The Corner Bar & Lounge

So... ok. To go IN the restaurant, you have to be patted down by Security; this even to order items "to-go." I've never encountered anything like this before, simply to get some food. "The Corner" could also be missed entirely, if you didn't know where you're going. It's VERY unassuming, especially as a restaurant. The entire inside is painted Black. There are no windows. There are secured "swings" to sit on, at the bar. I ordered the "Lemon Pepper" Lamb Chops, Macaroni & Cheese, and String Beans; to go. Lamb LOLLIPOP chops - Let's be clear... these are not "chops," they are LOLLIPOPS. The seasoning, was definitely on point. The flavor profile, albeit familiar, was definitely unique once the lamb flavor hit. I recommend. Macaroni & Cheese - I find NO FAULT; delicious. Cheesy. Tasty. I recommend. String beans - Canned. There was definitely some added seasoning. I didn't like it at all; my mother did though; she's 95, so... her opinion wins. "I recommend."Honestly... albeit the staff, even Security were really nice, this place isn't for everyone. It's unfortunate, really unfortunate, that their response to the reputation of "Portsmouth," forces them to have Security, "Pat you down," to order "Take-out." This for me personally, isn't an ideal dining experience; regardless how good the food is.Call. Order. Wait in your (locked) car. Pick-up to go would be my recommendation.

The Corner Bar and lounge 8 ppl in the party ( Birthday Brunch) 1:30 pm on a Sunday reservation made in advance but the wait time wasn't long for other patrons from what I could see. DJ had a very good playlist of popular old school classics, hip hop, r&b and reggae Came for brunch 12-5 DJ announced at 3 pm that there was only 20 minutes remaining on brunch menu and would be switching over to dinner menu after being told by the waitress that we were unable to get certain items until 5 pm such as Collard greens or Yams etc. No salmon was unable to order certain items on brunch menu.Hookah $45 one flavor a bit pricey but a fun activity in the atmosphere.Bottomless mimosas- able to pick from a variety of flavors 3/5 $22 EntreesFish and Grits - 5/5 the sauce on the grits is so good - very nice portion size - this was the last order taken by the waitress and was the first entree brought out to the table and 2 ppl ordered the same thing. Chicken 5/5 fried very well you get 3 wings and waffles 5/5 the waffle has a crispy edge and still fluffy topped with powdered sugar Mac and cheese 5/5 very tasty Lamb chops and Grits - OMG this dish really surprised my tastebuds for sure !!! It was succulent. Whatever sauce the Corner uses on the grits is so yummy. . Overall review: 4/5 This bar/ lounge pros and cons...Cons - Repairs being made to the floor with a drill where patrons are seated (pictured) and food temperature being a little cold. There was about a 20 minute wait in between each entree being received. The pancakes were store bought from the frozen section. Brunch hours 12-5 DJ announced at 3 pm that there was only 20 minutes remaining on brunch menu and would be switching over to dinner menu after being told by the waitress that we were unable to get certain items until 5 pm such as Collard greens or Yams.No salmon available so I was unable to order certain items on brunch menu. Maybe if the party size was smaller or if I go during the week I'm sure my experience would be better. Pros - Definitely outweigh the cons!!! This black owned establishment has definitely set the bar high. The food is amazing and has a wonderful ambiance. The service was awesome my waitress was efficient and the prices are pretty standard. The swings at the bar are a very nice touch to the decor and vibe for sure and a great photo opt. I would definitely recommend this establishment. If you find yourself in the Portsmouth area definitely stop by.

I have visited this location years ago when it was under a different name. I remember having a great time, back in the day. So when I heard a new restaurant/club/lounge was opening up this year, I was super excited to check it out.It's been a little over a month now since this spot reopened under, The Corner.I heard good things about it, but people really praised the food here.My babe and I decided to give this place a try over the weekend.Upon entering the building, the parking lot was a mess. Not sure if it's the city's responsibility, but someone should at least take the time to beautify the parking lot. Already have one side eye...There is security checkpoints before you enter in... no issue here. The security staff was pleasant and hoped we'd have a good time. One guy even recommended we try the food.I was excited to try the lamb chops and mac... the pictures I viewed prior to coming looked amazing.It's dark, low lighting inside. Not much ventilation, but it was still inviting.We chose to sit at the bar since we arrived during happy hour... 5pm to 8pm.I am still unsure what happy hour consist of, because the young bartender that waited on us did not know a thing... this was a bit frustrating. We tried to make the best of this new experience, but it was a struggle. After several mishaps, I was ready to go.I did not get to taste the food, but we met another patron that shared with us it was only his second time visiting this place. He was actually there the night before and enjoyed the food, he returned the next day. He was nice enough to let me take a quick pic of his food that he highly recommends.I have high hopes that this place will deliver next time. I do not know if we picked an off evening, but the manager(s) tried to make our experience better, but I was beyond ready to go after being accused of saying my husbae had a certain drink and he did not...Nevertheless, prior to coming, I did check with friends and they highly recommended this place. So do not judge them based on my experience and myself I am willing to give them another attempt at a much later date.The parking is plentiful as the building is situated among other shops in a shopping center.Not sure if this place offers more room than meets the eye, but it's a bit tight inside. As a result, if the tightness/closeness does not bother you... check them out.Have fun and enjoy life :)

Okay happy hour from 5 to 8. Tamika is an awesome bartender. We had so much fun celebrating my sister 60th birthday. The food is delicious. Especially those lemon pepper wings and collard greens. I had so much fun my first night in Virgina since October. They don't party like this in michigan. Nice after work spot.

This was my first time at this place and I must say the food was awesome! The workers were nice. However when I first got there I noticed one bartender doing hookah with a customer. Then as I was leaving I saw her taking a shot with someone. I mean it's all good just know what you're getting yourself into! Like I said the food was great and I will be going back to try more items off the menu!

I went here on a Friday evening when happy hour was going on and the vibes was immaculate , as long as you're with the right crew . Shots after shots (which we're half off ) for 4 shots we ended up paying $25 . So about $6 a shot . great price because in my opinion that's all they're really worth . Bar tenders we're very attenuative and we also got a hookah which was $20 ( watermelon & mint flavor ) when the pull died down we let the hookah lady know and she came right over and changed the coal . We ordered old bay wings and fries with a extra order of fries . it came out in about 15 mins . and the DJ kirt was amazing and keeping the vibes going with wonderful music , only problem i have with this bar / lounge is that the gnats was taking over and it became very irritating . but other than that nice experience and I will be returning

Everything was GREAT!! Food drinks the Deep Fried Honey Lemon pepper lamb chops is a must!! I went back Sunday for brunch nice vibes and I got my car wash!!

Don't go to this place unless you're only mildly hungry, because you will have to wait so long to get your food. They are refilling the patron bottles with well liquor in there as well. I would give the zero stars but it doesn't exist.

I came here with some friends for happy hour. The food was great! Bottle girls are also friendly and nice to look at!