Our party of 6 had reservations for 7 o'clock. It was my daughter's birthday and we wanted to treat her to something special. Prompt seating was the only thing special about the meal. We were barely at our table when the waitress asked for our order, had not even a chance to look at the menu. Three pasta dishes were ordered, good but nothing exceptional according to my daughter and her two friends. I had the ribs which were tender but the BBQ sauce tasted like what I would have poured out of a store brand bottle from home. The sides of rice and broccoli were scant and ordinary as well. Our other guest ordered the queen cut prime rib and house salad. The salad was little more than a hunk of lettuce and a thin slice of cantalope and the prime rib was tough and served with what looked and tasted like gravy rather than au jus. No dinner breads or rolls were offered with any of the meals. It definatley did not make our 90 minute wait worth it and made us wish that we had gone to Hardee's instead. At least we would not have left still hungry.

For a truly exceptional and enchanting dining experience try eating at the Freemason Abby.

Like the Painted Lady, the Freemason Abby also came greatly recommended. Unlike the Painted Lady though, the recommendations were right on target here. The Abby serves lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner. John and I were here for dinner. The food here is American and Seafood.

Appetizer offerings include artichoke dip, shrimp cocktail, and calamari. The dinner menu includes such dishes as prime rib, ribs, chicken Rockefeller, and filet mignon. Their seafood includes a selection of fish, shrimp, and lobster. In fact these guys serve close to 1000 lobsters a month. Sandwiches on the menu include burgers, chicken, and clubs. They also have a great selection of soups and salads. They also include a full service bar.

John and I both thought we were famished until we started smelling food, then we neither one felt so hot. Since we had almost lost our appetites thanks to the Painted Lady, we just went with soup and salad. We both had the house salad, which comes as a hunk of lettuce topped off with a cheese stick, onions, tomatoes, and carrots. Very out of the ordinary and yummy. Their house raspberry vinaigrette is heavenly. John went with a turkey and wild rice soup while I went with French onion. Both soups were thick, hearty, and fulfilling. John’s consisted of a rich stock so hearty it had more of a stew consistency, big chunks of turkey, and wild rice. John also got a delectable Parmesan and sesame seed cracker to go with his soup. My soup had a hearty beef broth, a huge chuck of bread, and plenty of cheese to top it off. Both were served in a nice big crock.

The décor here is rich, warm, and inviting. This building was built in 1873 as the Second Presbyterian Church. Renovations started in 1988 to turn this into a one of-a-kind dining experience. Most of their interior remains as it once was and the furnishings fit in quite nicely. When you first walk in make sure to take a glace up at the open ceiling made of the original beams of wood.

If you have a large group, they do offer facilities for your group and a group menu. Reservations can be made up to a year in advanced and are highly suggested. The prices are reasonable and you won’t need a mini-loan to eat here. Most entrees are under $20. Hours are 11:30 AM -10 PM and Sunday brunch starts at 9:30 AM. For more information please visit them at www.freemasonabbey.com.

We have only eaten here for lunch before, but the food was good on all occasions. Freemason Abbey is located within about ten minutes walking distance from the Waterside area of downtown Norfolk, but there is a moderate sized parking lot if you're driving. The building itself is the most interesting part of the meal. The Abbey was built originally in 1873 as an old stone church. In my opinion, it is one of the most attractive buildings in Norfolk. The inside feels like a warm old tavern with a bar area, and down and upstairs seating for dining. The waiters and waitresses are friendly and the menu offers many diffferent food and drink possibilities. This is a great place to eat in Norfolk if you're looking to get away from the more popular Waterside area.