Was there on New Years and Overly priced drinks and Bad attitudes! Not really worth your money. Bottle service girl and security guard definitely needed more training. Feel bad for the owner that they were representing
One star is actually being generous - this is the worst place I have ever been to; they act like they are running a club in Cancun, newsflash: this is Norfolk. There were maybe 35 people inside (only one balcony reserved the entire night - it was a SATURDAY) but they act like its packed. Don't waste your money (everything is ridiculously overpriced), terrible place - I'd rather never drink again than ever go here. This place has so much potential; it is a shame that the owners/management are completely inept at running a club (a woman (appeared to be the owner) was passing out flyers to visit an after hours lounge - maybe you should worry about this establishment before you even attempt to drag me into another crappy establishment of yours).
Review Source:Management!!! You need to read this and take action!
I went last Friday, 28 June, and it was terrible. Here were my observations.
Upon walking up, I found that there was no line and the doors were wide open to look inside and see no one. That is already a bad sign. Once inside, I was impressed with the actual venue. What an amazing facility! Then, I was once again disappointed. There was no sense of formality. People were walking around in shorts and t-shirts. A place like Granby Theater should enforce a dress code! The place sounds nice and therefore, people should be expected to dress nice. It would really step up the atmosphere and increase the value.
On top of all this, the bar tending was terrible. The majority of the time, the bartenders had their backs turned and gave terrible service. It really made the overpriced drinks not worth it.
Here is the biggest issue of all... the DJ. Guy couldn't keep a rhythm to save his life. He had music ADD and played 30 second clips. There was no flow and you couldn't even dance to it. It was horrendous! If I were management, I would have kicked the guy off and grabbed an ipod instead. If you want an amateur night, open on a Wednesday and host it. Don't do it on a Friday or Saturday.
I can tell that they want to have people enjoy the place. They advertise like crazy. Here is an idea. Take that money and put it toward a better DJ and staff. Take my advice and you will have people advertising for you by word of mouth. That is how you make a successful club.
I wanted to like the place, but quite frankly I couldn't. It's sad. Running a club isn't that hard.
After some 'problems' over the last year or so, it seems that the glorious lady that is the Granby Theater has gotten back over the hump and is once again open for business. Â And that is a good thing.
My excuse/reason for getting out of the house and hanging out on the Granby Corridor was LOMP (Local Original Music Party), a celebration of local music and artists that had its inaugural event here. Â The plan is for this to become a once a month thing, and we are all hoping that it has found a permanent home at the GT. Â
The place is spacious yet intimate due to the multiple levels of seating and standing areas. Â I'm sure that this place can get really crazy when it is set up as a club....but as far as a place to go hear live music, this place rocks! Â The dance floor is spacious enough that you can stand on the floor yet not get trampled. Â Plenty of cool little nooks and crannies all over the place that can provide 'vertical stabilization' as the evening progresses.
As far as a place to hang out a drink like a fish, well, maybe not so much. Â My one trip to the bar to fetch a beer didn't turn out so wonderfully, the service somewhat set records for slowness (my gawd, how long does it really take to open a bottle of Corona and squeeze a lime into it??)...and don't come here looking for low drink prices either, although it is probably typically priced for this type of venue.
The problems of the past do seem to draw the attention of the local popo, you can usually find a cruiser or two out front. Â Don't let that throw you, though.
During WWII Norfolk was considered the New York City of the south. The theater has the luster of that time period, but with a modern twist. It is very spacious and fun! The light show and dance floor are so much fun!!!
They usually have a DJs that play mostly hip hop music. They have a multilevel space for groups to have private parties. The one problem I had with the party space is that it was hard to contact anyone to reserve the space and they are a little over priced for what you get. It was still a lot of fun for me and my friends. Â
I have never had a bad time here!!! There are so many memories. I would suggest going here with a big group for anyone!
There is a bartender here that will try to scam you.
Two nights ago I paid my $15 tab for two drinks with a credit card and tipped 20% on the card. Â I checked my coat at the door and only had a twenty, so I asked the bartender if he would break a twenty for me so I could tip the coat check person. Â He said, yes and handed me back $14 (one 5 and nine 1s). Â I turned and counted my money and then realized that he gave me the wrong amount. Â I went back and told him he counted the cash and said, "You ordered a bud light." Â I told him that I didn't and then he asked, "What did you need to break a twenty for then?" Â I said I have to tip the coat check person. Â He went to the register and got the rest of my money, handed it to me and then sarcastically exclaimed, "Thanks for the tip!"
This guy probably pulls this scam normally. Â If he's willing to rip off patrons I'm sure he's ripping off the owner too. Â
It's depressing to know that there are people like this in the world and they work in Norfolk.
