Small's Smokehouse Oyster - Norfolk

So this summer my husband and I challenging ourselves to try different places in Norfolk instead of going to the same old spots over and over again . Omg let me tell you I'm so glad that we ran over this location it definitely will be a place that we return too often. We got there and was greeted by Austin which his spirit and smile was such a delight I asked if we could sit out on the patio to enjoy the summer night and he was gladly to assist us it was absolutely gorgeous in the back the lighting and plants just simply beautiful !!!! BUT THE FOOD O .M. G JUST DELICIOUS and the drinks were AMAZING !!!! I have no idea how I have grown up in Norfolk and this is the first time I've ever been to this place

I love this place. The location isn't the best, but the food is delicious. I returned again at a later date, and my server was amazing. I had the blackened catfish, collard greens, and smoked wings. All I can say is wow! Everything was delightful!

A friend of mine, who is blind and has a very fine sense of taste, has been dying to come here since hearing a rave review about their Burnt Ends. Her wish was granted last week when I took her here for her birthday Small 's Smokehouse Oyster Bar is a family owned restaurant and their current business after four generations of serving our local area. It all started when John Small, Sr. opened Small 's Hardware Store on Hampton Boulevard and 43rd Street a century ago in 1919. The business was kept going by John Small, Jr., and later by John Small III, before they finally closed in 1986. In February of 2013, John Small III, and his son, Logan, opened Small 's Smokehouse Oyster Bar at the intersection of Hampton Boulevard and 27th Street. I wasn 't planning to write a review. For most local restaurants, I like to visit three times before writing one. This was my first visit, and I wasn 't planning to return. After leaving, I decided to write a review after all and wished I had taken more than one photo. An ample sized parking lot awaited us while pulling in. The interior had a rustic feel with walls dotted with vintage photographs and newspaper clippings. After we were seated, my friend immediately told our server that she came for the Burnt Ends. Unfortunately, they were not available. Our server recommended the Brisket Platter, which she decided to try. BRISKET PLATTER: A half-pound of of smoked brisket, topped with caramelized onions. Served with a slice of French bread and pickles. The platter was visually unattractive. The brisket resembled a pile of thin sliced rags and exhibited an anemic grayish tone. The French bread was only toasted on its bottom side and was left bare on its upper side. The pickles consisted of two thick round slices and displayed a pale and yellowish appearance. Some of the juices from the brisket seeped over to the bottom of her bread and made it mushy and soggy. She asked our server for some regular butter, only to be told that they only serve honey butter. She doesn 't like honey butter and declined. She found her bread unappetizing and was unable to eat it. She commented on her brisket: It was not hot and not even warm. It was not nearly as tender as it should have been. The smoky flavor I expected was lacking. She was only able to eat about half of it and later said it was the most inferior brisket she has ever tasted. Her Rating: 2 Stars. She was being generous. She also ordered the following sides: SMOKED GOUDA MAC-N-CHEESE: It came in a small bowl with the form and texture of a hardened gluey clump. She took a couple of bites and later commented; I could not taste the Gouda, and I 've had better Mac-N-Cheese out of a box. I tried a bite and found it flavorless. When it came time to box up our leftovers, I could have used a crowbar to pry it loose from its bowl. Our Rating: 1 Star. GREEN BEANS: We differed on this one. She found her beans under cooked and lacking in seasoning. She also commented: Even the beans had more smokiness than the brisket. They were cooked just right for me, a bit firm and crunchy, which is how I like them. Her Rating: 2 Stars. My Rating: 4 Stars. FRENCH FRIES: My friend commented: They had a decent taste and crunch with a hint of sweetness. Otherwise, they were ordinary. I tried a couple of pieces and found them to be okay. Our Rating: 3 Stars. I ordered the following: BRISKET CHILI: Award Winning Chili topped with Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers, and Scallions. The award cited above was a 1st place showing in a Virginian-Pilot Taste Test in January of 2015. My Chili was served piping hot and exhibited a nice texture and flavor, some of which trailed off at the end. I would have liked a more peppery taste. The brisket pieces were chunky and some were a bit fatty. Otherwise, it was a cut above the usual Chili served in most restaurants. My friend tried a couple of bites and described it as the best dish on our table. My Rating: 4 Stars. A small selection of hot sauces was housed in a rack on a nearby wall. I would suggest some Endorphin Rush, which delivers a nice smoky BBQ flavor and plenty of heat with 53,000 Scoville Units. It would go well with their Chili. Our server was friendly and displayed a nice personality. She appeared to be the only server during our visit. Her service felt a bit rushed toward the end, and she neglected to ask us if we wanted dessert. Their web site boasts: Norfolk 's Best BBQ, Serving Ghent and ODU. If this is the best that Norfolk has to offer, then we need to step up our BBQ game. A legit and quality BBQ spot is sorely needed. My friend 's closing words: I had such high expectations for my birthday meal. I won 't be back. Not even for their burnt ends. I took her to Doumar 's for an ice cream cone after our meal to cheer her up. This 3-Star rating comes with reservations, and it was only my Chili that barely pulled it away from a lower rating.

We've come to Small's a few times after kickball games for the beer specials. The first time ordering food we got the oyster po boy which was pretty good but lacking a good amount of oysters. We also ordered a side of the brussel sprouts to split with a friend and it was extremely small so it wasn't even possible. Didn't really make sense for the price. The second time we ate here they were having a luau for the kickball teams. The pork itself was very tender but lacking a little seasoning the sauces were a must. The skin was unfortunately impossible to eat. Would recco this place for a drink and hanging outside playing games. If you're in the mood for food would stick to the basics.

I was looking for a new place to eat, and my husband decided to take me out to lunch and he chose bbq. So I decided to try it out. Smalls actually had a decent size parking lot compared to other places I've been to in Norfolk. I walked in and we were welcomed right away. They saw a baby and got a high chair right away. The restaurant looked nice and very clean. I waiter was very helpful, and catered to our every need. I had ordered their bbq sandwich with the coleslaw and their Gouda Mac and cheese. The food came out fast and was very presentable. The pork was nice and tender... All their sauces tasted great. The Gouda Mac and cheese is amazing. I tried the fries from my husband's plate and those were seasoned great. The Kaiser roll was nicely toasted, and the coleslaw had a great crunch. I'll be back