We are a VB lovin' husband and wife entrepreneurial team with a passion for good craft beer and eclectic, curated foods. As a classically trained chef (Tim) and an experienced restauranteur (Kristina) we were drawn to a VB Historical Registry 1940's era building in the Arts and Culture District to develop a space dedicated to the art of food, beverage and conversation.
We share a strong social and environmental conscience that is evident in our sustainably-sourced and repurposed building features and our precious green space where we grow much of our food. Our hood is gritty, but thriving with promising artisan businesses and people who, like us, are dedicated to paying homage to the experience of quality food and drink and once again facilitate a local community of those that want to be part of this movement.
We share a strong social and environmental conscience that is evident in our sustainably-sourced and repurposed building features and our precious green space where we grow much of our food. Our hood is gritty, but thriving with promising artisan businesses and people who, like us, are dedicated to paying homage to the experience of quality food and drink and once again facilitate a local community of those that want to be part of this movement.
Services
Esoteric is the realization of a VB lovin' husband and wife entrepreneurial team with a passion for good and rare craft beer and eclectic and curated foods. We also really dig aesthetics and under-designed spaces which we think facilitates a return to the art of food, beverage and conversation.
You won't find a television in our space but you will find some serious charm and preserved architectural detail in our 1920's era building, back in the days when skilled craftsmanship was what was up.Esoteric is on the Virginia Beach Historical Registry, a fact we are uber proud of and we hoped to influence and inspire other businesses to also take this path.
You won't find a television in our space but you will find some serious charm and preserved architectural detail in our 1920's era building, back in the days when skilled craftsmanship was what was up.Esoteric is on the Virginia Beach Historical Registry, a fact we are uber proud of and we hoped to influence and inspire other businesses to also take this path.
The undercurrent of everything I do at Benevolent Design Co. stems from my desire to give the customer exactly what they are looking for while leaving the least impact on the environment. Instead of cookie cutter replications from eras past, I travel across the mid-Atlantic states and hand-select interesting materials that have been deemed useless or forgotten, of which the character cannot be replicated by something new.
Reviews (30)
Brittany D.
Jan 14, 2022
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Mansi B.
Jan 09, 2022
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Great spot! Ambience was awesome, cool spot, complimentary valet! Make a reservation because it fills up quickly for dinner. As a vegetarian, we decided to get all the veggie friendly options! The portions are LARGE. They called them "small plates" but they are the exact opposite. We got the Plant based poutine, Buffalo mushroom bites, homemade pretzel, and black bean burger. This place gets 5 stars on the Buffalo mushroom bites alone!! We liked it all, but might not get the pretzel again. We will be back, to try the drinks and desserts too!
Alison M.
Jan 05, 2022
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How have I not been here yet?!? I knew it was here, it was on my list, it's nearby, I drive past several times a week... yet still, it's been a minute.
Finally had a celebratory dinner here a few weeks ago with my fiancee and we loved it. It wasn't very crowded on a Thursday night during the week in December but there were a few other tables inside.
They have a great menu with some delicious items - we chose to start with some bubbly (champagne) and sweet tea for me (as always) and the pimento cheese and octopus. Both were delicious - the pimento cheese was great and came
Finally had a celebratory dinner here a few weeks ago with my fiancee and we loved it. It wasn't very crowded on a Thursday night during the week in December but there were a few other tables inside.
They have a great menu with some delicious items - we chose to start with some bubbly (champagne) and sweet tea for me (as always) and the pimento cheese and octopus. Both were delicious - the pimento cheese was great and came
Earl M.
Jan 04, 2022
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Stephanie
Dec 27, 2021
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I had a fantastic time here! I will be back and highly recommend to everyone! The cocktails are very well thought out. Our bartender, Drew (I think) crafted them to perfection. He also provided the best service. Food was on another level. Praises to the chef for sure. If you want a great all around experience; go here.
Marybeth Taylor Singer
Dec 23, 2021
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Cassie M.
Dec 15, 2021
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Esoteric is by far one of the best restaurants in the Hampton Roads. I always recommend it to others from the area or visiting because you will never be disappointed. Every time I come here, I try something different on the menu, and every time the items are always delicious and unique. The drinks are amazing too. The staff is friendly and attentive.
Alaina M.
Nov 30, 2021
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I've been here twice now whenever I'm in town and it's now a must for when I visit. The service is wonderful, the ambiance is great, the menu is creative (both food and drinks), and the food tastes phenomenal. The scallops are a must, but everything is worth trying. I've been to many restaurants in the VB boardwalk area and this is hands down the best.
Lynn Gilbert
Nov 21, 2021
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Jeremiah Cardinal
Nov 14, 2021
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Haiston Riddle
Nov 12, 2021
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Stacy Lynn
Sep 24, 2021
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Jonathan Z.
Sep 14, 2021
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Jose Suarez
Aug 23, 2021
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Tony F.
Aug 06, 2021
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Carol McLaughlin
Jul 20, 2021
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Anne F.
