susannah

One night on the college look see tour! Any recmmendations for dinner near UVA?

Bubba

Hi Susannah My daughter and I did that in April. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites, very close to campus. I can't remember the name of restaurant that we ate in ( which was good, large choice on the menu). If are traveling in the direction towards campus, on Main St., with Hampton Inn on the left side of street it will be a couple of blocks down, "Northern Diner" I think. Last real restaurant before "Campus Corner" I also had a nice meal in the pedestrian mall area of town. By the way both my daughter and I hated UVA. Charlotte seems like such a hick area, we could not imagine living there for 4 years. Every building on Campus was identical, it got annoying. Very "Southern" feel to it, cannot explain this feeling. People seemed a little backwards.

andy

I love this restaurant:

BLUE BIRD CAFE: Outside dining on the patio or inside in a casual, café-style atmosphere. The area's most diverse menu including fresh seafood, hand-cut prime beef, veal, poultry, pasta, and "World Famous Blue Bird Crabcakes." 625 West Main St. Reservations accepted. 295-1166

We drive up with our pet and they allow her out on the patio...so it is also pet friendly and makes me feel a little like being in Europe , when I can bring my pet to dinner (OUTSIED!)..


The Bluebird is also known for a terrific sunday brunch....

ENJOY!!

For a FANCY restaurant- try
Clifton-A country Inn- the restaurant is TERRIFIC- out in the country-the chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute and was one of the BEST fancy dinners we have ever had..

Clifton - The Country Inn
Address: 1296 Clifton Drive
Phone: (804) 971-1800
Cuisine: American
Price Rating: $$$$



Hours: Cocktails 6:30, Dinner at 7:30

susannah

Blue Bird Cafe, sounds great... is it very far from the University area?

ronkala

Hey Bubba, With an attitude like that, we don't need you in Virginia. Thanks for not coming back.

charsuzan

I cannot imagine someone visiting a University in the heart of Virginia without expecting a "Southern" feel. As for all the building being alike, many in the academical village were designed to look alike. However, the contrast between the Jefferson designed Routunda and the neo-gothic Chapel could not be more pronounced. Susannah, I do not think you will find the people of Charlottesville (Bubba, perhaps you visited the wrong city?????) to be hicks, but rather, charming. And, as with any university campus, you will find all types of people. Enjoy your visit.

susannah

I just knew that Bubba's response would create a stir! We love the Virginia area, have lots of friends in the vicinity of the college and find it to be a great part of the country..being from CT. and NY we enjoy the slower pace and find the locals to be very charming. We look forward to our visit to the campus.. thanks Andy for input

Carla

Sorry you didn't like Charlottesville, Bubba. I'm sure the locals appreciate being thought of as backward about as much as 'charming'. If you come just a couple hundred miles SW of Charlottesville maybe you would like Hokie country better

tommy

susannah,
I ate at two restaurants in Charlottesville this spring that i would definitely recommend.

They are both downtown, a short drive from the main campus.

The first is C&O (www.candorestaurant.com). We ate in the "Bistro" dining room of the restaurant, which is really more like a tavern in decor, but the food was delicious. I had the cuban steak and enjoyed it very much.

The second is Oxo. Very sophisticated atmosphere, nouvelle French food, excellent service.

Both are somewhat pricey, but the food is quite good if you don't mind paying that much.

I stayed at the Omni, which is downtown and within walking distance of these restaurants. I also would recommed this hotel.

carmen618

Charlottesville has unbelievable restaurants, including the ones mentioned already.

I personally would avoid eating on the corner (shops right across from grounds) as it is more of an undergrad bar scene than anything else (exception - lunch at martha's cafe or sandwiches from Take it Away.) Instead head for the downtown mall...oxo, Hamilton's, C&O, Christian's Pizza, etc. Bluebird is nearby the downtown mall...all are close to grounds.

Do NOT miss Bodo's bagels! Bkfst, lunch, dinner, whatever, they have the best bagel sandwiches, salad, soup. Packed morning, noon, and night with students and locals, though don't be deterred by a line, it moves quickly.

go 'hoos!