Esoteric

Exception food, cocktails, service, and atmosphere! Started with Coco Mango Marg and Yellow Brick Road cocktails, both were well-balanced, definitely not too strong. Duck tacos were incredible, massive and flavorful, and an unbeatable deal at happy hour! Strawberry salad excellent as well. White Russian and Endless Summer cocktails also delicious and well-balanced. Pork chop and scallop entrees both very nice, soy marinade on the pork chop shines while scallops were perfectly tender with an incredible sauce! Made Ya Blush shooter is super fun and tasty, and desserts of house-made donuts and peanut butter s'more brownie were both outstanding, as good as you could imagine, both must-tries!

My partner has been raving about Esoteric in VA Beach since we met. We finally stopped by after hitting up Vibrant Shore Brewing Company on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I can see what all the fuss is about. 🍻😋👏 My favorite part of the meal was our appetizer: Buffalo Oyster Mushroom Bites with the most incredible breading, texture, and flavor. Literally decadent... we are constantly amazed how mushrooms can magically imitate meat in the best way. 🍄🤤👍 For entrees, I had a pretty simple Black Garlic Caesar salad with grilled chicken, but it was mighty tasty with blistered tomatoes, manchego cheese, and nduja croutons. 🥗🐔🧀 My partner enjoyed the Hot Halibut Sammie with a perfectly fried filet complete with smoked hot honey sauce, hot sauce aioli, provolone, and a warm fennel slaw on potato bread. A splash of fresh lemon was all we needed to take the flavor profile over the edge. 🐟🍋😋 Esoteric has a pretty awesome draft beer list although quite a few of the ones we requested were kicked. Still...service was great and the food and portions were well worth the slightly above-average price tag. I hear the Happy Hour is a must. 🍻🥂👍 IG: @jamesandjesslivedeliciously

One of if not THE best cocktail bars to go to in Va Beach! The bartenders are the nicest and make amazing drinks, then menu rotates based on the season, and every ingredient in their drinks and food is incredibly fresh. I recommend this place to anyone in the area!

My husband and I love Esoteric. If I ever have to move away from VB, I will come back just to dine here. The food is insanely delicious and the drinks are perfect every. single. time. We’ve tried the pork chops, scallops, charred octopus, spicy chicken sandwich, truffle parm fries… just to name a few. Everything is so good. I still think about the arrabbiata meatballs—my absolute favorite. I was crushed to see they’re not on the menu anymore!! Truly the best meatballs I’ve ever had

Esoteric is one of my favorite restaurants in Virginia Beach. I always have a good experience and the wait staff is seriously the best and so kind and really attentive. The food is fresh and the menu is seasonal so there is typically something new and different to try. The aesthetic is on point. Such great lighting and wall art by Roxy Hall… go check it out. She’s the best. We love it here. The bartenders are great. The food is great. It’s not even really loud which is so nice. The bathrooms are cool too.

Wow. We’ve been coming to VA Beach for over a decade and this is the best meal we’ve had there, period. All of the food we ordered was inventive and cooked perfectly! The drinks were fantastic (with a great selection), with top notch happy hour deals. The atmosphere was contemporary, but still warm and inviting - the kids in our group (10 and 2) really enjoyed touring the garden out back. Such a special evening and a lovely way to end our trip!

When I tell you this was some good eating. Everything I put in my mouth tasted amazing! Highly recommend. Loved the oyster mushrooms, duck tacos and the blood orange cheesecake. Wanted to find out where the pastry chef got the chocolate truffles from so I could take some home… they made them! Start a side business please. The dessert was so phenomenal, I bought a second one to take home to my spouse. Glad to have experienced such amazing food!

I am so disappointed in my experience here. After reading reviews and this place being hyped up by what people call was “the best food”, I HAD to try it. This was NOT GOOD! Even though our server was great and the atmosphere was eclectic, yet sooo loud, the food was subpar. It was overpriced and the flavors were underwhelming. We had the duck tacos which looked great but was fairly bland… buffalo mushrooms that tasted like fried batter with hot wing sauce (not worth $19), the hot halibut and the spicy chicken Sammie (at this point didn’t even bother with pics)….. both were terrible but the worst was the baby food style braised Brussels…. Disgusting. If you are going for just a drink it’s perfect if you are okay with $20 cocktails (they were delicious), otherwise do yourself a favor and don’t waste your $$$ on this food when you can find better for 1/2 the price!

