Norfolk Diners Worship the Award-Winning Eats at Freemason Abbey’s Church-Turned-Restaurant
By Grace Silipigni
Situated just 20 minutes from the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a historic eatery dishing out some of the finest seafood and steak plates in Coastal Virginia. The palatable bites are complemented by Freemason Abbey Restaurant’s one-of-a-kind setting in a 19th-century Second Presbyterian Church. “When people go out to eat, they typically look for three things: great food, service and atmosphere,” explains Lori Maddux, executive general manager at Freemason Abbey Restaurant.
For over 34 years, Freemason Abbey has delivered on all three fronts. In addition to preserving and restoring the building’s original structure, the Freemason team has worked hard to preserve its amazing staff. “We have an awesome team. Almost all of the managers have worked here for several years and have worked their way up through the ranks,” says Maddux who boasts a 26-year tenure. “It’s like a family.”
Attention to detail is paramount to the Freemason menu. The Abbey’s offerings run the gambit of steak, seafood and pasta dishes, including a Seafood Fantasia featuring shrimp, sea scallops and lump crab meat. Rivaling even the most revered restaurants at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Freemason is best known for its She Crab Soup.
“We’ve won so many awards for our She Crab Soup” says Maddux. “We take pride in trying to do everything at a top-notch level.”
Freemason Abbey Restaurant recommends reservations for lunch and dinner. You can make a reservation and preview the menu at FreemasonAbbey.com.
Wanna Go?
freemasonabbey.com
209 W Freemason St., Norfolk, VA 23510
