Big Easy

When I say this is my favorite restaurant EVER, I really mean that. I love going here with friends to enjoy drinks and the raw oysters. I can honestly say everything on the menu is AMAZING.

I loved the atmosphere. We ordered the Calamari as an appetizer and it was fried perfectly. I had the gumbo and Blackened Salmon, and my fiancé had the She crab Soup and Blackened Salmon. He loved the soup and said it was cooked very well. My gumbo was delicious with just enough spice to satisfy me. The menu stated that Grits are served with the salmon. However, when it came out, that was not Grits. I think it was rice that was very undercooked. The salmon was delicious and if i decide to have it again, I’ll choose something else besides the «grits». Other than that everything was great. The waitstaff were very nice and I’ll definitely visit again.

I been to big easy a fairly amount of times. We always go to the Downstairs for Happy hour. First of all, I lovee they offer Valet so you do not have to worry about where to park. «complimentary» be sure to tip! Christina has been our waitress most of the time, she is so friendly, helpful and just an awesome waitress! Always getting Great service ! Their happy hour food menu it’s pretty good, I do wish they offer more red wines on their happy hr. Like Malbec or Pinot noir.
My favorite dish, is the fish Tacos, they are so good and juicy! The wings are also good, unfortunately the last time they where very pink in the inside so I just not order anymore. They also have the upstairs if you are looking for a more fancier dinner. Big Easy is def on my top list places to hang out with friends. !

atmosphere was great but the food was ok. Red beans and rice are not authentic. Crab cakes were great.

Awful, awful establishment. The owners should really consider doing a clean sweep of staff and start anew. If I could give this place 0 stars I would.
Service:
My boyfriend and I were first to arrive of our large party. However the hostess informed us that our party was seated upstairs to the right. We went up, looked around, but did not recognize any of the individuals who were there and already in the midst of their meal. The hostess accidentally gave our table to a party that walked in, and she assumed that we were with them. This was super unfortunate because they had to scramble to find us a new set of tables which caused our party to sit separately. The hostess was new and apologized but still I was offended that they just assumed we were with the other guests. This was also after they told us that they didn’t have a party for the reservation name we gave them.
We sat at the newly assembled table, and someone who we thought was a bus boy at the time, brought us waters. He never introduced himself, never described the buffet or drinks; would hand us one thing then disappear. When others began to arrive he did the same process. When majority were here, the one thing he did ask was would we do separate checks. No hello my name is such and such I’ll be taking care of you before I take your drink orders do you want to do separate checks etc. He never explained the Mother’s Day special buffet menu. I’ve been in the service industry and I know how to build rapport with the guests, and he didn’t even try, which is unfortunate because there were only two tables at the time. He probably didn’t care because the gratuity is automatically added for parties of this size. However, he was definitely in for a rude awakening (foreshadowing to what happened at the end of the meal).
Fast forward to the end of the meal when the separate bills came, there were a lot of mistakes. This is partly due to the fact that when the server asked if we wanted separate checks he never asked how we wanted to separate them aka by family, so he did it in the end which caused for a ton of chaos. Our (my bf and I) had one two many items on it and instead of the server apologizing for it and removing it from the bill; he was so rude and basically said well I’m going to have to take all the checks back to move it to someone else’s bill, which is more work than necessary. We basically ended up paying for something we didn’t order to avoid the inconvenience of everyone else. Immediately, I thought this coked out server is for lack of a better word a dick!
I digress. We also were informed by the organizer of our party that the price of the meal was incorrect and did not match the menu we received prior to arriving. They changed the price the day of the reservation perhaps because they didn’t have enough reservations and needed to increase revenue. They claimed it was last years despite the fact that it had this years date on it, but these so-​called managers and workers would have said anything at this point, aka Rachel, Luigi, and James, because some of the guests were refusing to pay given the inconsistent and incorrect information they were initially given. In hindsight the difference could have been paid if the staff were polite and apologetic for all the mishaps and the poor service we experienced. This establishment does not put the guests first but rather themselves. To cut to the chase though, Rachel aka the manager called the police. The police came and informed us well technically we only have to pay for what we consumed so we took back each and every last gratuity paid! The icing on the cake though, for me and my boyfriend, was we also got the money back for the item we didn’t consume! Now to the owners, Barbara Zoby and Sture Sigfred Jr. save yourselves from further embarrassment and get rid of Rachel and Luigi for without strong leadership your establishment will crumble. I’ve seen other poor reviews with them mentioned. Although I won’t return to this particular location, I only hope you take this review as a sign to make those fairly easy, yet significant changes.
Food:
The only item that made this a «brunch» buffet was an omelette station, which I didn’t even bother try. The food was mediocre– pretty bland. The cookies however were delicious, but I’m a sucker for chocolate chip and pecans.

