I'm not sure who was cooking this past Sunday for brunch but the food and presentation was great. My whole table noticed how well prepared the meal was and how it looked. Thanks whoever you are ! read more

Absolutely superb service. The bartender James was amazing and was very knowledgeable about drinks! Food is fresh and the drinks are reasonably priced. Have come with friends and they agree it's a great local bar read more

I've been visiting this place for five years. Never been disappointed. Great food. Great service. Friendly people. Lots of atmosphere. And I've only been here for lunch! It's kind of a destination. read more

The vibe of this place just isn't it. If you aren't a middle aged gay male who's a regular, they are not welcoming, don't care to be friendly, don't care about being timely, and the drinks are absolutely subpar. I get that it's just a dive bar for shots and cheap drinks but the customer service is not there. I never get a hello, a thanks for coming, come back, have a good night, ever when i come ! I just do not feel welcome at all as a gay woman. The bartenders act so bothered when you ask for a drink, or anything really. Tried to close my tab and it took 30 MINUTES ! On top of that i tried to close my tab with a different bar tender and they said only the bartender who served you can close your tab. Like why? I just waited in line... and had to go back to the other line. Not good service here and it's definitely not appreciated. read more

MJs Tavern is the definition of a neighborhood bar the staff is great Brenda is my favorite she brings me joy after a long day at work! Also the food is great Greg and Martha in the kitchen are food artist! read more

Stopped in for lunch today. They have eliminated their excellent spinach feta soup. I've had their tomato basil and it's delicious, but not friendly towards us old farts taking proton pump inhibitors. So, I tried the clam chowder. As advertised, it's not Manhattan or New England. It's unique and amazingly good. I usually shy away from clam chowder because the clams are like little rubber erasers, tough and chewy. Not sure where the cooks were schooled, but this MJ's Tavern Chowder had perfect clams--tender and still with taste to them. The chowder is somewhat like a pepper pot soup with bits of clam, potato, onion, pepper, and other goodies in a perfectly seasoned broth. Big plus, last year's air conditioning rehab was a success. We were having a heat wave of 100° or so and it was the most comfortable eating place in the area. It's worth the trip just to have a bowl of this soup. BTW, if you appreciate a small drink with lunch, a single malt scotch neat would pair well with the chowder. read more

Who can say No to this place? The atmosphere, people, events, and the amazing food. When my boyfriend took me here I wasn't too sure about the food but once I ordered and got the steam shrimp I was in heaven. We usually go here once a week now and we always get the same waiter Dion (I think that's how you spell his name) He is a sweetheart and very attentive. Great customer service from all the staff. I actually went there today to get lunch and got the chicken quesadilla and my gosh!! It was delicious. Great work MJs with the food and staff! read more

This place is fun and accepting for all! To the reviews that one star this place because of their friends story's or faults information is based on the fact that they are drunk. I love their food and drinks. Give it a shot and if it's not a place for you then that's ok. read more

We came here for breakfast over the weekend and it was pretty incredible. I had quiche and breakfast potatoes. Partner had a breakfast burrito and hashbrown casserole. We shared some pancakes. Great service, very friendly atmosphere. Can't wait to come back to Norfolk!! read more

Approximately 7 to 9 days ago my husband and I tried food from MJ's Tavern in Norfolk Virginia. It was pleasant enough outside for us to eat our food which tasted appetizing and the foods/drink we selected included fried pickles tuna bites onion rings cheese steak and bread pudding and cherry coke (obviously we did have some leftovers). Our waiter was friendly and the food tasted better than I expected. read more

**RACIST & DISRESPECTFUL BALD BARTENDER ** We go to Mj's all the time and usually have a very good time. Since, it's considered to be one of the safest place to be around for people like us - Brown & Queer. Last night experience was a big shock. The bartender (I don't know his name but he is a bald / white man) working on a regular Tuesday night (02/21) to be specific. He was disrespectful & RACIST! - He was super rude with me and my friends. - He gave us really hard time with the drinks. He didn't take our order at the first place. We had to call him out multiple times( were you feeling low to take an order from people of color/ woman? - He asked me and my friends to show IDS(which is ok) but he never asked my white friends to show their IDs - when my friend went to the bar to get another round of modelo he said "you just took a modelo.. wasn't it you? That was INTENSIONAL to call me and my friend similar looking. ( do all brown people look same to you?) - He made a big deal on having drinks on a same Tap... isn't that common ? but he told my friend that your friend has to come here at the bar and confirm that all the drinks would go under the same Tap! .. which was totally unnecessary . Extra drama just to spoil our moods! - this guy need to keep his attitude in check - he won't bring any good vibes to this place Other people around us were fun and helped us to celebrate our friend's birthday. Giving a two star only for those beautiful souls around. read more

