Brass Bell

This place is absolutely awesome.  We gave my sister her bridal shower this weekend, and to finish our night we decided Karaoke and dancing.  Originally, we were supposed to go to Wannabees, who had no seats for us and we were glad. Not a welcoming place by no means, and full of cigarette fog. We were from out of town, at by the end of the night, this place made us feel like we new the entire bar for years.  Best experience ever.

There really isn't a star rating that I can assign my visit. It wasn't good. It wasn't bad. I wasn't sure what I was going to be walking into. I've heard many great things about their food but my buddy and I were out and about on a bar hopping spree. Curious of this place I decided that this would be our first stop and if the place was hoppin' we'd stick it out. Yes, the place hoppin' - packed and full of people who appeared to be having a good time. I honestly could not get into the scene. I just wasn't feeling the vibe. A friend of my described it as a dive. James R described it as a watering hole. Whatever way you put it this place is a definite local joint.

Friends told me that attractive women work there. Yep. I agreed.

I heard that they serve one heck of a steak. For sure I will return to try them out for that. I probably wouldn't go during dinner. Well, maybe before 7pm or perhaps lunch.

On a whim, I decided that there would be no better day to try out breakfast at the Brass Bell.  When I started thinking about the last time that I had been here, my memory banks came up blank, it had been that long.  That sealed the deal, breakfast at the Bell it was.

And that was an excellent choice.

While the breakfast menu isn't extensive (but you will find something here), what is there is appealing unless you are on a serious health kick.  Besides, one look around and you will know that ordering some exotic Middle European Life Extending Healthy Breakfast option is probably not your best choice.  Nope, strictly an eggs and potato type join for breakfast.  A quick scan of the menu had me debating french toast or the build your own omelet,  both served with Home Fries.  I chose the latter, adding cheese, sausage, and onions.

The service was quick and cordial, after a few moments, the bell rang and out came my order, freshly cooked in the back.  A few drops of hot sauce and a liberal dose of black pepper later, I was face to face with exactly what I needed.  In addition, there were four pieces of toast (I chose wheat toast, white and rye were also options) along with the home fries.  The home fries were the pleasant surprise, it was chunks of potato that were neither greasy nor mushy.  Nice and firm and full of flavor.

But let's get to the vibe, shall we?

The Brass Bell literally screams Locals Joint!  Indeed, I was the only person there not on a first name basis, but a few more visits and that will certainly change.  There is a regular crew that comes in for breakfast along with a regular crew of early morning imbibers.  Want a Bloody Mary with your breakfast (or instead of)?  No problem, coming right up.  Sitting at the bar, I was able to count no fewer than 14 televisions, so this would be a no brainer for football season or any other sporting event.  Judging from the banners, the Brass Bell is another of those Pittsburg Steelers places scattered around the country.

They advertise live music on Tuesday evening (worth a star all by itself) as well as three karaoke nights throughout the week. Unfortunately, this place is a little too close to home for me, so discretion being the better part of valor, I will pass on that opportunity.  After all, there is a good chance that I will actually see some of the patrons around the neighborhood!  If you like to rack 'em up, there are 2 pool tables as well, I suspect that there are ongoing tournaments too.

I'd really really love to call this place a dive bar, and if it were located anywhere else other than Virginia Beach, it would be.  But here, it is more a local watering hole.  Flip flops, shorts, t-shirt is the preferred uniform, no matter the outside temperature.  In other words, your typical Off the Oceanfront Virginia Beach bar.

There is one table in the middle of the bar that is just waiting for a large group, so load up gramma, Aunt Ruthie, your neighbors, and possibly the dog and come out for a taste of the local flair.  But leave the kids at home, I think that they would become a bit restless here.

I popped in on a rainy and cool Monday morning, but it instantly set the mood for the entire week.  Good food, reasonable prices, great portions, and a local flair is the best way to start any week, you just can't go wrong by stopping in.

I'll most certainly be back, for sure for lunch and probably for a sampling of what goes on when the sun goes down.  Just help protect me from myself and get in my path when it looks like I'm going to write my name and song down in the karaoke book.  We will both thank you in the morning.