I’m really being kind by giving it two stars, honestly. Because both experiences I’ve had here have been pretty bad.
First off my husband and I came here on Valentine’s Day with reservations and were sat in the downstairs bar. That itself ruined the night because it meant our romantic dinner was more like at a dive bar with loud drunks and just a really not what we wanted atmosphere. Had we dined upstairs I think we’d of been fine so I went back again today on Mother’s Day requesting to be upstairs.
We were seated and were not spoken to by any waiter for like 10 minutes. Finally someone came up and greeted us and asked for drink orders. Guess what? We were there an hour and those drinks never came. We were told they had a special Mother’s Day menu– it was a buffet. And not a good buffet either, you can see in my picture what the food was like. Bread wasn’t warm or anything it was cold rock hard bread in the buffet and I felt like I was eating dinner at a cheap buffet restaurant. Food was bland. For the dessert table they had blueberry muffins, cookies and bread pudding. Bread pudding was clearly left out for awhile.
In general just a really DISSAPOINTING experience both times I’ve been there. Food isn’t great. Horrid service (we were talked to literally 2 times in an hour. Once to order drinks that never came and once to get our check. It was 630 on Mother’s Day, not crowded, and we were there an hour. I mean come on.)

Ok, I have been coming to Norfolk monthly for almost 2 years and once discovering Big Easy have made it part of my visit. The downstairs bar is unique and comfortable with the service spot on especially Christiana behind the bar. The food selection is fantastic with my favorite being anything that includes their scallops.
I was asked by a couple on the street near the hotel last night if I could recommend a restaurant, without hesitation I said Big Easy. I saw them later in the hotel lobby where I asked them how their dinner was and they said they loved it. I can’t speak for everyone, but my dining experiences at Big Easy keep me coming back again and again. In fact, on my way there now.

4÷27÷16 Where do I begin. The valet was definitely a nice touch in the beginning. I figured the restaurant was classy. We were greeted and led up a few stairs to a totally empty dining area which I thought was weird. I figured they weren’t very busy so we’d get faster service. The ambience was relaxed, there was a nice pop song playing in the background. I let the waiter know I was using a gift card, he said it was fine and brought us water took our drink selections and left, it would take 20 minutes before those drinks came. I guess Wednesday nights are a tad relaxed because the music selection went a little down hill. My ears were assaulted with the unedited screaming of Little John A few N words and MF words later and I was annoyed. The music just didn’t fit the setting. This is what I expect at a strip club not an Oyster Bar with my 2 year old beside me.
Once our drinks were served we ordered our meals. I ordered the scallops shrimp and crabmeat with sweet mashed potatoes. The seafood was a little bland and I’m not big on seasonings, the sweet potatoes were way too stringy. I ordered my daughter the kids meal Hamburger and fries. The burger was pink! How can you serve a kids meal medium? I sent the burger back and ordered chicken tenders and fries. The fries were the best thing served.
My friend ordered the rockfish which also needed plenty of lemon and salt. The waiter failed to refill our waters or ask if we wanted more drinks. We weren’t offered dessert.
I asked for the check, I gave the gift card and a credit card to the waiter.
After a few minutes Rachael walks over. She tells us that the gift card is too old to use. I explained I checked the balance before I came and it clearly says the card doesn’t expire. My friend pulls up the card balance online and shows Rachael. She tells us we will have to take this up with their home office because now Big Easy gives paper gift certificates. then she hands us a card and tells us to call the numbers on the card. My friend dials the number immediately and lol it rings to the greeter desk at the door! At this point I know we are not getting anywhere .
To be continued…
4÷28÷16
I received a phone call asking me to read the numbers on my gift card. The woman said she needed to do research she also asked where I received the card from. Not even 15 minutes later a different woman called asking the same questions, she had no idea I had already spoken to someone. She apologized and said she hoped to see me again at Big Easy
4÷29÷16
I haven’t received any correspondence from the home office today and it’s 5:00 pm.

