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Freemason Abbey

(757) 622-3966

Downtown Norfolk
209 W Freemason St
Norfolk, VA 23510
www.freemasonabbey.com

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Critic reviews for Freemason Abbey

645 The Virginian-Pilot
October 13, 2008 - It is good thing in a downtown area to see historic structures preserved and put to appropriate new uses. In 1873...  
full review | all The Virginian-Pilot reviews
641 Citysearch rated it 4.5/5.0
Freemason Abbey is housed in a neo-Victorian church at the edge of downtown. Tables one flight up in the alcove...  
full review | all Citysearch reviews
645 The Virginian-Pilot rated it 4/5 stars
Located in a 127-year--old renovated church, the atmosphere is elegantly casual and the menu's emphasis is on beef...  
full review | all The Virginian-Pilot reviews
49253 Metromix rated it 3.5/5 stars   full review
643 Mobil Travel Guide rated it 2 stars   full review
644 Port Folio Weekly
Lobster, seafood, prime rib, L, D daily  
full review | all Port Folio Weekly reviews
86165 Gayot rated it 13/20
Satisfying American favorites served up in a special atmosphere.  
full review | all Gayot reviews

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User reviews of Freemason Abbey

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"I want to like this place but I can't" by pdohr001 (11 reviews)
July 19, 2009 - Doesn't like it - I do I really do want to like this place, I love the old vintage setting the idea of it all. The menu is what I expected steak, fish, and a chicken little bit of seafood. The meal was forgettable only part of the meal I do remember was the crab dip it did have nice large lumps of meat to chow on. The decor is nice and is a huge part of its charm. For the price of what you are getting its not really worth it poke around a little bit there is better places to be found within walking distance.

Recommend this review

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"I love historic venues..." by R K Puma (187 reviews)
July 18, 2009 - Likes it - ...don't remember the meal but won't forget the interior. We would more often go to Sydney Meer's Dumb Waiter down the street back when. KUDOS just for preventing city (cough) fathers from bulldozing history and paving some more of downtown. I don't remember my few visits as pricey-- but it IS hard to find good deals on quality ingredients when I shop for my own family these days.
I empathize. --RK
rkpuma.com/ov

Recommend this review

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"An Overpriced Disappointment" by S P (1 review)
July 16, 2009 - 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 hit 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?

Recommend this review

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"Good but seriously overpriced" by Craig Dorrans (1 review)
July 13, 2009 - Doesn't like it - I really enjoy the game dinners but $100 for a family of 4? Unless it is date night take the kids to Doumars.

Recommend this review

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Phone mobile review by Kari (3 reviews)
March 15, 2009 - Likes it - Love the inside of this place. Great food and good service. Wide variety of food choices.

Recommend this review

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"Overrated" by jgildea (5 reviews)
March 08, 2009 - Doesn't like it - It's a shame that such a lovely setting should be accompanied by food that is described as "gourmet," but which is presented in a similar fashion to bad buffet offerings at a tourist trap in Del Boca Vista. Loved the ambiance and the wine. The food...not so much.

Recommend this review

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"Beautiful but lacking" by monty (21 reviews)
February 09, 2009 - Doesn't like it - Freemason Abbey is a lovely restaurant but the food is reminiscent of bad banquet food you would find in a hotel or wedding. I would never expect such a highly rated restaurant to serve lobster that for starters is frozen but also to still be frozen in the center when served like an under microwaved 7-Eleven burrito.

Recommend this review

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"great value good service for the abbey" by Jerry Z (9 reviews)
December 18, 2008 - Really likes it - Brought a group from out of town to the abbey they enjoyed themselves, amazed with the quality of food, good service and value for the dollar

1 person likes this review Recommend

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"Not the best..." by 1h2obird (3 reviews)
October 06, 2008 - Doesn't like it - because it seems as though they use many frozen items and just reheat them for service. There are so many other fresh, delicious restaurants in town for this to be a favorite of mine.

2 people like this review Recommend

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"Great meal!" by jalea (4 reviews)
August 24, 2008 - Likes it - I had the tile fish (a special for the evening) and it was delicious with rice and green beans.  There are lots of options for side dishes which includes potatoes and a variety of vegetables.  Small salads to accompany the meal are very reasonably priced.  The drink list is pretty good and they seem to personalize their drinks a little bit.  Not too many options for vegetarians, as most dishes involve meat or fish except for the salads-- you have to ask for a separate vegetarian menu.  Great atmosphere and friendly service.

Recommend this review

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Clay Ransone
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R K Puma
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Beaglescout
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