A good place to go dancing on Granby St. Only complaint I have is the price of drinks. My husband got a double jack and coke that costed $16. We had just come from a bar where a double jack and coke was $8 so that was disappointing. Aside from it being an old theater and well decorated there was nothing else super special about this place. Not too many people were there the Friday night we went. I noticed more guys than girls. Will give this place another try though.
Review Source:Funny. Actually never paid attention to this place actually being a theater. I had dinner there last weekend (they don't serve food I don't think --- more to that later) for a special event and as everyone got talking into the history of the place we discussed how the use of the space was actually once a theater. I started to look around and yep, all the setups in place for a theater. I suppose when all you do is hit this spot up to party and not really pay attention to what is going on you miss these big important details. Also, I've always known GT to be a a club and never thought to think of what was originally made for (someone tell me, please).
You walk inside the place. Stadium like seating is above you which is your VIP section. There's three bars. You find a dance floor (where I've had many nights doing the Cupid Shuffle) and a huge stage. All the things you would need for a theater!
I don't believe food is served. As far as I know this is your night club that from time to time holds private events. Be prepared for a cover charge which we all so hate.
Now that I think about it my 10 year high school reunion took place there. I was there but was so sick I didn't remember anything and was only there for 30 minutes.
Go party it up tonight or plan your next big event. This place is spacious and is a good spot for many types of parties. I even heard a wedding took place there. Let the creative juices flow for your next big event!
Racist dance club!! Filthy dance club. I Â saw a couple of flying roaches on the dance floor. The females in the club were racist and stuck up. Â I got called the N word 4 times.The females weren't even good looking. I can understand being stuck up, if you look like Jennifer Anistan; but these hoes look like Rosanne Barr on crack. One of the WORST clubs I have ever been to. I rather have lunch with Adolf Hitler, than come here. I'm embarrased I came here.
Review Source:This "pub girl" really enjoyed her clubbing experience at Granby Theater! Â I don't frequent dance clubs very often, but was in town for a bachelorette party . . . and our bachelorette wanted to go dancing! I loved the unique look - it used to be an old theater. The staff was very friendly, the bartenders were fantastic, drinks were reasonable priced and the bathrooms were clean. As a few people mentioned, the dance floor is a little small. The DJ played a decent mix that would please most club-goers. I definitely recommend Granby Theater for a fun night out!
Review Source:Nice venue with a good mix of people. So why the two stars? We arrived at 12:45 on a Saturday night and still had to pay the $10 cover. Perhaps at that hour it could go to $7 or $5 when the club closes at 2. The major complaint, the music was awful. I like a mix of music,but it was 90% techno. The dance floor is super small for such a large venue.
Review Source:We went here with a group to celebrate my friends birthday last night. We started at 456 Fish across the street ( which was great btw) and then conveniently walked across the street to this club. We got there before 10, so we didn't have to pay a cover ($10 btw)  Anyways, this place is great if your 21 or something, but it's run by a bunch of kids that have no way of handling their customers. I had called them  a few days prior to ask to bring a cake and they didn't even have her reservation in the books. My friend called and explained that she booked her reservation months ago and they found it, kinda. We showed up and they didn't have her reservation so they put her in an area that wasn't what she wanted. THEN - their computers went down. No one could order drinks. THEN - the bar turned into cash only. Everyone that had started a tab had to use the club ATM and pay cash. The service fee on that ATM was $3.75 btw. I went to go find the manager to complain. I said, "The birthday girl is upset..." and he cut my off and interrupted me and said, "the only thing wrong was we didn't have her reservation." THEN - (after seeing someone he knew) completely ignored me and started saying what's up. I about lost it. When he realized he was being rude I informed him about the cash issue and he assured me that it was okay. Folks could still use their cards. Liar. Ten minutes later everyone was being handed their tabs and being told to pay up. Lastly, I was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a cab to leave. I stood up in the corner to get out of the wind and they told me I had to move. Seriously?
Review Source:For  those of you who grew up here and are still faithfully sporting that 17th Street sticker on your raised Jeep, you know the Theater as the gorgeous, hand-painted, completely renovated building that expands over 15 thousand square feet. While boasting over a dozen balconies, ridiculously vaulted ceilings, four bars all strategically placed for your convenience, the biggest wooden dance floor in Virginia and a stage that is usually occupied by scantily clad female dancers, this place is a hideaway in disguise. It's the only "NYC Club" like feel in the area...everything else is like a restaurant with lazers and disco balls after 10pm. Get on it....
