It’s wonderful to be of a place. Have a stroll; let it change you.
Quick Bites
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Tacos - El Tako Nako.
Starting as one of the best food trucks in the area, these family owned taco purveyors simply stand in a league of their own. Try the Campechano, Pastor, and Birria.
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The Undisputed Champ.
A Charlottesville institution - whether you are hungover or need a quick lunch, Bodo’s has you covered. Everyone has their own go to. Looking to mix it up try a Bacon, red onion, tomato, sprouts, and feta spread on a seasame bagle.
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Turkish Bowls - Otto
Jarred eats here more than he is proud to admit. Everything is alway fresh. Plenty veg forward or vegetarian. The celery dip and beet salad are show stoppers.
Grab a drink!
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Simply the Best - Alley Light.
Bethany and I love a good cocktail. We were very nervous that, after D.C. and Atlanta, a little college town was going to leave us disappointed in this area. Alley Light proved us wrong. Always changing, always surprising, never pedestrian. If they are slow, ask for a bartender’s choice with a scotch base and the caviar chips.
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Constantly Evolving - Smyrna
It would be understandable for you to mistakenly assume that Smyrna simply has some of the best entrees in Charlottesville. However, it turns out their ever changing cocktail program matches their kitchen punch for punch! Plus, I might argue that the two gentleman running the bar program are quite possible the most enjoyable bartenders to chat with in the city.
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A Speakeasy We Share Reluctantly - Lost Saint
We share this mildly hidden watering hole reluctantly because time and time again we can no longer fit inside on the weekend! It appears the “secret” has gotten out that the best hidden cocktail vibes and most creative bar manager in Charlottesville are underneath Tavern & Grocery. Head down the stairwell beside the restroom and order a amaro forward Bartender’s choice and the tartar.
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Perfectly Paired - Cafe Frank
I love sitting at a bar, but there is something distinctly spectacular when a revolving bar program perfectly complements a lovely atmosphere, purposeful hospitality, and the hidden work of the Chef. I’m not sure anywhere in town quite puts all these features together quite as well as Cafe Frank. Sure, previous James Beard nods let you know what to expect from the kitchen, but the real surprise is the woman running the bar program.
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A Haven for Misbehavior - Durty Nelly's
Best karaoke in town, questionable toilets, darts, and some occasionally fantastic bands on Friday’s. Perhaps one of the most important drinking establishments in the town. Bring a pack of Camels, order a frosty Coor’s Banquet (two if you see Jarred there), maybe eat before you come, and be prepared for an experience.
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Sublimely Sticky - The Virginian
Many love to hate The Virginian. Some might argue that its >100 year history has been around 40 years too long. Others may claim to have been vomited on by one of the many undergrads with questionable IDs that frequent the establishment during the academic year. Quite frankly, they can all go to Hell. The Virginian is what it is, and in being authentically sticky, divey, and otherwise unrefined - it is wonderful. Hide at the bar, drink $3 beers, have a half decent sandwich, take a terrible shot, watch inebriated patrons dance their youth away atop a plywood booth table.
Where to Eat.
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Sushi - Omakase Obscura.
Chef Yoshihro Tauchi has taken over the kitchen of Vitae Spirits downtown and curates a spectacular Omakase program with wine or cocktail pairings. If you are like us and forgot to grab the required Omakase reservation don’t worry. The tinned fish, carpaccio, and roll options are still some of the best in town. Ten is very nice, but when you are ready for something new and more intimate - Omakase Obscura.
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French - Alley Light.
As the name implies, this Cville gem is tucked down a dimly lit alley off the downtown pedestrian mall. You will need a reservation during the academic year. The cookery is simply fantastic, and while the chalkboard menu is constantly changing with the season, Alley Light’s consistency and impeccable hospitality never waivers. Caviar chip starters, deboned quail stuffed with foie and chanterelles, a number of rillette options, you really can not go wrong. A piece of advice - their after dinner offerings are amazing, but the dessert cheeses and port are the way to cap your evening.
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Coursed Italian - Tavola
Tucked away in Belmont - Charlottesville’s coolest neighborhood - lies the city’s best Italian eatery. Move the pasta forward, weighty entree chains out of mind. Tavola is best enjoyed by adventurous friends looking to develop a custom course of shared plates. Party of two? Ask to be seated at the Chef’s bar. The flash fried artichokes with whipped goat cheese are a great start. You can’t miss with the orcchiette and tiramisu. But, if I were you, I’d go with several of the chef’s specials and a Ryan’s Drink. The decor is crying for an update, but the food has few rivals around town.
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Neapolitan Pies - Lampo
Well, if we are only going to have one edible pizzeria in town, at least the one we have is unforgettable. It is a strange thing for a pizza shop to regularly have a 1.5+ hour wait. Patron’s lust for Lampo is so reliable that they built an attached, independent bar (Baleno) for us to quench our thirst as we wait for the thin, crispy pies. All are amazing, but you simply must have a prosciutto. Our advice: A Bitter Giuseppe to drink, Insalata Verde , Prosciutta pie, and Zeppole (ricotta donuts with cinnamon and lemon) to finish.
