Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a city in Virginia. It’s home to the University of Virginia, with its core campus designed by Thomas Jefferson. On the outskirts, Jefferson’s mountain-top plantation, Monticello, includes a mansion and rebuilt slave quarters. Highland, President James Monroe’s home, retains many original furnishings. The city is a gateway to Shenandoah National Park, along a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Top places to visit

4.7
(10965)
4.7
(7301)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Monticello, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a significant historical site that offers tours of President Jefferson's 1769 mansion and slave plantation. The area is known for its rich history and connection to Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia. Visitors can explore the stately mansion, museum, and cafe while learning about Jefferson's role in American history as the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States.
I see why Thomas Jefferson loved this place. The view here is amazing. The tour is very informative. I like how they highlighted his accomplishments. He was our 3rd president. He helped pen the Declaration of Independence. One of the founding fathers of this country. The tour also didn't shy away from the fact that he was a slave owner. (Even to his own children.) The grounds are well maintained. The staff were very friendly. They do honor military discounts.
Charles A — Google review
So glad we visited on our last full day in the region. I hadn’t been here six I was a little girl. We took the behind the scenes tour which gave access to all 3 floors of the house. The guides are amazing as they gave immersive history lessons as the tour unfolded. Highly recommend this tour for ages 10-100. Lots of walking though but it was beautiful and thought provoking.
Marie R — Google review
This is a great destination to learn about history and get out in nature. The shops, museums and the tour guides are fabulous. The staff are very knowledgeable and personable. You can watch live archeological digs happening in real time. They have many ticket purchase options depending on what you want to do and are handicapped accessible but for those who like to hike and walk there is a very nice walking trail up and down the mountain. There's something there for everyone. The view is blissful. Definitely a bucket list visit.
Robin C — Google review
Sunday morning on the first shuttle to Jefferson's masterpiece, and I got to walk around the grounds alone for a few moments, imagining times past. The landscape looks so good, even this late in the season, and the vegetable garden is beautiful. I signed up for the house tour, so got to see the inside, totally worth it, especially on a drizzly day. I was here 32 years ago, and feel lucky to get to be there again, even just for a few hours. I try to donate annually, to try to help this great project, l so appreciate it. The gift shop and café are great, and I'm delighted to bring some seeds home grown in the garden. Listening to the new book on 'Jefferson- The Art of Power' as I drove home. What an amazing person and legacy he left us.
Heidi B — Google review
The house is much smaller than I expected. The restoration and tours are excellent. Our guide was so knowledgeable. There wasn't a question she couldn't answer. There is a considerable amount of walking on the grounds so wear comfortable shoes. The museum shop is expensive but very nice.
Nancy L — Google review
I would give this amazing, historic, estate 5-stars if it weren't for our abysmal tour guide. I highly recommend you educate yourself on Jefferson's life (the good and the bad) before taking a tour here. Our tour guide clearly hates Thomas Jefferson and had an agenda the entire tour. She called him a liar. She said he had no interest in religion. And she glazed over almost all of his actual accomplishments. I hope Monticello will start hiring people who can communicate the whole truth of Jefferson and his Estate and bring people the magic of our founding fathers again. That being said, Monticello is beautiful and I was awestruck as we walked through the house, through the gardens, and even down to the graveyard where descendants are still being buried. How cool is that?? The treasures kept in the house are impressive and the architecture is something to marvel. I'm excited to go read Jefferson's biography and then return for another trip in the future (hopefully getting a more educated and enthusiastic tour guide).
Kate P — Google review
Great place, cool look, and great sights. The price is insane! $22/adult. $42/adult if you want to go inside the house. That does not include the second floor of the house. They say it’s owned by Thomas Jefferson non-profit. They are 100% making a huge profit off those prices. Highway robbery. Nice employees though. I don’t want to recommend; I will not say not to go either.
George G — Google review
Had a wonderful day at Monticello. Got my ticket for the house tour. As it was a weekday in the off season, there were all of four of us, rather than the max 14 per tour. Our guide was first rate. Had tons of information and insight, making the visit even more meaningful. Also took the guided slavery tour which was excellent. There's also so much to see on one's own as well. I highly recommend!
C C — Google review
1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USAhttps://www.monticello.org/(434) 984-9800Tips and more reviews for Monticello
4.7
(1280)
Mentioned on 
University
Sights & Landmarks
The University of Virginia, established by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is a renowned research institution with a rich historical background and many historic buildings. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the city is steeped in history and offers visitors a plethora of hidden gems to explore. The university has been the recipient of generous donations that have allowed it to expand its initiatives and work towards self-sufficiency.