Incredible good, nicest and hottest bartenders ever. Victoria Secret angels don’t even compare! Excellent service, fresh FRESH oysters, clams and awesome seafood pizza! Entrée’s beyond compare!

Excellent food, excellent service!!! Try the 3 for $ 5.00 sliders during Happy Hour.
That’s all you need for a meal!

Great food and service! The fried seafood platter had all my favorites and the crab cakes was the star of meal. Others in my party enjoyed their meal as much and I did. The restaurant is bookmarked for a return when we visit Virginia again.

Great happy hour and ambience. I almost don’t want my good review public so I can still get a seat for happy hour at the bar food and drinks on happy hour and Christiana is always serving with a smile! Free valet to add.

Initially excited to return here for a good meal and a good time, I experienced the worst service while dining with a small group around 7 PM this past Saturday. From the beginning to the very end of our visit, our server was inattentive and inconsistent with what little service she provided. She took over 40 minutes to take our order, she didn’t bring sufficient menus or water, nor did she serve bread or ask if we wanted other beverages… she had to be prompted to do such things. When we expressed our displeasure with the service, she responded in a condescending manner and did not attempt to take responsibility for her actions. What made matters worse was when the «manager» appeared at our table so we could share our concerns, he did absolutely nothing to rectify matters beyond «Let me see what is going on.» No apology, no follow up… nothing. He only looked at us as if we were crazy to complain.
Don’t let the ambiance fool you — there is obviously a lack of morale and a lot of chaos at this restaurant, at least at the front of the house. Even the valet service was unorganized – only one person was staffed to valet cars, which made for a hectic scenario on this narrow side street. The ONLY good thing that came from the restaurant during this visit was the food, so the cooks aren’t to blame for the Big Easy’s poor service. I feel bad for them, though, because fewer people will return to dine here as a result of the incompetence of the some of their colleagues.
This is literally the worst, most undeserving service I have received in any restaurant I have ever visited, and that includes my previous visits to this establishment. I value my dignity too much to even think of returning… plus there are too many much better restaurants in the area to choose from.

Great service, great food, alluring venue!
From the street you might not even notice Big Easy, except for the neon sign. But once you are inside be ready to be impressed. It’s a bayou flavor seafood bar. Upstairs is a trendy restaurant, and the basement it a charming speakeasy.
I ordered the Cajun Pasta… Perfect! And the She Crab Bisque was also amazing. The only thing that would make this better would be live jazz.
Dress nicely, befitting any upscale speakeasy.

This place is a joke
I called and asked how long they were open
They said an hour from the time I called I arrive literally 5 mins later and they seat us and the waiter says «ummm the kitchen is closed. Never again but in California we don’t turn away business
Obviously this place don’t care
Facebook blast is next
I hope the owner and manager gets this joint together but you have lost me and my party of friends

Nice little restaurant tucked away in a side alley off of Boush street. Contemporary design with a fisherman/​sportsman décor setup. Staff were casually dressed in khakis and button down black shirts. Manager/​mater’d IS A DOUCHE BAG that pointed to me like I was more of a child than a patron and signaled to me to take my hat off from across the dining room. Instead of coming up to me and asking nicely. Manager is quite rude. Fresh oysters on the half shell from local oyster beds on the James River and decent prices. Was disappointed about the specials and would like to see more local catch instead of the usual Salmon affair. Overall in closing its good food overpriced for this venue but ambiance is the only thing you paying a big price for.

