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Charlottesville Restaurant Recommendations

1. "The Corner" district is a region across from the University of Virginia grounds where West Main Street turns into University Avenue. This area features coffee shops, grab and go food, and a few sit-down restaurants.
2. Along the West Main Street section you will find mainly sit down restaurants. This area can be found by heading East on Main Street away from the University grounds.
3. The Downtown Mall is a brick-cobbled pedestrian Mall that is closed off to traffic, located in the Historic Downtown district of Charlottesville. This area features many choice restaurants and outdoor dining. A free ~5min Trolley ride transports people between the University area and the Downtown Mall.

A supplemental list of restaurants and descriptions is found on the Charlottesville Tourism Board Dining webpage.

Restaurants at "The Corner"

Basil Mediterranean Bistro

Experience Mediterranean culture and style with your family and friends. Located on trendy 14th Street in the heart of the UVa campus, Basil Mediterranean Bistro is simply perfect for sharing wine, stories, and food with family and friends. The atmosphere is lively and always full of excitement, especially on the weekends. Mon, Tues, Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat. 11am-2am; (After 10 pm limited menu is served). 109 14th Street, NW Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 977-5700. http://www.basilmedbistro.com

Michael's Bistro (0.2 miles West of the Courtyard, European Cuisine)

The Corner Microbrewery. Large portions and inventive ingredients on the diverse menu. Watch the Rotunda from the upstairs outdoor balcony. Candlelight and fresh flowers offset the dark wood booths. Local art displays change monthly. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2:30pm, Sat. noon-2:30pm; drinks/light Lunch Mon.-Sat. 2:30-5:30pm; Dinner Daily 4:30-10pm. Bar until 2am. 1427 University Ave, above Little Johns. (434) 977-3697. An NRAO favorite...you might find someone you know here! Outdoor Dining, weather permitting.

Bodo ' s Bagel Bakery (0.3 miles West of the Courtyard)

Still the king of bagels in Charlottesville with just about every kind of bagel under the sun. Features huge, garlicky salads and homemade soups made daily. Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-8pm, Sat. 7am-8pm. 1609 University Ave. (434) 293-6021. No credit cards.

Good Fortune (0.2 miles West of the Courtyard)

Chinese food in a tiny venue. Wide selection of traditional Chinese restaurant entrees. Mon.-Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 4:30-10pm. 1395 W. Main St. (434) 977-8000. No smoking.

The Virginian (0.3 miles West of the Courtyard, American Food)

This Corner mainstay's cozy interior features crab cakes, filet mignon, quesadillas and New York strip steaks. Mon.-Sat. 11am-2am, Sun. 10am-2am. 1521 University Ave. (434) 984-4667.

Mellow Mushroom (0.1 miles West of the Courtyard)

Forty beers on tap to wash down the wide array of pizzas, calzones, hoagies and salads. Mon.-Sat. 11am-2am, Sun. noon-midnight. 1309 W. Main St., in the Red Roof Inn. (434) 972-9366.

Asian Express (0.2 miles West of the Courtyard)

This Corner eatery offers Chinese, Japanese and sushi on its flexible menu. Daily, 10:30am-11pm. 909 W. Main St. (434) 979-1888.

Amigos (NOTE: Now Christian's Pizza!) (0.2 miles West of the Courtyard)

Pizza and other Pseudo-Italian Food. On the Corner at 1145 Fifth St.

Baja Bean Company (0.2 miles West of the Courtyard)

Two levels of California Mex with flair in the college part of town. Margaritas to die for. Interesting collection of paraphernalia graces the walls and ceiling. Daily 11am-2am. 1327 W. Main St. (434) 293-4507.

Restaurants Along West Main Street

Cafe 1201 (at the Courtyard)

Seven-day breakfast buffet featuring a smorgasbord. Dinner features crabcakes, salmon and strip steak. Breakfast Mon.-Fri. 6:30-10:30am, Sat.-Sun. 7-11am; Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm; Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5-10pm. 1201 W. Main St. (434) 977-1700.

Blue Bird Cafe - (NOTE: Now the Horse & Hound Gastropub!) (0.5 miles East from the Courtyard)

We specialize in good food, good beer and good times. Whether you want to stop in for a quick beer after work or bring the entire family for brunch on our outdoor patio, you will always find a relaxed atmosphere, a great selection of menu items and a special assortment of the best beers and wines. Lunch Tues.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm; Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10pm; Dinner Fri. & Sat. 5-11pm; Brunch Sat. 11:00am-2pm; Brunch Sun. 11:00am-3pm; Closed Sunday Evenings and Mondays, 625 W. Main St. (434) 293-3365.

The Shebeen (0.8 miles East from the Courtyard)

Get a feel for South African cuisine, with peri-peri sauce, mango chutney and bobotie (South African meat loaf). The have really great fish and chips, and soups sold in bread bowls. Wash it all down with a Guinness from the full bar. Live music often. Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm; bar open late. 247 Ridge McIntire Rd. in the Vinegar Hill Shopping Center. (434) 296-3185. (Directions: walk East on main street ~0.6 miles, make a left on Ridge McIntire Rd 0.2 miles)

Southern Culture - (NOTE: is now Maya!) (0.4 miles East of the Courtyard)

Maya's bar is open 4:30 pm to 2 am daily Maya's kitchen is open from 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday thru Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Located at 633 west main street Charlottesville Virginia 22903, A locally designated historic district Maya Restaurant in Charlottesville Virginia offers fine dining, an outdoor patio and a full bar call (434)979-6292 for reservations.

