkshakes are awesome. I had vanilla with triple malt. Scooped ice cream in a hand spun milkshake - woohoo! Great, friendly service! Great shakes. I can't wait to try the cheesesteak sandwich and she crab soup.
Food was full of flavor and service was on point. If you want old school flair while supporting local small business look no further than this gem! Don't miss shakes or desserts as well. They are masters of what they do!
I love this place. Another hidden gem in the community. Great Limeades, delicious sandwiches and the she-crab soup is my favorite in town!
This is one of those places that is a staple in the community. It's boring fancy or over the top, but it has everything we need and friendly staff, keeping everyone coming back. The food was tasty and made fresh. The restaurant is casual and is to the side of the pharmacy and has a ton of nik-naks on the walls. Just a nice relaxed cozy spot where you feel like your part of the fam.
We came in on a Sunday afternoon expecting a wait , we were promptly seated. The staff were all working as a team , in collaboration with each other with the manager communicating clearly with the staff in constructive way. The staff was super personable and knowledgeable of the menu . The food was home diner style ! It had that love and grease you need to make it feel like real diner food . This diner is from the 1930s and I love that it is inside of a pharmacy as it was back in the day. Takes you back in time! Definitely a local treasure.
"Banana Split: A Classic Delicious Diner Dessert That's Timeless!" Irwin's Fountain Address: 4300 Indian River Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23325 They say it's not like the good old days and that saying can be applied to this old school banana split. Served at Irwin's Fountain located behind Irwin's Pharmacy, this is how banana split should be served in a classic glass container that is structurally made to maintain that classic look. This is how a banana split should look like straight from a 1950s commercial and on to your table! Jack & Jill Ice Cream is used showcasing the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors. But, as you dig deeper into this delicious dish, you will find little tasty treasures of flavor like pineapple and wet walnuts. Whipped cream and chocolate syrup engulfed the whole tasty dessert and cherries complement everything. Oh yea, there's also bananas. This dish is excellent to treat your kid to a happy memory or to remind yourself of your childhood, as well, when you made room for your desserts. It's like having ice cream for the first time again! And, eating it near the diner at Irwin's makes you feel like you time traveled to the 1950s! It definitely enhances the experience as you scoop this delicious treat! One of the best desserts in Chesapeake! 11-21-2022
Meeting up with my favorite Hampton Roads Yelper for the (third?) time, J. David H. and I were hard pressed to find something that neither of us had Yelped before. But there's still a few businesses out that that are new to both and now we've been to Irwin's Fountain. Irwin's has got to be here sixty years if it's a day. Classic soda shoppe from the old days, the front of the store is a pharmacy with pharmacy things. Home medical stuff, over-the-counter drugs, even a rack of walking canes. Yep, classic. Past that, there is a small restaurant area with a counter that seats a dozen and five or so booths. Simple glossy menus on the table with squeezie bottles of mustard and ketchup. The restaurant was clean and there were no dirty tables. We took a table in the middle. Basic breakfast items - eggs and French toast, omelets and pancakes. The lunch/dinner menu has some sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and an open face roast beef sandwich that is only available Monday to Friday. Otherwise, nothing particularly challenging. Service was... interesting. Yes, the gent got our orders correct but there was a good bit of yelling between the staff here and there. It's not polished at all, but it was interesting. Food came out in the right order and coffee was refilled. I had a simple ham and cheese omelet and that came with home fried potatoes. I did eat a couple of them because they were very good. Diced potatoes with onions and black pepper. Delicious. The omelet was large and well stuffed. Nicely done. Breakfast for two, with coffee? $20 with a decent tip! That's a deal! It was a fun opportunity to spend time with the Yelper of the Year talking about Yelp and more. Check out his review and see what he thought. https://www.yelp.com/biz/irwins-fountain-chesapeake?hrid=xDtHqgjodG0v0XOsZmBAPw [Review 11878 overall, 1660 of 2019.]