4.5
(2201)
3.9
(463)
Mentioned on 
Shopping
Shopping mall
Downtown Mall in Charlottesville is a vibrant pedestrianized shopping area featuring a diverse range of global restaurants, bars, galleries, and a movie theater. The mall's brick-lined streets are adorned with various shops and dining options catering to both college students and visitors. Families can explore the Virginia Discovery Museum while older kids can enjoy browsing through unique stores or dining at sidewalk cafes. Additionally, the area is home to theaters such as the Paramount Theater and Violet Crown Cinema, offering indie films and art-house releases.
Visited for the first time with family and was pleasantly surprised. Many different local small business shops and restaurants to support the community. Really enjoyed the performance dancing by the local Morris Men too. Great place to see!
George T — Google review
Nice walking area lined with shops and restaurants about 1/2 mile long. Some places not open and it was quiet, but still nice overall. Good to walk around and window shop if staying in the area as something to do.
Michele K — Google review
When we visited, it happened to be Halloween. However, the entire downtown mall was surprisingly quiet. Even at noon on Friday, the streets were almost empty, and most restaurants had very few customers. On Friday night, the Halloween night, there were still only a handful of visitors around. Sigh…
Sweet K — Google review
Great area overall! Great restaurants and shops to explore. However, there are dozens of homeless living there.
Tiana S — Google review
Very nice place for a stroll and shopping. Mixture of restaurants and shops. Outdoor seating.
Charman B — Google review
Loved it, beautiful lots of different things to shop from here... And my favorites are the small shops and eateries 🤘🏾
Big M — Google review
The description while searching before our visit showed many more shops than are actually here. Some shops have very limited hours. Good restaurants. It is worth the visit but we expected to spend a full day shopping here but only spent a couple hours due to limited options. We did have good drinks and wings at the Whiskey Jar, a fabulous breakfast at The Nook & heard some great local jazz at Rapture.
Karen R — Google review
One of the most European downtowns I've visited in the States. Goes far beyond the typical Main street and offers a wonderful combination of commercial and residential life with ample outdoors seating places on a beautiful pedestrian strip. The old Victorian buildings in the area complement this wonderful atmosphere from another era. As a resident, this is the nicest part of the city by far!
Panagiotis A — Google review
Mentioned on 
Downtown Mall is a bustling pedestrian area boasting over 150 bars, restaurants, and shops. It's known for its vintage stores, sidewalk cafes perfect for people-watching, and the family-friendly Virginia Discovery Museum. The district also offers live music at venues like the 1912 Jefferson Theater and the Ting Pavilion. Visitors can explore popular commercial areas such as C'ville Arts and Historic Downtown Mall for souvenirs or travel accessories.
Charlottesville, VA 22902, USATips and more reviews for Downtown Mall
4.8
(81)
4.5
(92)
Mentioned on 
Art museum
Museums
Nestled in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia stands as a remarkable tribute to Indigenous Australian art. This museum boasts an impressive collection of over 1,700 artifacts, making it the largest repository of Aboriginal art outside Australia. Founded through the efforts of John Kluge and Edward L.
I feel a museum of Australian Aboriginal art is a really random thing to have in Charlottesville, but I love that it's here! Having no knowledge of the subject beyond the word "Maori", this museum is a wonderful educational experience of the people, their culture, their environment, and more. The staff are also eager to talk about the content and history of the museum. It's a small space, but so much to learn!
Lauren J — Google review
The exhibit is really well presented. Recommend you take the free 30 minute your as the guide was excellent and the information really helped us to appreciate the art.
Jean Q — Google review
In addition to sensational art that stands on its own merit, the museum’s interpretations yield a better understanding of the diversity among language groups of Australia’s indigenous people, impact of colonization, and state of being indigenous in Australian culture today. The intimate setting, carefully curated and interpreted collection, and knowledgeable and accommodating staff made for one of the finest museum experiences in my memory.
Sue B — Google review
One of the very best museums, albeit small, that I've ever visited: the extraordinary exhibits, exceptional docent tour, phenomenal one of a kind gift shop and free (!!!) admission make this a must-see.
Phyllis S — Google review
Free to the public , this wonderful museum is probably less noticed than it should be as I just happened to approach the grounds while sight seeing and asked two ladies pleasantly enjoying there afternoon talking in the shade of the grounds about the museum. They advised it was free to public and I should go inside. Inside the door a docent immediately rose to attention and began filling me with detailed information regarding the museums history and offerings. He directed me to comfortably walk thru at my own pace and enjoy the surroundings. The museum was both educational as well as a delightful display of the aboriginal art. The sponsors own the largest collection of aboriginal art.