Sorry , I forgot to take espresso martinis photo although it was delicious . I also forgot to take photo of rebuan . The food is always delicious drinks as well Just stop by and taste it your self . It is not the cheapest although one of the best it you a worth it Ambiance ins always well coming and the service is just right

Farm to table! Nice casual but friendly ambiance. Excellent typical American menu. The black bean burger was solid. Service was slow initially - it was quite busy, but then super attentive.

Esoteric has such a vibey atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for a night out with friends. The staff was super friendly from the moment we walked in, making us feel right at home. We came just for drinks, and let me tell you, the espresso martinis did not disappoint. We ended up getting a round for the table because, clearly, we're all big fans. I've tried my fair share of espresso martinis, and this might just be one of the best in Virginia Beach. Creamy, smooth, with just the right kick. definitely a 10/10. We didn't try any food this time, but the menu looked incredible. I couldn't help but eye the spicy chicken sammie, and I'm already planning to come back to give it a try. It seems like the kind of place where you can't go wrong, whether you're just grabbing drinks or sitting down for a full meal. Overall, Esoteric nailed it. Great vibes, and awesome drinks. If you're in VB and looking for a spot that checks all the boxes, this is it. Can't wait to come back!

Cute spot with a cute patio. I ordered the black bean burger and it was good, it felt homemade. Also, the bun and fries were pretty good. Mimosa kinda strong but I appreciated that since I don't like when it tastes like straight juice. Service was good as well. Vegan poutine not available anymore so I wish they had more vegan options but I would definitely go back!

We came for the beats, beer and brunch event so the menu was slightly different. Because of the DJ it was very loud and kind of hard to hear each other talk, but the vibes were great and our waitress was nice and quick to greet us. For a short girl, the seats were not super comfortable and when trying to get up for a restroom break we were pretty close to the people behind us. I ordered the avocado toast and it was delicious. It was a tad spicy from the jalapeño in the guacamole, but still enjoyable. I also ordered a side of bacon which was very thin and salty. The mimosas were nice and had a cotton candy sorbet added to them. I was able to try some of the chicken from the chicken and waffles and it was very good as well. The last thing I tried was the bread pudding. This was pretty sweet and had an almond and berry flavor which was nice and reminded me of French toast.

This place is always amazing. I was going to get the Pear and Burrata but the waitress said that they had a mussels special and could not pass that up. I'm a sucker for seafood and it was so good. They are generous with the bread and the sauce is so delicious. 10 out of 10!!

Esoteric completely exceeded my expectations! With its dark yet inviting ambiance, it's the perfect spot for a date night or a casual dinner with friends. Reservations are highly recommended, as this is a popular, buzz-worthy restaurant in the VB area. It is very walkable if you are staying at oceanfront. I ordered the duck entrée, served on a bed of the creamiest fregola pasta with sugar snap peas, roasted corn, Parmesan cheese, and more. My partner went with the fresh catch special, featuring a beautifully presented wolf fish fillet, artfully plated with contrasting dark and light ingredients. Everything was picture-perfect! I had an amazing time and will definitely be back.

I came here for a HH on a Friday. It's not your normal HH or restaurant....more rustic, a bit more upscale but still casual. I wouldn't come here on the regular for HH but it's great for a 1st date HH or a group....we were the latter. Love the high top big tables in the bar area. We were seated right away. I loved the HH food specials but sadly was not hungry. But a burger for $10. Yes please. Instead I enjoyed the $6 HH wine. Our waitress was attentive and we were never without. My friend ordered the Fried Mushroom bites. They were good and it was a HUGE serving. But if you are looking for something that looks like your typical fried mushrooms this is not it. But delicious. They have a Burger Night on Tuesday and Wing Night on Wednesdays. They have outside dining and it truly is very nice with the garden right there. I would love to go back and try a few more things on the menu. If you like "real" food, fresh and farm to table this is a must try to check out.