I love to explore the area that I live in and Irwin's Fountain was one of those explorations. Although not far off the beaten path of I64 it's a section of Chesapeake I have never traipsed through. To be honest if there is reason other than this throwback pharmacy from the 1950's I wouldn't know what it is. The original Irwin's in Portsmouth dates to the 30's and since closed. Keep in mind the business remains a full service pharmacy. I met up with SUPER YELPER and unofficial CEO of Yelp Bruce K. that's based out of Charlotte, NC for breakfast. Bruce has the distinction of writing the second most reviews of any yelper in history and is pushing 12k. He's also a super guy and a expert on all things Yelp. He loves new friends, so hit him up. The location of Irwin's Pharmacy is a bit, well blah and in a hap hazard development of newer and old businesses. The city is Chesapeake, but it's positioned within a few miles of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The lot has adequate parking but is not in great shape. However, I saw no debris. The walk in the front door was through the pharmacy. They have side parking for the diner. Either way you can access both. It's small and has a nostalgic feel with modern merchandise. Surprising was the availability of most items a customer would need over the counter and also a decent selection of bottle craft beer with four taps for growler fills. Also the wine area is respectable considering I expected little to nothing. I found everything neat and clean. The restaurant is in the rear. My assumption is that it's changed little. 13 red leather stools line the counter with four matching red leather booths. When they fill up for weekend brunch I hear the waits are long. Restroom is very rear. It's tiny and scary ancient but clean. A coat of fresh paint would be welcomed. From what I saw the dining area was spotless. We picked a booth and our male server had menus. The fare seemed pretty standard and that's just fine. Coffee and waters were brought out and orders taken. I had French toast with side of eggs and sausage. The server was pretty meh with no smile, but got the job done up front. No follow up on the food. He disappeared and received assistance from a more upbeat friendly young man who got coffee refills. Food taste was above average. I liked the think cut of toast and sausage tasty. The price could not be beat at $5.50. So the restaurant experience to me seemed like a 3.5. Unsure of rounding I decided to go back again for vitamins and a legendary limeade. The service at the pharmacy was prompt and staff smiled. No issue with my card. I also spoke with the woman who worked up front and discussed growler fills. She was helpful. The reason however that I can easily round up is their limeade that many of a review mention. The same young gentleman made it for me and was a fantastic conversationalist. He said no one in our area makes limeade or lemonade like them. Also the shakes and malts he declared are super! I also chatted with the female co-owner who was very sweet and working the counter. Her partner boyfriend works in the pharmacy. I sat at the counter and watched him pull out fresh limes and lemons. He told me the "secret" to their awesome drinks. It's fresh fruit and simple syrup in packed ice. Hmm, that seemed too easy. They offer two sizes, I went small. Not expecting much but anticipating a good drink. I watched him make it which was cool. Wowzers!! I totally get it now. The flavor blew me out the door. This is a must if you go to Irwin's. A great yelp meet up with a yelp legend and awesome dude Bruce K. Irwin's is the kinda place to connect with friends, family or just go solo. But do not skip on their scrumptious drinks.
What a great and unique experience for breakfast/lunch. My husband and I made the "trip" to Chesapeake on a Saturday morning and we were not disappointed. It's like walking back in time. We sat at the counter where there is about 12 seats. 4 booths and a table. We were greeted and sat immediately. I had the BLT and my husband had a Philly Cheesesteak. As we waited I walked around. There was a wall with what looked like mugs for the regulars. So much in the pharmacy.....old games like Simon and Pick Up Sticks. They also have a few video games in the back. They sell beer and wine. There is literally something for everyone. So much nostalgia. The food did take awhile to get but I am not letting that change my review. We got there and it was already very busy. There were lots of take out orders and the ladies working were working so very hard to pump out the food. We will definitely be back and I recommend going and checking it out. The food was also good. Nothing fancy....just good food at reasonable prices. I loved the crispiness of the bacon on my BLT and the crinkle cut fries that my husband actually shared with me. Go check them out and enjoy going back in time.
Reviews are largely positive. Guests highlight the friendly, welcoming staff, quick, attentive service, and consistently tasty food. The nostalgic diner atmosphere is also popular.