Frank C — Google review
Nice that this place exists, well-kept and very clean though a little far removed and quiet. The guide was friendly, though didn't seem too too knowledgeable (reciting a few memorized lines) Interactive bit in the back so the 25-min tour just covered three rooms really
Anonymous D — Google review
We came in off the freeway, looking for a brief diversion before our one evening in Charlottesville, and were blown away by the explosion of color, texture and emotion on display. What a wonderful surprise. Knowing nothing about Aboriginal art, we learned so much and look forward to learning more. Go now while the superb 50 Years of Papunya Tula Artists exhibit is on display. Admission is free, and the museum building and setting are stunning as well. A small but lovely gift shop tempts with reasonably-priced, unique items.
Nicole F — Google review
Wonderful museum, regrettably due to COVID you need a reservation to visit the artwork located inside the museum. However there is currently and outdoor sculpture trail which is fantastic.
Bryan V — Google review

Top places to eat

1Mas

4.4
(654)
4.1
(304)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Spanish restaurant
Tapas restaurant
Mas Tapas is a vibrant Spanish restaurant that brings the authentic and artisanal style of cooking to the United States. The eatery offers a lively atmosphere with an industrial-chic setting, making it perfect for a night out with friends. Known for its small plates meant for sharing, Mas Tapas serves up an exciting array of flavors, including renowned dishes like bacon-wrapped dates and creative combinations such as oil-poached shrimp and chorizo deviled eggs.
Fantastic food. Must tries include the artichoke hearts, carne asada, bacon wrapped dates, papas bravas, and the shrimp. Great flavor, great vibes. Was not a huge fan of the brussel sprouts. Would definitely go again to try other (and some of the same) dishes
Tim S — Google review
By far one of the top 3 restaurants in CVille. Sitting at the bar in front of the kitchen is definitely the best seat in the house. However when we went the guy working at the end of the kitchen was chewing on his fingers, on his phone and in and out of gloves all night long as well as his fingers in his hair and face. We are restaurant people. The fact it was not called out was upsetting. We didn't let it bother us, as we even tipped the kitchen because it was so enjoyable to watch them pump that food out and maintain such poise and discipline.
Chris — Google review
Food received a three because I felt everything was under seasoned and could have used more of everything. Concept it great and a good place to socialize with friends and family. Service seemed like they didn't want to be there. We almost ordered the entire menu and was told it would be coursed out but it all came around the same time and ran out of room on the table. Empty plates were not bussed to make room. Atmosphere is amazing. I really like the feel of the place and like I said before it is the perfect place to drink, eat and socialize with friends.
Robert D — Google review
I secured reservations well in advance for my bday dinner. I'm so glad I did! It was amazing! Everything we ate was absolutely perfect! We ordered 9 plates for 2 people and took home 4 to-go boxes! We definitely over ordered, but we wanted to try so many things! Tapas sizes are perfect for 2. I even scored a free dessert for my birthday! This place is in my top 3 best restaurants in Charlottesville. Can't wait to go back! The staff was friendly and efficient. Parking can be difficult to find, as it's all street parking.
Jessica T — Google review
We were disappointed with the overall experience. While the food was good our service was not. Since we're a party of 4 from out of town, we wanted to try several dishes on the menu. We were advised to put everything in at once and they would course it out for us...WRONG! I should have listened to to my instincts, because our 12 dishes came out in rapid succession, as most tapas does. We simply couldn't eat fast enough and our table quickly ran out of room. The server was generally inattentive and just shy of rude. Perhaps our experience would have been different with server.
Sarah D — Google review
The hostess and staff at Mas went above and beyond to give us a wonderful dining experience. There was a mix up with our reservation but they adjusted quickly to make things right. We had a person who was gluten feee and another person who was a vegetation. They brought specialized menus to accommodate our dietary needs. The food was absolutely delicious, and service was perfect. Every single dish we ordered was a culinary treat. Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Charlottesville.
Donna J — Google review
One of my all-time favorites. Tonight's best two dishes: the papas bravas (some potatoes soft, some crispy, all delicious with a hint of spice and paired with an excellent garlic aioli) and the carne asada (tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak on a pillowy duckfat tortilla with just enough tomato aioli to complement the flavor). Enjoyed it with a refreshingly tart housemade limeade.
