Doumars Cones & Barbecue

Reviews

• Jo S.

  star star star star star_border 25 October 2026

  Doumars is a Norfolk institution introduced to me by my in laws and each time I'm in the area I stop by. It's charming, old, maybe not the cleanest place on the planet, but it has so much character!
  
  You can have a fun meal here, the waitress are characters, like in the movies, the food is cheap and very different! I can guarantee that!
  
  I get their lime aides, fries and their Pork Barbeque minced with slaw. The portions aren't big, but that's OK.  You can live room for the desserts. And they're legendary for that, they make their own cones invented by Mr. Doumar!
  
  The food is fun, sometimes it gives me stomach cramps, well, what can you do?
  
  So, when in Norfolk, give this place a try! Lunch on the inexpensive side!

• Terry T.

  star star star star star_border 23 October 2026

  Doumar's is a legendary local institution. Abe Doumar is the inventor of the waffle ice cream cone and the original four-iron waffle machine that he built in 1904 is still in use in front of the the store today. The company has an interesting history which they've shared on their website. It's an interesting and informative read if you care to take a peek under the history tab on their website. Doumar's Cones and BBQ restaurant operated in Norfolk's old Ocean View Amusement Park for about twenty years before it was destroyed by a hurricane in 1933. The following year the restaurant reopened at its current location on Monticello Avenue so they've been thriving in this spot for the past 85 years. It's not close to the oldest restaurant in the country (White Horse Tavern opened in 1673 in Newport Rhode Island) or even the oldest in Virginia (The Red Fox Tavern in Middleburg opened in 1728) but it's nonetheless still pretty impressive.
  
  I don't like to eat in my vehicle (too much potential for spills and stains because I'm kind of clumsy that way) so I've never used the carhop curb service but I still think it's pretty cool that it's available. I usually eat inside or grab some quick takeout. I've been a Chesapeake Deputy Sheriff since 1998. Earlier in my career I worked the streets and frequently found myself in Norfolk (usually at the federal courthouse or the state forensic lab). I moved to Hampton Roads in 1994 so I wasn't familiar with Doumar's until my partner took me there for lunch one day after we left the nearby federal courthouse. I still remember that delicious barbecue sandwich and french fries, I remember the incredible vanilla waffle cone better. Since that time I have eaten the occasional lunch or late night dinner at Doumar's but more often I stop in (usually at my wife's request) for a milkshake or ice cream cone.
  
  The food at Doumar's is pretty good but it's never really blown me away. I've always enjoyed the burgers, barbecue, fries and steak sandwiches. I'm not a fan of their apparently famous Taylor Pork Roll. The food is always good but not exceptional. I would rate it at 3.5 stars, a little above average. What always stands out is the fresh creamy ice cream and shakes and those amazing waffle cones. Sadly, the quality of the ice cream can be a little inconsistent. It's usually first rate but sometimes can be disappointing. Earlier this week my wife and I got ice cream in a cup, we both got one scoop of vanilla and one scoop of strawberry. The texture was gritty and elastic, it seemed like maybe it had thawed and refrozen a couple times. It really wasn't good, we didn't even finish our ice cream. I should have taken it back but time was tight. Like I said, the quality is usually very good so I am cutting them some slack and considering this experience an anomaly.
  
  Customer service is generally very good, employees are friendly and efficient and do a good job of making me feel like a valued guest. I was a little torn on how to score this review since I would really rate it at a 3.5 but I am rounding up considering their longevity and historical status in the community. Another big plus for this area of Norfolk is that Doumar's has its own private parking lot which is always free of debris and in good repair. It can get pretty crowded at peak times but is generally adequate.

• Bill B.

  star star star star star_border 15 October 2026

  Nice old school place.
  They still do curb side service
  
  Fun angle all sandwiches to including the hot dog come on a round bun.
  
  Grilled split hot dog was tasty
  As was the BBQ
  
  The ice cream was good
  As were the shakes. They are really thick

• Mahogany W.

  star star star star star 30 September 2026

  Doumar's is a sacred establishment in Southeastern Virginia, SERIOUSLY. Like, this place is a rite of passage for every young lad from this area. I absolutely love Doumar's, and have been eating here since I was a child. Whenever a relative comes to town we have to eat here! Some days, I just come here because it's so comforting, I mean, everyone loves a good mom and pop drive in!
  
  Well, Doumar's is a treasure in Norfolk, VA. There's so much history packed into this small joint too! They hold the title of having created the first ice cream cone, an accolade that gets them regularly featured on the Food Network!
  
  I love their pulled pork (BBQ) sandwiches, their cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and of course their ice cream (the ringo is my favorite!)
  
  I got the cheeseburger the other day and man, my mind and taste-buds were blown away. The burger was so juicy and fresh!
  
  Back when Mr. Doumar was living, I would come here ALL THE TIME. Whether to say 'hey' or to check out the original cone machine.
  
  You can buy yummy food here or a few souvenirs but just remember this place is a treasured staple for Virginians!

• Shanita W.

  star star star star star 27 September 2026

  Read great reviews about this place so I just had to find out for myself and I'm very happy I did. Food and service was great! Fastest service I have had in a while. Very reasonable prices! The server was very knowledgeable about the menu and helped picked out the perfect food for myself and guest. If you are in the area I would say you should stop and grab you a quick bite to eat or drink! Will return if the opportunity presents itself!