MJ's Tavern, located at 4019 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, offers a vibrant atmosphere that embraces both fun and friendly service. Patrons praise the laid-back vibe of the venue, which features two bars, pool tables, and entertainment options like board games. Customer Laurie Metzger highlights the affordable yet delicious food, particularly praising the Buffalo Chicken Dip, which boasts an impressive chicken-to-sauce ratio. The welcoming energy makes it an ideal spot for gatherings after events, like Pride night at the Virginia Zoo.
Many reviews also underscore the attentive service, with staff like Jaimie recognized for their professionalism and friendly demeanor. Regulars such as Paul M. Shurak appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, from spotless glassware to prompt drink refills, ensuring a comfortable dining experience. While some dishes received mixed feedback, like the chicken sandwich noted by Haley Linkous, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many eager to return and explore the menu further.
Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, MJ's Tavern remains a cherished local gem that promises a good time and enjoyable dining experience. As Rachel Gordon puts it, "The atmosphere is relaxed and casual." If you're in Norfolk, give MJ's a visit—you might just find your new favorite hangout!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For MJ's Tavern
Haley Linkous
Jul 3,2025
I went here with my partner to celebrate her 21st. The atmosphere was welcoming and fun, the drinks were great, and the service was good. It was busy so I didn’t interact with the staff that much but they were friendly and as quick as they could be! We ordered the BBQ and a Chicken sandwich and unfortunately I cannot recommend either. The BBQ seemed to have mayo mixed in and was the texture of tuna salad. She got the chicken sandwich and didn’t enjoy it, and she found some pink in it once we were home. The fries were so good and I saw some other pictures of food on here that looked amazing, so take this review with a grain of salt. The people you’ll meet here are definitely the best part of the experience, as expected! Can’t wait to come back and try again
Laurie Metzger
May 29,2025
Absolutely love this tavern! We went here after going to Pride night at the Virginia Zoo and it exceeded our expectations! First of all the food was good and affordable. Second, our waiter was exceptional in terms of service and friendliness! Third, the vibe here is so cool and laid back...two bars, outside dining and hang out, pool tables and board games inside and inside dining tables. There is a front and back bar in this place. Love the sign at the door and love that they give you a church bulletin discount every day of the week and not just on Sunday! Love the rainbow stripes painted in the parking lot. The Buffalo Chicken Dip was phenomenal as I've never had a dip that had more chicken than anything else and it wasn't like a soup. It was mostly chicken with a buffalo taste and some cheese. Kudos! Our party of six all loved it! The hummus was okay, but we all thought it was too bland. We felt like it was missing some salt and lemon to punch it up a notch, but it was definitely home made. Everything else was delicious too! We'll definitely be back!!
Paul M. Shurak
May 11,2025
Each time I've visited M.J.'s it has been early to mid afternoon (I just never seem to be in Norfolk for the nightlife) Jaimie has been on duty handing the bar and the tending to the tables each time. Always with a smile and a very friendly , professional manner. I'm almost always alone and I don't drink alcohol, so my check is never large but I receive the same excellent service as the well known table full of regulars. I'm a proud product of the restaurant/ bar trade, so I notice and appreciate some of the things that most establishments have over the years have allowed to slide. Such as spotless polished bar glassware, and flatware. Topping off soft drinks and iced tea without asking or being asked. Clearing finished dishes quickly and the most pleasant of all, being allowed as the customer to set the pace and not feel rushed. You get all this and more at M.J.'s. Also the food is tasty and well presented, hot when it should be and cold when it should be, nothing worse than a warm salad or cold soup. I'll definitely return and make an effort to do so later in the evening. So as to see the full venue at it's finest. Keep up the excellent work
Mary Commander
May 7,2025
My husband and I had the most delicious omelets at breakfast this morning. This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Excellent menu choices. Quality preparation and service. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Highly recommend!
Duncan Palmer
Apr 26,2025
Always a blast when I go here, great bartenders and servers, and awesome food. Personality love getting a large salad there with medium rare steak on it and also their big beef nachos
Michelle Morgan
Apr 24,2025
The food was good. We had an order of fish and chips, popcorn shrimp and tuna bites. Fish and chips was a big portion size. Our server was nice. We were visiting from out of town and prices were reasonable. There is an outdoor patio to eat along with indoor seating. There is a pool table inside and great music was playing. We went around 7pm and there was plenty of parking.
Candi Aintright
Apr 10,2025
What a GREAT PLACE!! The staff is very friendly even to canine customers! There’s space for smokers outside also. The atmosphere is welcoming to all patrons. I haven’t even started with the food!! I got lunch, dinner,& brunch. (We went daily while I was in town) Every meal we had was delightful!! The brunch is a Must have!! I LOVED the spinach!! The Bartender makes a MEAN MIMOSA!! Overall all just outstanding!! I live in Atl and this is the best gay bar I’ve been to in years. Nuff said????
Thomas Coursey
Apr 3,2025
Super friendly folks and a cool vibe atmosphere. Food was good too. Nice place to hang out. They have a friendly resident dog as well but I didn't get a picture.
Reviews For MJ's Tavern