5 Gay Bars in Norfolk, VA — LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Norfolk has 5 gay bars norfolk listed here — from neighbourhood spots to well-known destinations. Whether you're looking for gay clubs norfolk or something quieter, use the listings below to find your next spot.
Norfolk stands out in this directory for the size of its bars scene: a larger share of its LGBTQ+ venues are bars than in most other cities listed. Among the handful of options, MJ's Tavern leads with a 3.9-star rating, a sign of solid local support. Whether you're after a laid-back neighborhood spot or a livelier night out, the city's bar offerings are worth exploring.
Rainbow Cactus Company
Rainbow Cactus Company is open six nights a week from 6pm to 2am, making it a predictable late-night option in Virginia Beach. This LGBTQ+ owned venue has been serving Hampton Roads since 1997, offering drag shows, live music, and a casual dance floor. The crowd spans 20-somethings to 40-somethings, and it's 18+ friendly. The vibe is mixed: some reviewers praise the drag show and fun atmosphere, while others note inconsistent service and weak drinks. DJ Arrick's weekend sets draw complaints about repetition. Security can be stern. That said, the outdoor seating and happy hour soften the edges. It's a decent bet if you're with friends, but solo visitors may feel the chill.
The Wave
Walk into The Wave and you'll find three bars, two dance floors, and a crowd that skews young and mixed. This is Norfolk's only 18+ gay dance club, with a front bar playing house or techno and a smaller back bar spinning top 40 and dance hits on busy Saturday nights. Thursday is 80s night, though DJs rotate and the theme can be hit or miss. Saturday draws the biggest crowd, while Friday tends to be dead. There's an outdoor smoking patio and a pool room. The vibe is divey and full bar is confirmed. Military get free entry on Fridays. If you prefer an older crowd, MJ's Tavern nearby might suit you better.
MJ's Tavern
A cornerstone of Norfolk's LGBTQ community since 2012, MJ's Tavern is a casual pub open to everyone with reasonably priced drinks and food. The owner emphasizes making people happy, reflected in friendly staff and regular events like Sunday Tea Dance, Monday karaoke, Tuesday free pool, Wednesday trivia, and Thursday steak night. Ratings are average, but reviews note a welcoming, mixed crowd and cheap drinks.
37th and Zen
A local favorite, 37th and Zen brings drag shows, live music, drink specials, and food together in one lively spot. The outdoor patio and backyard area give it a relaxed backyard-party feel, even when the queens are working the room. You'll find budget-friendly specials that make it easy to stay for a full night out. Head here for happy hour, then wander over to MJ's Tavern if you're still going.
Norfolk Waterside Marriott
If you need a hotel room in downtown Norfolk, this Marriott sits right on the Elizabeth River waterfront. It's open 24 hours and markets itself as family-friendly with a mixed-gay-straight vibe, plus a swimming pool for guests. The Yelp rating of 2.6/5 from 222 reviews suggests the experience can be inconsistent, so temper expectations. The Waterside location puts you near a few other gay-owned spots like MJ's Tavern if you want to venture out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bars are listed in Norfolk on this directory?
There are 5 bars currently listed in Norfolk.
Why does Norfolk seem to have a lot of bars compared to other cities?
In this directory, Norfolk has an unusually large share of LGBTQ+ venues that are bars, relative to most other cities. That means the bar scene here is a bigger part of the local LGBTQ+ landscape than elsewhere, giving visitors more bar options to choose from.
Which bar in Norfolk is the highest rated?
MJ's Tavern is the top-rated bar in Norfolk with a 3.9-star rating.
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