Jul 09, 2021
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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
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
Rick Overbey
Jul 01, 2021
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By far, one of our favorite restaurants in Virginia Beach and is a traditional birthday dinner spot for my wife. We have tried just about everything on the menu with some of our favorites being their Charred Octopus, Pimento Cheese or the House Made Pretzel for an appetizer.
Tonight I had the Fresh Catch, which was absolutely amazing and my wife had the Scallop entree. Both were cooked perfectly and we had the best service staff to match. As always, we ordered their Sweet Potato donuts with brown sugar ice cream and a Bourbon caramel to finish the night and were not disappointed. Try them for
Tonight I had the Fresh Catch, which was absolutely amazing and my wife had the Scallop entree. Both were cooked perfectly and we had the best service staff to match. As always, we ordered their Sweet Potato donuts with brown sugar ice cream and a Bourbon caramel to finish the night and were not disappointed. Try them for
Sara Avery-Angeles
Jun 24, 2021
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Jessica C.
Jun 16, 2021
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We arrived here at about 5:30, well before the crowd. Luckily we had 30 minutes till happy hour was over. My hubs had an IPA & I asked the bartender who was also our waitress Ashley to make me a "no"jito which was super refreshing after a day at the beach. This is a cute, swanky establishment, everyone was super sweet! We ordered 4 octopus tacos, 2 duck tacos, and 12 wings to start off. Everything was amazing, so of course I ordered more before the happy hour ended at 6pm. I forgot to take a picture of the tacos because we ate them so fast. I told the waitress I hope when we get back
McKenzie R.
Jun 16, 2021
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Wow! Esoteric did not disappoint. We had such a hard time deciding what to order because the menu has so many interesting options. We decided on the Duck Tacos, the Stir Fry tacos, the Buffalo Mushroom Bites and a grilled cheese with fruit for my daughter. Each item was so thoughtfully put together. The flavors were extraordinary. We loved it! The only thing to consider is the tacos are not meal-portions. We're only in town for a short time but we're already considering going back.
Natalie Terrell
Jun 01, 2021
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Thu Luu
May 30, 2021
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Cassie W.
Apr 10, 2021
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I'm sorry it took me so long to finally dine at Esoteric. It has been on my bucket list for a long time. We ordered two cocktails ("clover club" and "painkiller"), poutine, buttermilk fried shrimp, scallop/risotto entree, and sweet potato doughnuts for dessert. Everything was fantastic. The service was friendly and attentive. We dined inside due to rain, but I'm excited to go back soon and dine outside on the garden patio!
Stephanie Z.
Mar 06, 2021
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My step mom and I decided to come here for her birthday since our original plans fell threw. It's been awhile since I have been, but it was her first time and it did not disappoint at all! First, we started off with the charcuterie board which was delicious. The different cheeses, meats, spreads, and other little delectable things on the tray made it easy to create different, tasty bites. My step mom ordered the scallops dish and they were cooked to PERFECTION (nice sear and melted like butter) and the risotto that came along with it was amazing. She also ordered a side of Brussels sprouts
Ana P.
Dec 28, 2020
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Audry P.
Dec 25, 2020
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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
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
Hannah Liz
Sep 05, 2020
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This place might have the best margaritas in Hampton roads! The beverages are always good and so is the food. We always get the appetizer pretzel, but you really can’t go wrong with anything they offer. The service is always really good and they have a good outdoor seating area. Also, the ladies room has the kind of doors/stalls that DON’T allow people to see in through cracks so you can actually have some privacy.
Samantha O'Rourke
Sep 02, 2020
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What an amazing experience! Enjoyed some delicious beers; a sour by Precarious and another by Foam along with a Bourbon Barrel Aged PB Strawberry Stout to finish it off. The food was perfect in every way. Started our night off with buffalo fried mushrooms and a cauliflower noodle dish. We then crushed the surf n turf special and ordered the roast beef sandwich to take home and enjoy as a late night snack. The server was extremely attentive and very knowledgeable. We also owe him a huge thanks since we were the last ones to leave while we melted in our delicious dessert, sweet potato donuts covered
Sharon T.
May 23, 2020
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Nothing more beautiful then to celebrate the sunshine and freedom to eat outside! We celebrated the opening of phase one.. where outdoor seating for all restaurants in Virginia Beach were open to customers.
It was a leisurely bike ride to Esoteric. It is the main spot in the Vibe District.. boosting with the art and culture from local artists. The painted murals allow many people to appreciate the artistic talents of Va Beach.
We called to make sure were were away from the crowd and luckily we were the only small group there. I came with my group of five people to relax, sip on some casual
It was a leisurely bike ride to Esoteric. It is the main spot in the Vibe District.. boosting with the art and culture from local artists. The painted murals allow many people to appreciate the artistic talents of Va Beach.
We called to make sure were were away from the crowd and luckily we were the only small group there. I came with my group of five people to relax, sip on some casual