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2 months ago
5 months ago
3 months ago
3 months ago
Irwin's Pharmacy and Fountain is a Chesapeake institution, they have been in business for so long, I would definitely say that they qualify for this particular honor. When you enter the front door, it's like stepping back into a bygone era where life was just different and somehow better. If you love a great milkshake, you have definitely come to the right place. They make some of the best milkshakes in the whole area. Check out Irwin's, you'll be happy that you did and you can rest assured that you are supporting our local business community. read more
Step into the pharmacy and be transported back to a 1950s soda jerk. This place started in Portsmouth in the 1920s. After the original owners went their separate ways, this shop opened in its current location in the 1950s. By the 2000s, the counter closed. The current proprietor, Steve, reopened the counter about 10 years ago, and restored the vibe to 50s authentic. After lunch, I was jonesing for a malt, but when we called around, we couldn't find any ice cream places in Chesapeake that sold malts. Lots of milkshakes, but no malts. Then my wife found Irwin's. As you can tell from the pictures, this is an old school drug store food counter. They have burgers, sandwiches, soups, and of course ice cream. The milkshakes are awesome. I had vanilla with triple malt. Scooped ice cream in a hand spun milkshake - woohoo! Great, friendly service! Great shakes. I can't wait to try the cheesesteak sandwich and she crab soup. read more
Food was full of flavor and service was on point. If you want old school flair while supporting local small business look no further than this gem! Don't miss shakes or desserts as well. They are masters of what they do! read more
7 months ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
I love this place. Another hidden gem in the community. Great Limeades, delicious sandwiches and the she-crab soup is my favorite in town! read more
This is one of those places that is a staple in the community. It's boring fancy or over the top, but it has everything we need and friendly staff, keeping everyone coming back. The food was tasty and made fresh. The restaurant is casual and is to the side of the pharmacy and has a ton of nik-naks on the walls. Just a nice relaxed cozy spot where you feel like your part of the fam. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
We came in on a Sunday afternoon expecting a wait , we were promptly seated. The staff were all working as a team , in collaboration with each other with the manager communicating clearly with the staff in constructive way. The staff was super personable and knowledgeable of the menu . The food was home diner style ! It had that love and grease you need to make it feel like real diner food . This diner is from the 1930s and I love that it is inside of a pharmacy as it was back in the day. Takes you back in time! Definitely a local treasure. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
"Banana Split: A Classic Delicious Diner Dessert That's Timeless!" Irwin's Fountain Address: 4300 Indian River Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23325 They say it's not like the good old days and that saying can be applied to this old school banana split. Served at Irwin's Fountain located behind Irwin's Pharmacy, this is how banana split should be served in a classic glass container that is structurally made to maintain that classic look. This is how a banana split should look like straight from a 1950s commercial and on to your table! Jack & Jill Ice Cream is used showcasing the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavors. But, as you dig deeper into this delicious dish, you will find little tasty treasures of flavor like pineapple and wet walnuts. Whipped cream and chocolate syrup engulfed the whole tasty dessert and cherries complement everything. Oh yea, there's also bananas. This dish is excellent to treat your kid to a happy memory or to remind yourself of your childhood, as well, when you made room for your desserts. It's like having ice cream for the first time again! And, eating it near the diner at Irwin's makes you feel like you time traveled to the 1950s! It definitely enhances the experience as you scoop this delicious treat! One of the best desserts in Chesapeake! 11-21-2022 read more
Meeting up with my favorite Hampton Roads Yelper for the (third?) time, J. David H. and I were hard pressed to find something that neither of us had Yelped before. But there's still a few businesses out that that are new to both and now we've been to Irwin's Fountain. Irwin's has got to be here sixty years if it's a day. Classic soda shoppe from the old days, the front of the store is a pharmacy with pharmacy things. Home medical stuff, over-the-counter drugs, even a rack of walking canes. Yep, classic. Past that, there is a small restaurant area with a counter that seats a dozen and five or so booths. Simple glossy menus on the table with squeezie bottles of mustard and ketchup. The restaurant was clean and there were no dirty tables. We took a table in the middle. Basic breakfast items - eggs and French toast, omelets and pancakes. The lunch/dinner menu has some sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and an open face roast beef sandwich that is only available Monday to Friday. Otherwise, nothing particularly challenging. Service was... interesting. Yes, the gent got our orders correct but there was a good bit of yelling between the staff here and there. It's not polished at all, but it was interesting. Food came out in the right order and coffee was refilled. I had a simple ham and cheese omelet and that came with home fried potatoes. I did eat a couple of them because they were very good. Diced potatoes with onions and black pepper. Delicious. The omelet was large and well stuffed. Nicely done. Breakfast for two, with coffee? $20 with a decent tip! That's a deal! It was a fun opportunity to spend time with the Yelper of the Year talking about Yelp and more. Check out his review and see what he thought. https://www.yelp.com/biz/irwins-fountain-chesapeake?hrid=xDtHqgjodG0v0XOsZmBAPw [Review 11878 overall, 1660 of 2019.] read more
