During this pandemic, it has been extremely tough on local businesses all across the country. The magic of a local restaurant is something truly special. So, I’m sharing a few of my new favorite spots in the Hampton Roads area that are currently offering curbside, to-go, online ordering, and delivery options. A few spots are even offering limited dining room seating as well. This is definitely a great way to resolve some of that cabin fever feeling you may be experiencing or if you need a break from cooking!
Check out some of my favorite dishes at these local spots below!
Commune
limited dine-in options and carry out orders
My first visit to Commune was for lunch in Norfolk, VA, and it was so delicious! I could not wait to try their brunch in the Virginia Beach location, which was much closer to home for me. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with smiles. During our visit their staff was very nice and offered great recommendations for us to order and try. We were not disappointed with any dishes we had, and any time the table is quiet during brunch it means the food is really that good.
The entrance to Commune - Virginia Beach
Crispy Fried Potatoes: Crispy fried potato, pickled mustard seeds, crumbled, farmer's cheese, roasted garlic aioli, shaved raw radish
Corneal Waffle: chicken thigh, scrambled eggs, chamomile butter, and hickory syrup
Organic Buckwheat Crepe Galette Complete: traditional french crepe with ham, melted cheddar, organic greens, and scrambled egg
Fried Chicken Sandwich: pasture-raised fried chicken thigh, organic greens, pickled mustard seeds and smoked pepper mayo on a toasted sourdough brioche bun
The bar at Commune
The Bee and The Biscuit
closed + carry out orders coming soon
The Bee and the Biscuit is a return favorite for me. I love that this place is just a few minutes away from my home, and it’s a spot my husband and I frequent quite a bit. This little gem is always packed, so be prepared to wait a little bit. The average wait time can be from 30-50 minutes, but don’t let that deter you from visiting this spot, there is bar outside! Their bartender is serving up all of the cocktails that are featured on the restaurants menu. Also, there are plenty of outdoor seating, games, and things to keep you busy while waiting for your table.
The cutest little setup at The Bee & The Biscuit
Everything is insanely delicious at this place! One of my favorite things this spot offers, is not on the menu, but if you order a bottle of champagne, you’re given a mason jar of a juice of your choice for just $20! For our group of four, it was a no brainer to select this option for our meal. My recommendation, order the blood orange - it is my absolute favorite.
El Wrapo: scrambled eggs, chorizo, cotija cheese, green onion, black beans, in a wrap, smothered with our savory sausage gravy. Served with country potatoes
Avocado Toast: grilled sunflower bread, mashed avocado, fresh herbs, drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, served with a baby arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette
The Porch on Long Creek
curbside pickup
This spot has been open for less than a year, but it is so extremely popular, and has some amazing food. Not only is the food fantastic, but the ambience is stunning. The staff is super kind, and made some wonderful recommendation during our visit. Also, the menu has such a wide variety of options from seafood to steak, you’ll have plenty to choose from!
Surf & Turf Special: grilled shrimp, steak, garlic parmesan potato wedges, creamy a jus sauce
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake: whole grain mustard sauce, jicama slaw, french fries
Chocolate cake with fresh berries
Creme brûlée
Heirloom
carry out
This wonderful spot is right in my neighborhood, and is in walking distance from my house - seriously, how lucky am I? Heirloom’s space is beautiful, and their food is great! I really enjoyed my experience at this local spot, and the staff was wonderful, from their in-house sommelier to the attentive waitress, we received the best service! I cannot wait to see how much of an impact this spot makes on our community, and they have only been open since December 2019!
Braised Lamb: turnip & rutabaga purée, charred brussels sprout leaves, pan jus
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes: maple sweet potato, baby spinach
If you live in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area, here are a few other of my favorite local spots, that are still offering curbside/to-go orders during this time:
Prosperity Kitchen & Pantry - carry out
Bay Local - carry out / online ordering + limited dining room seating
Cobalt Grille - carry out + curbside pickup
Codex - carry out
Pendulum Fine Meats & Market - curbside pickup + delivery
Hearth Wood Fired Cuisine & Craft Beer - carry out
The Butcher’s Son - carry out
Redwood Smoke Shack - dine outside + carry out / online ordering
The Atlantic - online ordering (25% off all carry our orders)
Fruitive - carry out
Tinto Wine & Cheese - delivery (6 bottle minimum) + limited seating + carry out
If you are not 100% comfortable with dining out quite yet, which is totally understandable during this time, then feel free to support your local restaurants by ordering gift cards to your favorite local spots to redeem at a later date! Also, many restaurants are selling their produce, meats, beer, wine, and speciality curated cocktail kits! There are so many ways to support local during this pandemic.
Stay safe everyone!
XO, Analise