A great little neighborhood spot. Well stocked bar and much more than just bar food on the menu. Pretty yum all around. They have many events and specials so keep an eye out. Last Wednesday I stopped in for $2 tacos and taquitos during trivia night. In the times I've visited, service has always been friendly and the kitchen only ever had one hiccup that they corrected immediately. It's closer to dive bar than fine dining, but I will say they've been making steady improvements to the restaurant and over the last few years you can see the changes to both the space and the food. Having had the opportunity to meet the owner, he seemed very sweet and had pride in his business. Love to see an engaged owner who cares about his place and the community at large. read more

Super great lunch and dinner specials for great prices. Drinks are great prices too! Check their website of Facebook for daily specials. Their hamburger and fish and chips are excellent! Slthe sweet potato fries are my favorite! The staff is friendly and the bar is really clean. I've enjoyed MJs during the day and at night. All in all a great spot in Norfolk! read more

Mj's Tavern - Mike's Grilled Chicken with sweet potato fries - Gay Bars Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

So since we've all been on lockdown, yes I could cook but I've been working so much sometimes I just don't feel like it. Also since some businesses are trying to stay open during COVID19, I figure I'll support that. I'm somewhat a new resident to VA so every establishment in the neighborhood is on my list to go to and check out but I hadn't been here yet. I just had a craving for a burger and fries recently and tonight, I've ordered that from MJ's for the 3rd time! It was a veggie Burger and delicious and hit the spot. Also I have suddenly found myself among those in need of some TP soon... and guess what, they were kind enough to hook me up , but keep that between us Thanks MJ's. Hope to swing by for a beer in better times! read more

Let me preface this by saying, they have some of the best bartenders in town here! And for the most part, the crowd is great and has a very chill vibe. I've been coming here since I got transferred here last year and I have never had a problem with MJ's at all. James, Brenda and Jamie are all absolute fantastic bartenders and have always been great to just go and chill and grab a beer and chat with. Not once have I ever had a problem here. That was, until tonight. I'm getting ready to transfer again and I wanted to go to my local hangout again after getting back from an assignment and just chill for a bit. The night was your typical night until I went to the restroom. There was someone in both restrooms and I was patiently wasting outside. Once the one opened up, I went in, closed and locked the door used the restroom and came out and went back to my seat at the bar (Jamie was the bartender this night). I was there for a minute and then the security guard, some new guy I'd never seen before, came and tapped me on the shoulder and wanted to talk outside. Was refusing to talk to me at the bar, but I knew I had done nothing wrong. Finally, I made him tell me what it was about and he said "you were in the bathroom with two people". Now, I know I carry the persona of two people, but I assure you, it was just me in the bathroom. So, I proceeded to tell him he was wrong and he told me "somebody else saw you too". I asked who, and he refused to tell me. I figured out it was the little Norfolk clique that was upset I wouldn't sleep with them ever since they had started harassing me, so I knew that it wasn't even worth the discussion because the security guard was lying and they were all in on it. So, it was best if I just left. Paid my tab, tipped Jamie and left. I was appalled. I've literally never had anything bad ever happen at this bar. It's usually the chill local community bar, but lesson learned that if you don't show your junk to the locals that harass you there, you're going to get singled out. So, luckily I get to leave here soon. I'm just disappointed I don't get to spend my last few days here with the bartenders that I love hanging out with. I only gave them 2 stars because the bartenders are phenomenal! I've hung out here for over a year and never had any issues. If you go, just make sure you either have some witnesses at the bathroom or you sleep with the clique that likes to control the crowd! They should screen who they claim to be "security" better. This was clearly a bewildered Queen who wanted ti maintain his social status. Disgusting. Hopefully Michael or John see this and reach out to me and we can discuss and they can deal with it. Good thing I'm headed out soon, or this would be a much bigger for them to deal with than it is right now. Don't forget to tip your bartenders if you go here though! They're fantastic! read more

This place has something cozy about it! Maybe it was the fact that I was immediately greeted by a wonderful personality from behind the bar or the regular customers chatting me up. Whatever it was, this is my favorite place I've found in Norfolk, by far. Prices were ridiculously affordable. Service was on point (Robby was great!) I didn't try the food but I was tempted, $5 burger and fries special, definitely a steal. Great ambience. From what I understood, they have food specials almost every night of the week. They also have things going on often, trivia, Kareoke, etc. Overall, 5 stars! I'll be back! read more

