Freemason Abbey Restaurant

07/29/09

Excellent in every way

by dragondragon

One of our many visits to Freemason Abbey, and the expereince just keeps getting better. My husband and I have been going to Freemason for about 6 years now, and it's consistently a favorite. My favorite entree is the Seafood Fantasia, my husband's is the Fried Shrimp Platter. Both were awesome as always. We go for lunch a lot also on the weekends, and their sandwiches are unique and filling, especially when you get them with their seasoned french fries... so good! Anyway, at dinner we had the she crab soup, the two main meals, and then dessert. Which was cheesecake covered with strawberries, also to die for. Our server, Krista, was more than pleasant and accomodating. She was attentive without being overbearing or hovering. At the end of our meal, my husband loved everyhting so much, that we asked if we could say thank you to the chef. He came out, introduced himself as Scott, and was so nice! He even said that he wasn't the executive chef, but one of the supervisors when the chef isn't there. Which is amazing to me that the executive chef can train his staff so well to produce quality as good as his own. We will always return to Freemason Abbey for all special occasions, or just a night out!

07/16/09

A Huge Overpriced Disappointment

by TheRealGarcia

We dined at Freemason Abbey for the first time on Friday July 10, 2009. Our experience at this establishment was extremely disappointing. My husband and I both ordered the whole lobster. Both of our orders were apparently overcooked leaving the lobsters very tough and chewy. Our server left a lot to be desired. She was not very attentive, her serving skills were about on par for what one would expect in a diner and she lacked the personality to be in a service industry. Our party of four was seated in a booth upstairs which was quite cramped for 4 people. The restaurant had plenty of empty tables (which, by the way, is not a good sign for any restaurant on a Friday night). The temperature of the restaurant was uncomfortably chilly. My jaw almost dropped to the floor when I was told that they actually charge $1 to substitute the broccoli for the green beans - green beans is a very strange vegetable pairing to begin with for a lobster dinner. The overall quality of the food was very poor and indicative of less than fresh ingredients. We were disappointed that none of the deserts offered were made in house. Even the coffee was bad. Freemason Abbey's prices are on par with a fine dining establishment where one would expect outstanding, attentive service and properly cooked food made with fresh ingredients - we found it to be just the opposite. I had heard many good things about Freemason Abbey, but apparently from folks who haven't been there in awhile. After checking online yesterday, I see that recent reviews of dining experiences there have been very poor overall. What a shame, it's a good location and apparently at one point in time was a very good restaurant. What happened?

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Just about everything else

03/08/08

NOT TOO GOOD

by retiredandhappy

Several years ago, I would have given this place 6 stars, that was then but not now. We had not been there for several years. At that time the food had gone down hill. We decided to give it another try. IT WAS WORSE. The service was slow. My wife had the prime rib, nothing but fat. Another person had a stake. It took them 3 tries to get it cooked correctly and when we finally got it, there still problems with the meat. The meal was slow comming out. The manager came by the table and told us the that meal would be taken off of the bill. We had to wave down the waitress several time to get service. When the bill came the waitress mixed up the credit cards and put the wrong bill on the wrong card. The stake was not taken off of the bill, she did not know how to do that but gave us a ten dollar gift coupon for our next visit. I do not think that there will be a next visit. It took over ninety minutes for us to eat.

• Pros: nice location, good atmosphere
• Cons: slow service, food not cooked properly,

11/18/07

Terrific service and the food options are outstanding!

by amyrogers

I took my husband there today for his 61st birthday! Not only is the building historically beautiful but the interior refects the former church's elegant decor'!! Our server, John S., was delightful and very aware of our every need. It was just a joy to be there. My husband who is the vice-president of Coopervision in Norfolk often takes his clients there - so impressive!

"My" only suggestion is to have those beautiful ladies dress in the "period clothes" that would reflect the importance of this historic site. They look like they work at "Sloppy Joes" in their men's shirts and ties. Very drab. And, not at all the demeanor this church site deserves, and them, too! Thank you for a delightful time! Amy and Chuck Rogers

11/19/06

Great Special Occasion Dining

by rmy109

This is one of the first restraunts I tried when I moved here and it is a favorite. Great atmosphere for dining for many different occasions. Romantic, out with the girls from college, etc.

06/14/05

Favorite restaurant

by savannah1977

I travel to Norfolk frequently and I always go to Freemason when I am there. I have loved every meal. I have learned to make a reservation because the secret is out about how good this restauant is. The wait staff is excellent. They seem to recognize when someone is sharing a special evening. I often see them bring a rose to the lady at a table - very quietly (no singing waiters here!!) This restaurant must be group friendly because there is usually a large group celebrating something - a family reunion, friends just gathering together - even a wedding shower luncheon/with gifts opened at the table. Really cute!

The Freemason Abbey Restaurant might be the most fun you've ever had in church.

by Contributor

The Scene:
Freemason Abbey is housed in a neo-Victorian church at the edge of downtown. Tables one flight up in the alcove overlook the main dining area for a great view without a window seat. The Abbey caters to large groups that may strain the capacity of smaller boutique restaurants, and parties of up to forty are always welcome. Groups with more than forty people are accepted during the off-hours. The 200-seat restaurant features a variety of casual American fare including burger, prime rib, pasta, and seafood. Like many restaurants the Abbey offers mid-week promotions, but Wednesday night brings the masses in droves for their whole lobster special. The Abbey's late kitchen hours make it the perfect place for a light bite with friends after a show.

If you order one thing:
Go on Wednesday for the lobster special.

05/28/03

Great for group functions

by leannrupy

A couple of times a month we take a group of 8-20 people here for dinner. The food is consistantly good, the service has been excellent and the atmosphere is great (make sure everyone in your party can climb stairs).

Make Reservations

I concur with going on Wednesday's for Lobster Night!

10/17/02

Customers Don't Count

by JimA

One of the worst dining experiences I've had in any state or country has been at Freemason Abbey. I organized a group of approximately 20 people to enjoy dinner and theater. We had reservations and the promise of tables on the second floor. We stood by while friends of the hostess or manager entered and were seated at the tables designated for us. We waited another 20 minutes for other tables on the first floor. Service was slow and we didn't have time for coffee or dessert.

• Pros: location, building, some food
• Cons: arrogant, poor service, no customer relations