7 years ago
I love to explore the area that I live in and Irwin's Fountain was one of those explorations. Although not far off the beaten path of I64 it's a section of Chesapeake I have never traipsed through. To be honest if there is reason other than this throwback pharmacy from the 1950's I wouldn't know what it is. The original Irwin's in Portsmouth dates to the 30's and since closed. Keep in mind the business remains a full service pharmacy. I met up with SUPER YELPER and unofficial CEO of Yelp Bruce K. that's based out of Charlotte, NC for breakfast. Bruce has the distinction of writing the second most reviews of any yelper in history and is pushing 12k. He's also a super guy and a expert on all things Yelp. He loves new friends, so hit him up. The location of Irwin's Pharmacy is a bit, well blah and in a hap hazard development of newer and old businesses. The city is Chesapeake, but it's positioned within a few miles of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. The lot has adequate parking but is not in great shape. However, I saw no debris. The walk in the front door was through the pharmacy. They have side parking for the diner. Either way you can access both. It's small and has a nostalgic feel with modern merchandise. Surprising was the availability of most items a customer would need over the counter and also a decent selection of bottle craft beer with four taps for growler fills. Also the wine area is respectable considering I expected little to nothing. I found everything neat and clean. The restaurant is in the rear. My assumption is that it's changed little. 13 red leather stools line the counter with four matching red leather booths. When they fill up for weekend brunch I hear the waits are long. Restroom is very rear. It's tiny and scary ancient but clean. A coat of fresh paint would be welcomed. From what I saw the dining area was spotless. We picked a booth and our male server had menus. The fare seemed pretty standard and that's just fine. Coffee and waters were brought out and orders taken. I had French toast with side of eggs and sausage. The server was pretty meh with no smile, but got the job done up front. No follow up on the food. He disappeared and received assistance from a more upbeat friendly young man who got coffee refills. Food taste was above average. I liked the think cut of toast and sausage tasty. The price could not be beat at $5.50. So the restaurant experience to me seemed like a 3.5. Unsure of rounding I decided to go back again for vitamins and a legendary limeade. The service at the pharmacy was prompt and staff smiled. No issue with my card. I also spoke with the woman who worked up front and discussed growler fills. She was helpful. The reason however that I can easily round up is their limeade that many of a review mention. The same young gentleman made it for me and was a fantastic conversationalist. He said no one in our area makes limeade or lemonade like them. Also the shakes and malts he declared are super! I also chatted with the female co-owner who was very sweet and working the counter. Her partner boyfriend works in the pharmacy. I sat at the counter and watched him pull out fresh limes and lemons. He told me the "secret" to their awesome drinks. It's fresh fruit and simple syrup in packed ice. Hmm, that seemed too easy. They offer two sizes, I went small. Not expecting much but anticipating a good drink. I watched him make it which was cool. Wowzers!! I totally get it now. The flavor blew me out the door. This is a must if you go to Irwin's. A great yelp meet up with a yelp legend and awesome dude Bruce K. Irwin's is the kinda place to connect with friends, family or just go solo. But do not skip on their scrumptious drinks. read more
2 years ago
What a great and unique experience for breakfast/lunch. My husband and I made the "trip" to Chesapeake on a Saturday morning and we were not disappointed. It's like walking back in time. We sat at the counter where there is about 12 seats. 4 booths and a table. We were greeted and sat immediately. I had the BLT and my husband had a Philly Cheesesteak. As we waited I walked around. There was a wall with what looked like mugs for the regulars. So much in the pharmacy.....old games like Simon and Pick Up Sticks. They also have a few video games in the back. They sell beer and wine. There is literally something for everyone. So much nostalgia. The food did take awhile to get but I am not letting that change my review. We got there and it was already very busy. There were lots of take out orders and the ladies working were working so very hard to pump out the food. We will definitely be back and I recommend going and checking it out. The food was also good. Nothing fancy....just good food at reasonable prices. I loved the crispiness of the bacon on my BLT and the crinkle cut fries that my husband actually shared with me. Go check them out and enjoy going back in time. read more