A friend recommend this place as a great farm to table option while we are in town from DC. It's honestly one of the best and most creative meals we have had in a while. The ambiance is trendy and Olivia was fantastic. She's very personable and checked in often. We ordered: -Beef meatballs with gochujang tomato sauce. Yum. We weren't super hungry but I scarfed them down. 5/5 -Half Chicken: came with sautéed snap peas, beet couscous and a ramp pesto cream sauce. Wow, so good. The chicken was juicy and that beet couscous. I'm going to have to make that for sure. 5/5 -Scallops: came with basil ricotta gnudi, oyster mushrooms, and burrata foam. Scallops were cooked perfectly and everything in a single bite was perfection. 5/5 Hands down, I will be back. Maybe tomorrow. They also had Meyer lemon sorbet which is my fave. Cocktails are great too!

Fun place in Walnut Hills another great spot to grab a craft brew. Thankfully the weather is turning and the dark beers are back! I'm a lover of Porters and theirs did not disappoint. Cool to have Decibel Chicken with a window in the brewpub. Solid Korean food options to pair with the beers. The place has a relaxed feel with plenty of comfortable seating. I'm a sucker for a plush booth and they deliver. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I learned this was a minority owned business which is a plus. First time in but we will be back soon!

This was a private party so I understand my review is reflective of the service received during an extra special occasion. Food There were apps being taken around by the staff. Lumpia, shrimp, meatballs, grazing station were all amazing. There was also a sit down formal menu. Everything on the menu was served. Cheddar grits, Brussels, potato salad, short ribs, hot chicken, oysters and more. Everything was delicious and served shareable style. Service The staff assigned to the event was absolutely attentive and amazing. It was nice to see they weren't complete robots putting on a show because it was a private event. There was a female bartender who was super helpful with choosing a drink for me and ensuring I was satisfied. Ambiance Such a beautiful place, inside and out. The holiday decor was beautiful. The vegetable garden outside was a nice surprise. I can't wait to come back another time.

I believe this place would get a Michelin star if it were located in a major metro area. I got a mocktail that is left to the discretion of the bartender, which is fun! It had pomegranates and some other great stuff. We got the charred octopus for an app and it set the high bar for what was to come. We got the pork chops + scallops which both had heavenly, complex flavors. Docking one star for the extremely rushed service - the waiter never stayed at our table for more than 2 seconds before scurrying off. And also the menu they have online must be from a few inflation / CPI reports ago. Prices are about $4 more per item than currently listed. Would definitely return and try the entire menu.

Ambiance and vibes are 10 out of 10. Service is attentive, personable, and quick. This is a great date night spot or a fun time for a smaller group as the space is pretty small and intimate. The cocktails are fantastic! Order from the menu or request something. The bartenders know how to sling those drinks. The duck tacos are splendid. I love ordering duck, and theirs does not miss. Super tender and excellent seasoning. The pork chop was also a tasty meal complete with potatoes and brussels that were divine. This is such a cute spot to check out with a menu that changes. Your favorite might disappear but you can really try and enjoy something new despite the changes.

Amazing food and service!! I wouldn't want to miss them during their wing happy hour (Wednesday 4-close)! Their wings have so much flavor and $1 per wing can't be beat (six wing minimum). Their cocktails were also very delicious! I'm not a big fan of oysters (taste like the ocean to me) but if that's how you like em it's perfect! The duck was really chewy, not my favorite duck. However will be returning for those wings!!

Love this spot, very trendy and perfect for a date night or meeting friends. They have a lot to offer: delicious seasonal cocktails and craft beers, and tasty creative eats. I had a couple of the seasonal cosmos and they were perfectly made. Those I dined with enjoyed their craft beers. The food menu has a lot to offer as far as the apps list, but not so much as far as entrees are concerned. There were only 6 entree choices. We tried the hummus dip, which was pretty good and came with home made crackers. The ribeye was tasty, though relatively basic. Same with the burgers. Great portion sizes and quick service. We will be back.

My husband and I are plant based and he ordered the plant based poutine. This dish had the potential to be good but it was so overly salty that he could barely eat the dish. Seriously, I tasted it and it was like someone through the ocean water on it. Then when we told them we couldn't eat it, they didn't even offer to replace it or give us money back. So we will not be returning any time soon. ...it's unfortunate because the place had a cool low light vibe. That was the only nice thing about it.

