You’re standing on the edge of the Elizabeth River, a cold drink in your hand, watching a massive naval destroyer creep past the horizon while a live band covers a 90s rock anthem behind you. That’s the vibe. It’s loud, it’s salty, and it’s arguably the most recognizable spot in downtown Norfolk. For locals who remember the "old" Waterside, the current iteration—reimagined by The Cordish Companies back in 2017—is a different beast entirely. It’s no longer just a quiet mall with a few food stalls; it’s a high-energy powerhouse that anchors the city's tourism.
Honestly, the Waterside District Norfolk VA functions as the city's living room.
Whether you're hitting Blue Moon TapHouse for a local brew or trying to stay on a mechanical bull at PBR Norfolk, there's a specific gravity to this place. It pulls people in. But if you’re planning a visit, you shouldn't just walk in blindly. There are nuances to the parking, the "Market" layout, and the best times to actually enjoy the waterfront without being elbow-to-elbow with three thousand other people.
The Evolution of the Waterfront
The history here is kinda messy. In the 1980s, Waterside was the crown jewel of urban renewal, designed by James Rouse. It was supposed to be the "Faneuil Hall of the South." It worked for a while, then it didn't. By the early 2010s, it was a ghost town. When the $40 million renovation kicked off, the goal wasn't just to fix the roof—it was to create an "entertainment district."
What we have now is a massive, 30,000-square-foot space called The Market. It acts as the central hub. It’s got that industrial-chic look—exposed pipes, Edison bulbs, heavy wood—that feels very mid-2010s but still holds up because of the sheer scale. Inside, you've got a mix of heavy hitters like Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse and local-ish nods like Rappahannock Oyster Co. (though the latter's presence has shifted over time).
It’s not just about eating. It’s about the fact that you can grab a beer from the center bar and wander. Norfolk’s open-container laws are strict, but within the confines of the District, you have some breathing room to socialize.
Where to Actually Eat (and What to Skip)
Let's talk food because that’s why most people end up here. Blue Moon TapHouse is the anchor. It’s huge. It has multiple bars, a stage, and an outdoor patio that is arguably the best seat in the city on a Friday night in May. Their menu is standard "upscale pub"—think burgers, flatbreads, and plenty of seafood.
Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse is exactly what you expect. It’s bold. It’s loud. The trash can nachos are a legitimate caloric catastrophe, but they’re delicious. Is it fine dining? Absolutely not. Is it the place you go when you want brisket and a bourbon cocktail before a concert at Scope? 100%.
Then there’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for the kids. Or for you. No judgment.
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- PBR Norfolk: If you’ve never seen a bachelorette party attempt a mechanical bull, you’re missing out on a specific type of performance art. It’s a country bar through and through.
- The Market: This is the food court style area. You can get pizza at The Local, or tacos. It’s the best bet when you’re with a group of six people who can’t agree on a single cuisine.
You’ve gotta be careful on game days, though. When the Norfolk Tides are playing at Harbor Park—which is just a short walk down the Elizabeth River Trail—the Waterside District Norfolk VA gets slammed. It’s the "pre-game" and "post-game" spot. If you want a quiet dinner, don't go when there’s a home game or a show at the Norfolk Scope or Chrysler Hall.
Logistics: The Stuff Nobody Tells You
Parking in downtown Norfolk can be a headache if you’re not prepared. There is a garage literally attached to the building, the Waterside Garage. It’s convenient. It’s also the first one to fill up.
If that’s full, head to the Main Street Garage or the Fountain Park Garage. Expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $2 per hour, but event rates can kick in and jump that price up significantly. Honestly, if you’re staying at a hotel like The Main or the Sheraton, just walk. The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) runs right past the front door, making it super accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Elizabeth River Ferry is the secret weapon of Norfolk transportation. It’s a paddle-wheel ferry that runs between North Landing and High Street in Portsmouth and the Waterside District. It costs $2. It’s the cheapest boat tour you’ll ever get. Seeing the Norfolk skyline from the water at sunset for the price of a soda is the ultimate local pro-tip.
Why the Waterside District Norfolk VA Matters for Business
It’s not all beer and bulls. From a business perspective, the District is a massive tax generator for the city. It’s a "public-private partnership," which is a fancy way of saying the city owns the land and the building, but Cordish runs the show.