Allen R — Google review
2024: The food gets better and better. From our most recent visit, the favorites were the pan tomato (a new menu item and amazing), bocadillo, coliflor and carne asade. (And always papas bravas~ rivaling the best we had in Spain!) 2023: There’s a reason they are always so busy! It’s so different now that they take reservations. We didn’t have one so were stuck at the bar this time. It’s a bit too hectic to be enjoyable for conversation. But no complaints about the food, though! The patatas bravas are always a favorite with us. Rioja is great. I didn’t like the sangria as much. Bread and olive oil ~ nothing compares to that Spanish olive oil. I didn’t enjoy the flavor of the albondigas (meatballs); in fact, from the menu description, I didn’t expect them to be meatballs. The halloumi cheese was different but delicious! The sauce was unexpectedly slightly sweet. The shrimp was delicious, and the sauce made it perfect. All in all, another incredible meal at Mas!
Margaret E — Google review
904 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USAhttp://www.mastapas.com/(434) 979-0990Tips and more reviews for Mas
4.7
(670)
4.5
(427)
Mentioned on 
expensive
American restaurant
Nestled in a serene setting with brick walls and barn wood, C & O is a celebrated restaurant in Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. With a history as long as its beautiful menu, it's known for anniversary and special occasion dinners.
Extraordinary dinner experience at C&O. The space itself is unique and inviting, a contemporary atmosphere in a historic building. Our server was knowledgeable, warm, and capable. The food was exceptional. We started with the bibb salad and scallops. The salad was fresh and flavorful and more than enough to share. The scallops were perfectly seared. I had the duck confit with ricotta gnocchi and it exceeded my expectations in every way. My friend enjoyed the lamb pastry. Neither of us left a crumb behind! We almost changed our dinner plans at the last minute, considering a more casual experience, but we both felt delighted that we stuck with our original instincts. I highly recommend C & O for a date night, or a night out with friends, family, or anyone who enjoys delicious food.
Alia G — Google review
What a beautiful experience!! Top notch, warm, romantic atmosphere and staff that are always making sure you have what you need in a timely fashion. The food was served fresh, hot and of the highest quality. We were so impressed from the appetizer to the dessert, dry rose’ wine and homemade bread. Such a fine dining experience as we passed through Charlottesville over night. We had the wild stripped bass, scallops, bread, and the dessert!! Just heavenly. Kudos to a well managed and customer satisfaction priority restaurant with the warmest of feels. We will return!!
Betsy A — Google review
This is such a cool place to eat in downtown Charlottesville. The menu changes fairly regularly, but everything is always delicious. Their homemade bread is amazing, especially with the salted butter. I ordered the duck confit with gnocchi this time and loved it. I wish there had been more of the gnocchi, but still happy I ordered it. The building is beautiful and rustic, it’s a great place for a special occasion (although they don’t offer a free dessert or anything like that, we asked). Friendly staff and very close to the water street parking garage. Be sure to make a reservation.
Emme T — Google review
Came here to celebrate my husband and I anniversary 🎊 I love the old house restaurant and vibe! The little fishes 🐟 from the aquarium at the bar were cute. But specially we loved the food. It was delicious 😋 I highly recommend Scallops to start your dinner.
Natalia V — Google review
Fluke Crudo, Beef Tartar, Veal Sweetbrreads, Caesar Salad, Duck Confit Gnocchi, Wild Berry Sundae Crumble. Food and service were both excellent. Presentation and flavors are lovely. The service was professional, attentive and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was cozy.
Derek P — Google review
Beautiful place, very romantic ambiance, very luxurious food. We had the scallops, crab cake, Yukon gold ravioli, fettuccine with lobster, and the steak chinois. The sauces are absolutely amazing and make every bite a party in your mouth. The customer service was excellent. We also had the almond cake and blackberry sundae with caramelized pistachios...very elegant and a great way to finish off our meal. 😋
Trish E — Google review
What a cozy wonderful restaurant! We liked the atmosphere and the friendly staff, the food and wines are outstanding. We had scallops with capers and sweetbread with Pinot Noir from Willamette, a perfect match. Bavette Chinois steak excellent as well. Finally sticky Toffee with Madeira, to die for. 5 points!
