Work | Release

I am a huge fan of this place! They are very supportive of various types of music, art, etc. I have been to many great shows at Work Release. The room is spacious and I like how they regularly change the set-​up inside. We usually go early, before the show, to try some of their Happy Hour food and drinks. I have tried many different food offerings and have enjoyed them all. The line for drinks can get a bit long at times, but they also have satellite bar stations set-​up around the venue with limited offerings. This spot is definitely worthy of 5 stars.

A nice place to have events. Music is always live and so is the vibe. People are cool and haven’t seen any fights. Probably only been here about five times but enjoyed myself everytime. The drinks are pretty pricey of they’re aren’t any specials but then again I guess it depends on what you’re drinking. Definition recommend this place is you’re looking for a night out with some friends but just make sure you know what’s going on that night because they always have different events going on.

Work Release is such a cool place to go. It changes throughout the night. I’ve seen it be a restaurant, an art gallery, a place where a live rock band is and even a club type feel. The drinks are strong and the people are friendly.

The venue has an unique feel to it and has amazing staff that makes you feel welcomed. Great art work and great community involvement. :)

This is the perfect bar/​eatery/​gallery for the neon district! I am in love with this place.
After 8 on Friday and Saturday there is usually a cover (ours was $ 5) for the live band. But the drinks are very affordable inside… Beginning at $ 2 pbr tall boys as well as some tasty local beer on tap for a little more.
The atmosphere here is hip and fun theres plenty to do besides just sit and eat and drink. This place seems to specialize in video art but they had some unique photos and even a painting made out of cake icing (really cool).
We had an artichoke dip appetizer which was very good. I would like to try some other things on the menu in the near future.
This bar/​venue also has special events throughout the week. A colleague was telling me she went to a David Bowie tribute there soon after his death. They also have other video showings I believe on Thursdays.

I have been here a few times and overall the food is great but the service can be a bit… spotty. I went recently and got some wine from the bar. The barkeep gave me a wine that was the «happy hour wine» and it was pretty good. So we went back to get another glass and the price magically went from around $ 3 a glass to like $ 7 even though it was still happy hour. So I asked him why and he said «that wine is not the happy hour wine tonight» and looked at me like I was insane when I said he had just sold it to me 20 minutes ago as the happy hour wine. I didn’t know to be happy that he undercharged me or annoyed that he overcharged me. And the line at the bar tends to move a bit slow too.
Overall though, this is a great space for music and appetizers. The space is well utilized and it’s got a very cool vibe. I have never eaten a full meal here but the food I have had is great.

What an interesting place. We went there during the festival in the area this summer. I like the décor. I had a couple drinks and looked around. I guess it’s meant to have a kind of industrial look with moving art. I’m not sure what it’s like at night during clubbing hours, but I liked it when I was there.

I barely go out because I tend not to enjoy how people are after a few too many cocktails. Additionally I like to chill and be able to talk with my friends which is hard at night clubs. What I love about W|R is they have early evening events that are just all over the place like fashion shows, Opera performances, and live music. They do community fundraiser and this really is a community establishments. On a very basic level the drinks are good as well as the pricing. The food is wonderful and when there is art it’s such a great place to be. I’ve made friends with there ultra cool and friendly staff and really this has become my go to place when I want to have a later than usual night or see something this area didn’t really have up until now. Highly recommended.

