What if your next lunch or dinner came with more than 150 years of history and a setting unlike your typical Virginia restaurant?
One unusual dining spot has taken over a former 19th-century church, creating a place where the building itself is just as interesting as what arrives at your table.
Even after all these years, plenty of reminders of its original purpose remain throughout the space, giving you a peek into a completely different chapter of its past.
Keep reading to find out where this historic Virginia restaurant is hiding and what makes eating here such a memorable experience.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Freemason Abbey Restaurant at 209 West Freemason Street in downtown Norfolk, inside a former church that dates back to 1873.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach, 55 minutes from Williamsburg, and roughly 1 hour 35 minutes from Richmond, depending on traffic.
About
Freemason Abbey Restaurant lets you enjoy dinner inside a former church with soaring ceilings, stained-glass windows, and plenty of original architectural details.
The building was dedicated in 1873, when it was originally constructed as a place of worship for Norfolk’s Second Presbyterian Church.
By the late 1980s, it was ready for another change after serving as a meeting hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for nearly 40 years.
Renovations began in 1988, and the restaurant opened the following year, giving the former church a new life as one of the city’s most unique places to grab a meal.
Today, you can still clearly tell what the building used to be as soon as you walk inside.
Look around, and you’ll find original roof trusses, cathedral-style window frames, and the old bell tower, all reminders of the building’s past.
Despite the impressive setting, the menu is approachable rather than overly fancy.
Freemason Abbey serves classic American food with plenty of seafood, which makes sense for a restaurant in a coastal Virginia city.
The popular She Crab Soup is a menu favorite, along with crab cakes, bang bang shrimp, glazed salmon, hand-cut steaks, chicken, sandwiches, salads, and pasta.
That variety makes this an easy pick when your group can’t agree on seafood, steak, or something more casual.
And no matter what you’re in the mood for, you can stop by for lunch or dinner, enjoy weekend brunch, or order a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine from the full bar.
So come hungry, but don’t rush straight to the menu when you arrive.
Take a minute to look up at the old church architecture because the building itself is a huge part of what makes dinner at Freemason Abbey so memorable.
You get a full restaurant experience inside a Norfolk landmark that has stood for more than 150 years, making an ordinary lunch or dinner feel a little more special.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Best Time to Visit
Freemason Abbey Restaurant is open every day, with hours varying throughout the week.
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Sunday.
Hours may change for holidays or special events, so check the restaurant’s official website before your visit.
Reservations and Parking
Booking a table ahead of time is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday brunch, holidays, and larger groups.
As for parking, your best bet is one of the two small lots beside and behind the restaurant, with extra parking available in the larger lot after 5:00 PM and on weekends.
What to Wear and Expect
The restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, so casual clothing works just fine.
Its historic church setting also makes it a memorable choice for birthdays, date nights, and other special occasions.
Things to Do Nearby
The restaurant is at 209 W Freemason Street in downtown Norfolk, so you can easily pair your meal with a few of the city’s biggest attractions.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is only about a 5-minute drive away, where you can explore a collection of more than 35,000 works of art with free general admission.
You can also walk 10 minutes to the waterfront and visit Nauticus, a maritime discovery center that includes access to the Battleship Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin is a massive World War II-era battleship measuring 887 feet long, so give yourself plenty of time if you want to explore its decks before dinner.
For a longer waterfront walk, follow part of the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5-mile pedestrian and bike route connecting several Norfolk neighborhoods and attractions.
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