See all

I love this place! Their food is always superb, their servers are always friendly, and the atmosphere feels like home from the first time you walk through the front door. MJ's menu prices are also very affordable. The food is priced very reasonably. They seem to rake in most of their income from their drinks (which is fair; they're a bar, after all). That said, this bar is unlike any I've ever been to. They constantly have fun events going on, most of which are oriented towards the LGBTQ community, but everyone seems to be welcome at MJ's. Aside from the food and parties, they also offer billiards, a juke box, and weeknight menu specials. This is truly a Norfolk gem! read more

See all

Mj's is such a great local spot. It's one of the few places you can get a full meal and cocktail for under $10 AND be completely satisfied when you leave. Great food specials and a lovely vibe. Easily one of my favorite not so hidden gems in Norfolk. read more

I've been going to MJ's Tavern since they first opened. It is such a great place to bring friends or meet new people, the food and the staff is always great! The owners are often around and are just a great couple who have made their business into a home for the LGBT community in Hampton Roads! We have lost so many gay clubs in the area, I wish Mike and John much continued success with their great bar and restaurant. Happy healthy New Year everyone! read more

Mj's Tavern you are most certainly remarkable, I had a lovely experience here today. The menu is pretty extensive so will probably be back to try some of the other items. Mj's Tavern has a great Pork Chops, this dish will blow you away with its amazing taste and flavor. Incredibly friendly, attentive and experienced. If I was ever in the area I would certainly come to Mj's Tavern again. read more

The Mac-n-cheese here is amazing it's so cheesy and nice,but if you don't support LGBTQ+ don't come here nobody would want you here!

Food was absolutely incredible, even after delivery (which honestly can ruin food from some restaurants). I would love to see how much better it is fresh from the kitchen and in the atmosphere of the bar! read more

I love hanging out at MJ's! The prices are extremely reasonable for this area. A steak dinner, bowl of soup, and mixed drink were under 20$ which is okay in my book. The bartenders/servers are all very friendly and treat everyone like family. I especially love the diversity of this place..welcoming to everyone! They don't play with the liquor..you definitely taste it! Will continue to come back to MJ's. read more

Stopped here after we flew in to Norfolk and immediately thought the place was FABULOUS. Freshest Bloody Mary (and possibly the most delicious) I've ever had! Service was great and Mike (behind the bar) is absolutely perfect! Everyone was so friendly and they're big animal supporters/lovers!! Great portion sizes and delicious boneless wings and soup! read more

Mj's Tavern - Chef salad! YUM - Gay Bars Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

We came in tonight, Where on the outside patio smoking a juul an cigaret, we were asked to put the cigarette out because this is a non smoking area but yet there is gentleman smoking cigars and other people smoking cigarets in the same area, but we were asked, and to moved to the outside area. It was an open patio area it was a gentleman wearing a red sweater older gentleman. read more

I went last night for Wing night with my girlfriend and it was one of the best experiences I have had there! Our server, Courtney, was very attentive to our needs, kept our glasses filled and came to us when the kitchen wanted to make sure we were okay with more drums than flats for the wings. I have come here several times before and eaten but this was one of the best. The wing flavors were excellent and the atmosphere was warm. We stuck around for trivia night for a bit and it looked like a lot of fun! Looking forward to the next visit! read more

Went today with the wife. Had double white Russian, as did the wife. I did a dirty martini, wife got a water, and we shared a shrimp tempera app. Shrimp are so good, you get five and a hot dipping sauce. The dudes at the bar were so funny. Nice people and great food. Miguel was not there bartending but the other guy was really cool too. It is a gay bar so if you are a begot stay clear. read more

Had such a great time with my friends! The vibe here is always fantastic and they will take any mood from 0-100. Dominick made the experience even better, we asked for 90s music and he delivered. Definitely recommend this place! read more

Meh, at absolute best. Cheap(ish) drinks, slow service, and odd menu items. I was looking for a place within walking distance of a friend's house and we settled on either MJ's or Crackers.. obviously we opted for MJs! I should've known when we came in and were greeted with a warning of slow service that we shouldn't have stayed, but I always want to give fun looking places a shot. It was karaoke night and drinks were relatively inexpensive so I thought it was worth trying. It took us about 20 minutes from sitting to get our first round and another 10 minutes from there to place our order. Beyond that we basically didn't see the server except to reorder. Per the serves recommendation I ordered the nachos. Terrible is the only word to describe these. Basic store bought tortilla chips with nacho cheese and buried in lettuce. Honestly this was a sad excuse for a nacho platter. I would never order this again. When I say buried in lettuce it's almost not quite strong enough of a description... there was a lot of damn lettuce. We had asked for guacamole for the nachos when we ordered but we had finished them before it arrived.. needless to say it never showed up. Overall, very disappointing experience, wouldn't eat here again even for free read more