Kick in the door, waving the five-​five! That’s 10 stars if you will!
This place is all that! I came here on a hunch based on FB pictures and comments from others. So I guess you can say word of mouth pointed me in this direction to try somewhere new. After searching here and there for where to go for Halloween night (2015), I saw this spot had a party going on. Hmmmmmmmmmm, I thought. And tickets were only $ 5 and they had a buffet include with the ticket price. I was like whuuuuuuuuuuuuut… bae we going here for sure Saturday night!!!
So loved every moment here Halloween Night!!! Parking wasn’t an issue because we stayed at the Residence Inn Downtown (like 5 minutes away from venue) and we put on our costumes and walked to Baxter’s first… nothing jumping over there. So we headed to Work Release by 10:00 pm.
No wait in line… perfect! The bouncer was even chill. I so forget his name, but he was super friendly and tough looking at the same time. Kinda like Shrek but much cuter :) So yeah, bae and I walked in to what seemed like an empty warehouse. There was tons of space, but not too many people in the place. That didn’t alarm me, because club hours 10pm is super early. And it’s Halloween, indeed the crowd was coming so no worries. I was just in awe of how the set up… headphones, odd painting, graphics were crazy on the walls…
The stage for the DJ is up high… sweeet! It sits in front of a large projection screen. There were a few seats and a few tables out. But I assume it was limited because it was party time. I’m not sure how their day to day runs, but that night minimal seating. Shoot… bae and I was there early enough we had a table and chairs (ALL NIGHT TOO) — go us… early birds got the worm!!!
We had first dibs on the grub…
Cocktail shrimp and some other stuff. I didn’t care for the «other stuff» so I ate about 8 shrimp and was set! We ordered drinks too… they were a little pricey but we didn’t mind they were super good… worth every dollar!
We had a hot attendant so forgot her name but she was punctual and kept checking on us throughout the night. It’s 11pm and the crowd is looking livelier. .by 1130pm… it was a nice size crowd… it’s party time. Not wall to wall but super comfortable atmosphere.
Halloween night featured 4 or more DJ’S and they all were hot! ! The costumes… out of this world! The party people def showed out in their costumes I loved it!!!
Costume contests… like 3 categories. We could hv won one but I misplaced our nomination ticket… bummer (we’ll get them next yr)!!
This place is just different. If you’re up for somewhere new try here. Now the food… I tried the tacos they weren’t the best so I really can’t speak on the menu. But don’t let this be your reason to not come and party.
They feature diff genres of bands and diff themed nights. Follow them on FB they def keep the page updated.
I returned for another event hosted by Unilocal and the vibe was still ALL THE WAY LIVE!
I’d recommend this venue 110%
So looking forward to Halloween 2016!
Keep up the Awesomeness…
Have fun :)

This was my first Unilocal event and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’ve only met one other elite. I was surprised at the turnout. I think I consistently underestimate how many people actually use help in the 757.
The first thing I’ll say is the food vendors were pretty good. I was a nice variety. We had pizza, she crab soup, dessert, salad, curry… Let’s just say there was more than enough food. The drinks were pretty good as well. I had a drink with the ginger in it that I never had before. Only thing is I don’t mind paying for top shelf liquor so I wish there was a little bit more quality there.
There were also art pieces presented as well mixed in with the food vendors. I thought they were creative and definitely set the tone. There was a DJ playing music in the background and had the Unilocal photo booth present.
My first event I really was interested in assessing the vibe. It was different but enjoyable. I hope to attend more events in the future.

I’ll just come out and say it –Work|Release is now at the top of my list for after-​work social interactions. Typically, I’m not the biggest fan of the fare off the coast of Brambleton. But, SERIOUSLY, this place knows exactly how to flaunt what they’ve got.
I’m a huge fan of tapas and hor d’oeuvres and Work|Release’s master chef, Chrissy, is absolutely one of my favorite chefs. As I write this review, I’m currently waiting for my leftover cheesecake bites to reheat in the oven (I have methodically spaced out my consumption of these leftovers to last all week).
My goodness –we hosted the Annual Unilocaler Shabangarang here and I have to say: If it were not for Careyann Weinburg and Charles Rasputin (I know that isn’t your gvt. name, buddy) this event would not have even been possible.
Over the coming months, X and I have met with them quite a few times … Each time they have been nothing but accommodating, welcoming, and helpful. Work|Release and the founders behind it are responsible for the NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District in Downtown Norfolk and, holy $#!+, it was the highlight of my life to get Unilocal involved in such a dynamic new project.
For dinner, I sampled the garlicky shrimp which was phenomenal. It was so juicy, fresh, and perfectly seasoned that it went incredibly fast. Of course, I went bananas for the cheesecake bites (made with filo and Bree cheese, I believe). Jews love spanakopita and cheese, so this is the perfect marriage of the two things.
I, also, had a perfect Maker’s Mark and Coke –ya know, when the bartender basically pours you a tall glass of Maker’s and just throws in a swallow of Coke. I can’t wait to eat here Sunday night before I go to work.
Their menu changes weekly and while you dine, you can enjoy the ever changing art exhibit surrounding you. The service here is untouchable. I have found that a lot of the more millennial-​oriented restaurants in the area have amazing chefs and good bartenders, but below average servers. This is not the case with Work|Release whatsoever.
To me, everything here is top notch and this spot is exemplary of a real five-​star experience. Thank you, WR!

