Tide Mill Cafe
Located in the heart of Hampton, Virginia, Tide Mill Cafe is a hidden gem offering a delightful mix of authentic Korean cuisine, casual dining, and entertainment. Situated at 2706 N Armistead Ave Ste C, this local favorite is not just a spot for great food but also a welcoming place for friends and families to gather and enjoy a variety of experiences.
A Unique Dining Experience with a Korean Twist
Tide Mill Cafe is a place that effortlessly combines the casual vibes of a dive bar with the rich flavors of Korean cooking. The menu at Tide Mill Cafe features a selection of Korean dishes that are both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of bibimbap, sizzling Korean BBQ, or a spicy kimchi dish, Tide Mill Cafe delivers a true taste of Korea with every bite. The food is always fresh, with a focus on traditional recipes, making it a go-to spot for Korean food lovers.
Aside from its well-known Korean staples, Tide Mill Cafe also offers an array of dishes that blend Korean flavors with other popular cuisines. These unique dishes cater to both adventurous eaters and those seeking something more familiar. Guests will also appreciate the variety of options available for takeout, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of Tide Mill Cafe at home.
Services and Amenities for a Comfortable Visit
Tide Mill Cafe prides itself on offering a broad range of services and amenities that make it a standout destination for both locals and visitors. One of the standout features of the cafe is its spacious and flexible seating arrangements. With a mix of booth seating, communal tables, and an area with pool tables, the atmosphere is perfect for groups, families, and casual gatherings. The cafe also offers both indoor and heated outdoor seating, with a covered outdoor area that makes it an excellent option year-round.
The cafe ensures convenience with ample on-site parking and bike parking, making it accessible for everyone. For those with mobility needs, the cafe is wheelchair accessible, and the staff is always ready to provide excellent service with a welcoming smile. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or planning to spend the evening enjoying drinks and games, Tide Mill Cafe accommodates a wide range of guests.
A Vibrant Atmosphere with Entertainment Options
Tide Mill Cafe is more than just a dining spot; it's also a lively place for entertainment. The cafe features a pool table, making it a great place to hang out with friends while enjoying some Korean food and drinks. For those who enjoy karaoke, the cafe offers an exciting karaoke experience that adds to the fun, making it the perfect venue for social events and celebrations. In addition, the full bar offers happy hour specials, ensuring that there's always something to enjoy while you relax and unwind.
The moderate noise level in the cafe creates a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for people of all ages. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a family dinner, the atmosphere at Tide Mill Cafe always feels lively without being overwhelming. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy good food, drinks, and entertainment all in one place.
Customer Reviews: Why People Keep Coming Back
Many patrons have shared their positive experiences at Tide Mill Cafe, emphasizing the friendly service, delicious food, and overall enjoyable environment. For instance, Jessica D., a regular at the cafe, appreciates the friendly staff and consistently delicious meals. She notes that the comfortable and versatile environment makes it a top choice for a casual outing with friends. Similarly, Jane W. mentions discovering the cafe as a Korean food treasure while another restaurant was closed. She highlights the cozy dive bar atmosphere and the delicious Korean dishes, which made the dining experience memorable. Despite the cafe's unassuming exterior, it's clear that Tide Mill Cafe offers some of the best Korean food in the area.
These reviews reflect the unique charm of Tide Mill Cafe, where food and entertainment come together seamlessly. With great food, a welcoming environment, and a range of services, Tide Mill Cafe continues to be a favorite for both new visitors and loyal regulars.
A Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction
Tide Mill Cafe's commitment to providing top-quality Korean cuisine, excellent service, and a great overall experience is evident in the number of repeat customers. The cafe’s focus on authentic flavors and its inviting atmosphere has earned it a loyal following in the Hampton area. With a range of services designed for convenience and comfort, Tide Mill Cafe remains a go-to destination for food lovers and those seeking a fun, laid-back environment.
Whether you're in the mood for some delicious Korean food, want to enjoy drinks with friends, or simply relax in a welcoming environment, Tide Mill Cafe is the perfect place to visit in Hampton, VA.
Reviews
We discovered this little Korean food gem while Thai Papaya was closed for remodeling. Located in the same strip mall, it is a dive bar featuring pool and karaoke, but it has some of the best Korean food in the area! They apparently have a brisk takeout business, but we chose to dine in. The back area has a few booths but is primarily long communal tables adjacent to some pool tables at which a league was apparently holding a tournament. The bartender/server was prompt in taking our order and checking on us periodically. The fish and chips came out fresh from the fryer, but the triangular fish fillets suggested they were possibly packaged rather than freshly breaded and fried. In contrast, the bibimbap was excellent. The fried eggs were perfectly soft cooked, and there was a generous serving of well-seasoned and tender beef. The rice was a little sticky, but there were some chewy bits stuck to the stone bowl the way there should be! The banchan (small plates) were split between the large bowl (sautéed greens, bean sprouts and pickled vegetables) and small dishes (kimchi, cucumbers in vinegar, and seasoned potatoes). The potatoes in particular were outstanding, but all of the banchan were very good. The portion was huge, so I have another meal to look forward to! The Korean lady who is apparently the chef made rounds through the room several times to check in on diners and spontaneously brought us extra kimchi. We paid at the register up front where some regulars were hanging out. The chef invited us to return to try other items on the menu. While I was initially not expecting much from the setting, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. We'll definitely be back!
One of my fav spots in the 7 cities. The staff is very friendly and the food is delicious. The environment itself is comfortable and versatile overall just a good place to go have fun.
Went to the restaurant for my favorite dish of beef bulgogi and I can say it was by far the best I have ever had in the states. The service was quick and spot on. The owners were very helpful and I think I was served at least 7 kinds of side dishes (kimchee & others). The reason I am not sure is because it was so much I could not finish all of it and began to fall into a food coma. To say I was happy is an understatement. Please go. You will not be disappointed if you are a fan of Korean food. WOW, went back again and asked for the same dish, beef bulgogi, but asked for specific (Winter) kimchee and they gave me what I wanted. Not wanting to waste food, but true to Korean hospitality, they again tried to load me up on other types of side dishes to include refills on the winter. I'm telling all my friends who love honest to goodness authentic Korean food that this is a must go to place. My advice to any military personnel or just anyone who has a love of authentic Korean food is to add this site to their favorites. They have a Facebook account, which I do not, but no website. Oh well. Can't have everything. Good eating. You will not go away hungry!!!!!!!
I love Tide Mill. I've ordered here occasionally for the last 12 years. The food is great and the workers are very friendly. I always get the bool gogi (pork or beef). It comes with a side of kimchi and a ton of white rice. The yaki mondu is fantastic as well. It is your typical neighborhood dive bar. Don't expect anything more than that in a visual sense. There's a review on here that stereotypes the people and neighborhood. I'm not for that. Everyone has always been super nice to me. They really are great people. Don't judge this book by its cover.
Unfortunately upon arrival today, 1/27/22, sign on the door says they are closed by city tax people. Wtf?! Our government at work. Putting another small business out of business. I sure hope they weather this because we'll lose one of the very best places for true homemade Korean food. Good luck.