My friends and I went here for a birthday celebration and because we were attending an event at the Norva. (8/25/15)We were seated downstairs by the bar where the atmosphere is a little more laid back than upstairs, which was great because 4 girls who get a little noisy, the bar area was a great spot for us. Our server gave great suggestions when I was unsure on which entrée to get. He also suggested a certain wine when the one I ordered ran out, it was very good. The raw sampler was excellent! All of the seafood tasted very fresh. I ordered the Jambalaya for dinner, which our server highly recommended… It was delicious! It was a very good portion of food, I couldn’t eat it all. 2 of my friends ordered the soft shelled crab entrée & were a bit disappointed because it was very salty. The service was great! I would definitely go again!

Walked in while visiting Norfolk on Thursday, August 27. It was quiet as we ate around 5PM. We came in for drinks and some small plates. We were unaware of the downstairs bar area and thought it could have been pointed out to us upon entering. Still we looked at the menu and felt that given the ambience of the upstairs area we would sit for a relaxed dinner.
Our waitress was very good. She was attentive and friendly without being intrusive. We were going to have appetizers and drinks. She inquired once about our order and when we explained what we were doing and ordered appetizers she remained available as we needed. When we decided that the menu became too intriguing not to order she was there and only at that time did she become a «dinner waitress». We felt that she treated us as we always expect to be treated when dining out.
We ordered a seafood crockpot with grits and okra along with a shrimp dinner. We finished the dinner off with a shared piece of key lime pie.
Our meal from start to finish was excellent. We felt the waitress did an excellent job. We love to walk around cities we visit and search for new dining experiences. Sometimes it ends well, sometimes not This time it ended excellently. When we returned to our vacation home we couldn’t help but recommend this restaurants to all the other members of our traveling party and now to the rest of the Unilocal community.

Although they still offer a GREAT happy hour and they’ve added great items to the menu, they’ve done themselves a grave disservice by eliminating «Burger night» on Wednesdays.
Additionally preventing individuals from enjoying the happy hour menu and dining at a table also alienates diners from coming. Are your Happy Hours THAT popular that you rather have NO tables filled rather than SOME between 4 and 7?
Some people and money beats none of both.

I’m breaking my rule of visiting at least twice before making a review but I felt like I really needed to for this one. I don’t understand why there are so many 1 star reviews for this place because the Big Easy is such a fantastic restaurant/​bar. Yes, it’s a little classier than your average t-​shirt and jeans joint. But for what it’s meant to be, it’s really, really great!
We were greeted with a friendly face right at the door and were asked if we wanted to be seated downstairs (a basement bar area) or upstairs (a brighter, classier area). Since we weren’t too extremely dressed, we opt for the basement bar. The bartender was prompt with the menu and explained that they were a participating restaurant for restaurant week.
We ordered the orange crush, and to be quite honest, its far superior to Watermans. We also tried their oyster shooters, our first try, which was good with the liquid but definitely different once that oyster swam down our throats. It’s not something you would typically get to get the party started. Just a try was enough.
My gf and best friend both had the she crab soup. Which were pretty good. Then our main course of Surf n’ Turf, Seafood Jambalaya, and the Big Easy chicken. All of them came hot and fresh. The flavors were all there and my Seafood Jambalaya had just the right amount of spice.
Perhaps the most memorable dish of the night, was the Bread Pudding for dessert! It came topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup drizzle. It was our fave of the three options offered.
My only thing weird that I would have to say was the fact that the cook (or who looked like a kitchen staff) kept coming behind the bar right in front of us just wondering around. He was out of place and was not at all friendly. He literally just loitered in front of the oysters for a good 10 – 15 mins at a time.
We had such a great dinning experience, we will definitely come back for more! Maybe to try their happy hour, as someone suggested in the reviews below that it’s pretty good.