The Wave

I really wanted to like this place, especially since it’s one of the few LGBTQ+ spots around — but honestly, it was such a letdown. They charged $20 just to get in, which would’ve been fine if there was actually a crowd or a vibe. But there were barely any people, and the energy was flat all night. We stayed for hours hoping it would pick up, but it never did. The music was not the best — not even bad in a fun way, just totally mismatched for a dance club. It felt like they were playing for themselves instead of the crowd. Hardly anyone was dancing, and the DJ didn’t seem to notice or care. I’d seen photos and reviews mentioning RuPaul girls and great nights here, so I expected at least something lively — but it didn’t live up to that at all. If you’re visiting from out of town or hoping for a real dance night, skip it.

My friend and I stumbled upon The Wave, not knowing it was a LGBT bar. We were trying to go to a hookah bar that was near but they were closed. So I seen a line at this night club and I was greeted with SO MUCH love from the people in line. With that I was so happy we found a place to kick it with initial friendly vibes. I enjoyed the music, I loved that they played pop, some 2000s music, a little techno, and even heard a Latin song! The drinks our were STRONG, presentation was cute, and the people that served them was SUPER friendly to me. They deeply thanked me and it was such a sweet encounter. Cover charge was $20, they have a INSIDE smokers section, couple of dance floors, good music. Despite the negative reviews, I gave my HONEST review! I MUST say; It is disheartening to see how unprofessional the responses are from the owner. However, we had a great night. Thank you!

Had a fantastic time here for a recent community event. I had the time of my life! This venue has a lot of smart enhancements. Spacious bathrooms, large dance floor, plenty of bars and sexy bartenders, and a fantastic patio area! I even saw pool tables! Music was loud, the crowd was energized, and I felt safe enough to dance the night away among the other members of my community. I'm grateful for this space. Huge improvements since I was in college. Next time someone asks you to go to The Wave, say yes. You won't regret it. (Not a lot of pics from me on this because I was too busy having fun.)

I love this bar!! I always feel so safe here! The vibes are immaculate! The drinks are super strong you definitely get a bang for your buck and the bartenders are the best I will love them Forever!

I am writing this review to express my utter disappointment and frustration with the treatment I received at The Wave in Norfolk, Virginia. What was supposed to be a casual night out turned into one of the most humiliating and unprofessional experiences I’ve ever encountered at a public establishment. After ordering a drink and choosing not to leave a tip—something that is entirely within my legal right as a customer—I was publicly shamed by the bartender. Rather than handling the situation with any semblance of professionalism, the bartender mocked me in front of other patrons, made a derogatory comment implying I should not have come out if I couldn’t afford to tip (which was not the case), and then proceeded to flip me off. This behavior was not only immature and distasteful, but it also crossed the line into outright harassment. To make matters worse, security was called—not on the bartender, but on me. I was escorted out of the venue and banned from returning, all because I exercised my right not to tip for a single drink. I was not disruptive, aggressive, or inappropriate in any way. The only "offense" I committed was not leaving a gratuity, which is not mandatory under Virginia law. This incident has prompted me to seek legal counsel and consider filing formal complaints with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The bartender’s actions may constitute a violation of professional conduct standards and potentially alcohol service regulations, especially given the aggressive and retaliatory nature of the behavior. I urge anyone considering a visit to The Wave to think twice. No customer deserves to be publicly humiliated, insulted, and banned over a tip. This establishment clearly lacks the basic standards of customer service and professionalism that any reputable venue should uphold.

We visited on April 26, we got there around 9:30pm. We paid a $20 cover charge which we deemed wasn’t really worth it. When getting our wristbands at the entrance the woman and gentleman were not friendly. Hardly acknowledged us and we asked how their night was they literally said nothing and stared at us. Not a great customer service impression. The bar itself was great, each bartender was enthusiastic and entertaining. The dance floor was dope with all the mirrors and lights however there were a few dead palmetto bugs on the floor. Yucky. We spent a majority of the time in the back bar area by the pool tables because the music selection was way better. We wish the music selection in the front was better so we could have spent more time on the dance floor. We also got lemon pepper wings and they were PHENOMENAL. The highlight of our visit, the worker in the kitchen was cool and moved pretty quick to be the only one working and having a line waiting. Not sure if we’d come again.

Going to the Wave is always a fun time, the bar tenders are great and the food is always delicious. I highly recommend the mozzarella sticks. Lots of dancing space and the DJ plays a variety of great music. Super safe atmosphere!