Martin M — Google review
No vegetarian entrees were offered, so I was left having a bib salad and a pasta appetizer from these starters menu. In 2025, is it too much to ask for nice restaurants to actually have a good vegetarian entree on the menu? The The salad and pasta appetizer were nothing to write home about, but the sticky, toffee pudding dessert was delicious. Definitely not a first choice for vegetarians which is just fine but sometimes vegetarians have to accompany a larger party. So please do better with at least one real vegetarian option
Greg M — Google review
4.8
(725)
4.7
(1071)
Mentioned on 
expensive
American restaurant
Restaurant
The Ivy Inn Restaurant offers a refined dining experience in an early 19th-century house with a charming Old Virginia ambiance. This family-owned establishment has been serving locavore American cuisine for over 20 years, featuring a menu inspired by locally available ingredients. Situated just west of downtown Charlottesville and near the University of Virginia, it's an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxing meal after exploring the city.
Dined here for my birthday and left super happy! The food and service, both excellent. The setup is very cozy and even though there were a lot of people, it felt private due to the multi floor setting. Our server, Robert was awesome and he made some great suggestions. They started with some fresh warm bread, butter and a couple of mini pimento crostinis. Then we got a couple of cocktails and the mains. Their sticky toffee dessert was SO good. All in all, highly recommend!
Aishwarya M — Google review
The Ivy Inn nails that perfect balance of charm and fine dining. It’s the kind of spot you take your bougie Northern Virginia relatives to when you want to impress—and it absolutely delivers. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the food justifies every dollar. The corn ravioli might be the best ravioli I’ve ever had—rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The meats were cooked to perfection, and the trout? Hands down the best representation of fish I’ve ever tasted. Served in a cozy, historic inn with great ambiance, Ivy Inn manages to feel both upscale and inviting. A Charlottesville gem.
Ahri A — Google review
Excellent experience here from beginning to end. We are here visiting my niece who is graduating this spring and what a wonderful meal to celebrate her accomplishment. We sampled many things on the menu and everything was excellent. Creamy Five Onion Soup (with Country Ham & Membrillo Grilled Cheese) - excellent start with a rich, complex savory soup. I didn't even miss the mini grilled ham and cheese accompaniment they forgot :( But my wife enjoyed mine and hers with her serving of soup later in the meal. Sweet Potato Empanadas (Black Beans, Chipotle Salsa, Avocado, Lime Cream) - I am not sure if this was the exact empanadas we had but they were excellent, especially the accompanying sauce. The Ivy Mixed Greens (Beets, Cukes, Radishes, Vella Dry Jack Cheese, Creamy Basil Vinaigrette) - solid salad, great creamy dressing. Stuffed Date Salad (Romaine, Kale, Radicchio, Goat Cheese, White Balsamic, Pistachios) - a little drier as a salad, couple have used some more balsamic but the goat cheese and dates were excellent. Grilled Certified Angus Beef Tenderloin (Potato-Short Rib Pierogi, Creamed Greens, Cabernet Sauce) - excellent cut of steak, very tender and flavorful and loved the creamed greens and the pierogi was a nice touch. Creamy Mac'n Three Cheese (Cheddar, Vlahotiri, Parmigiano) - my daughter and all of us loved their Mac n Cheese, hard to overstate how tasty this simple dish was. Service was friendly, engaged, and helpful. Atmosphere in this cozy, rustic but still refined setting was great.
Saminda W — Google review
Absolutely fantastic food, great wine selection including lots of local offerings, and none of the pretense that you’d typically expect of a restaurant of this caliber. We got the tuna crudo to start - beautiful balance of umami, salt, sweetness, and spice. For entrees, she got the chicken breast cordon bleu - loved the salt bomb from the country ham balanced against the creamy potatoes. I couldn’t decide on a pasta, so I got Italian surf and turf - half-orders of the gnocchi bolognese and the shrimp and crab pasta. Both were fantastic, showing off the protein without letting it dominate the dish. We closed with the sticky toffee pudding. If you could coalesce bourbon into a perfect dessert, this would be it. Combine all that with stellar service, and I’m perfectly willing to overlook the close proximity and audible conversations of other patrons. Overall, I highly recommend Ivy Inn for a great meal on any notable occasion.
Jason H — Google review
Absolute gem. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve lived in Charlottesville yet never been here. This is the first time and an exciting to chapter of date nights have begun! Top notch from start to end. A wonderful culinary experience and a phenomenal menu to boot! I could keep writing words that could describe the time my wife and I had but my thumbs would be blistered. Do yourself a favor and experience a truly mouth watering experience and go to The Ivy Inn.
Graeme J — Google review
We celebrated our anniversary and had special menus. Enjoyed an amazing dinner and desserts. Thanks for making the night extra special.