Work Release Work Release. What’s to say that I haven’t been saying since I stepped foot in the place back in June. It’s fun. It’s hip. It’s a GD art gallery. This place is the biggest reason the arts district in NFK is really popping.
Great staff and incredible food. The best DJs– they show movies here and serve food and drinks! Go there now.

Have not eaten here yet, but have attended a Unilocal Event held here.
My Unilocal Elite friend and co-​worker, Maria G., took me with her as her plus one to this Unilocal Event and I’m already excited for the next one.
My all-​time favorite macaron place, Hummingbird Macaron, was there with new flavors for the season (Kiwiberry, Praline, and Banana Pudding). I was over the moon with meeting the owner, Kisha. I’m a big fan of her work!
My favorite ramen joint, Kappo Nara, was there serving Japanese appetizers, which were all delicious. Unfortunately, they didn’t have ramen, but their gyoza, Japanese sausage, and Japanese curry were on point.
Fruitive was also there giving out samples of their kale chips, granola, and a green juice which were bottled in quaint little jars. I really enjoyed there food.
Overall, the venue is extremely unique. I loved the fusion of modern digital art and the traditional dining experience. I can’t wait to actually try the food and for the next Unilocal event.
What can I say, the event had a A LOT of vendors that served amazing food. Portions were great and the people were beyond nice.
Thanks for bringing me, Maria G.

Really fun venue — lots of open space so can have a range of events from sit down dinners to cocktail parties to a concert. Its in the new arts district of Norfolk, and I have great hopes for this area — its close to downtown Granby and the ferry, so convenient without all the downtown drama. Check it out!

Love the space and the atmosphere of this spot. Great place to hold a party big or small. Love the art work throughout. My favorite is the artist drawing on a clear board not being able to see his work. Funny and cool at the same d… time.
The W|R staff is very cool! Ivan (I believe that’s his name) is awesome! He broke down the art for us and made it even more interesting.
Great place!

A great place to see art and hear music in downtown Norfolk. Great bar and food! This place is a cultural cornerstone for downtown Norfolk’s burgeoning art scene.

Oct. 12.2015 – Just talked with the owner who was concerned as to what occurred below and his follow up was greatly appreciated. They will be taking action and working with their security detail to ensure something like this does not escalate to what occurred. We look forward to continuing in enjoying the new district with the support of Work Release.
Oct. 9, 2015 – We never knew this place existed until we were walking out of Pushers Comedy Theater and were harassed. We are a married couple who have lived downtown for 8 years and were excited about enjoying the new arts district in downtown Norfolk. While leaving the comedy club, we were confronted by many patrons of your establishment who threatened us repeatedly for no reason whatsoever. After standing our ground, your bouncer casually downplayed the situation and escorted these patrons into your establishment.
We hope your landlord understands the importance of the revitalization of this district as it directly impacts not only their property value, but the appeal of the city that we have grown to love.

Music is trash… I came here a while ago for an EDM show, it was amazing! music that you can actually dance to. Flash forward a few months… What is this garbage you’re playing? No one likes to party/​drink/​Dance to the trash music they play. Not to mention the cover they charge to get in when there 5 people in here. What is this? Vegas? Good luck trying to get a bud light or Miller lite. Or any kind of beer besides a Virginia brewed beer. «I’m sorry we only serve Virginia beer.» What a joke. These people have no idea how to run a bar. This place won’t be open for more than a year.

A dope new hip/​artsy place that is well needed for Norfolk. the whole region actually. If your in your 20s and like a nice place that isnt hood but isnt stuffy either, and not a touristy trap for the 18+ this place is perfect. They have live bands and also have DJs performing later on the night that play everything from FKA Twigs to Chief Keef, all in the same night. The bartenders have excellent drink selections are their tech in serving is up to date. Will try the food later on but overall a great place to wind down for the weekend.

LOVE this place! We are from Califronia and were looking For something a little more artsy to lounge on Friday night instead of an overcrowded bar. We hit the jackpot with this place. They had a live band playing on the stage, happy hour til 9pm, skateboarding in the back, and the staff was extremely friendly and attentive. Every little detail was accounted for and it shows! I wish we had a place like this that supported the arts, especially street art, as much in Orange County, Califronia! Come here with an open mind and belly, their tapas are to die for!