My family and I ate dinner on 4/10/2025 and had an amazing experience. It started with the valet, to the host to the server. Each one of them were excellent. We had a reservation at 6:30pm, and it was set at a table, the host immediately offered us a booth because it had just opened up and he thought it would be a better seating arrangement for our group. Our server Lily was friendly, professional and attentive. We never had an empty glass, and she constantly cleared the table as needed. And I can't forget the food, it was top notch, the scallops were cooked to perfection. We will definitely be returning.

Very very disappointed. Food was truthfully very bland, over battered, and ridiculously princely for the lack of quality. Our server was good but that was it. No idea who is writing these reviews but there are so many better places to go.

Food is fantastic. Drinks are spectacular. It's a little pricey but worth it. Melanie is a cool Bartender and very knowledgable about mixology and the menu. Whisky Wings Wednesdays is cool

Esoteric, in addition to being one of my husband's favorite places close to his home (23rd street) for dinner when we started dating, recently hosted our small reception dinner for 20 people last month in their garden. Most people may not know that, in addition to being a delicious restaurant focused on serving locally fresh ingredients and a constantly rotating menu, they also have a beautiful event room for weddings, birthdays, or whatever special event you choose to host. I'm not sure how many it can seat but it's probably close to 40-50. And they will make sure your event is perfect for you and treat you like family. This restaurant has a beautiful functioning garden space (with flowers) which you can also choose to dine in and this is where we had our small wedding reception after an intimate beach ceremony with only 20 of our nearest and dearest last month. (Did I mention they feature items on the menu from this garden as well?!? Seriously, what is not to love here...) We've been planning since around January 2022 timeframe with the wonderful Victoria, who left on maternity leave a few weeks before our wedding but put us in the capable hands of Kaitlin, to make sure our day went smoothly. Booking their private room and working with them on a custom menu and decor could not have been easier. They have a beautiful private event room just off the garden which is large and fully stocked with tables and a bar for your event. We chose to have our dinner in the garden with firefly lights and candles and flowers on their rustic wood table and have our cake and coffee in their event room after dinner for dessert and socializing. We chose pre-set apps to come out in two waves for our guests as they arrived from the beach where we held our ceremony, three entrees from the current menu for them to choose from, and three specific bar drinks and beers of our choosing (including a mocktail named for me) and the team printed these adorable custom menus and set them on the table with our names on them! They really gave our event a more bespoke feel. We arrived in the morning on Saturday the day of our wedding to set up the table and there was some confusion about setup but it was quickly remedied for us with no issue with Brittney and her team who brought the tables outside so I could set it up how I wanted. I dropped off my flowers in vases to be added to the table and tons of candles to be lit before we arrived. We were about half an hour behind for dinner bc I lost a ring of my mother-in-law's on the beach (we found it - thank goodness) but I called and they were ready and waiting. When my husband and I finally arrived, all our guests were already there and everything was PERFECT. Appetizers were out, drinks were flowing, candles were lit, flowers were out and it was beautiful in twilight with their solar lights surrounding us. They had set the table up exactly as I wanted. Our waitstaff were wonderful - two sweet girls who could not have taken better care of us from drinks, to dinner to cake cutting, coffee and trying to play custom music for us - they were devoted to our party and our entire event and were sweet the entire time. They even stopped by to check with us when people ordered more wine/food that wasn't on our menus to make sure it was OK before charging us (low-key and quietly of course, but I appreciated them doing that!). All food was out quickly for our party of 20 and the drinks were constantly coming. No long waits here despite the fact that they were still open for Saturday dinner service. Honestly, I could not be happier with our small event here. I was already a fan of this establishment but they are definitely a wonderful, wonderful option for any small event or party. Everyone loved the quality of the food and drinks and the ambiance in their garden and have raved about our event. Esoteric made us feel like the most important people of the day, even though our event was super small, and I and my very impressed guests, will never forget it. After all, isn't that what we all want on an important day? Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the entire team here who worked on this for us. You are doing everything right here. I wish you many years of continued success and we will come for many anniversary dinners here for years to come! We are fans for life!

This place was recommended to me by a friend. The food was okay, not good enough that I would visit again or recommend. The location is prime for being near the beach and the service was good. I just wasn't super impressed after from what my friend had hyped the place to be.

We love ESO! Everything, is soooo good. Their happy hour is one of our favorites! Their chicken wings are cooked perfectly, every single time! Cocktails are on point!