Review Source:Probably the best dance club on Granby street (even though that's not saying a lot lol). Good music, DJ tends to play top-40, but will mix it up a little. We've gone out dancing here on both Friday and Saturday.
If you go, be ready to get hit on by some creepy guys. One minute you're dancing, and the next minute, there's someone else dancing right behind you... even if you're already dancing with a group of people!
But, there's a good crowd (people dress up to go out here) and a nice vibe!! If you have to go dancing on Granby, might as well dance here!
So I was traveling out to Norfolk for business and decided to stop into Granby Theater. Â The environment is definitely unique in the fact that it is a theater converted from 1910 or so into a nightclub. Â Hence the name "Granby Theater". Â The crowd seems to consist of a groups of nerdy white guys that dance like crap and seem proud of it. Â And groups of girls that seem to dress fairly sexy and cant dance either and stick in tight groups. Â Part of the show is watching corny guys attempt to weed out some of the members of the girls in the groups and hit on them but would be quickly devoured by the pack and sent on their way. Â Very funny to watch. Drinks are around $9.00 to $11.00 for a multiple mixed liquer drink, depending on the bartender, Â and of course cheaper for beer.
Now I ended up going out there two times. Â First, I'll go over the first encounter with this place. Â The first time was on a Weds and unfortunately I wasnt to impressed as far as the drinks and the DJ. Â In regards to the drinks I'm afraid that it wasnt close to what it should have been, however, it was strong which was a good thing. Â The DJ that night was not spectacular, he was playing mostly top 40 songs, but his mixes were at to fast of a beats per minute for anyone to really dance.
The second time was a different story however, Â the bartender, a girl by the name of Adriana or something was very friendly (and good looking) and knew her drinks forward and backwards. Â I asked her to make me something with a little alcohol in it that was smooth of which I couldnt smell the alcohol in it, as I was suffering from a bit of a hangover. Â What she made came out perfect. Â In regards to the DJ during this visit, the one that was playing on the Friday night was much better and had more of a crowd dancing.
It looks like it starts to get busy around 11:30 or 12:00pm.
Overall, because of my second trip there with the music and the second bartender, I would recommend this place.
i went here as part of another one of my mini-vacations on halloween.... all i can say is amazing... at first i thought the $20 cover charge was insane but once i was inside i realized why... after i picked up my jaw and fixed my face, i proceeded to put rum in it lol... seriously this is THE BEST CLUB I HAVE BEEN TO ON THE EAST COAST... truely a work of genious... you need to go and see for yourself... there is simply too much to define without writing the world's longest yelp review lol...
Review Source:If I'm going out for a night of dancing, I'm coming here. I've actually only been here a few times late night when the cover has been removed, but they play the best music around and it kind of filters out all of the trash bags that a lot of other clubs are full of. Never had to wait too long for a drink and never heard a song I didn't like; definite bonus points for the VIP club seating at the top. If you're looking for a higher end dance club, I don't know any other place in Hampton Roads that rivals it.
Review Source:I went on a Friday night and I was not disappointed. The bartenders and staff were friendly, the patrons were a nice mix of people (sharp dressers were bumping shoulders with the Affliction wearing set), and the music ranged from Top 40, old school 80s and 90s set to club beats, Â and house versions of Shania Twain and Dirty Dancing (what the...??). Too funny.
The interior is VAST and very nicely done. A nice little spot to enjoy some great, high-energy dancing. I had an awesome time.
And yes, COAT CHECK IS A MANDATORY $2. But it's a small price to pay for this gem of a club.
I want to start by saying this review is highly opinionated. I think it can be agreed though that the Granby St Theatre turns out a ton of business every week by providing (relatively) larger-scale nighttime entertainment. They do a good job of both appealing to the masses while attracting a crowd that will pay more for entrance and drinks. This crucial element feeds into the loop that both makes them hip and makes most of its customers feel hip.
That being said, I'd like to say that, personally, at 29, I don't feel too connected to that scene anymore. I realize that it's for a younger crowd. Friday nights they roll out a good bit of club house music that has a very European sound to it. The clientele dress nice, sometimes even overdressing, and there is an atmosphere of poshness projected.
I love the environment there. It was so clean and upscale almost as if it needed a velvet rope out front. The staff was nice and courteous and the look of the theater itself was historical and modern at the same time. The dance floor was huge and there was a lot of comfortable places to sit and balconies to rent out. It had a wide variety of people which I love and the music was good and your able to move to it, but I wish that there was more of a mixture of hip hop and r & b, but I still loved it. The parking is what I expect for downtown Norfolk, get there early and you won't have a problem. If you can't park on the street, there are two garages close by. Cover charge varies depending on season and night, but I went on a Saturday during the summer and it was $10 after 10 PM and free before. Granby Theater is a great place to take your friends for a night of drinks and dancing, and it's a great excuse to get dressed in your best.