White Orchid - (NOTE: is now Zinc!) (0.5 miles East of the Courtyard)

Serving dinner in the French Bistro tradition Monday-Saturday starting at 6pm. Open for lunch Tues-Sat from 11:30-2pm, 420 west main street, (434)245-9462, info@comptoirzinc.com

Mel's Cafe (0.4 miles East of the Courtyard)

Southern soul-soothing food- liver and onions and country-fried goodness. You can't miss the place with its big yellow sign and plastic chairs out front. Mon.-Thurs. 10am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 10am-2:30am. 719 W. Main St. (434) 971-8819. No credit cards.

Starr Hill Restaurant and Brewery - (NOTE: SORRY NO LONGER EXISTS!)

Feast! (0.6 miles East of the Courtyard)

Offers the ultimate tuna, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, famous grilled cheese sandwich and other gourmet sandwiches. Made-to-order in the back of the Main Street Market beneath photography, sculture and craft exhibits by local artists. Fri. 11am-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-4pm; Store: Mon.-Fri. 10am-7pm, Sat. 9am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. 416 West Main St. (434) 244-7800.

Restaurants in the Downtown Mall Area

Zocalo (1.0 mile East from the Courtyard)

Latin-inspired dishes with an amazing presentation. The dishes include ancho-rubbed grilled lamb loin, NY drunken strip steak and more. They also have a full bar and occassional live music. Dinner Tues.-Thurs. 5:30-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 5:30-11pm, Sun. 5:30-10pm. Bar til 2am Thurs.-Sat. 201 E. Main St. (434) 977-4944.

Bang! (1.0 mile East from the Courtyard)

Asian fusion tapas menu with emphasis on fresh fish and local meats and veggies. Features an extensive martini menu and patio dining. Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 5:30-9:30pm., Fri.-Sat. 5:30-10:30pm. Bar until 2am. 213 Second St. SW. (434) 984-2264.

The Shebeen (0.8 miles East from the Courtyard)

Get a feel for the South African veldt here, with peri-peri sauce, mango chutney and bobotie (South African meat loaf), plus some killer fish and chips, and soups sold in bread bowls. Wash it all down with a Guinness from the full bar. Live music often. Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm; bar open late. Vinegar Hill Shopping Center.(434) 296-3185.

South Street Brewery (0.8 miles East from the Courtyard)

Microbrewery with an international menu including things like ribs, chicken pitas, goat cheese pastries and excellent burgers. Home of World Beer Cup gold medalist JP Ale. Mon.-Sat. 4:30pm-2am. 106 South St. (434) 293-6550.

Christian' s Pizzeria (0.9 miles East of the Courtyard)

Fresh pizza pies by-the-slice or whole. Voted favorite non franchise pizza joint three years in a row. Daily 11am-10pm. 118 W. Main St.(434) 977-9688. No credit cards.

Bizou (0.9 miles East of the Courtyard)

Bistro-style diner featuring upscale down-home cooking with an ever-changing array of fresh fish, pork and beef dishes. The interior sports red booths and old black-and-white movie posters for a nostalgic feel. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2pm, Sat. 11:30am-2:30pm; Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5:30-9pm, Fri.-Sat. 5:30-9:30pm. 119 W. Main St.(434) 977-1818.

Rapture (1.0 mile East of the Courtyard)

A favorite local hangout. Spicy international cuisine, purple pool tables, live music, a hoppin' dance club, and a lively Downtown Mall-side patio. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2:30pm, Sat. noon-4pm; bar/light lunch Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-5:30pm; Dinner Mon.-Sun. 5:30-10pm; Breakfast Sun. 11am-3pm. Late night menus on Thurs., Fri. and Sat. 10pm-1am. Bar until 2am. 301 E. Main St. (434) 293-9526.

Ristorante Al Dente (1.0 mile East of the Courtyard)

All the flavors of Italy are represented here: antipasti, medallions of veal, crepes with light orange and limoncello sauce, and Venetian bean soup with pasta. Tues.-Sun. 5:30-10pm. 225 W. Main St. (above the Downtown Mall) (434) 295-9922.

Blue Light Grill (0.9 miles East of the Courtyard)

Dark red walls, patio dining, swanky bar, microbrews, wine list extraordinaire, and great seafood specials. Late-night sushi Thursdays through Saturdays. Dinner Daily 5:30-10pm; bar/light fare/raw bar 4:30pm-2am. 120 East Main Street. (434) 295-1223.

Downtown Grille (0.9 miles East of the Courtyard)

Upscale steak and seafood house located across from Regal Cinemas on the Downtown Mall. Traditional furnishings with splashes of lively color and original artwork. Spacious bar with great cognacs and extensive wine selection and evening cocktail lounge. Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm, Sun. 5-9pm. 201 W. Main St. (434) 817-7080.

Hamiltons' at First & Main Restaurant (0.8 miles East of the Courtyard)

Contemporary gourmet American cuisine emphasizing trendy ingredients. The frequently changing menu includes fresh meats, game, crab cakes and always a vegetarian "blue plate" special. Its bright, lively atmosphere features an arty modern decor, soaring pale yellow walls and lots of blue glass. Lunch Mon.-Sat. 11:30am-3pm; Dinner Mon.-Sat. 5:30-10pm. 101 W. Main St. (434) 295-6649. No smoking.