I have had the pleasure to attend the Beats and Beer Brunch here. OMG! The service is amazing and DJ Can Rock kept spending the hits. The food was absolutely delicious and the vibe was just right. The food was flavorful and were bursting with fresh ingredients with flavor. The presentation was eye catching. Highly recommend !!!

Stopped by Esoteric after dinner. We decided on bar seats and a shot of bourbon. The sun had not set yet but I could imagine how beautiful this spot would look at sunset with dim lighting and vibe music. The windows in this place are perfectly placed. The host and bartender were both friendly. The glass the bourbon was served in was shorter than the ice that chilled it. Stylish yet not the most enjoyable way to have my bourbon. My lip was colder than the bourbon. We didn't order food this visit but the menu and general vibe of the place makes me want to return for date night.

This place is the perfect $$ restaurant. Yes its a bit expensive, yes you are going to need a reservation, yes its going to be a 15-25 minuet wait, no you can't pull up in a hoodie and shorts, but I promise its worth it. The food is amazing, nothing is bad, but where esoteric shines is in its dinner specials. Tuesday burger night routinely impresses me and is an experience the family can enjoy.

This place is super hipster looking. Think exposed everything, metal, woodsy, leather, beards and more. Walking in made me think of macrame and cocktails with rosemary sprigs. Craft beers, craft cocktails and maybe arts and crafts nights making your very own leather apron? Very clean dark lines, but also open ...so it seemed light and airy. Anyway, I ordered to pick up, so I took a short walk and got there. Place was moderately empty, don't know if that says anything about it. It was around 5:30 pm, maybe 6. Ordered the burrata salad. Was hoping for a fun time happy mouth sitch.. it was ok. Little strange combo but I was craving burrata. (When I went to the local Food Lion, the people that worked there looked at me like I was a lunatic asking for something called burrata.) so this was at least something. Just nothing wow. I feel like their protein based meals would be tasty. I really think their cocktails and beers would be delicious, but I dunno. The interior made me jump to that conclusion. Anyway. It's a good interior, friendly staff, and all that. I would be willing to try it again. (Other than the fact I'm on the other side of the country again... but if I had stretch Armstrong arms, I would)

I really enjoyed giving Esoteric a try! It was such a great experience! They weren't too busy for a Friday night, so we were able to grab a table for 2 when we walked in. I love the ambience and layout. Nice lighting and view of bar and the kitchen. The service was phenomenal. The waitress gave great recommendations for food and drinks. We tried the margarita (off the menu), which was a great choice! Their version of an orange crush (Locals Only) was decent, but I like my crush to be a tad bit more sweet. My husband also had an IPA that he liked. We didn't try any main entrees; we split 3 appetizers instead. The zucchini and corn fritters were AMAZING! They were another recommendation from our waitress. We also had the octopus that was flavorful and tender. The buttermilk shrimp were good-a lot of batter though. The serving size was also decent. 4 STARS! I would definitely go back! There are other things I want to try. I gave it 4 stars because it's a little pricey, but it's a touristy city and area, so it's on par with others.

I have always wanted to come here. Finally after a few times of trying my friends and I came. WOW!!! I love everything about Esoteric. From the moment you park your car and see the beautiful murals and lovely gardens that they pick from fresh to the moment you taste your first bite of amazing food. IT is a wonderful experience. I am in love with this restaurant. As you sit and look around it is full of beauty. Cool industrial style lamps hang at the serving window and these neat light bulbs hang from the ceiling lighting this whole experience. Everything is locally made. Talk about a place that is into supporting locals. Love the wood tables and chairs. I am calling their style Industrial SHeek. The service is super friendly and our waiter/bartender described the lunch special like poetry. I knew at that moment I had to order it. They were perfectly complimenting and with such happy spirits. Best service we have all gotten. We talked about it for a while. It was not just one person in our group that said what an amazing experience the staff where. It was our whole group. They have this fun, happy, joyfullness about them. It was my birthday and frankly was the BEST birthday lunch I have every had. They have a simple menu but there is NOTHING simple about the food and drink that comes to you. IT IS AMAZING. Let's start with the drinks. Mine was called Honey Vanilla Pear Marg. It was beautiful in appearance and with my first sip was full of complex flavor notes. It was a masterful complex drink .Perfection. The other drinks where their signature drink called the Commonwealth. A beautiful blend of berries a splash of lemon and sprig of fresh mint from their garden. All the drinks were delicious and pleasing to look at. Some of the drinks use local spirits from the Chesapeake Bay Distillery. Keeping it local is awesome. All of the food is amazing. They pick fresh from their garden and make everything themselves