I had the pleasure of going to MJ's Tavern several nights this past week while on business travel to Norfolk. The entire staff is fantastic and I could not have enjoyed myself more. Whenever I'm in the Norfolk area, I will make my way to MJ's for tasty drinks and a fun evening with staff and patrons. read more

This place is hands down one of the best Bars I've been too. The food is so good!!!! Not very pricey good people. The bar tenders are very nice and respectful. They are quick with their service. Also the people that come here are very nice and welcoming. read more

Mj's Tavern - Cheese quesadilla only $6 and it's a lot of food!!!!! - Gay Bars Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all

Most friendly place in town!! Absolutely love this bar. Mike is especially phenomenal, although I've never had less than great service. Anyone is more than welcome here, it's simply a happy sanctuary this awful political terrain read more

After a nice long day of running around, we decided to check out the MJ's for a beer and a couple appetizers. It's in the old Tabb's location in Riverview. Nice bar, a couple pool tables, nothing fancy, but comfortable. We settled on the Buffalo Chicken Dip and Wisconsin Cheese/Beer Soup. Both were fantastic. We were as impressed with the prices as we were the offerings, very reasonable (read: we will be back) I saw a burger being delivered to a neighboring table, so my next trip is already planned. The waitress also mentioned that they have daily specials. Today was pork chops, the other day was a NY Strip and a side for $7, sorry I missed that one...and apparently Tuesday is taco night. All that and O'Conner on tap. read more

This review will be a work in progress because I intend on the folks at MJ's getting to know my face. We've been there three times so far. First time: appetizers - fried shrimp (too much batter) and mozzarella sticks (yum!) Second time: Friday during Lent. I think it was like $8 for fish and chips. Portions were generous and take was there too, so I left happy. Most recently - Cinco de Mayo: Burrito (meh) but it was $2! And hubby had an awesome steak sandwich. I must say they have great prices and good food. The atmosphere is comfortable and staff is always friendly. One of the big pluses for me is that they are constantly updating their facebook page. I'm a big fan of seeing what special a place has going on that day online before we head out and we've been known to choose to eat out solely based on a facebook status! Oh, and free wi-fi! Always a perk for yelpers. read more

Can't say enough!! The best of all things!! Servers on point, bartenders are the!!! Much love for this place!!

Brand new place after giving the old Tabbs a turnaround. MJs is the kinda place you dont mind killing a couple of hours after work A great injection to the Granby corridor. The best part about a neighborhood spot is getting great service. MJs got a great pub menu a good happy hour for the after work crowd, and an awesome group of servers and barternders that are looking to make the new place a success. My 1st trip, I had the fish and chips and it was an eye poping portion of fish fried to perfection and fries. Good beers on tap too. 2nd trip, my wife and I had the buffallo chicken dip and a roast beef au jus sandwich with sweet potato fries. It was really good. Close to home, it's turned into our after work meet up spot. Prices are very reasonable. The best part about a neighborhood place is the service you get. The bartenders and wait staff really want to make the place a success. read more

A nice little spot to grab a drink or have a sandwich. The sandwiches are good solid bar food. I had a BLT and it fell into the category of good comfort food. My friend had the Mahi Mahi wrap and it was delicious. The place overall has a nice divey feel that is simple and welcoming. The bartender was great and very engaging. Definitely a place to return to. read more

We live locally and go to MJ's about once a week. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and people are super friendly. The food is good. I don't think I have ever had a bad meal there. It serves customers from all walks of life so don't go if you object to or feel uncomfortable around individuals from the LGBTQ community. They are a fun crowd and are well-represented there. read more

The Manager Was So Nice Here and Gave Us A Complimentary Dessert It Was Soooo Good:) I Ordered The Wings And They Were All You Can Eat For $10.Friendly And Speedy Service read more

Mj's Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Great little tavern, the patrons are pleasant, the atmosphere friendly. The food is awesome, they also play trivia on Wednesdays, by the way it's free and the winners receive gift certificates, they also have a pool area. So if you want a good place for a good time with. Rey reasonable prices give them a try! read more

Mj's Tavern - Gay Bars Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

See all