Harvey S — Google review
I hesitate to call an evening perfect, but the Ivy Inn in Charlottesville Virginia delivered that and much more. This wonderful restaurant was beautiful outside and the interior was incredible. When making the reservations a few days earlier, we were asked if this was a special occasion and I told them that we were celebrating our 4th anniversary. We had done a lot of research and heard that the Ivy Inn would exceed our expectations. When we arrived, we were shown to our table and presented with customized menus celebrating our anniversary. The staff also provided champagne for us just to get the evening going. I had the crab and shrimp tagliolini which was served with tomato basil butter, lemon parmesan, and garlic bread crumbs. This entree was superb! My husband had the Maryland jumbo lump crab cake with a hash brown potato, vegetable slaw, and a homemade remoulade sauce. With apologies to our family in Maryland, this was the best crab cake he ever had. For dessert, I had a creme brulee that was sheer perfection and my husband had an amazing key lime pie. What made this evening magical was the impeccable service that we received and the professionalism displayed by the Ivy Inn staff. Also, we looked at each other and said that for each of us this was the first time we had ever seen an establishment execute a dinner with this level of flavor without some detail that could have been better. Folks, this food and service is as good as it gets. We plan to come back again on this day next year. If you ever travel to Charlottesville and want an exquisite eating experience, we highly recommend this place. 😎❤️
Audrey H — Google review
A wonderful spot for dinner reservations for a special occasion! The service is great. Hard to not take photos of everything that you order—not pictured, unfortunately, is the lamb. It’s a family favorite.
Ali H — Google review
4.3
(2669)
4.5
(1261)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Hamburger restaurant
Citizen Burger Bar is a popular dining spot in Charlottesville, Virginia that prides itself on serving top-quality burgers and offering an extensive selection of craft beers. The restaurant emphasizes using locally sourced ingredients, including buns from local bakeries, grass-fed beef, and Virginia cheese. While the wait for a table may be long, the house salad with fresh ingredients like grilled chicken and bacon is worth it. In addition to their renowned burgers, the restaurant also offers a variety of legendary salads.
I was on a mission to find the best burger in Charlottesville, and Citizen Burger Bar came up as the top pick—and wow, it absolutely lived up to the hype. Everything about our visit was fantastic. The star of the show was the Citizen Burger itself: stacked with fresh, flavorful ingredients and topped off with a crispy fried pickle that was a delicious surprise. I swapped out the fries for onion rings, and it was totally worth it—perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of downtown Charlottesville, on the pedestrian mall full of charm, energy, and people-watching. It really captures the vibe of the town and the university. One huge bonus: they’re extremely dog-friendly. They brought out a big bowl of cold water for our two pups without us even asking—such a thoughtful touch! My wife ordered the beet salad and loved every bite. We also appreciated the cold bottle of water left at the table to keep our glasses topped off—small detail, but it made the whole experience feel that much more relaxed and attentive. From start to finish, this was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve had in a while. Great food, awesome atmosphere, and top-notch service. Highly recommend—easily a five-star spot!
Wesley F — Google review
I am *very* picky about cleanliness so take what I say with a grain of salt. The food is fantastic, best burger I've ever had (and I've had a lot of them), however I found the place to be a bit unhygienic. The bathroom sinks have stuff in them, we got given a plate with a few visible fragments of food, and there was a bartender sneezing all over the bar for a good 10 minutes, and they were covering their mouth with their hand, and even then didn't quite succeed to cover it every time. If you're sneezing more than a few times, please leave areas where food/drink is prepared :) With all that being said, even though all of that pushes me away, I would still give this place another chance in the future simply because I had the best burger I've ever had here. Good job chefs :)
Mason M — Google review
If you’re looking for a great high-quality burger, this is the spot for you! The Steakhouse Burger was delicious, and the beef was cooked just right and not overly greasy. I got a custom burger with the garlic aioli, which I’d definitely order again. The sides, especially the sweet potato fries, hit the spot. The location is on the main strip, and has outdoor seating.
Kenny C — Google review
Cool looking burger joint in downtown Charlottesville, VA. We opted to eat outside because the weather was great. The service was decent but our fries were forgotten, which was probably a good thing, since the custom burger and grilled cheese we got were pretty pricey.
Jessie C — Google review
The staff is friendly and while the wait for a table can be short the bar is normally open except for Friday and Saturday. The Mushroom and Swiss burger is good but the deep fried fries that come with most burgers really taste of the old style of cooking. The Sailor Jerry rum and coke is a fair bit better than a captain and coke. If you can make it for the happy hour or lunch you will find it worth the trip. Large screens for sports sit up on the wall behind the long bar.