Review Source:Compared to most of the clubs at the Oceanfront, Granby Theater is humongous. Â Even though it's extremely spacious, this club is still crowded. Â It's got a nice look to it, velvet-y and upscale. Â The best thing is there's tons of seating, so you can pass out after you sweated your curls out on the dance floor. Â The music is what you'd expect, Top 40 pop-tart ubiquity, but occasionally a good old school tune will come on. Â It's not really anything special, but it's a nice and comfortable place in downtown Norfolk and the cover is usually low. Â It falls into the something for everyone category, so it's a good place to get a bunch of friends together.
Review Source:I give Granby Theater five stars for the building itself and the gorgeous restoration and redo of its interior a few years back complete with historically accurate gold leaf detailing and L.A. worthy red carpet swank. You really have to see it to believe it's in Norfolk.
Three or four stars for the rest. They've had somewhat of a hard time establishing an identity for this local treasure.
It's a dance club and works great as such. It's got these uber cool tiered balconies that you can reserve (at a price). Each one has cushy seating and tables so you can VIP it with your crew if that's your thing.
Really there's no place like it anywhere near here. It's a high end night club. The crowd is a little too pretty for my taste a lot of times. As in, a lot of the dudes look like they've spent WAY too much time dolling up for the evening. Huge turn off. But whatever.
The thing is it's also a beautiful space for arts performances and events. It's got a decent sized little stage and seats can be placed on the dance floor.
I've seen and even organized a couple of shows there in my old job (including the local music awards). I wish it could be utilized as such a little more often.
I bet that you look good on the dance floor, dancing to electropop like a robot from 1984.
I don't know why, but there's hardly any dancing on Granby Street. Real dancing. Like a big dance floor, not a few tables cleared next to the bar. Granby Theater is for dancing. It's mostly electropop. They have Top 40 nights, but generally they mix the music so much you can't recognize the songs. My favorite night for dancing there is EuroNight, which is the first Saturday of the month. Each month, they feature a different country: Greece, Denmark, Bulgaria, you name it.
The theater itself is gorgeous and holds to its historic roots. Inside there are several bars and it's very large and spread out. There are tables and seated areas on all levels, as well as by the dance floor. There's also a coat check, which is great because I usually have to leave my coat in the car and freeze when I head out to Granby Street in the winter (or risk my nice coat getting sloshed on at a bar, no thanks).
I still prefer the dance nights at the Wave, it's more my style. Granby Theater is a more grindy type of dancing, where as the Wave is more alternative/indie dancing. But Granby Theater is a wonderful place to spend an evening. If you dance enough to work up an appetite, you can hit up Granby Street Pizza for a slice after (they are open late night).
I don't really go out in Hampton Roads area but decided to go out on NYE. We went to the NYE's party that was supposed to be a Greek theme but of course nobody dressed up except for the bartenders.
LOCATION: In the vicinity of Rama Thai, Fahrenheit, Time Lounge.
ATMOSPHERE: Huge place. Very pretty inside - elegant theater theme with red walls/ceilings with gold bordering. VIP seating wasn't that impressive. Staggered seating elevated but it just look like row seating. Very high ceilings. 2 huge flat screens on either side. I wish they played music videos instead of abstract screen saver like animations. There is a stage next to the dance floor and the Granby Theater dancers did some mini-performances throughout the night which weren't impressive but cute dancing around in cute dresses to simple choreography. There is only 1 dance floor.
The crowd was pretty diverse. We saw all ages 20's and some older couples. All races.
BATHROOMS: Clean and in good condition. There are lots of stalls and I didn't have to wait in line at all. No concierge in bathroom attendant.
DRINKS: They have lots of flavored vodkas! I had Drinks were $8 per vodka mixed drink so pretty average. I had strawberry with club soda and then a melon vodka with club soda. The only diet drinks they have are diet coke or sugar free red bull.
SERVICE: Coat check $2 which was mandatory. I don't know if it was mandatory just for that night.
COVER: For that night $20 per person. Not sure what it is usually. I expected to pay on NYE though.
PARKING: We took ferry so I don't know about the parking situation but there is a huge parking deck on Waterside at the dock by that mall. It's a bit of a walk but not bad.
CONCLUSION: Fun place if you like big clubs that play top 40's, some 80's, dance/pop. This is much like the venues I frequent in Atlanta but I'm a dance club person and this is the only one I've been to in the Hampton Roads area.
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