Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photos courtesy alamy images

Taking the bar exam

By Christian PeÑa

capena@vwc.edu

Friday night rolls around and the eternal question comes around: Where are we going tonight? Bar? Club? Restaurant? These thoughts plague the college student and, while I may not have a definite answer, I can suggest some places in the area.

The first under review is Plaza Azteca located on 4501 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach. This little restaurant serves a wide variety of Mexican dishes and drinks. This place is decent. Plenty of food comes on the plate and the atmosphere is nice. There is low lighting and the dining area is cut in two by a column of booths. The entrées were good and the drinks were fantastic. We both had margaritas that tasted fine, but were a tad small. They did the trick though and I would recommend eating there if you are looking to spice up the night.

Also worthy of mention is Paradocks East Coast Grille in Greenbrier. I reviewed this bar a couple of weeks ago and returned for another helping. Wanting something new, I went for the grilled shrimp instead of wings, but still had the same sauces to choose from. I went with the Caribbean Island because I was feeling something from the islands. The bar was loud and always full of people wanting a good night out. Service was decent. Overall, Paradocks still delivered a fun evening and I would go back again.

Now the best entrée of all: the Bier Garden of Portsmouth at 438 High St. The drive is about fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on traffic, and the location itself is interesting.

The restaurant is snuggly placed between two buildings and has an open patio for summer eating. The interior of the Garden is warm and inviting, based on real German taverns in Europe. The place is run by a married couple that live on the second floor of the restaurant and often came down to cook and talk with the patrons.

The Bier Garden has over a hundred types of beer from all over the world and over twenty varieties on draft. The selection fills almost eight full pages, front and back.

I would definitely urge people to try all of these restaurants, but the best are the Bier Garden and Paradocks. They have the best atmosphere and quality service, while also providing awesome food and drink. For more information, call them at the numbers listed below.

Plaza Azteca: 757-363-7495

Paradocks: 757-321-2202

Bier Garden: 757-393-7333