Jason C — Google review
We stopped here on our way through Charlottesville.... It was an easy place to find seating, the service was outstanding and the food was great. Definitely try this place out when you are in town!
Charlie K — Google review
Our party of 4 went to Citizen Burger Bar on a Saturday afternoon after strolling through downtown Cville. We got hungry, smelled yummy food and decided to grab some burgers. The other place we wanted to go to was packed, so we went to CBB instead, which turned out to be a mistake. We should have waited at the other burger joint instead. I am giving the food 3 stars because the fries were really good. Regular, cheesy and sweet potato, all of them were crispy and delicious. Not too salty, not too oily, just what we love. The burgers and sandwiches were meh. Mediocre at best. I had the Hotness and it was very greasy. The patty was overcooked and dry, the brioche was dry, the onions were too thick and chewy. I didn't finish it and that's something I never do. I always finish my burger if it's good. The grilled cheese tasted like plastic. The chicken sandwich was better but it had way too much mayo, the onion rings were huge and the bacon was practically nonexistent. The birthday cake slice was huge, but tasted old and stale. We paid over $100 for food and drinks and left hungry. Our waiter took forever to take our order and even more time to bring it out. I had to waive twice to ask him to come to our table to finally ask for the bill. The waitress at the table next to us was super nice, professional and fast. Ours was a disaster. On top of his speed, he smelled like weed and the music was annoyinly loud. I'm 100% sure we will not return to CBB again. Such a shame because it looks like a nice place.
E. S — Google review
On a cold winter evening, we found this restaurant close to the Jefferson theater. The indoor seating along the mall was great for people watching and taking in the snowy sights. Once we were seated, our server was very attentive and personable. The beer selection here is impressive and has a huge selection of draft and bottled beverages. She got the Stone Pilsner and I got the Union Jack drafts. The burger selection is endless- but we opted for the special house Citizen burger, and I got a side of mushrooms. The fries were amazing! The truffle fries even more so- highly recommend the upgrade. The burgers were huge! The burger itself was cooked to our preference, the cheese was melted perfectly, and the toppings were on point. I have never seen a fried pickle on top of a burger before, but understandably so- there wouldn’t be much room to fit it in there! All in all, highly recommend this place and really want to go back and try the salmon BLT!
Edward O — Google review
4.3
(836)
4.0
(647)
Mentioned on 
affordable
Gastropub
Restaurant
The Local is a popular downtown Charlottesville restaurant known for its New American cuisine and extensive wine selection. The farm-to-table gastropub offers a diverse menu featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms. Dishes include Caromont Goat Cheese Salad, Fried Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Shrimp, Berkshire pork chop, locally-reared meatloaf, crispy trout, local braised short ribs, and gnocchi bolognese.
Nice staff and very accomodating (we were late for our reservation). Our waitress was very knowledge about the menu and made great recommendations. The crab soup (cream of crab) was amazing. Almost had like a buttery taste to it. Perfect flavor and for $8 for a bowl, can’t beat it! I enjoyed the steak fries but wish it was cut some more. It was flavorful and cooked perfectly. I didn’t try the salmon but my friend cleared their plate so I think it was a hit! Delicious drinks too and the ambiance chill, small, and very much like a local spot.
Lola ( — Google review
We went to try something new for restaurant week, and had some great food, but overall it was very inconsistent so I'll rate each dish. Drinks, my wife had a beer so no rating there, I had a cherry blossom. Forgot to take a picture, but it was very tasty (Catoctin Creek Gin, Saint Germain, Lemon Juice, local honey and Bordeaux cherry juice). Garnish was a bit boring (one cherry in the bottom) and double straining would have gone a long way as mine had a lot of little ice bits leftover from shaking 4/5 For appetizers we had the Bison Empanada and Fried Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts. Bison Empanada was very good. The dough was crispy and the cilantro crema was delicious. The filling could have had a bit more flavor so the empanada could stand on it's own, but overall very good 4/5 Fried Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts was the miss for this course. Presentation was nice, but the brussels sprouts were quite undercooked, so very hard and the sauce was completely inappropriate for an otherwise elevated plate of veggies. They called it a "sriracha aioli", but it was burger/fry sauce. Tasty on it's own, but did not fit this dish at all. 2/5 For entrees we had the Bison Short Ribs and Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken. Bison short ribs were quite delicious. The short rib was fork tender, the sauce was good, and the mashed potatoes were a nice side. The carrots were barely cooked though and far too hard. 4.5/5 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken was not as good. Presentation looked good enough, but hiding bone in chicken between the slaw and mashed potatoes surely didn't make it easier to eat... The chicken itself, cooked to perfection. The skin was crispy, meat was juicy, perfect. The breading definitely could have been seasoned more though as there wasn't much going on flavor wise. This didn't bode well for the rest of the dish as the "southern slaw" was barely dressed at all and the "hot sauce gastrique" was a small swipe of buffalo/franks/whatever you want to call it. The potatoes were good (seemingly the same as the short rib ones), but surely didn't provide the flavor the dish needed. Like the brussels sprouts & cauliflower, the sauce just seemed so out of place and this dish really needed something to give it some flavor. A better dressed slaw and a proper sauce would elevate this dish so much, but as we had it 2.5/5 For dessert we had both options the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Basque Cheesecake Flourless Chocolate Cake, no notes. It was smooth, creamy, and delicious. 5/5 Basque Cheesecake was bad, actually may have been the first cheesecake I've ever not finished. It seemed like it was overcooked as it was quite grainy and you could see the top was quite dark under the berries. It was also served to us crazy cold, like slightly above freezing. Flavor wasn't bad, but execution was off. 1.5/5 So yeah, depending on the adventure you chose, you either got really good food or would have been quite disappointed, a true roller coaster of courses was experienced.
