Fair Grounds

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	806 Baldwin Ave # 2, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Phone:	+1 757-640-2899
Site:	fairgroundscoffee.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–11PM 7AM–11PM 7AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

A Private User

The atmosphere of this coffee place is laid back and hip, reminiscent of what most coffee houses used to be like prior to the rise of Starbucks and other highly polished corporate chains. The fact that the coffee is fair trade is great, too (although now some coffee shops in other regions are doing what is called direct trade where they buy coffee beans directly from the grower). Unfortunately, the coffee that myself and my Dad ordered was not very good. The espresso was bitter and thin, and my Dads Latte was weak and tasted primarily like hot milk. Additionally, the price was the same as other coffee places, making the value of the products served low. In summary, a warm and inviting atmosphere and a strive towards sustainable business practices are a great start, but the absence of good coffee drinks prohibits me from wanting to patronize this business again.

Colton Domes

I love coming here to grab a quick bite or something to drink. It has a really quaint vibe and is very eclectic inside. There is a front porch with tables for those looking to be out in the world, but also cozy nooks and crannies inside to hide away and do some work or read a good book. They also have board games for people to play; which I think is just swell! The pastries are pretty delicious and the coffee and tea is good as well. They have vegan and vegetarian goodies, so thats always nice for the non meat eater in your life! The staff is nice and even though the place always seems packed, Ive never had trouble finding a place to sit, whether inside or out. Only complaints is the prices are a little steep for of the beverages and some of the patrons can be very pretentious. Otherwise, Id recommend this place to any local or visitor who finds themselves in Ghent!

Melissa Smith Carroll

My four-year-old son and I stopped here unexpectedly after two restaurants were already closing on a Saturday night. We had a very long day. We were welcomed by a very kind young lady at the counter who was very patient with me and my son. His blueberry muffin was delicious and HUGE. One of my fave sandwiches is cranberry chicken salad... And I was so glad to see that they were still offering their sandwiches at 9 p.m. It was delicious. I tried there Secret Garden loose tea blend. The aroma was enough to let me know that it was a great choice, and the first drink proved it. Note: If you are snobby about your coffee houses or restaurants, meaning you dont like places that have age or character or are perfectly imperfect, then the environment and this place will not be for you. It is in an old home. For me, thats half the charm.

Nathan Tausch

Although I love this local coffeeshop, I cant recommend it as a typical Starbucks replacement. Their coffee is phenomenal and their decor/layout is homely but their internet quality and speed is atrocious. A typical consumer expects decent internet speeds at a coffeeshop to get work done but that is not provided at this location. Although I will go to Fairgrounds to read or relax, I am forced to go to a coffeeshop with adequate internet access if I actually need to get work done. If this shop upgrades their router/modem and increases their internet speed, this coffeeshop will be the quintessential Ghent location for high quality coffee.

A Private User

Sure, some of the trips might be hit or miss, but in any case, theres a reason why Fairgrounds is still in business despite having a Starbucks across the street. The prices are decent. Im pretty sure most of the drinks are a few cents cheaper than most places. The coffee, depending on what roast/flavor/blend they have, is usually good. Their tea selection is great. Most of the coffee shops in this area dont even have anything close to what they serve in that department. Their specialty drinks are also the best compared to other cafes.

Joshua Castillo

Incredibly friendly staff welcome you and make some pretty banging cold, hot and frozen drinks. The Chai Latte is still my all time favorite. Be sure to explore the whole upstairs, take in the ghent culture as this place explodes with creative decor, art, and people. There is a room in the back with a bunch of board games, fully functional wi-fi, an out door lounge, group tables, a fire place and much more. For a top notch experience that I will continue to enjoy for years to come.

Matthew Bialowas

Small coffee shop. Friendly staff. Bring your own mug for a discount. Board games and card games and some books available to borrow/play free. Several separate seating areas including screened-in and outdoor seating. Love to stop by here on our way to the zoo. Steep staircase with no handicap entrance, but if you can get their attention, they will bring your food/coffee down to the outdoor seating area with a handicap ramp or also give you a hand getting up the stairs.

TWM71

My jam. The girls at the counter make no-nonsense strong coffee. Theyre fast, theyre friendly and they also make the best chicken pesto sandwiches. Ignore the words "hipster hangout" because who cares about that? Everybody needs a coffee shop to call their own and this quirky dive always has an open seat somewhere and something hot with which to wake you up. The stairs creak. None of the chairs match. Thats when you know its *good.

A Private User

Total disapointment. I try to support local coffee shops wherever I go but his one should just close their doors. An Americano should be the easiest drink to make correctly but I got brown water. The "barista" seemed annoyed that she had to make the drink and was generally annoyed that I wasnt one of her regulars I suppose. Either way, one of the worst coffe shops I have ever visited. Good vegan cookie though.

Dwayne Blackwell

What a great place on an unemployed Monday to find a private nook and a delicious frozen French Toast latte (thanks friendly barista!) and reflect on the grace and mercies of the Lord. Feels like Im sitting in the safety of my grandmas home away from the demands of surviving kindergarten all over again. Lord have your way when I step back out of this peaceful establishment!!

Nick Swan

One of the last small business coffee shops in the area. Fair grounds coffee wizards can make any coffee or tea drink your heart desires. Then enjoy your beverage or local baked good in their salon, where you can play board games, read books, surf the web on the free public wifi, setup your gaming pc, or enjoy the breeze and Ghent ambiance on the patio.

Halley Robb

Im from out of town and was in need of good coffee while I waited for my mother-in-law to be finished with her dr apt, found them using Google maps and am extremely glad I did! Wonderful friendly service, great atmosphere, and my French toast latte is delicious. I will definitely be visiting every time Im in town for now on!!!!

A Private User

The owner changed, and so did the ingredients in my chai. It was a place I could look forward to for chai because of the unique flavor. The new owner apparently thinks he knows whats best for his customers, so... Im closing my tab after being a patron for 4 years. I may visit if a friend insists, but my loyalty has dissolved.

Lucille Nordan

I have been going there for perhaps 15 years or so. I enjoyed displaying and selling my art there as well. The imported coffees are great as are the new additions (the teas, pastries), etc. I miss my old friends here as I no longer drive. My spiritual son, Ronnie T. is employed here now. Give him my love.