This setup allows for massive events like the Norfolk Harborfest or the Bayou Bon Vivant. These festivals bring hundreds of thousands of people to the waterfront. Without the infrastructure of the Waterside District—the restrooms, the stage power, the catering capacity—these events would be a logistical nightmare.
The District also serves as a "third space" for the thousands of people who work in the surrounding office towers like the Dominion Tower or the Wells Fargo Center. You’ll see suits at the bar at 4:30 PM on a Thursday. It’s the city’s networking hub, for better or worse.
The "Vibe" Shift: Day vs. Night
During the day, Waterside is family-friendly. You’ll see strollers, tourists looking at the Spirit of Norfolk (now the City Cruises boats), and people taking photos with the "NORFOLK" sign. It’s bright and airy.
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At night, especially after 9:00 PM on weekends, it changes. The security presence ramps up. There's often a dress code enforced—nothing too crazy, but usually no excessively baggy clothes or work boots. It becomes a nightlife destination. If you’re looking for a romantic, quiet date, go elsewhere after dark. If you want to dance and see a live cover band, this is your spot.
One thing to keep in mind is the weather. Since it’s right on the water, it’s always about five degrees cooler than it is inland, and the wind can be biting in the winter. They do a great job with outdoor heaters, but you’ll want a jacket.
Navigating the Surrounding Area
Don't just stay inside the building. The Waterside District Norfolk VA is the gateway to the rest of the city.
- Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin: Just a five-minute walk North. You can tour a literal battleship. It’s massive and imposing and makes for incredible photos.
- Town Point Park: This is the green space adjacent to Waterside. It’s where the big festivals happen. Even when there’s no event, it’s a great place to sit on a bench and watch the tugboats.
- The Main: Across the street. It’s a Hilton property with a rooftop bar called Grain. If you want a more "adult" atmosphere with a massive craft beer list, go there.
Misconceptions and Reality Checks
Some people complain that Waterside is "too corporate." And yeah, it’s run by a major national developer. It’s not a "hole-in-the-wall" local secret. But in a city that has struggled with its downtown identity for decades, Waterside provides a consistency that Norfolk needs.
Is the food the best in the city? Probably not. You’ll find better authentic eats in Chelsea or the NEON District. But you won't find the same view or the same "everything-under-one-roof" convenience.
It’s also surprisingly accessible. The Tide light rail stops at MacArthur Square, which is just a few blocks away. You can park at a park-and-ride lot in Virginia Beach, take the train in, and never have to worry about your car.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of the Waterside District, you need a plan.
Check the event calendar first. If there’s a private event or a major concert, some areas might be closed. If you want to eat at Blue Moon on a weekend, use an app to check for wait times or call ahead.
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Take the ferry. Seriously. Even if you have no reason to go to Portsmouth, ride it there and back. It’s the best way to see the naval shipyard and the scale of the cranes.
Budget for "resort prices." You’re on the waterfront in a major city. A burger and two beers will likely run you $40 or more with tip.
Wear comfortable shoes. Between the Elizabeth River Trail and the sheer size of the District, you’ll be walking more than you think.
If you're a fan of history, look for the plaques and markers around the exterior. The area near the water has been the site of everything from Revolutionary War skirmishes to the peak of the steamship era.
Keep an eye on the "Sunsets on the River" series during the summer months. These are often free or low-cost and feature local musicians who actually represent the 757 music scene better than the touring cover bands inside.
The Waterside District isn't just a building; it's the anchor of Norfolk's identity as a port city. It’s where the industry of the river meets the leisure of the city. Go for the view, stay for the energy, and make sure you're out on the pier when the sun goes down over the water. That’s the moment you realize why this spot has been the heart of the city for over 200 years.
Next Steps for Your Norfolk Trip
- Check the Ferry Schedule: Look up the HRT (Hampton Roads Transit) website for the Elizabeth River Ferry times to coordinate your arrival.
- Book a Harbor Cruise: Look into City Cruises Norfolk, which docks right at Waterside, for a lunch or dinner trek.
- Explore the ERT: Download the Elizabeth River Trail map to see how you can bike from Waterside all the way to Chelsea for a brewery crawl.
- Validate Your Parking: Always ask your server at the District restaurants if they offer parking validation for the Waterside Garage; it can save you a chunk of change depending on the current promotions.