Downtown Norfolk has forged its way as a premier destination for Coastal Virginia socialites. The multitude of restaurants at Waterside District and refurbished Sheraton have certainly helped to modernize the metropolitan area, and The Main and its trendy rooftop bar have truly put Norfolk on the map.
Consuming much of the Hilton’s fifth floor is Grain, an industrial chic beer garden featuring two open-air patios, a formal dining room, communal high top tables and an elevated stage for live entertainment. Grain’s upscale bar scene balances elegance with comfort, pairing its sweeping skyline views with oversized leather sofas and cozy outdoor firepits. To further amuse guests, Grain has also introduced several yard games to their outdoor spaces including giant chess, foosball and shuffleboard.
At just over a year old, Grain has become a popular watering hole for many and its slew of special events keep the rooftop experience new and exciting with each passing week. Wednesday night Brewfests are among Grain’s most notable happenings.
Every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., Grain features one brewery to showcase their craftsmanship. Last week’s Brewfest presented Norfolk’s very own Coelacanth Brewing Company.
Featured on the Brewfest menu were four Coelacanth beers and discounted pub bites like chicken wings, bratwursts and savory pork sliders for just $1 each. Served in a $6 flight were Coelacanth’s rosemary wheat ale, Coelia, an Indian Pale Lager deemed Enefkay ('NFK' for Norfolk), the seasonal Bramble Peach Berliner Weiss and the award-winning Passion Fruit Gose which brought home gold from the Virginia Craft Brewer’s Cup.
Next on the Brewfest agenda for Virginia Craft Beer Month in August are Devils Backbone Brewing Company on Aug. 15, Benchtop Brewing on Aug. 22 and Virginia Beer Company on Aug. 29.
Grain is located at 100 E Main St., Norfolk.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