I've rode past this place many times wondering what was inside for years and decide to give it a chance. I'm glad I did! While this place is an actual store, it also has a small area that cooks and serves food. It has that old timey dinner feel. I was greeted when I walked in and was told to sit wherever I wanted. Just from my time sitting I could tell a few regulars were here as well as the workers knew there names and even asked if they wanted their usual. My waitress gave me a menu and came back to take my order. The cook behind the counter asked me how I was doing and asked my if their any particular way I wanted my omelette while continuing with friendly small talk. My food arrived and I was pleased with the look and as well as the taste! My steak was seasoned well and the home fries were delicious! The apple juice was cold and the pancakes were filling! I was stuffed! Definitely a place I would make a regular eating spot. Definitely want to come back and try their other items and even lunch options. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
So I've had this place bookmarked for a while now. Hubby and I decided to get a bite to eat for takeout before our weekend road trip. We came in about 9am on a Thursday morning. I ordered a veggie omelet with rye toast and grits. Hubby decided for their breakfast club. Food was absolutely homestyle. You can tell they use fresh ingredients. My omelet was made perfect (no onions and peppers). The rye toast was bigger than the usual slice and their grits were delicious! They put a nice slab of butter in it and the portion was pretty large. Hubby's club looked good too. He loved it! Made with 3 pieces of toast, it had sausage, egg and cheese on French toast. It came with syrup on the side to dunk it in. Our server was so nice. The ONLY thing was that it was a semi long wait. They weren't busy. They only had a few orders before us. However, we did see the owner/boss training so if that's the case it was worth it. Anyway.. great food! Unique concept. I mean they HAVE been around since 1934... I can't wait to come again and try their lunch and she crab soup!! read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Fantastic local diner that we found on Yelp for breakfast! The seating is alittle run down but we were there for the food not the decor! A lot of the locals we're just hanging out grabbing food and coffee. The place has a nice hometown feel to it. We sat down and order our food. I got the western omelette with peppers + ham. For my sides I got white toast and a bowl of grits. We got a huge portion for the price we paid. Everything was delicious and filling. Our waitress was a delight too :) great breakfast spot for cheap! If I'm ever in the area would def. Come back here for breakfast! read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
7 years ago
It's a quaint hole in the wall filled with locals on the edge of South Norfolk. It's kinda like stepping back in time with the vintage decor and the mismatched coffee cups, lol. The philly omelet is to die for and the pancakes fluffy and light! Simple old home cooking local silver diner style! Awesome food, cozy, and a great price point! read more
6 years ago
Doesn't look like much when you drive past but this is definitely a hidden gem. It's like 1950 mini diner with a store attached to it, or is the other way around. Get your pharmacy needs, a meal, and play some arcade games. Food was hot and delicious. Husband and I love this place, we will have to try lunch next time. They serve she crab soup everyday! Check the specials board for goodies! We can't wait to be back. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
Great little hidden spot! Was busy! Never would have known this was here if I didn't see it on yelp. Diner needs a little renovating but it was great nonetheless. Reasonably priced, good portions, and good flavor. The home fries were my favorite. If you stop by just remember when you're finished just go up to the counter and pay up there. I didn't know that part :) read more
I really wanted to try their she crab soup since they were featured in the Pilot because of it, but unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to try it: They only make it on Friday and Saturday and you gotta make sure you show up early to get it because it sells out fast! Sounds good to me! Maybe one day I'll have the honor of it passing my parched lips. In the meantime, I have had some of their other food stuffs, and here's what I think: I enjoyed their BLT. The bread was thick, soft, and delicious. The mayo, bacon, and L and T were good and fresh. There was not very much bacon though FYI. I'm okay with there being a little less bacon in general, but I was pretty surprised to see there were only like three strips. Just thought I'd comment on it in case anyone is expecting a bacon-packed sandwich. My mom enjoyed her egg salad sandwich; according to her, the amount of mayo was good. When we found out that we came there on a non-she crab soup day, we each ordered a different soup hoping that their other soups would be good too since the she crab has acquired such a good reputation. I got Navy bean soup, and she got chicken and rice soup. Both soups were extremely underseasoned and in dire need of some salt. The fries were also not salted at all. And she and I split a vanilla milkshake. The shake was plentiful and a very nice texture--not too thick. I'd like to give their she crab soup a try at some point since it's got such an epic reputation, but if it weren't for that hope, I probably wouldn't be back. read more
4 years ago
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More info about Irwin's Fountain
4300 Indian River Rd
Chesapeake, VA 23325
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(757) 200-0220
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4 reviews that are not currently recommended
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