Everything was amazing! The food, the service, and the price were great!! Highly recommend

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

Irwin's Fountain - Outside signage - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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

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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

Irwin's Fountain - Just wanted an old school comfort food of mine with a chili dog. Was amazing!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Not fancy but good old style cooking. Soups are home made and taste like it. Chili, She crab, clam crowder, chicken and rice all a great and priced reasonably. Shrimp poor boy and burgers are also good. Lemonade and limeade are both made to order using fresh lemons and limes. Banana splits are made the old fashioned way and that's only a small part of the menu. A great neighborhood restaurant. read more

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

Irwin's Fountain - Patty Melt... Not on the menu but they sure can make a great one! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Delicious food with generous portions, friendly atmosphere, and a down home feel! Happy people and great food!

The food was really good the service was good and their food was good the wait times not that bad 100% would recommend

Nice ppl a place from the past that makes you feel welcome and knows you by name....highly recommend

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

Irwin's Fountain - Farmers scramble and cornbeef hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Always above and beyond service. Food is excellent and made with love. Service is friendly and welcoming. Seating area is a little cold so bring a jacket! read more

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

Irwin's Fountain - Club sandwich with fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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I ordered a Philly cheese omelette!! Baby that omelette was everything!!! Love the grits ! Will definitely order from them again!!!

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

Irwin's Fountain - Steak omelette, home fries, apple juice and two pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

The food is always good, and service is friendly! It's classic diner but is always hopping.

Makes me feel like a child ever time I go there sandwiches milkshakes diner feel nostalgic atmosphere come one come all you won't be disappointed read more

The food was so delicious in this eclectic little diner. Friendly staff, amazing short order cook, great find!

This is a great, old school, pharmacy fountain. The staff is excellent, as is the food. Please support, it's like going back in time. Not too many places left like this. read more

Stopped in for a bite to eat with my family. I must say never judge a book by its cover ..... this place has the best she crab soup and the rest of my lunch was so good..... Nice and fresh. The owners were very pleasant. I'm from NYC where some of the best food Comes from the not so fancy places. read more

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

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Favorite place to eat @ faithfully every weekend cannot go wrong with anything on menu my favorite is still the corned beef hash homemade no can stuff read more

I love local dives and diners and this spot is one of my faves! Located in the rear of a little drugstore, everything is cooked fresh and home style and the coffee is awesome! Props to a crazy busy staff who is always super friendly and accommodating! We love this local spot! Best breakfast (served all day) in town! read more

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

Irwin's Fountain - Western omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

Pleasantly surprised to find this hidden spot when I was in this area. It was nostalgic in an authentic-way; not like a brand new place trying to look "vintage", it actually is vintage! Small seating area within the old drug store, just like the old fountain shops I'd visit as a child. The egg salad on rye was scrumptious; little mayo and salt, not sloppy with unnecessary ingredients- just the way I love it! The chocolate shake was made just like you would expect from a true fountain shop; yes, topped with whipped cream and cherry in a tall fountain glass, and the over-flow in the stainless mixer cup. The staff was warm and friendly as well. If you appreciate "real" food over fast-food joints, you'll enjoy this place! read more

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

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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

Irwin's Fountain - Family friendly environment and a small town feeling! Cozy and quaint with an awesome price point. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Chesapeake, Virginia

We first tried this place in 2019 and it was amazing! Typical diner food but oh so good! We were greeted immediately upon arrival and the wait staff was so friendly! Fast forward to 2022 the same wait staff with the same greeting! That says a-lot to me about this place when people stay and are just as friendly 3 years later! I had the mushroom Swiss burger and it was delivered! My husband had the Philly steak but they were out of buns so they turned it into a philly gyro if you will and my husband thought it was great! I also liked how they have old pictures of what the place looked like back when it was open in the 60s! We recommend this place! read more

I had breakfast there several times always been very good. Old time place love to walk through the store and look at the old things that are for sale. Old time products it is just a throw back to days long ago go for me that kinda a place. read more

I loved everything about my experience at Irwin's Fountain. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by two friendly employees who got us coffee and some milk for my daughter right away. They never let our coffee get cold, and we didn't have to wait long for our food. I got the Breakfast Club which was incredible, my husband got the Farmers Scramble which he loved, and my daughter got pancakes which were fluffy and delicious! The wait staff were attentive and friendly. I can't wait to go back. read more

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

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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

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Extremely disappointed by the service. I sat down and had two different servers walk by me repeatedly without even acknowledging me. When my order was finally taken i informed the server of my food allergy and was made to feel extremely uncomfortable about it. The cook responded loudly to the server tell her its gonna take longer but I can do it. Yeah im good. If making my simple order is that much of a chore I will happily take my money elsewhere and not come back here read more

I've been going here since I was a little girl. Always ordering a grilled cheese and a limeade. I will always love this place for its nostalgia, great atmosphere and the simple but good food. And the limeades are the best I've ever had. read more

The reason for my 2-star review: The food was okay but my eggs were not prepared the way I had asked for them when my order arrived. I would have sent them back but it had already taken so long to receive our order that I didn't want to wait another 30 minutes for it to get corrected. Our waitress was absolutely horrible. It took forever for her to come get our initial order, then after we received our food, she never stopped by our table again. We had to grab her when she was walking by ignoring us to ask for refills, and ask for our check... Honestly, I could have given this place a 3-star rating, but the service almost knocked it down to a 1. Horrible service! read more

We love little local joints like this! And I want it to do well! Unfortunately, it's expensive for what you get and it needs improvement. Paid: $45 plus tip Ordered 3 meals: 1 bacon cheeseburger with fries and drink 1 mushroom Swiss burger with fries and drink 1 Philly cheesesteak with fries and drink 1 side of onion rings The burger was like a firm ball of beef; I could not open my mouth wide enough to bite from top bun to bottom bun - I seriously had to bite from the sides. The meat did not cover the bun. It would have been so much better if the "patty" had been smushed down into an actual patty. The ball of meat was very solid and tough - not juicy at all. The Pepsi was pretty much flat. My kids loved the fries. I loved that they melted the cheese onto the bacon - that was awesome and now I'll do that at home, too! Everyone was very sweet, however, not very attentive. We were never offered a drink refill. "How's your food?" was asked as they walked by... I imagine breakfast is the sweet spot of this place: a family came in for breakfast and left when they realized it wasn't offered all day. read more

Best home cooked breakfast in town! Had the basics: eggs, bacon & toast & each & everyone was delicious! I would def recommend!