If you’ve ever been stationed in Norfolk, you’ve no doubt at least heard of Greenies Beach Bar & Grill, the popular sailor watering hole in Norfolk’s Ocean View area. And more likely, you’ve spent many a night tossing more than a few back with your shipmates.
But in a sad development, the iconic bar is expected to close its doors over the next few months, as Norfolk city officials plan to tear it down and convert it into a parking lot.
Norfolk Mayor, Kenny Alexander, said the city would purchase and knock down Greenies and another restaurant, the Ocean View Diner, as part of a massive city renovation plan.
Buying and demolishing Greenies is expected to provide more public access to Norfolk’s 7.5 miles of beaches.
No one knows for sure how long Greenies has been serving sailors, but the surrounding area has been a popular destination since Norfolk Naval Station opened its doors just before World War II.
Long before Virginia Beach became the place to go, Ocean View’s beaches and attractions brought in sailors and vacationers from all over the East Coast.
And though the year of its actual inception may be up for debate, one thing is certain: Innumerable sailors have viewed the establishment as a safe haven for getting thrashed beyond belief.
Greenie’s demise will leave another iconic sailor dive — the Thirsty Camel — as the only late night bar open on Norfolk’s beaches.
Current and former sailors bemoaned the announcement on the popular Navy-related Facebook page, Decelerate Your Life.
You will be missed, you prince of Norfolk, you king of Virginia.
Mark D. Faram is a former reporter for Navy Times. He was a senior writer covering personnel, cultural and historical issues. A nine-year active duty Navy veteran, Faram served from 1978 to 1987 as a Navy Diver and photographer.
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