I came here for brunch and was pleasantly surprised. This is a really cute restaurant and a great place to hang out with friends. When it comes to brunch, they are pricey. Be prepared to pay over $50 for 2 people. Their food choices are super interesting. My boyfriend got pork and pancakes. He LOVED them. It gave "chicken and waffle" vibes. I got the biscuit and gravy. It was really good! The biscuit wasn't like a normal, fluffy biscuit. It was thicker and I think it was a rosemary biscuit? But don't quote me on that... We both ordered drinks. I got a regular mimosa. It was good - not sure it was $7 good - but still good nonetheless. My boyfriend got a local beer and was very excited they had it. My biggest complaint: the music. They have a DJ at brunch and it was EXTREMELY loud. We basically were yelling to talk. All -in-all, it was a great place. I'd love to try it at night!

We visited the establishment for Virginia Beach restaurant week. The ambience was pleasant and the food was delicious! The waitress we had was very sweet. This is a perfect spot for a date lunch. Looking forward to next time.

Esoteric Ratings: 4.3/5 Food: 4.5/5 - Esoteric definitely caught my eye during VA Beach Restaurant Week, and I have decided to check it out with my siblings and friends. We were satisfied and very impressed by the food and service. They got lots to offer, and you will not be disappointed. Please read the description below or check out my IG (noraeatsgood) for more detailed review and fun content. - Charred Octopus [GET]: Octopus is charred perfectly, tender and soft, very easy to chew. High-quality octopus and didn't taste previously frozen. It is bigger than expected and presentation was beautiful. The only downside was that it's a bit salty. If you like seafood, this is a safe choice, but nothing too mind blowing though. - Duck Liver Pate [GET]: This is a huge appetizer, so definitely share! The duck liver pate was strong in flavor, so if this is your first time, definitely be prepared of the unique flavor from the duck. I love the persimmon jam, it really balanced out the duck, added a citrus tanginess to it. The sourdough bread was toasted nicely, slightly burnt, but I didn't mind it because it was crunchy. - Pork Chop [GET]: Love this dish and presentation was on point. The pork chop was tender, grilled to perfection, a good medium and comes with tons of seasonings! The creamy brussels sprouts with bacon was good, delicious, and the diced sweet potatoes are a nice touch too, cooked perfectly. I like the sweet and savory combination, but it got a bit heavy and creamy towards the end, so I didn't end up finishing the veggies, but pork chop definitely. - Sweet Potato Donut [GET]: OMG, I devoured this really fast. It tasted just like an apple cider donut coated with a generous amount of cinnamon powder and sugar. The donut was warm when it comes out, super moist, soft, and doughy, and the ice cream and caramel drizzles on top was amazing. It was my favorite thing of the night, especially the hot and cold combo was awesome. MUST get item. Ambiance: 4/5 - Esoteric is close to the beach, on the main stripe. The interior isn't that big, but enough to sit comfortably. It is a trendy spot for sure with a classy and energetic vibe. There's an outdoor patio and a full cocktail bar area to dine at as well. It is a good spot to meet up with friends or a date night spot. Price: 4.25/5 - We each got the restaurant week deal for $65 that comes with an appetizer, entree, and a dessert. The portion sizes are generous, and bigger than we expected. We were really stuffed afterwards, and of course great value. Service: 4.25/5 - We got seated immediately when we arrived, because we made a reservation. Our server was friendly and engaging, super kind and easy to talk to. He provided lots of recommendations and suggestions. The food took a bit longer, but our server make sure to let us know because they are backed up in the kitchen. We felt well-taken care of, and the service was better than we expected. BLUF: I highly recommend the pork chop and the sweet potato donut, tasty and pretty good value for the price. Esoteric is your classic American fusion spot in VA Beach, and a hidden gem. They offer great deals and cocktails too. It is owned by a couple, and a team full of nice and friendly people, so come support them.