John B — Google review
Great little place in C-Ville. The food is terrific, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We had the cheese board and cauliflower/Brussel sprout appetizer. The appetizer was really good, strongly recommend. The mushroom pasta and the fried chicken breast were well cooked. A ton of mushrooms in the pasta. Very good wine list thats not overpriced or overwhelming. Very worth the visit.
K C — Google review
Went here from a recommendation. Had the steak and meatloaf. Personally not my favorite steak, was underwhelming and bits of grisle. The meatloaf was great. Drinks on the pricey side at 16 bucks and weren't anything special. Sat outside with our dog. Believe a staff member came out to smoke right in front of the restaurant and us eating, was a bit off setting having to smell that.
Sheldon G — Google review
We picked The Local based on the menu options. We were traveling and didn't want anything fast, so we looked up food near me. The Local popped up, was rated high and we always enjoy seeing fresh food options and unique entrees, so decided to give them a try. When we arrived, the ambience appeared to be casual and comfortable. Our focus is always the food, service, and ambiance. All areas met my expectations. I was excited about the crab soup, but unfortunately sold out. My other appetizer options were crispy shrimp and fried cauliflower & Brussel sprouts. The flavor of the aioli and seaweed salad on the crispy shrimp was top notch flavorful as well as Sriracha aioli on cauliflower dish. I would have been happy with both as my main dish. Our entree was Crispy Fried Trout, a unique twist on fish. I've never had fish with okra. It made the dish a bit heavy, but I enjoyed it. The fish was perfectly cooked and fresh, it was the rice and sauce that made it heavy. Not sure if I would order again as I prefer my fish with light flavors. Overall, we enjoyed dining here and our server was pleasant, attentive and personable. Give it a try, I'm sure you will enjoy your experience.
Carmelita H — Google review
Hands down, just had the most amazing experience at the Local. Booked a reservation for dinner to celebrate an occasion and purchased some extras for the table to make it special through Jeff the manager. When we arrived he had given us a special room all to ourselves along with the extras we had purchased. We had an incredible staff (especially Cam) waiting on us hand and foot . The food and drinks were incredibly good: meatloaf, truffles pasta, steak with a blue cheese bechamel, pb chocolate brownie sundae and carrot cake. Always have loved this place but it is now permanently on our best of best list. Thank you !!
Marie B — Google review
I have been here once for a wedding rehearsal dinner and once for dinner with a friend. The staff both times have been kind and taken great care of us, even being a large party. The brussel sprouts are top notch, could have used a bit more sauce but cooked perfectly and pair well with the cauliflower. The chicken and mac n cheese was wonderful, perfectly crispy and not too heave. Thank you for the lovely experiences.
Devanne S — Google review
Went for Restaurant Week. The dish that got me to go was the truffle gnocchi and unfortunately it was my least fave dish of the night. The mushrooms were delicious. The gnocchi were soft and creamy but the whole dish was too soft. No extra texture and the portion was massive. The salad was a little dry. The tiramisu was my favorite thing of the night. Partner got a soup he loved, a meatloaf he thought was okay and loved the pimento mac and cheese, and loved his peanut butter brownie. I may have just ordered the wrong thing but I personally wouldn't order the gnocchi again.
Samantha F — Google review
824 Hinton Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USAhttp://www.thelocal-cville.com/(434) 984-9749Tips and more reviews for The Local

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