Life in Charlottesville: Popular Places to Eat for Every Occasion
Life in Charlottesville is downright amazing. With the renowned University of Virginia, top-rated schools, Monticello. Also the phenomenal real estate ventures. How about free outdoor summer concerts, countries best wine trails, family activities and fantastic hiking areas. Can I mention the food? Anywhere in Charlottesville, you will find eclectic eateries. Which range from outdoor cafes, fine dining, farm to table restaurants and family-friendly dining. When you decide to move to a neighborhood, dining is one aspect you check out before moving right? Therefore, you will not be disappointed with what Charlottesville has to offer. Here is a list of places to eat for different occasions. Whether it’s with kids in tow, romantic date night, a place to celebrate or just a quick bite!
Life in Charlottesville: Family-Friendly Dining
Mellow Mushroom is one of my fav places to take the family. This is an eclectic art-filled pizza place slinging wood-fired pizzas all made to order. Mellow Mushroom takes pride in their food using only top quality and fresh ingredients. Whether you are gluten-free, vegetarian or dairy-free there will be something for everyone to enjoy. My menu favorites are of course their pizzas, oven baked wings, or a build your own salad!
Citizen Burger Bar is located right in Charlottesville’s Historic downtown mall. Great place to enjoy a yummy burger and cold brew especially in the summer! Outdoor seating is available to let the kid’s burn off that extra energy or to enjoy one of Virginia’s fair fall evenings. Citizen Burger Bar sets themselves apart from other burger joints by using local farm fresh ingredients and creative recipes. Local menu favs are the Citizen Burger and Kinda Vegan Burger. Come in and enjoy one!
Fine Dining for that Fine Date
Ivy Inn Restaurant is located near UVA with 4 dining rooms located inside a spectacular historic home and also an outdoor seating area in their tented patio. Dinner is served from 5:00-9:30 and reservations are highly encouraged. Dinner fare features local seasonal ingredients that change on a daily basis. This is a dining experience not to miss and perfect for that special date night.
Downtown Grille is one of my top choices when wanting to celebrate a special occasion. Downtown Grille specializes in Mid-Western Corn-fed Beef, fresh seafood then incorporates local ingredients into each dish. This exquisite steakhouse takes pride in their extensive wine list which has earned Wine Spectator Award of Excellence each year. Happy Hour is also quite popular at the Downtown Grille.
Grab a Quick Bite
Bodo’s Bagels is a must for those who live in Charlottesville. It is part of life in Charlottesville if you will. This bagelry employs mainly UVA students where you can run and grab a New York water bagel before work, a UVA baseball game or just because. Bodo’s also serves an array of lunch items such as salads, sandwiches and of course bagels. Don’t forget to try one of their custom cream cheese spreads such as smoked salmon, walnut raisin, or jalapeño lime.
No matter what you are in the mood for, Charlottesville has an array of different restaurants for all occasions. With UVA being one of the major employers, this brings residents from all over the world. Therefore Charlottesville has become a melting pot of many different cuisines. Simply just ask someone who has been a long time resident of Charlottesville and they will also suggest some great spots to grab a bite to eat. Bon Appetit!
[…] If all that weren’t enough to have you planning your move, Charlottesville also has some of the best food you’ll find in the country. While the city is known for quick eats like Marco and Luca Dumplings and Bodo’s Bagels, there’s also fine dining at Mas and C&O. In sum, Charlottesville has something for every palate. And if you’re not from the south, get ready to experience the good food and southern hospitality you’ve been missing. Start your foray into southern cuisine with local favorites like The Whiskey Jar and Wayside. If you want to want to know more of our recommendations for great bites in the area, check out our blog post on Charlottesville food here. […]
[…] For those who love being outside, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Charlottesville to keep you busy all season long. From hiking to fishing to cycling, Charlottesville and the surrounding area has the perfect place for every outdoor hobby. (If you’re looking for somewhere to pick up food for a picnic at one of these spots, check out our post on the best food in Charlottesville here.) […]
[…] While Charlottesville may be small, the city has no shortage of awesome museums. If you love art, or learning about science, or spending hours looking at documents in history museums, Charlottesville has something for you. If you need somewhere to eat after visiting a museum, check out this post. […]
[…] Pick up food for a picnic lunch from The Corner (check out our recommendations for where to eat here) and soak up the sun. Charlottesville families love trick-or-treating on The Lawn so don’t […]