This review is mainly for their burgers and sandwiches. We came during the tail end of their happy hour and it was pretty crowded, the server was telling us it was like a weekend night, so that may have affected my dining experience. Appetizers: Pimento cheese: 1.5/5 It was brought out to us cold and it was not spreadable at all. It was as if you took some shredded cheese and packed it in your hands like you were making a snowball and put it on the plate. The cheese was a mix between mushy and crumbly - I would not recommend. Buttermilk fried shrimp: 4/5 The main problem we had with the shrimp was that the breading did not adhere well. Separately, the shrimp was cooked well and were big and juicy and the breading was just the right amount and crispy. But may be the steam from the shrimp made it so it kind of fall apart when biting into the shrimp. Entrees: Burger: 4.5/5 I ordered my burger medium and it came out cooked just right. The meat patty was the perfect size too. Wonderful value for what you are paying for on burger night/happy hour. Spicy chicken sammie: 4/5 Chicken breading was nice and crispy. The pickled slaw was also a nice touch of flavor and tang. Overall, a solid sandwich you can't be unhappy with. Sides: Truffle fries: 3.5/5 Nothing too remarkable but not bad. Brussels sprouts: 1/5 Probably my least favorite aspect of the meal. I guess I should have looked at pictures online, but I didn't realize it was like a mushy slaw. Service and atmosphere: 5/5 Everyone who helped us were very friendly and nice. They offered me samples of their beers, which they interestingly serve in wine glasses for a unique touch. I would definitely recommend you come to Esoteric during happy hour or Burger night ($15 for burger, fries, and draft beer). Otherwise, I wasn't too impressed with their other offerings.

Really great food. Delicious vegan options. Exceptional service. If I lived in the area I would be a regular for sure.

Food, service, atmosphere and of course the beverages were top notch. Just excellent, enough said.

I love this place! The vibe, food & service is the best I've experienced in Virginia Beach! I could eat the pretzel and wings everyday & the manager Tori really makes you feel at home!

Esoteric is one of my new favorite spots near the oceanfront! I love that it's just a bit off the main drag, so it's an easier place to park and enjoy. We came on a Thursday evening on the later side and found seats at the bar, where Heather took care of us. We ordered a few cocktails, which were all crafted perfectly and we shared the poutine appetizer. Everything was fantastic. Since the poutine was a larger portion than expected, we didn't have room for entrees, but will be back for a full Esoteric experience very soon!

We really loved the outdoor seating of Esoteric. It was laid out well where it felt both intimate and spacious. The weather was wonderful so we enjoyed our time outside. I tried several different types of beers and they were all quite good. The hazy ipa was my favorite. For dinner we opted to split a few of the small plates. The beer cheese pretzel with spicy mustard was fantastic ! My wife is from Philly and she approved so that's the testament. My favorite though by far was the beet salad. The plating was beautiful and combinations of flavors really made the salad come alive. I would eat a salad like that every day. We also ordered a vegan cheese poutine. The fries and the gravy were excellent, though I found the other flavors a bit overpowering. If I were able to go back I would ask just to make them with the gravy. Otherwise it was a great dinner. Everyone we encountered was really very friendly and our waiter Keith was especially helpful to my wife and did a great job helping us with the menu. Overall a great experience!

Getting to go to Esoteric is always such a treat! Most of my visits have been to this really rad back event space or out on their beautiful patio. The cocktails are some of the best I've found in Virginia Beach. The Commonwealth was always my go to, but I haven't been disappointed with anything I've branched out and tried. Their catering options for their event space has always been delicious. Not just layers on layers of fried food, it's all delicious. Their happy hour menu also pulled me in a few times to meet up with friends for cocktails and discount tacos. It's a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon in Virginia Beach!

