Norfolk, VA

There are a handful of decent to ok breweries in Norfolk, but one is a head above the rest, Benchtop in Ghent. They have received some modest national attention (paste, etc) here and there and depending on when you go, they could can have cans or at least will crowler most things.

There is also Smartmouth, O'Connor, Coelacanth, and Bold Mariner in Norfolk as far as other potential spots to visit. All should have a few solid options available. There are a few others I wouldn’t waste your time at. I'd recommend stopping by the Birch also, it's an excellent beer bar and is located around the corner from Benchtop.

 

If you're pressed for time, like @montman said, I'd focus on Benchtop, Birch (beer bar) and Smartmouth as they're all very walkable from each other.

Triple can release at Benchtop this coming weekend... not much new stuff so it won't be a full-on poopshow.

 

Less than a 20 min drive from a downtown Norfolk, Commonwealth Brewing would be well worth the stop. They regularly release cans so watch out in their social media for what’s dropping when you will be in town.

 

Totally agree with this. Benchtop and Commonwealth for the win. But 20 minutes depends on time of day. Around rush hour that could easily go over 45 minutes, just FYI.

 

haha, I wasn't going to say it, but 0% chance you get from downtown Norfolk to Commonwealth in less than 20 mins. Maybe 20-ish at the non busy times.
Still, it isn't that far and it's an excellent suggestion if you have the time, Commonwealth will have a good variety on draft and usually cans from the last few weeks worth of releases (at a minimum).

 

Right haha. Plus, some of the Commonwealth hops I've had lately have been world class - Green Ghost was out of this world. It's worth the trip for sure.

 

Guess I pulled GoogleMaps during non peak time this morning. Showed 12 miles and 21 mins. As of this post (5:34pm) Google shows 23 mins with “some traffic, as usual”. When you mentioned it I recall making the same error a while back too.

 

Benchtop for sure, the Birch sometimes has something from the Veil on tap so you could get lucky there. The Mexican place nextdoor is pretty good too.

 

Tortilla West is closed... along with Chow. Believe a co-owner was caught embezzling. AW Shucks off Colonial is still open fortunately... and still with a kickass taplist. (T West, Chow, AW Shucks were all owned by same ppl)

If you want some eats there in Chelsea, I suggest Torch or the wood fired oven pizza place on the corner.

 

Absolutely agree with what everyone else has suggested but would also add if you aren't pressed for time there is a bottle shop about 5-10 minutes from Benchtop worth stopping at and is called BottleBox. Can get lucky and find Triple Crossing, Aslin and Equilibrium on tap for crowler fills from time to time. Also if you find yourself at Commonwealth you might as well make the drive over to Bottlecraft in Hilltop. Its a craft bar and they have a pretty solid draft list. Last I checked they had some BCBS, Triple Crossing, Veil, Aslin and some others pouring. Enjoy your stay in VA, Cheers!

 

Damn, I used to love Tortilla West and Chow when I lived in Norfolk, I’m sad to hear they closed. How long ago was that?

 

Yeah it sucks, two solid spots gone on the same day, they closed mid January, with just a few days notice. Apparently as @MistaRyte said, the co-owner was a stealing scumbag.

Woof.

 

That Godfather sammitch doe (it's just an Italian sandwich but I like it).

 

Wow! Ok good to know, at least AW is still there, always loved that place.

How about that pizza from Chelsea Bakehouse though? Thought it was really good , nice to grab a pie and post up at Benchtop

 

Chelsea Bakehouse is still there and still kicking ass! Great wood fired pizzas!

 

Without making its own thread, what do y’all think of the ridiculousness with Smartmouth’s “Saturday Morning” lucky charms beer? All of the media coverage and people asking for it to shipped is pretty hilarious, and also makes me realize how little the average person knows or cares about craft beer culture, and how to read a Facebook or instagram post.

 

It’s funny - it even made it to Jimmy Fallon. You summarized it pretty well - there are going to be a lot of disappointed people that are expecting more than a slightly sweet regular IPA.

 

It's amazing how a simple Lucky Charms reference made that beer go viral. Reminded me of Veil Oreo Hornswoggler making the rounds on the viral scene. I heard people were lining up at 8 AM for a Smartmouth beer?!

I bet there are going to be loads of disappointed people (for the beer itself and those who get shut out). I'll probably scroll through the Untapped check ins later. No hate to Smartmouth, I've enjoyed their beers for awhile, but I just don't think they make line up at 8 AM quality beer (I'm also not one to line up for many breweries). And the fact this is probably 90% gimmick because how much flavor can cereal marshmallows really provide?