Doumar's Great Cones and BBQ

Hampton Roads locals will tell you that Doumar's is a family tradition for many in southeastern Virginia. This family-owned Norfolk drive-in has been in operation since 1934 and founder, Abe Doumar, is known as the inventor of the ice cream cone. A trip to Doumar's is a trip back in time. Pull up in an outdoor spot, turn your car lights on when you are ready to order from an actual car-hop, and receive a little aluminum tray full of goodies hooked over your car door. Patrons may also choose to step into the diner that looks like it is straight out of the 1950's (authentic not a gimmick). Either way, you won't be disappointed by a trip to Doumar's.

Summer or winter, the Doumar's parking lot is always pleasantly full of people eager for a taste of nostalgia as well as the freshly-made, deliciously crunchy ice cream cones and renowned barbecue. What sets Doumar's apart is that, despite its success, things are still done the old-fashioned way and you can taste the difference. The crisp cones are homemade, the limeade is fresh, the milkshakes and floats are old-style (not artificially thickened), and the food - even the ground beef and barbecue - is made on the premises.

With all that atmosphere and freshness to offer, you would imagine that Doumar's would capitalize on their success by charging higher prices for the "charm" factor. The menu is surprisingly affordable, where prices seem like they are from another era as well. Compare a fresh BBQ sandwich for less than $2.50 or a freshly-made ice cream cone for less than $2 to the fast food next door or the overpriced ice cream at one of the fancier parlors.

Check out the menu as well as fun pictures from bygone eras at the Doumar's website. www.doumars.com Doumar's is located near downtown Norfolk at 1919 Monticello Avenue. A great stop after a day at the Chrysler Museum, a show at the Harrison Opera House, or a shopping trip in Ghent, Doumar's is open until after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and until 11pm Monday-Thursday.