WOW! I loved it here! I made an unexpected visit because I was in the area. I've seen the place in posts on Instagram (for example, they host events that support local artists!) and drove past it when going to the beach so today I finally decided to give it a try. I was already lured in by its appearance. I love the mural on the building. It gives a unique feel. The outdoor dining area is super cute AND!!!! They have a garden! A lot of their ingredients are freshly grown in that garden! I'll get back to that part lol When I was welcomed by the hostess, she offered a nice window seat for me. It was the perfect day with a nice breeze and just the right lighting for my photos. Spots like these really enhance the experience. I had a great server. He had a cool Disney tshirt on and went into full detail when it came to menu items I was curious about. I ended up ordering the duck tacos, scallops, and angel food cake! The duck tacos were an immediate hit!! Like finger-licking good. I would've kicked off the plate if I wasn't in public haha. They were marinated well and all the flavors stewed together with the meat. Simply topped with pickled red cabbage on a corn tortilla. Absolute perfection. Not gonna lie, I was slowly filling up already so I could only finish about half of my scallops but they were tasty too. My favorite part was the green beans. The flavor packed a punch. They were fresh from the garden and cooked with love. I was told that the scallops were a specialty item when first released, but because of how popular they were, they became a regular menu item. Definitely worth the price. I boxed up what was leftover so I could still have room for dessert. The angel food cake was served with a side of berry ice cream and topped with garden lavender, berries, crushed almonds, and shaved chocolate. The flavors and textures complemented each other well. The cake itself was light and airy. I'm a satisfied customer for sure and this won't be my last time here. I already can't wait to come back. I was notified about their happy hour that happens from Tuesday through Friday so that'll probably be the reason for my next visit. Thank you, Esoteric!

I was on vacation in Virginia Beach and we decided to try this place. It's off the main strip which was probably one of my favorite things about it. The staff was friendly right off the bat and I loved the beers I ordered. For food, we started with the duck tacos. I didn't like them but my boyfriend thought they were delicious. For my entrée, I ordered the scallops and he got the pork chop. Both of these things were really delicious. The pork chop is definitely the better option for the price, but I usually can't pass up scallops. We got the mango panna cotta and it was really, really good. I highly recommend stopping in whether you live there or are just visiting.

I can't tell you enough about this place. Around the corner from our home. If you want great service and great food then this is the place. My goodness! You can't find a better place with such nice people. Their wine selection is the best. A little pricey, but well worth the visit. We will definitely be back. Our hat is off to the proprietor and their staff.

Good and service was excellent!!! Loved the ambiance! The drinks were very tasty and unique!

Pros: Atmosphere and service Cons: Food was over salted, expensive, lacking in flavor Ordered: Bucatini with mussels Octopus Duck tacos Crème brûlée

This place is exceptional! Amazing cocktails, wine and extensive on tap beer list. Terrific appetizers, main courses and deserts. And I can't say enough about the welcoming atmosphere and 5 star service. Our server Giante was an absolute delight. So knowledgable, attentive and personable. We can't wait to go back. What a hidden gem in VB.

I've never eaten here before and was pleasantly surprised when a friend offered to meet up for dinner. Esoteric has a lovely seating area indoors, with a bar that offers a nice selection of mouthwatering libations. Specialty drinks are available too, and the menu changes so you never get bored. Ambiance is casual but this place makes for a wonderful date night/ anniversary night too. Staff were extremely polite, knowledgeable and occasionally bantered with us on different topics. Always attentive and very friendly. Two of my favorite menu items were the oysters on the half shell, and the rack of lamb. The oysters were fresh, plump, slightly salty and firm. Beautifully arranged and came with a choice of accoutrements. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked to a medium rare, spiced beautifully, and was enough for two people to share (IF you're the sharing type) All-in-all a restaurant I would gladly visit again. It is on the pricey side so be ready to fork out a few bills for the meal.

Great atmosphere and delicious drinks with amazing names. Can't wait to come back and eat! Very friendly staff.

I just need ya'll to bring the escargot back... and I mean BACK!! That was the appetizer before I had the tacos... the drinks are top-notch as always, and the service is very good, and I definitely love that they played ol school music, has a nice touch to it

we made a reservation since it was for my birthday. The menu is unique & the food is outstanding. My son is still raving about the duck dish he ordered. we got to try culture pop for the first time there & it's a fun probiotic drink. I highly recommend this place.

We couldn't get into the parking lot because our van, the only car that my disabled husband can get in and out of with support, didn't fit. The valet offered us street parking, which we couldn't utilize because it was too far of a walk for my husband, whose mobility issues require the use of a walker. There was no place to safely drop off my husband. I would recommend a restaurant that is accessible to all people, regardless of their physically abilities.