Best Casual Restaurants in Norfolk

I asked for my steak tips rare or as close to rare as they do. The waitress said they can do rare... apparently not because they came out well done. Although the flavor was good, it was disappointing that they were cooked incorrectly and they were busy because it was Valentine's Day, so I just dealt with it. They were also cold and the broccoli had NO seasoning whatsoever. My boyfriend's food came out and there was tinfoil in it. The server was nice enough to take it off the bill, but he lost his appetite after that. The Jalepeno poppers were delicious and so was his cup of a stew. The server was not very attentive and we had to wait a very long time to do anything or get anything. Had to ask the runner for my salad dressing and when we sat down we were asked if we wanted to place an order for apps, but we had literally just sat and hadn't a minute to look at the menu. We said we needed a minute and got about 10. It was nice that we arrived a little earlier for our reservation and they were able to sit us right away.

I have no idea how a small town got so lucky. This restaurant is outstanding and could easily be in Boston (please don’t go tho). The food is unreal. We get something different every time and have yet to not be blown away. Everything is so thought out, well seasoned, perfectly cooked and executed. The staff are always friendly and prompt with service. I have zero complaints and probably more compliments than would fit in this review.

Great experience...from the friendly hostess...attentive and friendly waitress to the manager checking how everything was, we were very pleased. Food was very good and reasonably priced. The topper was the rose on each table and complimentary chocolate covered strawberries for my wife and I. Valentine's Day can be challenging for restaurants, but Union Straw was more than up to it.

Our favorite starter -- pickle chips -- were delivered quickly and HOT! Must've been right from the fryer. We appreciated that. The meals (greek salad w/salmon, mushroom & ricotta flatbread pizza) were good. Personally, the globs of ricotta scattered on the pizza don't add anything to it. I'll ask for it without the cheese next time. Chocolate chip cookie for dessert was different from what I remember. I remember a flat cookie in a small cast iron frying pan. This was shaped more like a muffin. I like the flat one better. It was unusually (and very pleasantly) quieter than normal. Given that it was lunch time on a Thursday, the place was almost empty.

Excellent service and courteous staff! Good quality was good