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Welcome To Sanctuary at The Railyard
Sanctuary at The Railyard, nestled in Norfolk, is an inviting blend of a laid-back bar and artisanal taco haven. Celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, the venue showcases local art while offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests rave about the diverse taco selection, particularly the BBQ Pulled Chicken and Shrimp Tacos, known for their bold flavors and generous portions. The craft beer menu, complemented by an on-site brewery, enhances the experience. Families are welcomed with special events, ensuring it’s a spot for everyone. Sanctuary at The Railyard is where camaraderie meets culinary delight in a unique setting.
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About
Sanctuary at The Railyard
Welcome to Sanctuary at The Railyard, a hidden gem nestled in Norfolk, Virginia. Located at 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd Bldg 400, this vibrant spot combines a relaxed bar atmosphere with an artistic flair, making it a perfect destination for food lovers and those seeking a good time. With a distinctive divey-hipster vibe, patrons are greeted by a warm and inviting environment adorned with local artwork that enhances the dining experience.
The standout feature at Sanctuary is undoubtedly its taco selection. Crafted with care, these tacos are not just food; they are a celebration of flavor. The menu offers a delightful array of options, including BBQ pulled chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, and the crowd-favorite Chicken Philly taco. The generous portions and bold seasonings make each bite satisfying. Many guests, such as Dr. Clare G, rave about the quality of the BBQ chicken taco, praising its seasoning and textures. The addition of customizable toppings allows for a personalized touch, catering to diverse palates.
Equally impressive is the drink selection. With a range of craft beers—including some brewed on-site—Sanctuary at The Railyard is a haven for beverage enthusiasts. Whether you prefer sipping at the bar or enjoying the outdoor seating area while soaking in the atmosphere, you’re sure to find a drink that perfectly complements your meal.
Service at Sanctuary has been highlighted as another asset, with friendly staff like Lauren going above and beyond to ensure an enjoyable dining experience. The combination of excellent service, a relaxed ambiance, and delectable food creates a social atmosphere that keeps visitors returning.
Aside from the culinary offerings, Sanctuary is family-friendly, often hosting events that welcome guests of all ages. This makes it the ideal spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a meal with family. Whether you come for a casual lunch, a fun evening out, or to join in community events, Sanctuary at The Railyard promises a memorable experience. Don’t miss out on what could become your next favorite spot in Norfolk!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I visited this place for the first time this week and had a great experience! It was difficult finding it at first because my GPS took me on a weird route. Nonetheless, I made it lol it was a very cool place walking in. Seems like a very chill, bar-like hangout spot! We were served by Lauren and she was pretty cool. Lauren was also very helpful in helping us decide what to eat! She definitely made sure we were well taken care of and had everything we needed. Now to the food! I loved the tacos!! I ordered the BBQ pulled chicken taco, shrimp taco, and chicken Philly taco. The BBQ chicken was my favorite! It was very well seasoned as well as the shrimp taco. I was extremely satisfied with my food! The chicken Philly was the least favorite for me, but it was okay. Prices were very reasonable here as well! Overall, I definitely plan on coming back! ”
“ We love love love their tacos, have to get them with the double taco shell with the cheese in between. Most the time the service is great, most recently it was a little lacking but everyone has days ya know. Great beer options and inside and outside seating. And you can take their tacos over to afterglow to eat outside while playing games too. ”
“ Everything here is superb. The bartenders are always hustling to get food and drinks out to the customers. They work together and communicate to each other what needs to be done. The chefs in the back are exactly that. Chefs. The atmosphere here makes everyone feel like a friend. Whatever event is going on will be a blast. Any night will be one to remember. ”
“ Sanctuary.DMZ is an absolute gem! The tacos are fantastic, packed with flavour, generously portioned, and at a very reasonable price. There’s a great variety of toppings to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Their drink selection is just as impressive, with a wide range of beers and spirits, plus their own brewery on site, a real bonus for craft beer lovers. The atmosphere is lovely, warm, and welcoming, with amazing service from a genuinely friendly team who are always happy to help. It’s not just for grown-ups either, they run family-friendly events like Easter egg hunts, making it a great spot for everyone. Whether you’re stopping by for food, drinks, or a good time with family and friends, Sanctuary.DMZ never disappoints. ”
“ Sanctuary at the Railyard is a really cool spot in Norfolk, offering a unique blend of art gallery and casual bar with a focus on tacos. It definitely has a distinct, "divey-hipster" vibe that sets it apart, and it's a great place to unwind, especially with its indoor and outdoor seating options. The tacos are the main event, and they're generally quite good. They offer a simple, straightforward menu of ground beef, chicken, pork, and bean tacos, which you can customize with various toppings and sauces. The standouts for me have been the BBQ Chicken and Pulled Chicken Tacos – they're generously stuffed and packed with flavor. What really elevates the experience is their selection of hot sauces; they truly kick up the taste of the tacos. The prices are also very reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option for a casual meal or a quick drink. The atmosphere is laid-back and artsy, with C.A. Simmons' work and other local artists featured, which adds a nice touch. It's a great place to meet up with friends or grab a quick bite. Service is usually pretty quick and the staff are friendly. My only reason for not giving it a full five stars is that while the tacos are good, they sometimes lean a bit towards "comfort food" rather than gourmet, and on occasion, the flavors can be a little less vibrant than I'd hope. However, for a casual, fun spot with affordable and tasty tacos, particularly with those excellent hot sauces, Sanctuary at the Railyard is a solid four-star choice in Norfolk. ”
“ 6/7/25 - Went here to get some food after going to flea market next door at the brewery. You fill out what you would like on your tacos. Kind of reminds me when you do it for sushi but instead it's for tacos. The bartender was great! We also got some drinks and shooters. The pricing was great pricing! There is also outdoor seating. I would definitely come back for some more taco's. ”